Buying a Survival Backpack: Military & Tactical vs Hiking & Hunting Backpacks
When it comes to buying a survival backpack, the options are endless. From military and tactical style backpacks to hiking, ultralights and hunting bags, it’s sometimes hard to know which style is perfect for your uniquesituation.
While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, there are some pros and cons to each type of bag that you should consider. But before we jump into the specifics, first, you need to figure out exactly what you’ll be using your bag for.
- Are you planning to use the pack regularly?
- Is it something you plan on carrying in and out of work, school, or wherever you travel?
- Is this bag’s primary purpose bugging out?
- How much gear do you plan on carrying, and how important is storage/organization?
We are going to look at three primary styles:
- hunting.
- Military Packs: This category will include tactical bags and traditional military rucks.
- Discreet Bags: These bags are for bugging out or situations where you don’t want to draw attention to the gear you are carrying.
Outdoor Hiking Backpacks
When looking backs geared towards the outdoor community, one of the top reasons to consider this style is ussauly overall weight and the construction of the bag. For the most part, outdoor packs are ussually designed to be lightweight, comfortable to carry, and most of them have a better overall contruction than your average school bag at Walmart.
But when it comes down to picking a bag, it often comes down to what you need to carry, how much you need to attach to the pack, and how long you are going to depend on the gear inside. Some people want to cram in every piece of gear they can fit, but lighter is faster, so you really need to decide just how much you really have to carry.
Ultralights:
Since lighter is faster, and a hell of a lot nicer on your back, let’s look at ultralights.
Over the last ten years, these bags have taken over the industry; they are lighter and a whole lot more comfortable to carry. In the past, these bags did suffer from performance issues; keep in mind in order to make them light that means sacrificing durability. That being said, the latest generation of ultralights have come a long way from their predecessors. If you plan on traveling over long distances, where fatigue will become an issue, then these bags are probably going to be one of the best options to consider.
The downside to buying these types of packs:
Unfortunately, the light hiking craze does have a few downsides. For every ounce, you lose in pack weight, you sacrifice organizational tools like MOLLE, pouches, durability, and other methods of carrying extra gear.
One of the biggest drawbacks to these kinds of packs is their lack of compartments and organization. Since every bit of extra material can add weight to the bag, many of these companies have slimmed down the amount of storage space in favor of one large compartment. While that might be perfect for light hikers, it’s a negative point for those who want an easy to organize bag.
The Best Ultralights
Traditional Hiking Packs and Thru-Hike Bags
Because these companies cater to hikers, these bags are designed to be carried on long hauls – which usually equates to durability and a better overall construction of the pack.
Hiking packs can also be divided into three distinct types; frameless, internal-frame and external-frame.
- Frameless packs are going to be the lightest, but they don’t transfer weight very effectively from your shoulder to your hips.
- Internal-frame bags have a stiffer build and they use flat aluminum rods or plastic framesheets. The way they are constructed helps transfer weight from your shoulders to your hips, making the bags easier to carry on long hauls. If you plan on climbing, then internal frame packs really start to show their utility
- External-frame are rarely used anymore: They are more of a hold-over from an earlier day, and to be honest they are going to be hard to find. That being said, I do think they transfer weight better than most of the hyperlight internal frame bags and generally allow you to carry more weight over longer distances, with less pain and misery than a comparably sized internal frame pack.
The downside to buying these types of packs:
If you carry a lot of MOLLE style gear, or are looking to carry tactical gear, weapons and knives, then these bags are probably not going to be what you are looking for. One other consideration is attention; depending on the bag, during a bug out situation they may raise a few eyebrows. A big bag usually means lots of gear inside to the bad guys!
The Best Hiking Packs
Hunting Backpacks
Hunting backpacks really start to bridge the gap between outdoor packs and military packs. They have most of the features above, with the following exceptions:
- They are usually camo, or designed to blend in with your hunting environment. This can be good or bad depending on who or what you are hiding from
- Many have load lifters or suspension systems to help haul your meat out after the hunt.
- They often have the ability to strap on a hunting rifle or bow.
- If you are looking for an external frame, then chances are you will find it in the hunting variety.
The downside to buying these types of bags:
Just like hiking bags, and even more so in the case of camo bags, they could attract unwanted attention of the human type! During a disaster these bags scream “LOOK AT ME”, and will probably mean you are the first one stopped at police checkpoints.
Best Favorite Hunting Backpacks:
Tenzing 2220 Daypack
This is one of my favorite hunting packs, and one that I personally carry. It’s specifically designed for hunters, and gives you the ability to strap on a bow or gun in the fold-out boot. You can also load additional gear with the webbing straps.
Tenzing 2220 Daypack Features:
- 2,400 cubic inches of space with 11 compartments.
- Air mesh suspension system for improved breathability.
- Five horizontal compression straps to secure your load.
- Fold-out bow and gun carrying boot.
- Hydration compatible up to 2 liters.
You can find the Tenzing 2220 Daypack here on Amazon
Some of our other Favorite Bags:
Military Style Backpacks
If you’re not especially concerned with the weight of your pack, then a military pack can be a good option – especially if storage and organization are concerns. While these packs are usually on the heavy side, they are super durable, made to be carried through harsh conditions, and are generally easy to organize. They also usually offer an attachment system that allows you to clip gear directly to the bag.
The main benefit of choosing a military-style bag is the ability to attach utility packs, accessories, and magazine pouches right to the bag, using a MOLLE system (or ALICE system on older style packs). Since most modern accessories are designed to be used with MOLLE style bags, I would tend to stay away from the older ALICE packs.
What is MOLLE?
MOLLE Packs use the Pouch Attachment Ladder System or PALS as a way to easily attach extra gear to the bag.
MOLLE (pronounced molly) is an acronym for Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment. MOLLE packs use the Pouch Attachment Ladder System or PALS, a grid of webbing that allows you to easily attach and detach pouches, slings, gear or other items to your pack or vest. Most modern tactical equipment, like knife sheaths holsters, magazine pouches, and radio pouches are designed around this system.
DIY TIP: For all the Do-it-Yourself guys out there, who want to add MOLLE to their traditional hiking packs: The PALS grid system uses horizontal rows of 1″ Mil-W-43668 Type III nylon webbing (commercial vendors use Type IIIa), spaced 1″ apart, and reattached to the backing at 1.5″ intervals.
The downside to buying these types of packs:
The real downside to these packs is their weight. If the pack is going to be carried by someone with back issues, or someone who has a hard time carrying large amounts of weight, then a hiking backpack might be the better option since they are usually much easier to carry.
One word of warning on buying military backpacks: If you do decide to go with a military pack, make sure it’s an actual military pack, or a pack built by a reputable company – not some cheap Chinese knockoff that’s going to split open the moment you start stuffing it full of gear.
The Best Military/Tactical Style Packs
SOC Backpack
On the top of our list of tactical packs is the Sandpiper of California Bugout Backpack. This is one tough ass bag that comes standard with multiple compression loops, tie downs, and the ability to strap on MOLLE / PALS pouches.
When they designed this bag, they built it to take a beating and hold up during an extreme bug out situation. This is an extremely popular bag with military and contractors and has sold over 1 million units since they introduced it back in the 90s.
The SOC Backpack features
- MOLLE/PALS panel
- Hydration Compatibility
- Expandable main compartment
- Rugged, abrasion-resistant exterior 600 Denier material
- Padded waist belt and Compression Straps
- Aluminum back stays
You can find the SOC Pack here on Amazon
CONDOR 3 Day Assault Pack
This is another extremely popular and well-built bag designed for extreme situations. There is plenty of storage, it’s hydration compatible up to 2x 3 liter bladders, and if you really need to strap on the gear it’s MOLLE compatible as well.
A word of caution, the pull-tabs on the zippers are notorious for breaking off. It’s an easy fix with a bit of 550 paracord, but it is a bit irritating that they couldn’t have just added better cord themselves!
CONDOR 3 Day Assault Pack Features:
- Has 7 different pocketed storage areas
- Adjustable body contour shoulder straps with D-Rings for equipment attachments
- Total dimensions: 22″ x 17″ x 11″; 3038 cubic inches; 50 Liters
You can Find the CONDOR 3 Day Assault Pack here on Amazon
A couple of our other favorite Tactical Bags
Discreet Survival Backpacks
During a crisis situation, where you may have to get the hell out of Dodge in a hurry, you need to consider how much attention you are attracting. In times of crisis, there are going to be desperate people who will be willing to do just about anything to secure extra supplies, including robbing you of yours.
For that reason, we recommend finding a pack that draws the least amount of attention. Stay away from overly tactical looking bags, and try not to strap gear to the outside of your bag where people can see it and guess what else in inside. Check out what bags we recommend here.
The downside:
These are not usually built for long hauls. For the most part they are temporary and short-term bug out bags that will allow you to get from point A to B.
Best Covert Backpacks
5.11 Tactical COVRT18
We are big fans of 5.11 bags, but if you are trying not to look “tactical”, you usually start looking at other brands. Recently 5.11 started releasing covert options, and one of those options it their COVRT18 backpack.
The bag is designed to give you many of the features you will find in their tactical lineup, but the pack looks like something that any ordinary college kid might tote around.
COVRT18 Features:
- Built from rugged 500D and 420D water resistant nylon.
- Hidden R.A.C. (Roll-down Assault Compartment) that store a full sized firearm and MOLLE or web pouches.
- QuickTact accessory straps at the shoulder that integrate with other 5.11 tactical gear.
You can find the COVRT18 Here on Amazon
Some More of Our Favorite Discreet Packs
The Survival Backpack you choose depends on your unique needs.
If you’re buying a pack specifically for long hikes then buy a hiking backpack, they are generally more comfortable and designed to be carried for hours on end. If you’re buying a bag that’s primary purpose is for bugging out, then a military bag is probably the way to go. The military pack is generally a bit cheaper, easier to organize, and easier to carry gear specifically made for bugging out.
A few things to keep in mind when choosing a backpack
- Often the manufacturing of military gear goes to the cheapest bidder, so mil-spec doesn’t always mean top quality.
- Beware of cheap Chinese knockoffs. Gun shows and military surplus stores are notorious for selling cheap knockoff gear that may look like military gear but is far from the real thing.
- Test, test, and then test some more. Try on a number of different bags and make sure you find something that fits your specific body size, frame, and unique needs. There is no one-size-fits-all bag; what works for me might be horrible for your specific needs.
- Make sure it fits. Like a properly fitted pair of boots, a properly fitted pack is barely noticeable when it’s on. Trust me, a poor fitting pack is going to be hell on your back, so you need to pay close attention to how it feels.
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