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✓ If you’re the kind of person who skips to the end, I’ll go ahead and spoil the surprise for you. My choice for the best bug out bag is the 5.11 Rush 72 backpack (here’s my full review of the 5.11 Rush 72). It has plenty of space, is as durable as a concrete shower curtain, and is comfortable enough for an all day hike without the need for a back massage. I especially like being able to keep my gear organized with all of the pockets and the MOLLE webbing allows me to add additional storage like a quick access first aid kit easily. However, if comfort is a concern for you, I would highly recommend the Kelty Redwing 44 Tactical. You don’t get MOLLE/PALS webbing and it isn’t as durable but you could carry twice the load for twice as long with this bag due to the ergonomic features.

Me in 5th grade

Ok, now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s get into the meat of the subject, picking the best bug out bag for you.

You might see me refer to it as a GOOD bag (Get Out Of Dodge), bail out bag, bugout bag, go bag, grab bag, or My Little Pony. Hell, I may even shorten it to BOB if I’m feeling lazy.

They all mean the same thing in this context.

The Best Bug Out Bags

Overall Best Bug Out Bag – 5.11 Tactical RUSH72

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Tech Specs

Exterior Materials : 1050D Nylon

: 1050D Nylon Color Options : Black, Dark earth, Double tap, Multicam, OD, Sandstone, Storm

: Black, Dark earth, Double tap, Multicam, OD, Sandstone, Storm Interior Capacity: 55 liters

Overview

Huge, comfortable, and modular. What’s not to like about the 5.11 Tactical RUSH72 backpack?

The RUSH 72 can carry everything you need to live in the woods for 72 hours. And more, especially if you take advantage of the MOLLE webbing.

It has a large main compartment, a big front pocket, two side pockets, an admin pocket, and a hydration compartment. Oh, and a fleece-lined pocket at the top of the bag for your glasses.

Compression straps hold all of your gear close to your center of mass.

This 72 hour bag also has plenty of internal pockets, some with YKK zippers and some elastic, to compartmentalize your gear. I appreciate these organization features to keep small things that you need to use quickly, such as flashlights, emergency sleeping bags, and multi-tools.

You can also shove some items between the front pocket and main part of the bag. A helmet, coat, first aid kit, or another item you need quick access to fits perfectly there.

The shoulder straps have closed-cell foam for comfort and a waist strap so your bag won’t careen to one side.

Though you can buy this backpack at Amazon, some of the colors are only available on 5.11 Tactical’s website.

What I Liked

There is plenty of capacity for all the gear you need in this bug out bag and, thanks to all of the inside compartments, it won’t all fall into one big heap you have to dig through.

Plus the fabric is tough and resists water. I also thought the zippers felt smooth and high quality.

What I Didn’t Like

At a whopping 5.5 lbs, the RUSH72 bag is heavy before you start putting any gear inside!

And as far as the bug out bags on this list go, it’s one of the most expensive. That high price tag gets you plenty of features and a high quality bag but it’s still not fun on the wallet.

Recommendation

The 5.11 Tactical RUSH 72 backpack has MOLLE to spare, enough space and compartments for all of your gear to have a place, and is tough enough to withstand any type of storm.

Best Budget Bug Out Bag – Evatac Combat Bag

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Tech Specs

Exterior Materials : 600D Polyester

: 600D Polyester Color Options : Khaki

: Khaki Interior Capacity: 40 liters

Overview

The Evatac Combat Bag is made of heavy duty 600D polyester, has 10 pockets/compartments, comfortable shoulder straps (and a chest strap!), is waterproof, and even has a padded laptop pocket.

And it costs less than half of the 5.11 Rush 72.

It’s a durable bag made for tough situations. The Evatac can comfortably carry all of the survival gear and emergency items you need with plenty of storage space and organization features.

And it does it at a price that works with anyone’s budget. If you plan on outfitting your whole family, they have some great bulk discounts like 40% off when you buy 3 bags.

What I Liked

I absolutely love the “EZ Slide” zippers. If you’ve ever tried to open a zipper with gloves or cold hands, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about.

The Combat Bag also has MOLLE/PALS webbing so you can attach whatever pouches, patches, or accessories that you’d like. I’ve got glow sticks and a mini pry bar in mine.

I very much appreciate the vented back padding. I sweat if I think too hard and having a soggy back is no fun when you’re on the move. Or ever, really.

What I really appreciate, though, is the top flap. It’s a great place to store sunglasses or binoculars and provides extra water protection for the main clamshell pocket.

And if you don’t know what a clamshell pocket is, imagine being able to open your backpack like a suitcase. Everything open and easily accessible. You’re gonna love it.

Whatever bag you end up choosing, being able to open it completely will save you a lot of time sorting through gear and personal items and improve your organization.

What I Didn’t Like

My biggest gripe with this bag is that there is no waist belt. Carrying a heavy load all on your shoulders will wear you down pretty quickly so keep that in mind when choosing the best bag for you and your situation.

Another issue I have is that I’d prefer water bottle holder to be on the side rather than at the top of the bag. It ends up smushing whatever items are in the compartment behind it and makes the center of gravity higher.

One of the most frustrating things about the Combat Bag is that it is not always available. This isn’t an issue with most manufacturers but Evatac seems to run out of stock somewhat regularly.

Recommendation

Whether you’re just getting started and don’t want to spend a lot upfront or you’re just looking for a get home bag to keep in your office, the Evatac Combat Bag is a solid option that you won’t be disappointed with.

It offers many of the same features as bags that cost twice as much and can stand with some of the toughest packs on the market.

Best Hiking Backpack for Bugging Out – Kelty Redwing 44 Tactical

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Tech Specs

Exterior Materials : 500D Kodra nylon (similar to Cordura)

: 500D Kodra nylon (similar to Cordura) Color Options : Black, Forest Green, Navy,

: Black, Forest Green, Navy, Interior Capacity: 44 liters

Overview

The Kelty Redwing Tactical is basically a typical hiking backpack, but made from more durable materials and ready for a sandstorm of pain.

Because it is a hiking, or “technical”, backpack, it was designed with long term comfort in mind, which is good news for you people who tend to overpack.

While there is not an “internal frame” with this bag, the Kelty does have a “single light beam aluminum stay”, basically a stiffener to make large, unwieldy loads more manageable.

If you aren’t familiar with the Kelty brand yet, they make very high quality gear. And the Redwing Tactical is no exception.

From the double stitching of the seams to sewing the YKK zippers on from the inside out (which makes it more dust and water resistant) to the 500D Kodra nylon exterior material, this bag can take a licking and keep on ticking.

The size (44 liters) is perfect for a day pack or a 72 hour bag. If you feel that you need more storage space, the Redwing is also available in a 50 liter version.

Like most technical backpacks, there is no MOLLE webbing, so you’re limited in your expandability. But remember, those attachments can change your center of gravity.

So not being able to add lots of pouches and kits might be a good thing in the long run.

What I Liked

Since this bag was meant for long hikes and heavy loads, it is extremely ergonomic and comfortable to wear for extended periods.

It’s got all the straps you’d expect from a hiking pack; chest, compression, and waist.

My favorite feature on the Redwing is the hip belt. When you’ve got it cinched tight, the belt takes the majority of the load off your shoulders (literally) and makes it easy to carry a lot of weight comfortably.

As far as compartments go, there is a laptop sleeve, quick access top pocket, an area for a water bottle on the side, and a large main section, as well as space for a hydration bladder.

I do wish it had more organization pockets in the main compartment, though.

What I Didn’t Like

As I mentioned in the Evatac review, a clamshell-style main compartment is, arguably, a must-have for any bug out bag. Instead of a clamshell, the Redwing has what it calls a “hybrid-loading u-zipper design”.

I’m sure that sounds good to some people but there really is no substitute for being able to completely open your bag and quickly access all of your gear.

Also, I found the zippers on the Kelty a bit less sturdy than other bags. This is probably because the Redwing was designed for backpacking and hiking rather than for high-stress situations like the other bags on this list.

While the zippers weren’t as heavy duty as I would have liked, I do appreciate that they have cord pulls to make them easier to operate while wearing gloves.

Recommendation

If comfort is as much of a concern for you as it is for me, then you’re going to want to go with a hiking style bag.

And the Kelty Redwing Tactical gives you that comfort and ease of use along with the long term durability of a tactical style backpack.

Best Tactical Bug Out Bag – Condor 3 Day Assault Pack

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Tech Specs

Exterior Materials : Cordura

: Cordura Color Options : Black, Multicam, Olive drab, Tan

: Black, Multicam, Olive drab, Tan Interior Capacity: 50 liters

Overview

Available in several tacticool colors, the has enough MOLLE for you to customize it to your liking.

Even without adding your own pouches, it has the compartments and capacity you need to have the right gear in the right place.

There are also document pockets, radio pockets, pen holsters, and not one but two 3-liter hydration bladder pockets.

Compression, sternum, and waist straps keep the gear from shifting. You can remove the waist strap if it gets in the way, too.

The large main compartment has quick-release retention straps to further help lock your gear down without slowing down your access.

Heavy-duty drag handles on three sides let you pick up this bag no matter how it lays, which is helpful if you need to drop the bag quickly to respond to an emergency situation.

What I Liked

Unlike some bug out bags, this one fits both large and small folks. It can likely fit everyone from a football player to a teenage girl.

It can also carry a massive amount of emergency supplies.

What I Didn’t Like

The fabric is somewhat lightweight Cordura, so this may not be the best bag for running through thorny bushes.

Recommendation

The Condor 3 Day Assault Pack makes a good bug out bag but isn’t heavy duty enough for long-term camping (not enough room for a sleeping bag). It’s still good for when you need to grab your things and go, though!

By the way, if you’re thinking about the Condor 3 Day Assault pack, the guys at Ultimate Survival Tips did a great, in depth review of it here:

Best Bug Out Pack for Car – REEBOW GEAR 3 Day Assault Pack

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Tech Specs

Exterior Materials : 600D

: 600D Color Options : Black, Tan

: Black, Tan Interior Capacity: 40 liters

Overview

REEBOW GEAR’s 3 Day Assault Pack can hold a lot of gear without spending a lot of money.

You do cut some corners this way. The fabric is heavier duty than office pants but not as tough as the other bags on this list.

Still, this bag will hold up to moderate use.

I wouldn’t choose this one for long term survival but if you want it to hold 72 hours worth of supplies, it’s perfect!

The REEBOW Pack has MOLLE/PALS webbing, multiple compartments including a hydration pocket, and compression straps.

The main straps have padded mesh and a cinching strap but are a bit thin.

And as a bonus, you also get a blacked out American flag patch!

What I Liked

You can carry an awfully large amount of stuff in this inexpensive backpack.

On paper, the features list is impressive:

MOLLE/PALS webbing

Chest and compression straps

Ventilated, mesh back padding

Hydration compartment

Water resistant

What I Didn’t Like

This bag is cheaper than similar bags. You can tell when you hold it. The straps and MOLLE webbing are uneven.

While the features list is impressive, this bag still leaves some things to be desired such as higher quality padding, more durable materials, and a fast access top compartment.

Recommendation

The REEBOW GEAR Assault Pack is a good emergency bag but isn’t built to withstand constant adventure.

I’d likely keep this bag in my car – with some basic survival items like emergency sleeping bags, water bottles, and a first aid kit – where it wouldn’t get much use but could be a life saver in an emergency situation.

Best Bug Out Bag for Law Enforcement – Maxpedition Vulture-II

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Tech Specs

Exterior Materials : 1000D nylon

: 1000D nylon Color Options : Black, Foliage green, Khaki, and OD green

: Black, Foliage green, Khaki, and OD green Interior Capacity: 34 liters

Overview

The Maxpedition Vulture-II is a backpack that can pull double duty as a bugout bag and as your daily backpack.

Load up the main compartment and front pocket with survival gear when you aren’t hiking.

Then swap out some of the unnecessary gear when you want to use the backpack for pleasure instead of as an emergency kit.

It has multiple compression straps to bring the weight close to you, including a Y-style strap that goes over the top of the pack, which most bug out backpacks lack.

There aren’t too many compartments but you can add your own pouches to the external MOLLE webbing. There’s even some webbing on the waist straps.

What I Liked

The Vulture-II has a concealed carry pocket. I generally don’t advocate for off-body carry, but it’s a fine choice when hiking and would be perfect for a backup firearm.

This would be a great bug out bag option for law enforcement officers or any one who has a pistol in their emergency survival kit.

It’s also very light, so you can carry 72 hours worth of gear with less fatigue.

Plus, this bag comes Teflon-coated, making it more water and stain resistant than other, similar bags!

What I Didn’t Like

There aren’t as many compartments as I’d like and the capacity isn’t as large as some 3-day backpacks.

Recommendation

The Maxpedition Vulture-II is a good backpack when you want one bag for both long hikes and for emergency use.

How to Choose a Bug Out Bag Backpack

Appearance

I should probably address this first since you need to make a choice here before you start looking at any other variables.

There are a couple of schools of thought on this and you may not agree. It’s your choice.

Tactical Backpacks vs. Hiking Backpacks

To be able to carry as much equipment as we need, comfortably, and stand up to some pretty tough conditions, we have two choices; hiking/technical or military/tactical backpacks.

They both have pros and cons so you’ll have to pick which one works best for you.

Hiking Backpacks

The argument is that, in the case of an emergency, anyone who looks like they know what they’re doing will be targeted by those who are… less prepared.

Meaning all that hard work you put into prepping while your friends and neighbors made fun of you will actually put you at more risk.

This is a pretty valid point. Even if you are armed, you can easily be outnumbered and overpowered by a mob or small gang.

And even if you win the fight, you’ve wasted precious time and resources.

In this case, hiking backpacks are a better choice. They are built to carry a large amount of gear over long distances comfortably.

The emphasis with these packs is on space and comfort.

They lack some of the features and durability of tactical style backpacks but they also look like you just threw some stuff in a bag and ran.

As long as you buy a pack with muted colors, you will probably blend in with everyone else.

Hiking packs are a good option if you live in an urban environment.

Bonus points if you add dirt and duct tape to make the bag look old and worn (and you have more duct tape!).

Tactical Backpacks

If you live in a more rural area where you are less likely to run into other survivors, a tactical pack might make a better choice.

Military or tactical bug out bag backpacks generally aren’t as comfortable to wear for long periods as hiking packs but they could survive a hurricane/dust storm/avalanche/sharknado super combo and come out unscathed.

They also usually feature the MOLLE webbing system (no, not the robot from WALL-E).

MOLLE is an extremely versatile attachment system and is supported by a number of manufacturers.

It can be used to quickly attach and detach various gear and accessories like magazine pouches, sheaths, and day packs.

This feature really increases the effectiveness of your BOB by being able to adapt to the situation, increasing space and items you are able to carry as needed.

As far as color choice, again this is up to you, whether you want to go with something that blends into the landscape like camo or a color that doesn’t scream “military”.

Space

Space is one of the biggest variables when picking out your pack because how much you can carry will depend on your size, endurance, and strength.

If you’re 5’2 and 110 pounds, you’re going to need a different size bag than a person who’s 5’11 and 180 pounds.

Liters vs Cubic Inches

This can be very confusing as some packs are measure their space in cubic inches and some are measured in liters. And then there are liquid measurements vs dry… It’s all a big cluster F.

The other reason you can’t evenly compare one size pack to another is because compartments that aren’t fully enclosed, like water bottle storage pockets and such, aren’t counted in the measurements.

Then you’ve got some areas that are larger than others but are less usable.

Bottom line, don’t make a decision solely on the volume metrics.

With that being said, you’re almost definitely going to want something larger than 2,500 cubic inches or 40 liters.

Beyond that, you’re going to need to factor in what equipment you will need, how much you can carry comfortably, etc.

Anything over 6,000 cu. in./90 liters is probably overkill and will hinder more than help. If you have that much stuff that you think needs to be in your BOB, you should rethink your list.

Size

It is important to pay attention to the dimensions of the pack as well.

If you’ve ever had to help a buddy move, you know that half of a 100 pound couch can be harder to carry than two 50 pound dumbbells. It’s all about how it fits you.

Do your arms hit the sides while you’re walking because the bag is too wide?

Does it stop at the small of your back or is there an awkward empty space because it’s sitting on your butt while you walk?

Does the top of the bag hit your head with each step? That’s going to get old pretty fast.

Also, for the ladies, there are gender specific backpacks that are designed specially for women. If you find a brand that you like, check to see if they have bug out bags for women.

The better the fit, the more comfortable you’ll be.

Compartments

Like I mentioned earlier, not all compartments were created equally.

I like to travel with a simple duffel bag because I can easily throw in some clothes and a toiletry kit in and be on my way.

But it is bulky and when I need to find something small, it’s a lot of rummaging. Things get smushed, clean shirts rub up against dirty shoes, it’s anarchy in there.

And if I packed like my wife and brought more than just some t shirts, gym shorts, and underwear when we went out of town, it wouldn’t be nearly as convenient for me.

On the other hand, when I was backpacking with a hiking pack, having everything separated and tightly packed into different areas made retrieving exactly what I needed terribly easy.

Even though I was packed for 3 months instead of 3 days, my backpack was still smaller than my duffel bag.

All my gear had its spot and everything went back when I was done with it.

It’s not about having more space, it’s about having better space. Think tiny homes vs. McMansions.

Accessibility

Having quick access to the gear you need can literally mean the difference between life and death.

Plus, having to pull everything out of your pack just to get to your toothbrush at the bottom and then have to repack all your gear isn’t just annoying, it wastes a lot of time that could be spent doing useful things like setting up a shelter, building a fire, putting on a puppet show, or literally anything else.

Imagine if you saw a rescue plane in the distance when you’re stranded in the wild but can’t get to your signal mirror in time. Way to go, Sergeant Unorganized.

MOLLE Attachments

Another thing that isn’t included in the volume measurements of bags is the ability to add attachments to the exterior of the pack.

For example, clipping your water bottle to the outside instead of having to store it inside makes it more accessible and saves quite a bit of room for other items.

This is where the MOLLE backpacks really stand out.

Hydration Bladder Compatibility

Keep your hands free for important tasks

Yeah, water is great and all but drinking is such a hassle.

All that up and down. I might as well go to the gym and do curls. And straws aren’t much better. I still have to hold the thing!

For this reason, hydration bladders (Camelbaks for the rich kids) really are useful additions to your survival pack.

They’re an efficient way to carry water, keep your hands free, make it easy to ration water, and even have filtration devices built in.

What more could you ask for?

Comfort

The distance you are able to travel is dependent largely on two items, your shoes and your pack. And since we aren’t talking about shoes today, let’s focus on the bag.

Improving the comfort and fit of the bag will allow you to go further, carry more items for survival, and reduce recovery time (trust me, you don’t want to be the person complaining about how much your back hurts in an emergency survival situation).

Shoulder straps

The shoulder strap is the primary point of contact between your bug out bag and you. This is where almost alllll of the weight is going to be alllll day. So make sure they’re comfortable.

I remember I had a backpack in high school that seemed to have good, padded straps but they were foam and by the end of the year were flattened and useless.

Trust me, when you’re carrying 30-50 pounds (basically a five year old on your back) for 8-12 hours a day, those straps start to feel like barbed wire.

On the other hand, the bag that I backpack with has some awesome gel honeycomb wizard magic technology padding that doesn’t wear out and allows it to breathe.

Besides padding, you should also look at the width of the straps. The wider the strap, the more surface area for the weight to be displaced, making it easier to carry.

However, if you have a wide neck, too wide of a strap will be uncomfortable and could rub and chafe you after a while.

I have heard this is an issue for some people with the 5.11 Rush 72.

Hip Straps

I bet he wishes he had some hip straps

Your shoulders may take the brunt of the weight of your survival bag but that doesn’t mean they have the take all of it.

Many hiking and tactical/military backpacks come with hip straps that allow you to carry some of the weight with your thighs and hips rather than Atlas-ing it all on your shoulders.

Hip straps also change the center of gravity of your backpack to help you carry more gear with less strain.

I know it doesn’t seem like much at first but I’d say that this feature decreases the effort required to carry weight by 30% (based on absolutely no actual tests or empirical evidence, just me getting lost in Barcelona without a wallet and 50 pounds of gear in my pack).

An added benefit of a hip belt is that many have fast access pockets for sunglasses/cell phone/etc, clips for water bottles, and/or allow you to add attachments, which increases the versatility of the pack while improving the weight distribution.

It also keeps items that need to be close at hand, close at hand (that’s a weird phrase, right? Close at hand?).

Having your knife or tactical flashlight right on your hip can save a lot of time when seconds matter and keep you from having to take your bag completely off just to see what’s in this hole.

Sternum Strap

I kind of glazed over the whole center of gravity thing but you would be amazed at how much something so little can make such a big difference.

Other than being a place to hang my sunglasses, all that a sternum strap does is pull your straps together.

But you don’t realize how much effort you’re using to keep your shoulders from being pulled back until you clip the strap on. Centering the weight on your chest rather than the outside of your shoulders is like a cold glass of water in the desert.

A bug out bag without a sternum strap is a deal breaker to me.

Back Padding

Good back padding and airflow

I remember a buddy of mine in school had a backpack that had no padding and accidentally stabbed himself in the back pretty badly with a pencil while running for the bus.

That was an embarrassing scar.

Besides the shoulder straps, your back is the main point of contact between you and your gear.

It will be bumping into you and rubbing back and forth as you walk (no matter how tight you cinch it) so make sure there’s something comfortable between you two.

Ideally with air channels to improve circulation and keep you from sweating.

Compression Straps

Here is another feature that seems small but makes a huge difference. Basically a girdle for your bug out bag.

Being able to cinch your gear tighter, and therefore closer to your center of gravity, will improve your ability to carry the bag longer.

Another must have feature, in my opinion.

Airflow

Remember that miracle honeycomb padding I mentioned before?

Besides the comfort and longevity, the real benefit of the design is that it breathed better than any conventional padding.

Sweating may help cool us off but it also drains our electrolytes and increases the amount of water per day we need.

Plus it smells and no one wants to stink any more than they have to when hot showers aren’t an option.

So when looking at packs for your bug out bag, pay attention to any airflow channels, cooling options, or webbing features in the back and shoulder padding.

Durability

I don’t care how comfortable your straps are, if they break, you’re going to have a bad day.

It doesn’t matter how much gear your pack can hold if the fabric rips and leaves a Hansel and Gretel trail of your survival items through the woods.

You’re not going to the store for groceries or hauling books from class to class.

In the event you need to use your bug out bag, you’re going to be in a rough situation and your survival is riding on what is in your bag.

So you want to make sure it can hold up to some beating.

Material

Obviously some materials are more durable than others but the weight of the fabric, as well as the type of weave, also make a big difference. Though I love cotton, I’d stick with Nylon in this case.

It can take more abuse, generally, and it’s what most of the best tactical backpacks are made out of now.

Tactical bug out bags are built with thicker fabric like 1000d Cordura Nylon but this sacrifices weight for durability compared to the lighter hiking backpacks.

Zippers

Plenty of pockets is important too!

While the materials of the bag is important to prevent rips or fraying, your zippers are more likely to fail before the fabric.

Pay attention to the size and quality of not only the actual zippers and pulls but also the stitching to the bag.

This is where reading reviews is important to see if anyone else has had issues with the zippers catching or ripping.

Buying a “cheap” bug out bag may end up costing you more over time.

Oversized zippers are also very handy when you’re wearing gloves.

Water Resistant

I don’t think there’s much to say about this. You don’t want your stuff to get wet. So being water resistant is a plus.

I wouldn’t say it’s a deal breaker because there are other ways to keep your gear dry but it’s a pretty nice feature.

Some hiking bags come with rain covers but those take up space in your bag. Usually very little but something to keep in mind.

Cut Proof

I figured I’d throw this one in here.

Some pickpockets will slice open the bottom of your bag while you’re sitting on a train or walking down the street and steal your gear literally right out from under you.

To combat this, some manufacturers offer models with basically chicken wire (or Kevlar strands) sewn into the bottom of the bag and the top compartment so that they can’t be cut.

I don’t know how much of an issue this will be after a disaster but it could keep your bag from being ripped open by a jagged piece of rebar or a particularly aggressive tree branch.

Conclusion

Whew! That was a lot of words. The sad thing is that I actually cut a lot out! Hopefully this helped you to get started building your own bug out bag.

What’s your pick for the best bug out bag backpack? What essentials do you pack in your bug out bag?