This is the last one of our survival gear reviews. We’ve still got another full day of emergency food packs to taste, but we couldn’t wrap things up without looking at our favorite all-purpose pack.

If you’re in any type of military service, than Bugout Bags are not new to you. In fact, versions of these packs are issued to all of our servicemen and women today. If you’ve travelled to your local airport and seen our servicemen and women in transit on civilian aircraft, then you’ve seen Bugout Bags.

These packs are my personal fav and I’ve got one as well as other Editors at Tech Bucket Blog who travel often. I know Shawn uses one when he travels as this bag easily holds enough for 3-5 days on the road (laptop, camera, and clothing).

Almost 3000 cubic inches of storage space spread out over 3 compartments that will keep your gear dry over moderate rain. If you’re expecting heavy down pours or hurricane rains, rain zippers easily fit over this pack, so you’ll want to invest in one.

Otherwise, for normal camping, hiking, or traveling, you really won’t find a better backpack.

The first compartment has slots for business cards, pens, keys, as well as an additional compartment perfect for basic documents like passports and such. You’ll also find an additional mesh pocket on the front of the bag. I just throw the iPod and cell phone in there and it’s been perfectly safe.

The secondary compartment includes two additional zipped pockets. Here I usually throw in small electronic gear or laptop cables. When camping, this is the perfect space for food and other supplies. MREs fit perfectly into the two pockets.

Finally, the main compartment. This one expands to nearly double it’s size if you need more space. I’ve rarely done that as only the overhead bins on the 747, 767, 757, 777, A320, or A330 (larger bodied aircraft than your typical puddle jumper), can hold the bag when fully packed and expanded.

You’ll find straps that help you tie down your clothes and essential gear so there’s nothing bobbing around when you’re hiking or off and running from gate A10 to A109 on a tight connection.

In fact, the bag in general straps on your body very well with a chest strap and a waist belt. Snap both on, tighten the shoulder straps and you’ll find the pack is securely on your back with the weight distributed evenly throughout your body.

That’s not to say the bag is light. I’ve packed this sucker to the weight of almost 100+ pounds. While really heavy, the pack does a great job and is designed really well to keep the weight off your shoulders. You’ll still feel it of course, but not as much as a conventional backpack.

In addition to the straps, you’ll also find two aluminum bars that provide the Bugout Bag with additional rigidity. Everything from the wide shoulder straps, rubber coated tacky surfaces, and more loops and gear hoops and straps than you can shake stick at. This bag screams “solid design and craftsmanship”.

Sure, you can get a bigger camping bag like you’re going on a Himalayan expedition. Those packs and camping packs in general will cost a heck of lot more than your typical Bugout Gear bag. The Bugout Bag reviewed here, carries an MSRP of $89.95. I picked up mine at commissary on base for around $55, so it’s one heck of deal.

I’m not a fan of the camping gear designs of regular camping packs. Too big, too tall, and sometimes just plain cumbersome. Bugout Bag is dang near elegant in it’s simple but extremely effective design.

Combine solid price, huge capacity, with a low bag weight of only 6-7 pounds, and it’s a solid pack that anyone looking should consider.

I haven’t given out an award yet, and this will be the first for me. Without consulting anyone else, I’m giving Bugout Gear’s Bugout Bag a Golden Bucket Award for best overall quality and performance in a pack. Consider it’s durability and you can’t disagree with me.

For more information on Bugout Gear and their other packs, check out their site here.

The pack that I’ve reviewed is called a Bugout Bag. Designs have changed a little bit as mine has a mesh front pocket, but that’s the only difference. Pick your color and camo patterns and be happy with one of the best packs you can invest in.

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