Best Survival Backpacks For 2021 And Beyond

If you’re on the market for a survival backpack as the spring weather returns, you’ve come to the right place. Over the last six months, we’ve looked at nearly a hundred different survival backpacks produced by some of the world’s best outdoor and sporting goods companies. We’ve done all the hard work, so you don’t have to.

Whether you’re an experienced outdoorsman (or woman), or this is your first time going into the backcountry, having the right survival backpack is essential for your comfort and well-being. When you’re shopping for the best survival backpack, there are several different factors to consider. In this survival backpack review, we’ll tell you which gear is worth your time.

Best Survival Backpacks In 2021

We’ve broken this survival backpack review into two separate sections. For those of you with a bit more outdoors experience, we know you’ll probably want to skip right to the figures and measurements. That’s what we’ve done with this section–here is a distilled list laying out the top five survival backpacks we found in the course of our 2021 survey.

For those who want to go a little deeper, the second section of our survival backpack review examines each of our top five backpacks in greater detail. In the second section, we’ll lay out in great detail what we think each survival backpack brings to the table, and we’ll spend some time laying out each survival backpack’s strengths and weaknesses.

How We Researched The Best Survival Bags For 2021 And Beyond

1200+ Expert Reviews Considered
1200+ Consumer Reviews Considered
200+ Hours Researching
95 Products Evaluated

Best Survival Backpacks For 2021 And Beyond What To Look For In A Survival Backpack

Before we get into the more in-depth section of our survival backpack review, we thought it would help explain the guiding philosophy behind the selections we made.

Capacity

The first factor we took into consideration when we selected the best survival backpacks of 2021 was capacity. Simply put, we looked for bags with enough capacity to keep an individual stocked with everything they need in the backcountry. Specifically, we looked for backpacks that could handle heavier loads without sacrificing comfort or mobility.

If we came across a survival backpack with a higher capacity, we took our time loading it. When we were ranking survival bags according to capacity, we went to great pains to simulate the conditions of a multi-day hike in a small group or as a single person. All of the bags on this list should meet backcountry hikers’ capacity requirements at all skill levels.

Durability

The second factor we took into consideration as we were rating hundreds of survival backpacks was durability. By durability, we mean a survival backpack’s ability to withstand the elements and inclement weather. When choosing a survival backpack, you want a unit that’s going to keep all of your gear safe during all kinds of weather and adverse trail conditions.

If you’re in the market for a new survival backpack and you’re looking for a unit that will take everything you, the trail, or mother nature can dish out, the bags on this list will get the job done. When we were writing this product review, we kept an eye out for bags that didn’t leave us in the backcountry with torn stitches, broken zippers, lining tears, or bent frames.

Design

The final metric we looked at while we were ranking survival backpacks for our product review was the design. This is an amorphous concept, but we looked for survival backpacks that made efficient use of their space and put thought into the placement, size, and design of pockets and storage compartments.

When we ranked survival backpacks according to design, we looked for backpacks unpacked quickly at the end of the day and then swiftly packed when we woke up in the morning. All of the bags we’ve chosen here are well designed, meaning they will make life on the trail easier rather than more complicated.

Best Survival Backpacks For 2021 And Beyond Top Five Best Survival Backpacks

Drakon Outdoors 40-Liter Waterproof Survival Backpack

Product place
Our Top Pick
Product rating

This is a sleek unit in an ultra-modern black and grey color scheme.

Capacity

Drakon’s survival backpack features a 40-liter capacity. This is a compact and sleek survival backpack that can store all of your gear securely and safely.

Durability

Drakon built this backpack from 500D PVC, which is waterproof and specially reinforced. This survival backpack is resistant to tears and scratches and built to last through long hikes in the backcountry.

Design

Drakon’s entry on our list of the best survival backpacks of 2021 is the “high-tech” entry on our list. This unit stood out to us because every element of its design involved high-tech research. Drakon welded the aluminum frame together, which makes for watertight seams. Besides its aluminum construction, the ergonomic frame provides comfort and mobility.

The full MOLLE system comes included with the backpack and allows you to store your most essential items in the pack for quick and easy access while you’re on the trail. The roll-top closure system works to keep moisture out of the interior of the bag as it keeps your food and valuables dry.

Six removable external pouches allow you to organize your pack the way that works for you. The frame also includes lumbar support and padded straps. Finally, this unit is covered with straps and locking clasps so that your backpay stays snug and in place.

Value

Even though this is the most expensive item on our roundup, we felt that the price was fair for a bag with this many extra features and meticulous design. This is a top-of-the-line survival backpack, and the price reflects that.

  • 40-liter capacity ideal for a single person or a small group
  • Made from durable 500D PVC waterproof fabric
  • Advanced roll-top closure system keeps your gear safe
  • Full MOLLE system provides quick access to essential items
  • Ergonomic aluminum frame provides lumbar support
  • Some users complain of broken clasps
  • Some users complain belt is too small

Mardingtop 75/65-Liter Molle Hiking Internal Frame Backpack

Product place
Runner Up
Product rating

Mardingtop won the runner-up spot on our list. This is another advanced survival backpack that doesn’t fail in the value department.

Capacity

This survival backpack has a 65-liter or 75-liter capacity, depending on if you want to use the detachable side compartments.

Durability

This is another monochrome survival backpack that relies on a buckle-and-zipper system to keep the bag closed and your gear secure. This survival backpack is composed of 600D water-resistant polyester material. This survival backpack has an internal metal frame and an advanced YKK zipper. This is a bag that won’t let you down in the durability department.

Design

This survival backpack is another entry on our list that utilizes innovative design. Mardingtop’s survival backpack features an ergonomic frame with lumbar support, as well as a waist belt that is padded and breathable. The two large side compartments measure 13.8 x 6.3 x 3.9 inches and are detachable. When attached, the side compartments add 10 liters of capacity.

While we liked using the detachable side pockets, we felt this unit didn’t offer quite the flexibility with storage that Drakon’s unit did, which is why the Mardingtop ended up taking the number two spot in our review of the best survival backpacks of 2021.

Value

Even though this backpack ended up in our runner-up slot, we felt that the price was fair for the product. This is another survival backpack that passes the value test.

  • Advanced zipper-and-buckle system keeps your pack secure
  • 600D water-resistant polyester keeps pack interior dry 
  • Detachable side pockets add ten liters of capacity
  • Advanced zippers operate smoothly and quietly 
  • Breathable, padded waist belt for extra comfort
  • Some users complain padded waist belt is uncomfortable
  • Some users report torn interior seams inside compartments

Osprey Exos 48 Men's Backpack

Product place
3rd Place
Product rating

Osprey earned a spot on our list for using an advanced suspension system that keeps the pack’s weight off the back of the hiker.

Capacity

The Osprey Exos 48 has a 19-liter carrying capacity, which is the lowest capacity out of any survival backpack that earned a spot in our review.

Durability

There was a trade-off for this backpack between capacity and durability. While it may only be adequate for smaller hikers with smaller loads, the Osprey Exos is durable and comfortable. The Exos 48 uses a revolutionary alloy frame coupled with a tension board system that works to keep the pack’s weight off the back of the hiker.

Design

More than any other survival backpack on our list, Osprey won in the comfort department. It can’t carry a big load, but hiking with it was a remarkably smooth and comfortable experience, with our gear held securely in place and well-ventilated. We especially liked the floating lid system that let us keep our equipment dry when the bag was open.

The lack of an included MOLLE system was a bit of a disappointment, but the front mesh pocket at least gave us an option for quick storage. Two concealed side compartments allow you to store water bottles and other extra equipment. We also bought the optional three-liter internal hydration system to keep water while we were on the move.

Value

We struggled a little as we worked to assign a value rating to the Osprey Exos 48. On the one hand, we were disappointed by the slim capacity and lack of a MOLLE system. But on the other hand, we loved the comfortable hike that this pack gave us. We also heard from several smaller or more petite hikers who claimed this was the only survival pack they could handle.

In the end, we still felt that this pack was slightly overpriced once we factored in its limitations, even if this is a great survival backpack under certain circumstances.

  • Optional front mesh pouch provides quick storage for rain gear
  • Advanced tension board system keeps weight off your back 
  • Backpack includes optional sleeping pad straps 
  • Internal water reservoir (not included) stores extra water
  • Alloy frame means the pack is lightweight and durable
  • No included MOLLE system means limited storage options
  • 19-liter storage capacity not enough for some hikers

TETON Sports Scout 3400 Internal Frame Backpack

Product place
4th Place
Product rating

Teton won a spot on our list because of its versatility. The Sports Scout 3400 is an essential survival backpack that can handle both a quick day hike or a multi-day excursion into the backcountry.

Capacity

This bag weighs in at four and a half pounds when it’s empty and can store up to 55 liters of gear.

Durability

According to the manufacturer’s documentation, this is an internal frame backpack rated for two to four-day camping and hiking trips. While an exhaustive search couldn’t find any record of what this survival backpack is made out of, as far as we could tell, TETON made this backpack out of a similarly reinforced polyester that is on par with all the other survival bags we’ve examined.

Design

This is yet another bag with a reasonable price point that doesn’t let you down in the feature department. This bag features an attached rain fly that won’t get lost like other detachable rain flies. There are five interior storage compartments, plus a full-size sleeping bag compartment. There’s also a 3-liter compartment for a bladder system, although sadly, this isn’t padded.

In terms of comfort, this bag comes with padded arms and a padded waist belt. It also features an ergonomically designed internal frame. This is a perfect bag for beginner outdoors people or hikers of more diminutive stature. Finally, this bag comes with a wide array of adjustable pouches and storage compartments to give the true hiker versatility when they’re packing up for the day.

Value

We thought this bag’s price was reasonable after we factored in its limitations.

  • Internal metal frame is lightweight and durable. 
  • Padded arm straps and waist belt mean a comfortable hike
  • Backpack features a full-size sleeping bag compartment 
  • Adjustable waist and arm straps to accommodate different body types
  • Numerous customizable storage options
  • Some users complain backpack designed for smaller hikers
  • Bladder compartment won’t accommodate 3-liter bladder systems 
  • Bladder compartment also lacks padding

Sirius Survival 50-Liter Expeditionary Tactical Backpack

Product place
5th Place
Product rating

Made of high-density 900D Oxford material, this is a durable survival backpack inspired by the U.S. military.

Capacity

This survival backpack has a 50-liter capacity, meaning that it is more than adequate for multi-day hikes or camping trips.

Durability

Besides its impressive capacity, this bag also stands out because Sirius manufactured it with extra-thick 900D oxford materials. It’s also got reinforced clips and tons of straps to keep your gear secure. It’s also got a padded waist belt and padded straps to make for an easier and more comfortable hike. This unit is scratch, tear, and water-resistant.

Design

This unit also really distinguishes itself in the design department. There are five total compartments on the interior. While we were a bit disappointed when we found out that this survival backpack didn’t come with a MOLLE system, the MOLLE-style mesh over the unit’s front was almost as good.

Other notable design features include an attached D-ring for water bottles, a reinforced top-mounted V-strap over the front for added stability, and the excellent mesh backing, making for a relaxed and breathable hike. A great deal of thought went into the design of this bag, and it was a pleasure to use.

Value

It’s no wonder that Sirius won our “Best Value” spot. Considering this survival backpack’s modest price point, one could argue this bag is slightly underpriced.

  • Reinforced clips won’t break or malfunction over time
  • Padded arm straps and waist belt make for a comfortable hike
  • Pack is ventilated and breathable 
  • Large number of straps keeps the load secure
  • Attached D-ring for water bottles.
  • No MOLLE system

Best Survival Backpacks For 2021 And Beyond Conclusion: The Best Survival Backpacks For 2021 And Beyond

We hope you enjoyed reading our roundup of the best survival backpacks of 2021. Whatever your experience level is, having the right survival backpack and the right equipment is essential to safety and well-being in our nation’s wild spaces. When you’re looking for the proper survival backpack, choose one that matches your physical abilities and works the way you like.

When you’re testing a new survival backpack, take your time and put your bag through its paces as much as is realistically possible. Try and simulate a hike you intend to complete; does this survival backpack make your life easier, and if you’re carrying a heavier load, does your pack still provide a degree of comfort and mobility?

Remember, the right gear is crucial for being safe and having fun in the backcountry, so take your time and choose wisely.