You want a tactical backpack that’ll hold up to a rigorous three-day escape — with lots of pockets, sturdy zippers, and MOLLE straps.
Hey there, fellow preppers and disaster-ready folks! If you're gearing up for emergencies and believe in being prepared, you're already one step ahead. But there's an important choice you need to make when it comes to your emergency gear: bug out bag, bin, or tote?
It may seem like a no brainer, but I’m amazed at how many preparedness classes I attend (and even websites I read) where they’re promoting a huge tote that’s completely impractical for a quick escape. When we walked out of another class last week I decided it was finally time to write a post.
Yeah, I dropped a huge spoiler right in the title: why you need a bug out bag. Now, let’s get to the reasons why.
Note: This page contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on qualifying purchases. It doesn’t affect your purchase price.
5 reasons you need a bug out bag — not a tote
Before we jump in, when I say bug out bag, I mean backpack, and not just any $10 Walmart clearance backpack. You want a tactical backpack that’ll hold up to a rigorous three-day escape — or more. You want a bag with lots of pockets, sturdy zippers, and MOLLE straps to attach extra gear.
Now we can get started.
1. Backpacks make for easy transportation
The portability of a bug out bag cannot be overstated. During a crisis, the ability to move quickly and efficiently is essential. Imagine being stuck in your vehicle on a congested highway during a disaster. Cars stall, fuel runs out, and traffic comes to a standstill. In such a scenario, you might need to abandon your car and continue on foot. This is where a bug out bag shines. It's compact and designed to be carried comfortably, leaving your hands free for other tasks or to hold onto your loved ones, especially if you have children in tow.
When you're responsible for the safety of your family, the last thing you want is to be weighed down by bulky totes or bins. To put it in perspective, imagine carrying a 20-gallon Rubbermaid tote in one arm and an infant in the other as you navigate stalled vehicles and dodge zombies. It’s not happening. And if you think you’re going to pull over, sort through life-saving gear in a huge tote to pack the most essential items into a $10 kindergartener’s backpack all while people push past you and fight over a bottle of purified water, that’s not happening either.
If you’re bugging out in your vehicle, go ahead and throw your bug out bag in the back seat. But once you reach any type of roadblock, you can have that bag strapped to your back and be out on foot in seconds.
Whether or not you have children, a bug out bag allows you to remain agile and responsive in a crisis. You can fend off looters or carry your child while still having your emergency supplies readily available on your back.
In case you’re not sold yet, consider the following disasters that could shut down any chance of escape by vehicle. This doesn’t include crises like terrorist attacks or societal collapse.
Wildfires
Fast-moving flames can quickly engulf roadways, making them impassable. Residents often have to flee on foot, carrying essentials on their backs when roads become choked with smoke and fire.
Floods
Whether from heavy rain, river overflows, or storm surges, floods can render roads underwater and impassable. In many cases, people find themselves stranded and must evacuate by other means, including boats or on foot.
Earthquakes
Earthquakes can cause landslides, road collapses, and structural damage, blocking roads and making vehicular escape difficult. People are often forced to navigate damaged terrain on foot to reach safety.
Hurricanes
Hurricanes bring intense winds, storm surges, and heavy rain that can flood and damage roadways. Evacuation orders can lead to traffic jams, and roads may become impassable due to debris and flooding, necessitating evacuation on foot or by boat.
Tornadoes
Tornadoes are known for their sudden and destructive path, leaving debris and damage in their wake. Roads can be blocked by fallen trees, buildings, and other debris, making escape by vehicle impossible, and people may have to leave on foot to reach safety
2. Bug out bags should be organized and efficient
Organization is key when it comes to emergency preparedness, and your bug out bag should be assembled with a place for everything.
This means you need a bug out bag with the right pockets, structure, MOLLE straps, etc. Tactical backpacks usually come with various compartments, pockets, and attachment points for gear like water bottles, flashlights, and first-aid kits. This level of organization allows you to quickly access what you need without the hassle of rummaging through a disorganized tote or bin.
Think about the stress and chaos of an emergency situation. Time is of the essence, and you can't afford to waste it searching for essential items. Bug out bags are designed to keep everything in its place, ensuring that you can grab what you need with ease.
Tactical backpacks don’t have to be expensive either. We bought these Roaring Fire tactical backpacks for about $40/each. We’ve recommended these to a lot of people.
3. Tactical backpacks are versatile and durable
In an emergency, your gear needs to be up to the challenge. A flimsy school backpack won't provide the durability and ruggedness needed for a serious bug-out scenario. Bug out bags, especially tactical ones, are built to withstand harsh conditions.
Tactical backpacks are constructed from robust materials, and their zippers, buckles, and straps are designed for heavy-duty use. They can endure rough handling and exposure to the elements. These bags are made to last, ensuring your gear stays intact and your supplies remain secure when you need them most.
4. Backpacks are more adaptable than a tote
Emergencies come in all shapes and sizes, from natural disasters to civil unrest or economic crises. Your bug-out plan must be adaptable. Bug out bags allow you to customize and adjust your gear based on the specific situation.
For example, you might need to switch from a focus on shelter and warmth to prioritizing food and water, depending on the circumstances. This adaptability is nearly impossible to achieve with a bin or tote, which often forces you into a one-size-fits-all approach.
Need more gear? As long as you can carry the weight, maybe you’ll want a 60L tactical rucksack instead of the 45L we use. Make sure you're getting the right size for a bug out bag. To see a decent size comparison, check out this Tactical Backpack Introduction by At Home Hack on YouTube.
5. Bug out bags make sense in real-life scenarios
Let's look at a couple of real-life scenarios. 1) You're forced to evacuate your home with an 18-month-old toddler. Carrying multiple large bins or totes for each family member becomes an arduous task, making it impossible to keep your toddler safe. 2) You’re a single guy living in an off grid cabin in the woods when winds blow a raging wildfire your direction. It engulfs the road and your only hope of survival is traversing a rugged mountain for 17 miles before you can find help. You’re not doing that with a tote. In these and a thousand other situations, a bug out bag is a lifesaver. A tote will put you at risk.
A bug out bag is essential in emergency preparedness
When it comes to emergency preparedness, a bug out bag is the most practical, efficient, and adaptable option — when bugging in isn’t an option.
It's not just about having the right gear. It's about ensuring you can carry it easily, access it quickly, and adapt to the ever-changing dynamics of a crisis. So, if you haven't already, invest in a high-quality bug out bag, customize it to your specific needs, and stay prepared for whatever challenges may come your way. Your bug out bag is your lifeline when the unexpected happens.
Not sure what gear you’re going to need? Check out our bug out bag list, and shop for bug out bag gear we recommend.