Today I’ve got something really important to share…
A Complete Guide To Finding & Building A Survival Bag For Any Crisis
Because in a survival crisis, you must be ready with the proper tools and gear.
We’ll show you how to build the ultimate survival bag.
That way, you’re prepared when it’s time to implement your survival plan.
TOPICS IN THIS GUIDE… ↓(click to jump)
- Best Survival Bags Today
- What Is a Survival Bag Anyway?
- 4 Different Types Of Bags
- Who Should Own One?
- Best Survival Bag Features
- Bag List / Essentials To Add
Want a free 104 item bug out bag checklist?
Click here to instantly download this Complete Checklist PDF. No purchase necessary.Best Survival Bags On The Market Today
Here are our recommendations for the best ones on the market today, organized by type:
My Favorite EDC | Get Home | Bug Out Bag
This tactical EDC backpack is as tough as they come at a fantastic price point.
It has heavy-duty zippers, padded shoulder straps, a chest strap, and enough compartments to keep all your survival gear properly organized.
This bag includes a 40L storage capacity. Making it the perfect bag for those who have a lot of gear to haul around.
It’s made from thick, durable 600D Polyester.
It comes with heavy-duty clips. Because a bag is only as good as its clips.
It has padded shoulder straps and a padded back panel for maximum comfort. Because a comfortable bag is essential, especially for daily use.
It has a quick lock chest strap securing the bag even while on the run or scrambling. This helps to prevent the bag from bouncing while on the move!
All compartments are waterproof. This is a must-have feature for high-quality tactical bag.
It includes a total of 10 separate carry compartments. This allows for maximum organization!
Heck, it even has a dedicated padded laptop compartment. This helps protect your fragile items from bumps and knocks.
Similar bags with all these features sell for over $159 (some as much as $229 in many outdoor specialty stores).
But you can get The Combat Bag From EVATAC at a fraction of those insane prices. Click here to see if this fantastic deal is still available.
↓ The Combat Bag by EVATAC
With that said, here are some other quality bags that might be better suited for you.
Other EDC Bag Options
The Orca Tactical is a great EDC survival bag for your everyday use.
The Orca Tactical measures in at 8.5" x 6" x .25" and is MOLLE compatible with your other survival gear.
It's made from 600D polyesters, like the Evatac Combat bag above, so you know it's top quality.
These are usually small bags, but the Orca is the largest utility MOLLE pouch on the market.
It comes with large pockets inside for essential gear. Plus, it has additional slots for smaller items like flashlights, pens, and smaller tools.
You can also store your smartphone, wallet, and keys inside for security while you are out and about.
It's built for tough conditions, and Orca is a name you can trust.
↓ Orca Tactical – MOLLE EDC Utility Pouch
You want an EDC bag you can take anywhere, including:
- mountain climbing
- travel
- hiking
- fishing
- bicycling
- hunting
The Elite Spanker will fit the bill easily. It’s made of 500D Cordura Nylon and is 5'' x 2'' X 7’’.
This bag is perfect for all your vital equipment while out for the day. It also has available room for your smartphone with an extra outside holster.
It comes with padded inner pockets and two straps with snap buttons to quickly attach to your belt.
So the Elite survival bag great addition to your adventure equipment for sure.
Other Get Home Bag Options
REEBOW GEAR makes an awesome military tactical get-home bag to keep in your trunk in case of an emergency.
It's made of a 600 x 600 density fabric that's water-resistant and durable when you need it.
There's MOLLE webbing throughout for attaching pouches and tactical gear as well.
You can access the contents through the front or the side. And it has heavy-duty zippers and pull cords to keep your gear secure.
It also has a compartment for a hydration bladder. With lots of pockets to separate your items, this is a great get home bag for sure.
Perfect for hunting, survival, trekking, and as a day pack as well.
Here we have a superb get home bag for when hell breaks loose, and you need to get home to protect your family.
The Switchblade is versatile and designed to be low profile, but it also provides a quick access opening for a concealed handgun.
It also has pouches on either side as well as oversized pockets for essential items.
There is also MOLLE-10 webbing so that you can add 3-row accessories.
Inside there are several compartments suited for laptops as well as smaller pouches.
The Switchblade is a tactical survival go bag. And in desperate times, you need to have the survival gear with you as you make your way home.
↓ Eberlestock Switchblade Backpack
Other Bug Out Bag Options
The 5.11 Tactical Rush72 is an ideal bug out bag for you and your family because it's a lightweight, high-strength build.
It's 23" x 13.5" x 8.5" and made of water-resistant 1000D nylon.
It includes dual zippers for access in the front and main compartments. And inside you'll find lots of room for storage.
The 5.11 Tactical is a MOLLE backpack with ample room to connect accessory bags.
It comes with shoulder straps, a waist strap, and dual compression straps. These features help keep this survival bag secure and comfortable on long hauls.
↓ 5.11 Tactical Rush 72 Review
The 24BattlePack from Tactical is a great, universal survival bag.
The company is combat veteran-owned, so you know they are designed with tactical in mind. This survival bug out bag has many great features, including:
- Universal concealed carry gun holster
- Bladder compartment
- Waterproof
- Heavy-duty oversized zippers
- Double-stitched pack
It measures out at 10" x 13" x 19" and expands from 20L to 40L. Outside there are lots of room to attach accessories and pouches. And inside you have several areas with different functions.
There is a sizeable slotted compartment for laptops and folders, as well as a bladder for water.
Another two pouches give you multiple areas for emergency gear and survival items.
Plus, it has quick access to your concealed handgun, making it a practical and tactical bug-out bag
INCH Bags
An inch bag is heavy because you are bringing more gear for an extended trip in the wilderness.
This tactical duffle uses heavy-duty canvas. And it has a waterproof bottom for protecting all your survival gear.
There are no wheels attached, so you will need a foldable cart to pack it with you. There are adjustable padded shoulder straps to haul it on your back, but it might be too heavy for that.
The measurements are 34' x 15' x 12', so a lot of gear can be stowed inside.
Several zippered outside pockets and gear rings allow you to attach and pack external pouches and gear.
This INCH Bag is best when paired with a reliable bug out vehicle - where hiking is a last resort.
The 5.11 CAMS is another excellent survival bag by 511 Tactical. There is no screwing around with this heavy hauler.
The Cams 3.0 Inch bag is a rugged master for all your extended survival gear. Heavy-duty wheels and compression-molded side panels make this one tough bugger.
It's going to be a challenge to haul it around with you. But in SOME situations, it's better to be slower with all the right gear than fast and unprepared.
There are retractable side handles as well as top handles for wheeling it around. Plus, inside are several critical areas for equipment storage.
511 Tactical also has customizable purpose-built pouches to stow your gear where how you want.
It's a heavy-duty INCH bag for heavy-duty situations.
↓ 5.11 Cams 3.0 Carry All Review
What Exactly Is A Survival Bag Anyway?
There are essentials you have to bring with you to stay alive during a crisis.
You will need food, water, first aid equipment, and tools to make a makeshift shelter.
Also, it’s crucial to be able to have contact with the outside world…
So cell phones and radios are a must.
These are just the basics; you can add whatever you think is necessary.
We all take for granted our cushy life.
Running water, a warm bed, and a fridge full of food is what we expect.
These are the everyday comforts that come with normal life.
If you head out unprepared, you’ll run into problems immediately.
You can’t take your fridge or duvet with you.
So your bag may be the only thing to keep you alive – so make sure it’s ready!
Want a free 54 item survival gear checklist?
Click here to instantly download this Complete Checklist PDF. No purchase necessary.
4 Different Types Of Bags For Survival
Depending on the scenario, you need different items in your emergency bag.
You may think one size fits all be that’s not always the case.
Different situations call for different gear.
Here are several different types and the best uses for each:
1. EDC Bag
EDC stands for Everyday Carry.
An EDC bag is a standard kit and the primary load you can carry daily.
You don’t leave home without these things, like your self-defense keychain and tactical wallet.
You also would never head out for the day without your cell phone.
Besides these essentials, you should have tools for daily challenges you may encounter.
If something happens while away, having some mission-critical tools become necessary.
Tactical flashlights and small tools are handy, as well as small weapons like pepper spray, a knife, and a firearm.
Small radio and your tablet can also easily travel with you in your EDC bag.
Plus, some essentials (like extra batteries or solar chargers) will ensure you have access to power.
Don’t forget a water bottle and a small first aid kit or iFAK kit too.
Choose the right-sized bag for these items so they’re not too small or bulky.
You can keep this in your car or inside your larger survival backpack.
2. Get Home Bag
Your get-home bag is an essential survival tool.
This type of bag is for when you are away from home.
If a crisis hits, it will carry all the stuff you need to get back to your family and your house.
You may be at work or shopping, but the right supplies will help you get back to home base if something significant happens.
Because home is the place where you should have your stockpile of food, water, and bug-out gear.
This bag will house larger items than your EDC, so it should be larger.
A backpack or large sling bag is ideal for this.
Your goal is to get home fast, so having the right gear to make that happen during a crisis is mission-critical.
You may have to ditch your car and go on foot.
So throwing on a backpack with the right survival gear for 24 hrs. is essential.
Besides all the EDC items, you should also pack sleeping and shelter equipment and extra clothing for weather protection.
Having a few high-density food bars is vital to keep you fueled, and a water filter may come in handy.
A detailed local area map can help get you find your way home during a significant event.
And having more tools for survival can fit in your pack too.
The goal of your get-home bag is not for extended survival.
It’s for getting home to where your family is and where your stockpile is.
3. Bug Out Bag
The bug-out bag is your at-home survival go bag.
A bug-out bag is the one you grab when it’s time to leave in an emergency.
And every member of your family should have one.
It has to be durable and customizable so you can fit what you need in it.
It’s not just an unorganized duffle bag for you to cram random stuff in.
It should have pouches and compartments for organizing your gear.
As well as hidden areas to secure survival essentials like weapons and food.
Choosing a tactical bag or military-grade / combat-style bag is best.
Inside this bag should be survival equipment you know how to use, given your survival skill level.
Upgrade your training for first aid and weapon usage so you can protect yourself and your loved ones.
You may not be able to get back home for a while, so this bag is your lifeline.
Include all your basic and extended survival gear.
But also include items for entertainment, especially when you have kids.
Get your bag and all the gear you plan to pack in it.
Go for a few test runs wearing it on hikes or camping.
Practice runs are a great way to see if it’s the right size for you and help you discover what you may have forgotten to pack.
Or what you don’t need to bring along.
Make sure every family member has a survival bug-out bag ready to go.
4. INCH Bag
An INCH bag is the Big Daddy.
It stands for “I’m Never Coming Home” and means you’re high-tailing it for the long term.
You may not have a bug-out location to go to, so you’ll need essential gear for extended outdoor living.
Most bug-out bags are built with the idea that you WILL return home – someday.
The inch bag is for a long-term emergency where you won’t be returning home.
That’s why it should carry more survival supplies and gear.
So you need to prepare to hike with a large, heavy bag.
This bag should be ready to go so you can throw it in the back of your bug-out vehicle.
It needs to be rugged because you don’t know what situation you might find yourself in.
You will most likely be in the wilderness and on the move every few days.
These extended survival situations call for more gear – such as sleeping bags and tarps, tactical shovels, survival knives, and cooking utensils.
Also, you’ll need all the gear necessary for catching food and making shelters.
An INCH bag is heavy.
But it’s essential in a major crisis when you need to get out of Dodge FAST.
Prepared or be left behind.
Want a free 78 item prepper checklist?
Click here to instantly download this Complete Checklist PDF. No purchase necessary.
Who Should Carry One?
The real question is, who shouldn’t?
Every person could find themselves in an event where they have to leave at a moment’s notice.
If you are an avid outdoorsman or hunter, having a survival bag could save your life.
What about a homebody?
You need one as well because you may have to leave your house in a hurry if a disaster happens.
Every member of the family should have a bag ready to go if needed.
Even kids need one.
It’s a great way to get them involved in prepping.
Don’t be fooled by your current level of comfort.
Stuff happens all the time, from wildfires to power outages, to natural disasters…
Being resilient and ready is how you survive and thrive in uncertain times.
Want a free 104 item bug out bag checklist?
Click here to instantly download this Complete Checklist PDF. No purchase necessary.
Best Bag Features To Look For
A survival bag isn’t a grade school Hello Kitty backpack.
A high-quality bag is tough and sturdy.
Here are some features you should expect to find:
Durability
Yours needs to handle rough use in the elements.
Cheap nylon or synthetic material are lighter.
But canvas and heavy-duty poly can take a beating.
Make sure it’s breathable but still waterproof too.
Robust straps and zippers will ensure everything you bring stays where it’s supposed to.
Compartments
It’s essential to have multiple areas to store your items.
Pockets and pouches should have zippers and flaps to secure them.
A mix of large and small compartments, as well as internal and external pockets, give you lots of options.
Also, a top lid provides excellent protection from the rain: the more areas you have to stow things, the better.
Having multiple access points in the bag is much better than top-only loaders.
Size
It can come in a range of sizes to fit most people.
The last thing you need is to have a bag that is uncomfortable to wear.
Try several types on, pack them with stuff, and test them out.
Compression straps will secure your load. And chest straps and hip belts help distribute the weight.
Most straps are adjustable, so ensure they are set up right before you need them.
Want a free 54 item survival gear checklist?
Click here to instantly download this Complete Checklist PDF. No purchase necessary.
Survival Bag List | Essentials
It’s hard to think of everything you will need in the heat of the moment.
So here’s a quick list to help you get started:
- Stainless steel water bottle
- Water filter
- Food bars
- Vitamins
- Sewing kit
- First aid kit / Trauma kit
- Freeze-dried meals
- Simple utensils and bowl
- Cooking pot
- Firestarter
- Portable fishing equipment
- Portable stove and fuel
- Change of clothes and clean socks
- Insect repellant
- Sunscreen
- Soap, toothpaste, and brush
- Compass
- Collapsible shovel
- Survival knife
- Multi-tool pliers
- Hatchet
- Flashlight
- Hand crank radio
- Smartphone
- Battery charger
- Pepper spray
- Firearms
- Ammo
Depending on your needs, you can take many other items with you, but make sure you really need them.
Because the more you pack, the heavier the load. And a heavy pack could slow you down and might get you killed!
Final Thoughts
Now you are in the know about what survival bags are and why you need them.
Go out and gear up so that when the world caves in, YOU are prepared to survive and thrive!
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