If you’re like me, it can be difficult to determine which tactical bug out bag offers the best value or the best quality. With so many options available and many websites offering different suggestions the choice can be downright confusing.
Luckily, you found your way here.
I am a military veteran and former first responder with many years of using tactical backpacks in some extreme conditions. I know what options are useful and what are unnecessary.
In this post I will deliver the best tactical bug out bag options on the market and a brief overview of the features you should be looking for in a quality tactical backpack.
Please visit our bug out bag buyer’s guide for more information.
What’s the best bug out bag?
Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF) – By far the best option for a bug out bag, tactical or otherwise, is the 5.11 RUSH72 Tactical Bug Out Bag. The combination of functionality, well thought out design, MOLLE webbing system, and quality materials make the RUSH72 the top choice on the market.
Summary of the Best Tactical Bug Out Bags
| Image | Item Name | Rating | Amazon Price |
|---|---|---|---|
  | Premium Option – 5.11 RUSH 72 | 9.8/10 | |
  | Light Weight Option – 5.11 RUSH MOAB 10 | 9.5/10 | |
  | Stealth Option – Direct Action Ghost Mk II | 9.4/10 | |
  | High Capacity Option – Mardingtop Tactical | 9.0/10 | |
  | Budget Option – RUPUMPACK Tactical Backpack | 8.0/10 |
Features You Want in a Tactical Bug Out Bag
There are a lot of different features that tactical backpack manufacturers include in their products. Some of these features are extremely desirable, some are nice to have, and others are plain unimportant.
If you are in the market for a tactical bug out bag, and I assume that you are since you are here, you want the most bang for your buck. But you also want a bag that is functional and has the user in mind.
Shoulder/Waist Straps
Any tactical bug out bag that you purchase should be comfortable to wear. Chances are you will need to be on the move for extended periods of time. If the pack is uncomfortable to carry you will not be able to move as far as you want.
Look for packs with adjustable high density foam shoulder straps that prevent digging into your soft tissue. You also may want packs that have a padded waist strap to help distribute the load of the pack and a sternum strap to add stability.
Capacity
The capacity of the pack you are carrying will limit the amount and type of gear that you will be able to carry. If you are going to be solo in a bug out scenario then you can keep the size down to increase your agility and stamina. If you have family with you, especially young children, you may need a larger pack to carry some of their items.
Keep in mind that bigger is not always better. You want to keep the size as small as you can so that you limit the weight you are carrying. If you have a larger bag you will most likely fall into the trap of attempting to fill all the space.
Durability
It is a bit of a no-brainer, but you want to look for a tactical bug out bag that is constructed of high quality tough material. Many of the best packs are constructed of a high density nylon that can withstand even the most demanding conditions.
You also want to look for packs that have YKK zippers. These zippers are extremely tough and self repairing. You will not have issues with them snagging or the zipper breaking open under high loads.
Hydration Compatible
Water is the most essential element to survival. It is important to make water storage and purification a top priority in your bug out planning. Look for a tactical bug out bag that is designed to incorporate a hydration bladder into it. This way you can carry 2.5 or 3 liters of water with you as you travel.
MOLLE/PALS System Compatible
To truly be a tactical style bug out bag it needs to have MOLLE webbing. Pronounced like the name, Molly, this acronym stands for Modular Lightweight Load-Carrying Equipment. The system is derived from the Pouch Attachment Ladder System (PALS) webbing system of heavy-duty nylon loops stitched into the pack.
These loops allow for full customization over your loadout by allowing you to add additional pouches such as first aid kits, weapon pouches, ammo pouches, etc.
Premium Choice – 5.11 Tactical RUSH72
5.11 has become one of the most trusted and reputable manufacturers of tactical and military style gear. Their products are widely used by the military and law enforcement communities.
The RUSH 72 is the quite possibly the best made and well thought out designs currently available. It is constructed of durable 1000 denier nylon for use in the most extreme conditions.
The high density foam shoulder straps and waist belt makes the pack comfortable to wear for extended use. The 55 liter capacity ensures that you can carry all necessary equipment and MOLLE webbing allows for customization and the addition of accessories.
At the time of this writing the 5.11 RUSH 72 has a complete 5 star rating on Amazon with over 1,000 reviews. Users are in love with this tactical bug out bag and you will be too.
Lighter Option – 5.11 RUSH MOAB 10
Another entry from the 5.11 RUSH line is the MOAB 10 sling type tactical bug out bag. This is a fantastic option for those that would be bugging out from a location on their own and can carry less items.
The MOAB 10 is fully customizable with the MOLLE webbing system and includes a wide variety of small interior stash pockets to keep your small items organized and easy to locate.
The best feature of this sling type pack is the amount of pockets that are included including the shoulder com pocket and interior stash and admin pouches. This pack is also hydration bladder capable so you can carry a water supply with you.
Stealth Option – Direct Action Ghost Tactical
One of the key features of the Direct Action Ghost Mk II is the NIR (Near-Infrared) coating which helps prevent detection from nigh vision. The Mk II is available in several different color patterns, including Multi-cam.
This pack is designed with a combat vent system that is patented by the manufacturer and allows the wearer to remain comfortable even after extended periods of use.
The Mk II is constructed of water resistant coated Cordura 500D fabric and includes MOLLE/PALS system webbing for the addition of pouches and accessories for full customization.
The Mk II looks great and holds up well in most any austere condition. If you are looking for a highly versatile tactical bug out bag that is truly designed for tactical conditions, the Mk II is a solid choice.
Large Capacity Option – Mardingtop 65l + 10l Internal Frame Rucksack
The Mardingtop internal frame tactical bug out bag is the choice for you if you want to have the most storage capacity available in a tactical backpack style. This pack has a capacity of 65 liters and includes two 5 liter side packs for an impressive total capacity of 75 liters.
This pack is capable of holding a 5 liter hydration bladder and also includes a rain cover to keep your gear protected from the elements. The added MOLLE webbing allows the addition of more accessories and pouches to customize your loadout any way you wish.
The Mardingtop tactical bug out bag is constructed of water resistant 600D polyester and is equipped with durable YKK zippers. The main drawback I see to this pack is that with the large capacity you may be tempted to over pack and push the weight past your limits.
Budget Option – RUPUMPACK Tactical
The RUPUMPACK tactical bug out bag is a fantastic option if you want to stay under a $40 price point but want a serious bag. This pack is durably constructed of water resistant high density fabric and is built to last.
This pack is capable of holding a 2.5 liter hydration bladder so you have access to water on the go. It is also equipped with a padded waist strap which has pockets included for a phone or other small items.
The compression straps allow you to center the load with ease and a center sternum strap adds to the stability of the pack. This is NOT the best quality pack that you can find on the market, but it will do just fine as a dedicated bug out bag. I wouldn’t suggest purchasing this item if you plan to use daily as well.
Overall, this is a great entry level tactical bug out bag that will allow you to get the job done and avoid breaking the bank.
