How We Researched The Best Survival Bags For 2021 And Beyond

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

Drakon Outdoors 40-Liter Waterproof Survival Backpack

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

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

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

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

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