The Best Bug Out Bags
Updated November 2025.
So you've collected all your Emergency supplies but all you have is an old gym bag at the bottom of the closet to hold it all. Will it work? Maybe. Is there a better option? Definitely.
We've put together a list of choices for you from the Best of the Best Bug Out Bag so you can make the right decision.
If you are getting started, check out our Bug Out Bag learning and tutorials page first. Figure out what you need, then get the bag that will fit it all. Don't forget, make a WUSH bag also!
And if you aren't in peal physical condition or like carrying 50 lbs on your back then seriously consider building a rolling bug out bag.
FYI if you buy anything with the links we provide on this page we might get a small percentage of the sale. For more info click here.
Best Budget Bags
Backpacks can be expensive, sometimes they cost as much as all the stuff inside them, and it in my experience it takes a few tries to find a bag that really suits your needs.
That's why I think its a better option to try to find used bag on eBay from a premium bag manufacturer rather than buy a new bag from a brand that makes entry level products. You'll often wind up paying about the same amount, and if you don't like the pack you can usually sell it for the same amount you bought it for.
Read our article about it, which explains how to see what pricing you can get the bag for and how to navigate eBay if you aren't familiar with it.
Hannibal Tactical Assult Backpack
Typical Price: $35 Size: Large - 45 Liter
Pros: From a price to performance ratio it doesn't get much better than this. HT gives you one heck of a pack with all the load-out capability you could ever want at a price cheaper than a lunch at a fast food joint.
It's hard to believe they crammed it all into this bag but they did: hydration pass through, multi-compartment, cinch straps, you've got it all here. Comes in every conceivable color you could ask for, even pink leopard...
Includes d-rings and patches and all kinds of goodies too.
12"(L) x 20"(H) x 13"(W) at 3 lbs.
Cons: Is it durable? Is it good enough? Yes? Then thats all that matters if you are looking for a quick and inexpensive option - let's not split hairs here.
High Sierra Loop Backpack
Typical Price: $45 Size: Small - 29 Liter
Pros: The best bang for your buck. Tons of space, well designed, low-profile. A huge variety of colors available. It has all the functions some of the high-end packs have for a tenth of the price.
I travel a lot and I see these bags everywhere!
Our first choice for beginner Bug Out Bag Builders. Definitely a contender for your kids bags. It can be filled with stuff and isn't to heavy in and of itself.
13.5"(L) x 19"(H) x 8.5"(W) at 1.4 lbs.
Cons: Not the most durable pack. You are getting what you pay for here to be certain but if you need to keep costs low and only plan to use these bags in an emergency than this is a great option in our opinion.
Condor 3 Day Assault Pack
Typical Price: $125 Size: X-Large - 50 Liter
Pros: A moderately priced backpack which saves you money for the other things you'll need to fill it with. Simple design with integrated organizational options, it has all the basic stuff you need, including a hydration bladder hangar.
The design is great and is very functional - it will serve you well for a 72-Hour kit.
13"(L) x 22"(H) x 8"(W).
Cons: It's an inexpensive bag so don't expect much in the way of frills. The harnesses are very simple and the materials and the clips of the bag are also. But thats the point.
REEBOW Gear Military Tactical Backpack
Typical Price: $29 Size: Large - 40 Liter
Pros: Man you don't get much these days for less than $50, but you can grab a Reebow pack. Based on a time-tested proven design, this pack has all the elements of a high-end pack for a fraction of the price. You even get a waist belt and compression straps.
The Amazon rankings on this pack are just bonkers, at the time of writing 4.7 out of 5 stars on 24k reviews. You don't hit those numbers if you are selling an inferior product.
13" x 20" x 11"
Cons: Materials and construction are what gets you to low costs, so expect zippers and seams to eventually fail with heavy use but at $29 you can hopefully afford a backup if you need it.
Our Top Bug Out Bag Picks
Hazard 4 Air Support
Typical Price: $449 Size: Large - 38.5 Liter
Pros: The Hazard 4 Air Support is a great bag and we have had one in our truck for 6 years which we keep as a full time emergency kit with food, tarps, clothing and water filtration. It has wheels which means it will be much more manageable for folks who need to carry more than 25lbs of gear around.
You can add pouches to the outside thanks to the MOLLE attachment points. It will fit into an overhead compartment on a plane should you need to fly with it.
1000D Cordura and ruggedized wheels and base means it is durable. Supplement your space with a small backpack if desired.
External Size: 22.8"(L) x 14.2"(W) x 9.1"(D).
Cons: The price - this bag used to cost $250 and it's price has almost doubled. Not a fan of the laptop sleeve - we cut it in half and use it as a smaller storage pocket.
Kelty Asher 85 Backpack
Typical Price: $220 Size: XX-Large - 85 Liter
Pros: One of our favorite packs got a really nice upgrade for 2025 and a new name. Relatively inexpensive, lots of storage space, well-built, low profile. Bottom zipper for quick access to sleeping bag. It's bigger and lighter than its predecessors and is an all around fantastic choice for budget sensitive or novice backpackers.
Fairly water resistant but could use a rain cover, make sure to get the XL size for this pack.
Check out our review of the older Kelty 80. Adjustable internal frame fits nearly all body sizes.
600d polyester. 30.5"(L) x 19.5"(H) x 14.5"(W) at 4 lbs 14 oz.
Cons: Earlier versions not as durable as some of the other bags we like, but they moved from 420d to 600d for the cloth which should improve its abrasion resistance. This is a big bag, most people will want to overpack it and make it too heavy.
5.11 Rush 72
Typical Price: $190 Size: Large - 55 Liter
Pros: Lookup bug out bag in the dictionary and you'll see the 5.11 Rush 72. It essentially defines the category. Great price to performance ratio. Easy to use, easy to pack and organize.
Lots of MOLLE options to add stuff to the outside. Comfortable yolk-style harness. Reinforced webbing and stitching throughout. Water repellent. Hydration pouch.
My favorite feature is the "shove-it" pocket to stash wet stuff or a helmet.
13.5"(L) x 23"(H) x 8.5"(W) at 5.5 lbs. Easy to find used packs in good shape on eBay.
Cons: Military style might be too on the nose for some - it screams "I've got MRE's yo!"
Mystery Ranch Rip Ruck 32
Typical Price: $289 Size: Small - 32 Liter
Pros: This bag is pretty darn awesome and I love the way it opens and how easily you can get items in and out. Excellent storage design layout.
Not overtly tactical but performs like one in terms of ease of use, wear comfort, and durability. There are several other Rip Ruck sizes available, but if you are considering this to be your 72-hour go bag then I would get the largest, which is currently the 32.
Cons: Pricey for most, and a little bit small if you are trying to get a full 72 hours worth of stuff in there. A great option if you want to couple it with a larger rolling bag or have a family bag to go along with this one.
Top Runners Up
These are packs that are great choices but will be either a little too big for most people, or a little more on the expensive side. We include them however so you can see what the top of the line looks like, and perhaps you might need something along these lines for other reasons - a backpacking or hunting trip for example.
5.11 RUSH100 Backpack
Typical Price: $260 Size: X-Large - 60 Liter
5.11's first foray into larger long-term pack design is a win. The Rush 100's side pouches can be quickly detached and converted to a shoulder bag for easy use. A first-grabs pocket keeps readily needed items quickly accessible and includes a fleece-lined eyewear pocket.
Adjustable shoulder straps and gear belt helps when carrying heavier loads.
The custom flat internal aluminum frame provides rigidity, ergonomics and load transfer while the horizontal fiberglass rods provide torsional rigidity.
28.5"H x 11.0"L x 10.25"
Osprey Atmos AG 65
Typical Price: $370 Size: XX-Large - 65 Liter
Pros: Osprey is one of the premiere backpack companies in the world and their Atmos AG 65 is one of the finest packs they make. If budget is of no concern, or you're also into backpacking and can make this a dual use pack, then you couldn't ask for a finer pack than this one. It's comfort level is unparalleled.
Lightweight, durable, and wonderfully designed. Keep your gear organized in the easiest possible way, with tons of access points so you can get to it quickly.
Size Large Dims: 14.17H X 15.35W X 34.65D IN. 4.8 lbs empty.
Cons: Maybe a little too awesome looking, you will stand out with such a nice looking pack. Not as durable as some military style packs perhaps.
Mystery Ranch Terraplane
Typical Price: $459 Size: XX-Large - 80 Liter
Pros: This pack set the bar really high for all the other backpacks ever made. Durable, stable, impeccably designed. If money is no option then this is the pack you want.
It's an expedition pack that is meant for the long hauls. Big enough to hold more than you'd ever really need.
External Size: 33"x14.25"x13.5" at 5.7 lbs.
Cons: None, Mystery Ranch makes perfect backpacks. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Kelty Redwing Traveller 50
Typical Price: $200 Size: Large - 50 Liter
Pros: Really thoughtful design makes this pack easy to use and accessible. Premium materials and function with an affordable price tag. Lots of adjustability in the strap system which includes a concealable waist belt makes long term wear comfortable.
The side carry handles and side pockets near the outside bottle sleeve holders are a nice touch you don't typically see in packs this size.
External Size: 14.57" x 16.5" x 12" at 3.8 lbs.
Cons: No outside attachment points, but that can also be a good thing - this doesn't look like a tactical pack or a high-end backpack, so nosey people might pass this one along.
Noteworthy Considerations
Spec Ops T.H.E. Ultimate Pack
Typical Price: $325 Size: Medium - 40 Liter
Specs: 100% made in the U.S.A. Super tough 1000D Cordura nylon fabric. Extra large zippers. Heavy duty stitching. Built like a tank. Holds all the gear you could want and then some, and wont fall apart on you when you need it most.
Really love my UAP. It holds our respiratory gear and is part of our full-time immediate evac kit.
High viz interior. If you are going to pack more than 30 lbs into it consider getting the T.H.E. Pack Frame.
12"(L) x 19"(H) x 13"(W).
See our review of the older but still current model of T.H.E. Pack here.
Maxpedition Gyrfalcon Backpack
Typical Price: $215 Size: Medium - 36 Liter
Specs: This is a serious pack. Very modular, easy to keep organized for the neat freaks out there. One of the best bangs for the buck you can find, comparable bags can go for 30% more money than these.
Bottom of pack can be detached as a day bag/fanny pack. Removable and/or adjustable internal frame.
Reinforced stitching, zippers and waterproofing makes this a tough bag to break.
This versatile pack is perfect for hikes, traveling or bugging-out. This pack is thoroughly constructed with 1050-Denier water & abrasion resistant nylon, its ergonomic shape, padded shoulder straps, and sturdy sternum & waist support make it comfortable to wear even when hauling heavy gear.
10.5"(L) x 22"(H) x 9.75"(W).
Mystery Ranch 2 Day Assault
Typical Price: $229 Size: Small - 27 Liter
Pros: Easy access to your main compartment gear with the 3 zipper opening design. Dump pockets on the 2 front facing flaps are great places to collect your random items.
Pals webbing on the outside so you can expand the load out, take advantage of that by adding a phone pouch to the outside for quick access.
Compression straps and full length frame sheet make this pack very comfortable for long term wear.
Cons: This is a little on the small side for a BOBB. Great for those who keep only the bare minimum, not so great for the rest of us. A little heavy at 3 lbs for the amount of gear it can hold. No hydration pass-through.
21" x 12" x 11.25" at 3lbs.
JanSport Driver 8 Core Series Wheeled Pack
Typical Price: $150 Size: Medium - 36 Liter
Specs: Backpacks can get heavy fast, especially when you are loading them up with emergency gear. And since most of us don't train with weight like that then having a backpack with wheels and a handle could be a lifesaver.
Even if you are a tough-guy, having the option to not have to carry a pack around could be a relief.
The JanSport Driver 8 rolling backpack converts from backpack to roller with tuck-away shoulder straps. This wheeled laptop backpack features a padded 15 inch laptop sleeve, side water bottle pocket and front organizer pocket.
21" (H) x 14" (L) x 10" (W).
Maxpedition Falcon II
Typical Price: $130 Size: Small - 25 Liter
Specs: See our full review here. One of the most trusted names in outdoor gear.
Exceptionally well designed bag and copied by many other manufacturers.
It can compress down to a small day bag size, or inflate out with 3 different levels of capacity.
This medium bodied pack is thoroughly constructed with 1050-Denier water & abrasion resistant nylon; yet its ergonomic shape, padded shoulder straps, and sturdy sternum & waist support make it comfortable to wear even when hauling heavy gear!
10"(L) x 19"(H) x 8.5"(W).
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