Best Bug-Out Bags for 72 Hours in 2021

Versatile and affordable; that’s what comes to mind when I think of the Reebow Gear Military Tactical Backpack. This pack is ideal for backpacking, trekking, and of course, 72-hour emergencies. If I was going to buy a new bug out bag tomorrow, this is the one I’d pick.

Design

The assault pack-style design on the Reebow Gear Military Tactical backpack makes for efficient, organized storage and comfortable carrying.

The outside of the pack is equipped with MOLLE webbing and outer buckles to provide support. The shoulder straps are padded and comfortable for prolonged use. It also has a waist strap to help with weight distribution.

Inside, the pack features a side and front load compression system to keep your gear in place without the need for extra zippers and fastenings. It also has a compartment for a hydration bladder, though you’ll have to purchase the bladder separately.

Size

The Reebow Gear pack has a 40-liter capacity, which is plenty for 72-hours worth of survival gear. The bag measures 13 x 20 x 11 inches and can easily fit a first-aid kit, change of clothes, water, canned food supplies, and a small camping stove.

Durability

Designers used polyester rather than nylon on this bag, which I would usually complain about. However, this bag uses 600D material. That’s a heavy-weight, water-resistant polyester made to withstand the elements. It’s not nylon, but it still does the job.

The only durability issue we can note is with the chest strap. Depending on the frame of the person wearing it, the strap may pull at an odd angle that will cause it to tear with use.

Value

Compared to other military tactical backpacks, the Reebow Gear pack is exceptionally affordable. It’s also versatile; you can use it for backpacking, for school, or as a bug-out bag. It even works as a carry-on item for air travel.

If you want a real-deal bug-out bag and are willing to pay for it, 5.11 Tactical’s Rush 72 backpack is the way to go. This bag can handle heavy-use and rough terrain, making it perfect for any adventure. The authentic, military-style means this bag can handle whatever you throw at or in it.

Design

The 72 Rush backpack features large zippered front and main compartments. It also has a hydration pocket and a fleece-lined pouch for your sunglasses.

Inside, you’ll find thirty compartments to keep your equipment organized. There’s even an “Admin” pocket in the front pouch designed to give easy access to maps, pens, and essential travel documentation.

Outside, this pack features MOLLE webbing and molded grip pulls, so you can easily grab it and go. The front of the pack has a “shove compartment,” essentially a netted extension that holds bulky items like outerwear.

A padded hip belt and adjustable sternum strap aid with stability. However, the shoulder straps are a little on the broadside, at 10 cm across, which may be uncomfortable for smaller users.

Size

The Rush 72 has a main compartment that measures 23″ x 13.5″ x 8″. Beyond that, it has a front compartment that measures 15.5″ x 11.5″ x 2″. It also has a hydration compartment built-in, for a total capacity of 55 liters.

55 liters is more than enough for a 72-hour trek, but if you ever needed a bag that could handle more, you’re in luck. The Rush 72 is compatible with 5.11 Tactical’s Tier System. That means you can hook additional pack storage onto the outside of this bag.

Durability

5.11 Tactical builds their gear to last. They designed the Rush 72 backpack using 500D and 1000D Cordura nylon. Cordura nylon is exceptionally durable and highly resistant to abrasion; this bag won’t tear or rip. It’s also water-resistant.

Value

5.11 Tactical bags are pricey, but they feature quality worksmanship and should last for a long time. If you want a bug-out bag that you can train, camp, or backpack with, then the value of the Rush 72 backpack is undeniable, even at its higher-end price point.

If you’re not worried about carrying any extra gear for your partner, children, or other family member, you may not need the standard 40-50 liter capacity bug out bag. You can probably get by with something far smaller, like this 25-liter capacity backpack from Direct Action.

Design

This pack features a large main compartment, front and back compartments, and two side compartments for organizing gear. The front compartment features an admin panel for pens, maps, and travel documents, while the back compartment has a sleeve to fit and protect your laptop.

If you have a petite frame, this backpack is ideal because it has narrow but well-padded shoulder straps. The thin straps will fit better on slimmer shoulders, putting less strain on your back.

It also has a side pouch for your water bottle and is hydration bladder compatible.

Size

The smaller 25-liter size of the Direct Action Dragon Egg Technical Backpack still holds quite a bit thanks to an efficient design. Though it’s listed as a 2-day backpack, I find that I can fit enough in the bag for three days as a single person.

Thanks to this backpack’s egg shape, you can squeeze in a lot! The middle of the pack expands easily, and the outer MOLLE webbing increases the amount you can carry by allowing you to hook on accessories.

Durability

500D Cordura nylon is extremely durable and water-resistant, meaning this bag will last. It shouldn’t tear even with heavy use.

Value

If you have a smaller body type and are traveling alone, the Dragon Egg provides incredible value at a reasonable price. It’s not ideal if you’re tall or broad-shouldered and definitely won’t work if you need to help carry anyone else’s gear. The egg shape makes it great for everyday use, which adds additional value if you plan to use it that way.

If you were thinking of 72-hours as a minimum rather than a maximum, you might want a bag like the Condor Outdoor 3-Day Assault Pack. The label says 3-days, but this bag could easily hold enough supplies for a five-day trek.

Design

This backpack features a large main compartment and seven additional pouches for organizing your gear. MOLLE webbing lines the outside of the pack, while contoured shoulder straps provide stability.

Though it does not have a laptop sleeve, this pack can fit dual hydration bladders. Should you choose to carry both of them, it has a padded waist belt and sternum strap for extra support. Unfortunately, the hydration bladder compartment is within the bag’s main compartment, which means that if your bladder springs a leak, you’ll have a problem!

Size

With a 50 liter capacity, there’s no doubt this pack will fit three days of supplies and then some. Many veterans claim to have fit as much as five days’ worth of gear, and I don’t doubt that that’s true!

In general, though, this pack’s large and broad build won’t be comfortable if you have a shorter or more petite frame. It’s best to leave this pack to those who are taller and have broad shoulders.

Durability

This backpack features Cordura-like nylon construction. Cordura is technically a brand name, so Cordura-like nylon isn’t necessarily lacking in strength; it’s just the off-brand name. That means this backpack should last a long time, even in extreme environments.

Value

This is a reasonably priced backpack that will hold everything you need. In terms of a 72-hour bug-out bag, it has everything we want to see, including MOLLE webbing, hydration bladder compatibility, and plenty of storage pockets.

With three detachable pouches, the CVLIFE Tactical backpack lends itself to many uses. Use the main compartment for all your bulky gear, and use the detachable pieces for grab-and-go purposes. Use one as a first aid kit and the others as a fire starter kit and wet weather pouch.

Design

Being able to attach and detach extra pouches is what makes the CVLIFE Tactical backpack one of the best bug-out bags. It’s handy to have a first aid kit that separates from the rest of your gear! Otherwise, this bag is really one big compartment, with very few organizing pockets. There is no laptop or sunglasses sleeve.

The bag features rain diverting flaps to help keep gear dry in stormy weather and ventilated shoulder straps to keep you comfortable on hotter days. Plus, the MOLLE webbing system allows you to attach extra accessories.

Size

This bag is flexible and holds 50 – 60 L, depending on how you pack. It’s the biggest pack on our list when filled to capacity and is uncomfortable to carry if you have a more petite frame.

Durability

600D Polyester isn’t as great as Cordura nylon, but it is durable and water-resistant. The bag shouldn’t tear or break with regular use.

If you were going to use this bag to backpack or go to school, it might wear out with time and would no longer be a good bug-out bag option. If it’s going to live under your bed or in a closet until emergency strikes, it should work fine.

Value

The price point on this bag is very affordable, probably due to its polyester construction. For a bug-out bag, we think it’s a great option. However, that’s only true if you’re tall and strong enough to carry such a broad-shaped bag. If you have a smaller build or want to use your pack on a regular basis, it’s not the best option.