How long will you survive in case you have to leave your home in a rush?
Or, if you are fulfilling your 72-hour hiking dream, do you have everything you need to survive?
While there are numerous backpacking bags on the market, not all meet the survival needs and standards. As a result, it is pertinent that you look for the best bug out bag.
What exactly is a bug out bag?
A bug out bag also called a B.O.B, a bailout bag or a 72-hour emergency kit is an emergency bag with the capacity to hold at survival items lasting you 72 hours. It is the ultimate survival bag. If you live in a part of the world that experiences natural disasters like wildfires, or you’ve received a warning for an incoming storm, then this is the bag to have. It is important to have the best bug out bag packed and ready!
But, which is the best bug out bag on the market? What should you look for when buying the bag?
From experience, emergency preparedness is important. Unfortunately, you don’t often get lucky when shopping for the bag, the first time. Having gone through some disappointments in the past, I decided to prepare this article, just for you.
Before we look at the bag that takes home the crown between the 5.11 Tactical RUSH 72 vs. the Camelbak BFM, here is a look at all the features you should consider in either bag.
Does size matter?
The rule of the thumb here is that bigger is better. The best bug out bag backpack should hold water, food, and shelter. It should also have basics like first aid, directions, and protection. If you go for the bigger backpacks, then you will have extra space for comfort survival – think extra clothing, sleeping bags, hygiene kit, power, and light.
You should also consider the number of people you are carrying stuff and the maximum weight you can handle.
What are the type of bug out bags?
Your best go bag is a backpack, a duffel bag, or a hiking bag. Of these three, backpacks are the most popular, and my favorite kind of emergency bag.
Comfort/ fit
Say you are trekking for days on end, will you be able to carry the weight of your luggage without feeling discomfort or pain from the backpack? With different body shapes and sizes, does the bag you intend to carry promise comfort to everyone? For the comfort and perfect fitting, top bug out bags come with hip straps that are padded.
Hip support is important because with heavy luggage humped over your back, and hip support straps snug tightly on your back, the weight of the luggage will be carried by your strong muscles.
For straps that won’t dig into your skin and the shoulders, the best go bag will come with amply padded shoulder straps.
Breath-ability
This is important, your bug out bag must allow for free air circulation at the back to prevent chaffing and any other discomfort. Look for bags with webbing or air channels on the back of the bag.
Finally, you will feel more comfortable with backpacks that lack hard elements, as well as a gender-specific bag. Now, don’t get me wrong here, gender specificity is important because we all have different body types and shapes, so, the bags fit differently.
Pockets and Compartments
This is important, your bug out bag must allow for free air circulation at the back to prevent chaffing and any other discomfort. Look for bags with webbing or air channels on the back of the bag.
Finally, you will feel more comfortable with backpacks that lack hard elements, as well as a gender-specific bag. Now, don’t get me wrong here, gender specificity is important because we all have different body types and shapes, so, the bags fit differently.
Additional Features
The best survival backpack comes with extra features that increase its functionality. Some of these features include rain hoods, hydration bladders, and the tactical bags have MOLLE compatibility.
The Best Bug Out Bags Reviewed
Our Rating:
If this is your first time shopping for a bag out bag, then you are heading down the right path. This 5.11 Tactical RUSH72 backpack is the legend in the world of bug out bags and survival bags. It isn’t popular just Because of the big name it carries but because it works. As a proud owner of this bag. I am. Since I am not trying to coax you into buying this bag, let’s look at some of the features this bag boasts:
This RUSH72 tactical backpack has a unique engineering that makes it the ideal 72-hour bag. It offers ample space for all your survival gear and accessories but remains a rugged and reliable bag that caters to extended deployments and excursions.
Note-able Features
Pros
Cons
Is it worth it?
As mentioned above, I wasn’t sure about it at first, but after the first few uses, this is by far the best bug out bag you can own. The price may be higher than other bags, but trust me, it is worth the price.
Verdict
This is more than an ordinary backpack. I have used it to escape storms and had it on day-long hikes. Though strong, it is lightweight, and the power or holds makes this the ultimate bug out bag.
This bag is worth every buck!!!
Our Rating:
If you are looking for a high-quality backpack that will take you through the toughest expeditions, this is it. Camelbak is a big name in the outdoor gear and the survivalist world. It is the go-to backpack because of the rugged design.
It is one of the most versatile backpacks that is perfect for heavy use.
Note-able Features
Pros
This is a versatile backpack that works for military men, hikers, and backpackers. As a 72-hour backpack, it is also ideal for emergencies, and you can use it in case of a storm or a landslide, or any other natural calamity.
It’s spacious, lightweight, and the material used in its construction makes this bag the best bag out backpack you could ask for.
Cons
As an outdoor enthusiast, there is nothing worse than a bag that holds less than you wished for. Fortunately, this isn’t the case with this backpack. Its functionality is commendable. The only downside is that it is expensive and there are a few color options.
Is it worth the price?
As someone who comes to life when outdoors, having the right kind of backpack is important. This bag has all that you could ask for and then some. This may be one of the expensive Camelbak BFM backpacks on the market, but its service delivery is worth every buck. It’s relatively lightweight, and it has multiple pockets and compartments that hold enough accessories and survival items.
Verdict
As a certified hiker and an adventurer, this backpack holds all that you will need for the three days you will be out of your home. With its size and the durable design, this bag will ensure that your next camping trip is eventful. It is the ideal bag for disaster preparedness. Even at its price, this backpack is a great investment.
This is a great product.
Comparison of the two bug out bags
In the end, your decision will depend on your needs and the price. While both bags are strong, the 5.11 Tactical RUSH72 is stronger than the Camelbak BFM 500 as it is made using 1000D nylon. The Camelbak BFM, on the other hand, has a 450D nylon.
Regarding water repulsion and resistance, RUSH72 wins because it has a 210 118T PUx2 coating. Both bags have multiple compartments and pockets that hold all your necessities. The 5.11 Tactical RUSH72 is more expensive than the Camelbak BFM, which has a bigger capacity.
In this review, the 5.11 Tactical RUSH72 backpack is better than the Camelbak BFM 500.
Conclusion
After using the 5.11 Tactical RUSH72, I am convinced that this is the best bug out bag and all the bags I bought before were just a waste of money. This bag is comfortable, spacious and is strong enough to withstand the toughest environmental conditions and tough usage. It is waterproof and TSA-compliant.
It is important to mention that the bag you choose is very much dependent on your finances. However, that doesn’t mean that you should overlook comfort, quality, space, ease of use, and durability over the price. The best bug out bag is an investment you should take full advantage of.
