The best survival backpacks for overcoming unexpected emergencies

In the world of outdoor gear, Osprey is known for comfortable, high-quality gear, but the Osprey Kestrel 38 (and the women’s Kyte 36) makes for an excellent survival backpack. This tall, narrow pack lives up to Osprey’s reputation for toughness while offering features essential to a solid survival pack.

This tall, narrow pack comes in two sizes (S/M at 36 liters and M/L at 38 liters), both of which are fully adjustable for the perfect fit. In cooperation with the mesh, padded shoulder straps, and hip belt (with pockets), the Airscape back panel offers plenty of comfort and a high degree of breathability. The main compartment is constructed with water-resistant 210D and 630D Dobby Nylon, and includes top and bottom access via the attached hood and sleeping bag compartment (with removable divider).

The Kestrel 38 sports four side compression straps and plenty of pockets and gear attachment points (straps, loops, and daisy chains). The pack features an external hydration reservoir sleeve, dual external water bottle pockets, and a front stuff pocket. It sports subtle, dark colorways, and while it isn’t the most lightweight backpack in the world, it tips the scales at 3.22 (S/M) to 3.40 (M/L) pounds — pretty decent for a larger survival pack.

As well-rounded as this Osprey pack is, it isn’t perfect, but we found a few nits to pick. The Kestrel 38 and Kyte 36 do run a little on the pricey side, although there are far more expensive competitors on the market. The other downside is the included bright green rain cover, which may or may not be beneficial in certain situations due to its high visibility. Lastly, the fact that cargo capacity varies according to pack (i.e., torso), sizing may be a disappointment for some.

Not everyone has $150-plus to spend on survival gear, but thanks to everyone’s favorite outdoor co-op, the REI Co-op Trail 40 fills the gap incredibly well. While it lacks high-end goodies, this pack has it right where it counts.

At 40 liters and three pounds, the Trail 40 is a relatively lightweight survival backpack, and it boasts a durable recycled nylon and nylon ripstop construction. The full-zip front panel and internal organizational features exude practicality and functionality, while the internal spring steel frame and padded suspension system efficiently transfer weight to your hips while maximizing the comfort quotient. Inside, this REI bag includes a simple pouch, pocket, and hydration reservoir sleeve, keeping with the (somewhat) minimalist theme. Externally, the pack is sleek but still includes compression straps, water bottle pockets, and gear attachment points (dual daisy chains, loops, and top and bottom gear straps). It also features a couple of external pockets, including a hidden mesh stuff pocket and hip belt pockets.

Clearly, REI put plenty of thought into the Trail 40’s design, sneaking in a rain cover and little conveniences, like lower zipper stowage loops, a keychain clip, and a light-colored interior lining. The water bottle pouches are easy to access, and the main compartment boasts four YKK zippers for easy access to the top or bottom of the pack. The shoulder strap foam holds up well over time, and the pre-curved foam hip belts strike a great balance between stiffness and give. The back panel also breathes well, despite its simple design.

Although this pack earns very few complaints, one drawback, in particular, does stand out. Due to its low-cost design, the Trail 40 lacks an adjustable suspension system. While it does come in two torso sizes, fine-tuning your fit will never be an option with this pack.

Few survival packs earn as much praise as the Mystery Ranch Coulee 40, and we’re inclined to agree with the majority on this one. While it tips the scales at a relatively heavy 3.8 pounds, this pack can handle just about anything you throw at it while being incredibly comfortable and durable.

This 40-liter pack consists of a 330D Robic nylon body with YKK zippers, a composite internal frame stays, Mystery Ranch’s iconic three-zip design, and the company’s crowd-pleasing Futura Yoke suspension, one of the most comfortable and customizable suspension systems on the broader backpack market. Thanks to its overall design and allowance for micro-adjustments, this system makes it easy to forget you’re wearing the pack even when packed to the gills. To further ensure a perfect fit, the Coulee 40 comes in multiple macro sizing options in both men’s and women’s versions.

Although a bit expensive, the Coulee 40 employs a fairly minimalistic design philosophy but doesn’t skimp too much. It sports dual external water bottle and stretch pockets, two hood pockets, four side compression/lash straps, multiple external gear attachment loops, and an internal hydration reservoir sleeve. The padded hip belt boasts unusually generous pockets, and both the belt and sternum strap are removable.

The Coulee 40 does have a few noteworthy drawbacks besides its heft and price tag. Most notably, it lacks a handful of features commonly found on similar backpacks, such as internal organizational pockets (somewhat mitigated by the triple-zipper setup), daisy chains, and bottom compression/lash straps. A rain cover is available but must be purchased separately.

If you need a chameleon-like survival backpack, you will be hard-pressed to find a better candidate than the 5.11 Tactical Covrt18 2.0. Blending in on the streets, in the classroom, and on the trail, this pack boasts more than a few features worthy of your attention.

At 32 liters and 2.34 pounds, the second-generation Covrt18 is a small, lightweight survival bag that is built to last. The pack consists of water-resistant 500D and 840D nylon (available in four colorways) and features four compartments (main, hydration reservoir, admin, and CCW) and one external stuff pocket. The main compartment features a clamshell design with two mesh pockets, and the hydration reservoir compartment doubles as TSA-friendly laptop storage.

Despite the limitations of its low-profile design, this 5.11 pack also boasts a number of helpful features, including dual compression straps and water bottle pouches, a frame-like rigid back panel, and a yoked, padded, and ventilated suspension system with sternum strap. The Covrt18 2.0’s dimensions allow for an excellent range of motion, and the handful of little details, like the Velcro-equipped CCW pocket, Hypalon gear loop, and flex cuff channel, are nice touches for some end users.

Besides running a little small for a survival pack, the Covrt18 2.0 does possess a few cons. Most notably, this one-size-fits-all backpack lacks an adjustable suspension as well as many load-bearing features, including a (true) frame, load lifters, and hip belt. That said, the rigid back panel will still support a good bit of weight, and the bag comes with hip belt attachment points should you need one.

Looking for a full-featured survival pack that won’t break your back? Then take a good look at the Gregory Zulu 40. Weighing in under three pounds, this lightweight pack still manages to cover all its bases and a little more with its comfortable and convenient features.

This Gregory pack features a steel alloy, fiberglass, and HDPE internal frame (rated to 35 pounds), a 210D nylon, 420D nylon, and 135D polyester body, and a free-floating suspension system that is both well-ventilated and highly adjustable for fit. To ensure the best possible fit, the Zulu 40 (and the female-equivalent Jade 38) comes in two sizes: S/M and M/L (XS/S and S/M for the Jade 38).

The Zulu 40 (and Jade 38) features dual main compartment access via the top drawstring closure (with lid) and the front zippered panel. It also includes plenty of convenient extras, such as an external mesh stuff pocket, dual external water bottle pouches with compression strap pass-throughs (which can be difficult to access with the pack on), hip belt pockets, and an included rain cover. As expected, this pack is also hydration reservoir-compatible and has a good number of external pockets and gear attachment points.

The Zulu 40/Jade 38 pack series do have cargo capacities that vary slightly according to pack size, a noteworthy drawback for some. Also, tall, skinny dudes may find that the Zulu 40 may not provide the best fit for them. For some, the high-visibility rain covers could be a drawback in some scenarios.

Survival backpacks destined for tactical use have to be stronger, less restrictive, and easier to use than their civilian counterparts, and the Eberlestock G2 Gunslinger II is just such a pack. While extreme durability earns an automatic weight penalty, the tradeoff is a pack you can stake your life on.

At its core, the G2 Gunslinger consists of an internal aluminum frame with a tank-like body and an adjustable suspension system. The dual access main compartment (drawstring top and zippered side panel) employs a long, narrow profile to maximize the range of motion and features no unnecessary external bumps or bulges, but tons of MOLLE mounting points. External accessories include a lid (with pocket), dual cinching water bottle pockets, quad compression straps (two vertical and two horizontal), three carry handles, and a wraparound MOLLE panel to secure gear to the front or bottom of the pack. Inside, it sports dual hydration reservoir sleeves.

The Gunslinger’s main highlights are the tuckable rifle scabbard and adjustable suspension system. The scabbard can accommodate virtually any long gun, including AR-15s, in either muzzle-up or muzzle-down orientations. The customizable suspension system features well-padded components and distributes the pack’s weight very well. Both the back panel and shoulder straps feature air channels and mesh-covered pads that maximize ventilation. As such, neither surface fully compresses clothing, thereby preserving the warming abilities of loft insulation in cold weather gear.

Regrettably, this pack is high on both the weight and expense indexes. At 6.5 pounds, the G2 is far and away the heaviest pack on this list. The Gunslinger also lacks a rain cover, although one can be purchased separately.