If you’re preparing for the end times, then the best survival backpack is one of the most important pieces of gear you’ll ever buy. But not all backpacks are created equal. In fact, many of them aren’t designed for heavy-duty use. So, if you’re looking for a pack that can store all your essential gear and supplies, you need a model that’s durable, comfortable, and loaded with storage options. Enter the 5.11tactical Rush 72.
Our Verdict: Well-designed, built to last, this is a tough fully loaded survival pack that comes with all of the bells and whistles the true survivalist could want. Able to withstand heavy use and equipped with several storage options that are designed to keep you organized and your gear accessible, this is one pack you won’t ever want to leave home without.
Table of Contents
Overview and Features
Hands down, this is one of the most versatile packs on the market. It’s equipped with PUX2 coating, which means this pack is also waterproof. It’s made out of 1050D nylon so it’s incredibly durable and designed to take plenty of use and abuse on the road.
To prepare for a natural disaster, there are so many things to learn, such as how to make a fire on the fly, or what is the best way to purify water. You also need to keep supplies and gear on hand that can keep you safe, healthy, hydrated, and fed, in the face of disaster. This leading pack is one that you can feel confident about. Not only will it keep your gear dry and safe from the elements, but the variety of storage compartments, pouches, and pockets, will also help you stay organized.
Product Rating:
- You can remove part of the pack and use it as a separate daypack
- Waterproof design
- Waist belt
- Heavily padded shoulder straps
- Made from nylon
- Heavy-duty double stitching
Zippers
The pack is equipped with YKK nylon zippers, which are designed for heavy-duty outdoor use. The zippers are also very flexible, which means they won’t break even if your pack is overflowing with supplies and gear.
Straps
The pack comes with a total of four compression straps, with two on each side. The oval design of the shoulder straps works to encompass the shoulder and neck areas. The middle section of the pack is curved and attached to the shoulder straps, which are heavily padded with closed cell foam. The straps themselves are along the sides of the pack and do an excellent job of uniformly distributing the weight. The straps are also equipped with C-clips which will make it much easier to adjust them on the fly.
Design
This is the biggest pack in the manufacturer’s lineup. This model is designed to store at least three days’ worth of supplies and is a great choice for use in rugged terrain. The pack is not just suitable for survivalists, it’s also a great option for law enforcement officers, military personnel, firefighters, hikers, and campers.
Storage
The main storage compartment measures in at just under three cubic inches with a volume of forty-seven liters. This measurement doesn’t include the pouches or side pockets.
Pockets and Pouches
When you eyeball this pack you can see that it offers a variety of closed and open pouches and pockets. The fleece-lined pouch will keep your phone and other important personal items safe and secure. These pockets and pouches are well-built and designed to minimize friction.
Additional Closure Protection
Aside from the main nylon zipper, this pack also features pull strings which tie the zippers. This prevents the pack from accidentally opening.
Hydration Pouch
On the rear, you’ll find a hydration pocket complete with tubing. This will allow you to hook up a camel bag for easy and fast access to water when you’re on the go and don’t have time to stop for a water break.
Internal Pockets
Inside the pack, you’ll find a variety of pockets that have straps or fasteners for extra security. There is also a large mesh pocket located at the top of the pack that has a zipper closure at the bottom and top for easy entry.
Stitching
The pack is sewn with single stitching and double-back edge stitching. There is also a bar stack located along the pack’s stress areas which helps to improve durability.
Innovation
This design is nothing short of impressive. You can unzip part of the pack and wear it as a separate small daypack. There’s also a hip belt which will help to reduce the pressure placed on the back and shoulders when the pack is fully loaded. An aluminum stabilizer rod is located at the back of the pack and designed to prevent sagging. If you don’t like the feel of the rod, simply remove it.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Pros
- Heavy-duty stitching
- Nylon
- Flexible zippers
- Can remove part of the pack and use it as a daypack
- Waterproof
- Large enough to hold three days’ worth of supplies
Cons
- Price
- The hip belt’s adjustability is very limited
- Weighs five pounds
5.11 Pack Versus Uncharted Supply Emergency Survival Backpack – SEVENTY2
The Seventy2 backpack by Uncharted Supply is another great pack you can rely on. But if you’re looking for an ultra-light pack, this definitely isn’t it. While the 5.11 weighs five pounds, the competing model weighs eleven and a half pounds, which can be a deal-breaker for some. Like this model, the competition also features a waterproof design, so your supplies will remain nice and dry, even if you’re caught in the middle of a downpour. The competing model also comes loaded with pockets, which are labeled, so you can remain highly organized when you’re on the road. Both packs feature the type of durable design every survivalist is looking for, but if pack weight is a priority, then you’ll want to pass the Uncharted Supply pack on by.
Conclusion and Rating
Product Rating:
The 5.11 isn’t designed for everyone, especially if you’re looking for a very lightweight pack. However, if you’re in need of a backpack that you can rely on during a natural disaster, you won’t find a better model. Highly adjustable, loaded with pockets, pouches, and plenty of storage options that will have you feeling highly organized when you’re on the road, then this is the pack for you. I gave this pack a rating of five out of five stars.
