Gear reviews

Last updated on May 31st, 2020

A top-notch flashlight isn’t simply made to light up dim territories; it can also be utilized for camping and crisis circumstances. For example, you can use the ultra-beamed spotlights with high lumens to confuse an assailant, and so on. If you’re someone who likes to be prepared, you may want to settle on a durable strategic flashlight that withstands rough conditions and that has several light modes. What’s more obvious, they are awesome for ordinary use as well. With the thousands of flashlights available on the market, it is imperative that you research the best flashlight brands before making a purchase. Each is different in their own rights and can offer various qualities that you may not find in other brands.

To help you determine which light will work best for your situation, we have created a list of the best flashlight brands currently on the market. Take some time to compare each brand and the flashlights offered so you can be confident in the selection you purchase.

Top 6 Best Flashlight Brands That Dominate the Industry

(Note: The rundown isn’t in a particular rank; they are all great flashlight brands available and each differs from item to item.)

SureFire, LLC

SureFire was originally known as Newport Corporations, which was founded by Ph.D. engineer Dr. John Matthews. The organization made and managed the modern industry of lasers. Their first creation drove them to found Laser Products Corporation in 1979. The business concentrated on assembling and distributing laser sights for guns.

The turning point for the company was with the 1984 Olympic Games, which was held in Los Angeles. Laser Products Corporation helped LAPD’s SWAT group by furnishing the members with laser-sighted guns in order to upgrade the degree of security around the region. Their solid pledge to improving the police needs drove them to create flashlights that could be mounted on to weapons and then later prompted the introduction of SureFire, LLC in 2000.

Today SureFire, LLC has more than 100 flashlight products that are being utilized by the military, police and emergency workforce, and higher offices such as the Federal Air Marshal Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigations. The company additionally makes a wide assortment of different items including the flash muzzle, recoil compensator, sound modifier, batteries, hearing protection, battle-ready blades, and earpieces for strategic communication.

Here is an example of a product made by SureFire:

SureFire G2X Flashlight

The SureFire LED Flashlight (G2X Series) includes a nearly indestructible LED producer to give the greatest turnout and runtime in testing circumstances. This flashlight can turn out 600 lumens max. Its accuracy reflector empowers it to turn out smooth and high beamed light emission for intensified vision. The power button is located on the end cap and can be short-timed on by squeezing it halfway or set to be consistently on by pushing it in hard. The nitrolon-polymer body on the G2X Series consists of an ergonomic structure that is perfect for giving a solid and firm hold in rough situations.

Fenix

The tale of Fenix is much the same as other world-renowned innovative business voyages. A group of individuals from China, who acknowledged the need for top of the line flashlights, gathered and shaped an organization called FenixLight Limited. This company was established in 2004. They were fundamentally focused on research and development (R&D) but once a solid plan was in place, they began the manufacturing process. The model L1+ was the very first flashlight produced by Fenix in 2005. It’s presence overwhelmed the world and was declared as the “Flashlight of 2005” by numerous authorities.

From 2005 till the present date, Fenix has endeavored to produce the highest quality products worldwide. They have around 200 diverse flashlight models that are designed to cover a wide scope of purposes.

The Fenix flashlights are utilized by the military and police workforce for their solid quality and rugged durability. Fenix is confident that their flashlights create a considerable amount of light, which ultimately can help clients in hazardous circumstances. Other than flashlights, Fenix makes outdoor lights, headlamps, and also bicycle lights.

Here is one of the many great flashlights that Fenix offers:

Fenix TK75 LED Flashlight (Rechargeable)

Fenix is a top of the line flashlight offered by Fenix and is made of airplane grade aluminum for additional protection during brutal situations/conditions and intense falls. This flashlight has 4 levels of brightness to select from based on the circumstance alongside 2 short burst modes.
This flashlight can turnout 4000 lumens of extreme light — that is enough power to illuminate a large area. Using 4 batteries, the TK75 will last for roughly 11 days after a full charge.

NiteCore

NiteCore was at first a Chinese-only ODM/OEM in 2001, which made parts for different organizations. Their parts were recognized by numerous organizations for their high caliber quality. In the wake of gathering a great deal of information in the parts business during 2007, NiteCore started making LED flashlights that gave superior results to the clients.

As of today, NiteCore has more than 600 models of flashlights that are accessible to clients. The company shows interest in new patterns and designs and is open to upgrading their items if they discover something better within the competitive market. The acceptance of change is the thing that makes NiteCore a standout brand amongst other flashlight companies.
NiteCore also produces superb flashlights and similar accessories for use by regular citizens, military, and police staff.

Here is an example of a product made by NiteCore:

NiteCore P12 2015 Version

This flashlight by NiteCore works on one (1) 18650-type battery or two (2) CR123-type batteries. There are 4 different lumination modes that you can change to if you prefer. At the most extreme level, it can turn out 1,000 lumens, which provides an extremely bright light. This flashlight also has a runtime of 520 hours when used in ultra-low mode. The light beam that is produced by this flashlight has the power of 13,500cd and projects up to 232 meters.

It is lightweight, small, bright and great to use in many conditions, particularly if you are the type of person who likes to be prepared. It additionally offers two crisis situation lighting choices; for example, a strobe and S.O.S. mode. The P12 consistently retains the recently selected setting and also has the function to turn on itself as indicated by similar settings whenever you click the button.

Streamlight

Streamlight has been the go-to brand for more than 40 years. It is one of only a handful of brands that have been making flashlights for many years. It was established in England, Pennsylvania during 1973 and has been producing quality products since then. This brand has consistently exceeded expectations in making first-class items. Their firm faith in advancements drove them from creating radiant flashlights to the most recent LEDs with various features.

The brand Streamlight spends a lot of time and effort in research and development to create items that meet the demands of different fields. Streamlight gathers client input and data to evaluate and use to adjust and overhaul their past plans so they can satisfy the demands of their past and future clients. Streamlight also stands by their products; all issues are handled with the utmost care and priority.

Streamlight currently has more than 900 different models that are utilized by ordinary citizens as well as the military, police force, and rescue teams. They additionally give one of the best guarantees for their products if you happen to discover any issue or experience a malfunction with the item you purchased.

Below is one of the many Streamlight flashlights available:

Streamlight 45621 HID Litebox Flashlight

This flashlight by Streamlight is one of their top-of-the-line models and is perfect for individuals who can afford an amazing and high-powered flashlight. This flashlight is made with high-effect ABS thermoplastic casing that is also waterproof. It is outfitted with 35-watt xenon HID light that can turnout 3350 lumens of extreme light and has a base lifetime of around 2000 hours.

The exceptional round reflector on the head makes a long-range, high force and centered one million (1,000,000) candlepower ray.

ThruNite

ThruNite was established by David Chen in 2009 in Guangdong, China. Mr. Chen was a college dropout that invested in his entrepreneurial interest instead of learning from textbooks. Out of all of the positive and unique features this brand offers, the fact they serve the client directly without including any distributors in the process is at the top of the list. This gets rid of any confusion when it comes to determining if the product is truly from ThruNite or if it is a counterfeit item. The organization moved from Guangdong to a new facility in Shenzhen and currently handles all aspects of their company including assembling, research, and development, customer support and administration.

ThruNite uses Amazon distributing to get their products in the hands of customers around the world. Through this partnership, the company can service customers in the United States, Japan, France, and various other countries around the world. The brand is additionally known to be an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for certain organizations, since 2005, for flashlight and spotlight accessories. They also send free products for review to YouTube channel stars so they can give a legit review of the item and also reach more potential customers.

One of the more popular items ThruNite offers includes the following flashlight:

ThruNite TN36 (Limited Edition) 11,000 Lumen LED Flashlight

The TN36 by ThruNite is furnished with three CREE XHP70B LEDs that produce a turnout 11,000 lumens of extreme light and has a long-range beam up to a whopping 386 yards. It has (3) three separate ray turnouts; high-beam, low-lite, and turbo mode.

In addition to the amazing features this flashlight offers, ThruNite includes a 2-year guarantee. Customers can contact the company if any issues develop and the brand will either replace or refund the purchase price.

Maglite

Maglite or Mag-light is an American brand based in Ontario, California. They produce first-class flashlights, belt holsters, LED change modules, color and glass lenses, powerful radiant bulbs and so forth. It was established in 1979 by Anthony Maglica, which is how the brand acquired the name MagLite. Just like other well-known flashlight brands, Maglite began their adventure with assembling flashlights that included xenon or krypton glowing bulbs. Presently, Maglite is accepted worldwide as the main manufacturer of the best LED flashlights. Regardless of what model selected, customers know that they are getting a well-made product that is known for their phenomenal quality and execution.

To keep with the changing demands of customers worldwide, Maglite is always researching and developing new plans for a better product. They strive to stay at the top of the list when it comes to flashlight brands and try to stay ahead of the game.

Let’s take a look at one of Maglite’s most popular flashlights on the market:

Maglite 3-Cell LED Flashlight

This 3-cell flashlight made by Maglite uses only D batteries (Polaroid D batteries are suggested). It is made of great quality material and has climate-safe seals for more assurance. Its turn out is 168 lumens, and as indicated by the producer, and the battery life is approximately 80 hours.

It has a range distance of 412 meters. To make the flashlight useful in different circumstances, Maglite has made this flashlight with a pivoting head. This pivoting head will allow customers to direct the light to the area that needs to be lit.

Conclusion

As you can see, each brand is unique and offers something different to consumers. From backpackers and hikers to do-it-yourself customers (DIYs), these are the best flashlight brands when it comes to a high-quality flashlight. As the consumer demand increases for better products, flashlight companies like Maglite are producing products that last longer, have a solid build, and are of top-notch. Although there are multiple brands available in the flashlight market, the ones listed above are considered the top choices amongst customers worldwide.

When selecting the perfect flashlight for your lifestyle, take into account the various options available. Does the flashlight need to be waterproof? How strong of a beam do you need? Do you need a rechargeable flashlight or one that takes common household batteries? These are all important questions to ask when it comes to selecting the right flashlight for you. After all, you want a light that will still be working just like new in a few years.

Are you looking for tactical flashlights? Find the best cheap tactical flashlights here.

Last updated on June 6th, 2020

The idea of a world-ending event or an apocalyptic-type of scenario has put fear into thousands of people not only in the U.S. but worldwide. Doomsday preppers have built homes with high-level security and basements with enough food for years.

Most people, however, are not in that mindset but would like to prepare even if it’s just a few items in a backpack.

These specific types of backpacks are called “bug-out bags” and so in this article, we will be discussing and reviewing ten of the best bug out backpacks. Our top pick is a combination of price and quality.

IN A HURRY? HERE’S OUR TOP PICKS…

Bag	Title	Rating
	First My Family 4FKIT	#1	Buy Now
	Emergency Zone 4 Person Family Prep 72 Hour Survival Kit	#2	Buy Now
	Barbarians Upgraded 35L Tactical Molle Backpack	#3	Buy Now

From these top-rated backpacks, we chose the top ten to ensure you’re looking at the top of the crop. Strong, durable, & water-proof materials make these backpacks great for any occasion.

Half of these contain the survival and necessary items in them already while the others will need you to fill them with products.

The pricing on some of these bags ends up being about the same if you take into consideration how much more it would cost you to fill them up. A typical backpack costs anywhere from 35 to 100 dollars for a nice and durable product. A trip to the store for three days of food costs anywhere from 50 to 100 dollars.

However, if you don’t want to take the time to do this, then you’re more than welcome to buy the ones that are already prepared for you. See our guide to the best premade bug out bag.

In the final section of this article, we will go into detail about how you should pack your bugout backpack. We’ll also discuss why it is important for people to create a bug-out backpack and a get home backpack in today’s world.

The Best Bug Out Backpack List

The sizing of these backpacks is in liters and starts at 35 liters for common bug out backpacks.

Many of these backpacks have everything you need to build shelter, start fires, purify water, cut wood, stay warm, and may also include hygienic products.

Not to mention the food can keep a family of four alive for seventy two hours. That and the blankets are similar to what they use in space to keep astronauts alive. 

#10

CVLIFE Tactical Backpack

This bag comes in six distinct colors; black, ACU, Army Green, Camo ACU, camo pattern, and Multi-Camo. It is not only durable but also water-resistant.

You’ll notice it contains a main large compartment, a detachable front pocket bag that can be used as a tactical fanny pack. The two side pockets are also detachable bags that can be used for first aid or other multifunctional tools.

This backpack uses the military Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE) system to enhance space inside the backpack and to make it easier to carry.

The backpack itself only weighs 3.8 pounds but can be seen as a fifty-liter bag. It’s got two ventilated shoulder straps with one belly strap and flaps that divert rain.

This affordable backpack can be used as a bug-out 72-hour survival backpack kit or anything else you desire.

The detachable bags become a smaller one with a strap across the chest. One person on Amazon left a comment mentioning one of the straps being defective. The buyer contacted CVLIFE and instead of fixing the defective unit, they sent an entirely new backpack. That is great customer service in our books. 

If you want to use this backpack as a bug-out backpack you’ll have to fill it up yourself. You’ll want to have an extra set of clothes, a water bladder, a fire starter, or a lighter.

Some people may want to use this as a get home bag for smaller emergencies, but the size of the bag makes it less desirable for that.

If you want to use it as a get home bag we recommend you remove all the exterior pockets and limit the amount you store in it to one pair of clothes, some snacks, and a small first aid kit.  

What We Like:

• Just the right size
• Good value
• Detachable side bags
• The MOLLE system allows you to add plenty of more items or gear
• Different color selections
• It can fit more than enough to survive a 72-hour situation

What We Don’t Like:

• Cheap plastic
• Fake pocket in the front
• Bug out/ survival items are not included

#9

RUPUMPACK Military Tactical Backpack

This military tactical bug out backpack has everything you’d ever need.

If you want to take it out on a few hikes, it will keep your water cold for up to four hours. This is because it has an insulation layer to keep things cool.

It also has multiple pockets for you to carry whatever you want. One of the great features is the wide straps that go along the waist. You can fit the largest iPhone there is in these pockets for easy access.

In terms of size, this bug out backpack would be on the smaller side with only 33 Liters in weight capacity. However, that’s enough to work as a three-day bug out bag.

This backpack also uses the MOLLE system to add more items without it becoming unbearable. By itself, this bag is lighter than the previous one weighing in at 3 lbs.

Some backpacks bounce around as you move, but the RUPUMPACK stays in place.

If you’ve ever been hiking or climbing in high altitudes you’re sometimes hindered by the sudden sway of your backpack and everything in it. This can throw someone off balance easily, but the RUPUMPACK is built to remain sturdy.

This backpack might have fooled you in the picture, but it does not come with items inside it. You can easily turn it into a bug out bag with the following items: a water bladder, a water filter straw, first aid kit, a radio, space blankets, body warmers, gloves, multi-tools, lanterns and flashlights.

You can fit all these things and still have space to put in a small sleeping bag or a tarp to build a small hut.  

What We Like:

• Cooling compartment
• Y-Strap for support
• Carrying handle

What We Don’t Like:

• The straps are not as reliable as they look
• The cooling compartment does not have a hole to drain excess water that builds up
• May be uncomfortable for people with larger bellies

#8.

Monoki First Aid Survival Kit

Not only is this bag durable and almost perfect for any situation, but it comes with 302 items. Yes, everything you see in the photo comes inside of the backpack when you purchase it.

It is made in a trifold design so you’re able to fit more items. The nylon material makes it waterproof in case of heavy rain or spills.

Many of the backpacks in this list will come with the tactical MOLLE system so you can add and connect it with other tools or gear. When you think of ten items your mind starts to lose focus, now try imagining 302 items. Of those items, 275 are first aid supplies for any emergency.

This is not a bug out backpack due to its small size, but it can be a great addition to any other backpack via the MOLLE system.

With this addition to your adventures, you’ll be able to fish, start fires, cut wood, know where you are, and build tools if you need them.

The previous two backpacks did not come with the items already in it so let’s talk about what items this has in it already. And what you’ll need if anything, to be fully covered.

You have a paracord bracelet for a wide variety of tying scenarios. A flashlight for darkness, multi-tool pliers, fishing items, space blankets, a poncho raincoat, you can cut trees, and you have magnesium rods to start fires as well. It looks like the only thing you’ll have to add to the mix is water.

Adding a water bladder or even a couple of survival straws will be good. You may need a filter bottle to carry the water, but you may as well do with four or five water packets. 

What We Like:

• Can also be used as a hiking backpack
• Low price
• Great quality items
• Quick velcro-release straps for easy removal of extra side pockets.

What We Don’t Like:

• Quality control can be an issue so there may be less than 302 items in random packs. 

#7

Sustain Supply Co. Premium Emergency Survival Bag/Kit

We are on number seven of the top ten bug out backpack list and we are tempted to say this one could compete for the number one spot.

It is a lot pricier, but that is because this backpack is a premium survival backpack for a family of four people. Everything in it will sustain a party of four for seventy-two hours.

There are two other options in case you don’t need a large backpack. The other two options are the essentials and the comfort backpacks sold separately.

This four-person backpack is a combination of the other two options so it will have both survival, essential items, and comfort accessories.

This bag not only contains high-quality food and 4 liters of water, but it also includes a portable stovetop to heat the food. Within it, you’ll find a water purification system so you always have drinkable water.

This bug out backpack is strategically meant for the event where you have to survive in your home but can be easily transported if you needed to evacuate.

The bag contains everything you would need in the case of an emergency including an LED lantern, ferrocerium rod, a flashlight, and snap lights. It doesn’t matter if the power goes off, your family will survive..

Other than power, does this bag cover the essential needs we must have in a bug out bag? The answer is yes. This bag is packed with premium survival items.

Its been specially crafted to carry enough food and water, light, blankets, and survival tools. It also contains a premium first aid kit with all the necessities to clean cuts and prevent infections. 

What We Like:

• Perfect terrible crisis backpack
• Can keep alive a family of four
• Contains twenty-four food servings
• Comes with three different light sources

What We Don’t Like:

• Batteries for the lanterns are not included

#6

DIGBUG Military Tactical Backpack

You can use most of these backpacks in a wide variety of scenarios from hiking to end-of-the-world disasters. The DIGBUG backpack was named this way because it is one of the better backpacks to have as a bug out.

Its capacity is approximately forty liters making it closer to a large size than a medium. Previously we discussed a backpack that was from fifty to sixty liters which is more in the large category.

This DIGBUG backpack uses the tactical MOLLE system which makes sense because during a disaster it is better to be over-prepared than to need something you don’t have.

Heavy-duty zippers, a Y-strap, breathable mesh, and two color options make this backpack an easy pick. People online have given it great reviews and what they tend to speak about a lot is the compartment that’s specifically for a water bag/bladder.

Because this is just a backpack you will have to research, find, and purchase the survival items on your own. Some of the ones you can start with are a multitool camping ax, a hydration bladder, first aid kit, flashlights, emergency mylar blanket, firestarter, waterproof matches, life straw, and a paracord bracelet with a compass.

Another thing people seem to love is the ease in which you can organize everything. It’s like the designers thought of every possible configuration of flashlights and miscellaneous items you could potentially carry in a bag. 

What We Like:

• Durable and usable for different activities
• Only one negative review
• Great quality at an amazing price.

What We Don’t Like:

•   Does not come with survival items.

#5

REEBOW GEAR Military Tactical Backpack

The REEBOW GEAR comes with something that only one backpack we’ve mentioned so far has: A water bladder compartment. It does not come with the water bag, but if you have one, there’s a compartment specifically for it.

It uses the MOLLE system to add more pouches or other gear as required by the adventure or survival situation. People have bought multiple of these bags simply to convert them into a bug out bag.

One buyer on Amazon says that they have been buying and planning to buy items for more than six months to put in their new bug out bags.

If it were just a little bigger it would not meet the regulations for a carry-on when flying, but at this exact size, it fits under the seat or in the top compartments.

It does not have a frame inside of the backpack, but it is not flappy like other bags without a frame.

The quality of this backpack should cost twice what it is listed for so you’re already getting a bargain.

If you read some of the reviews for this bag people will say they confused it for a cheap quality bag as soon as it arrived, but it reminds us not to judge a book by its cover since the backpack turned out to be everything, but “cheap”.

The same people then update their reviews after having the backpack for a while and their initial thoughts change.  

What We Like:

• FREE shipping
• Has been taken on planes
• Belly strap feels great. 

What We Don’t Like:

• Some complaints about stitching coming undone
• Zippers tend to break
• The second biggest pocket can become smaller than it should if everything else is filled. 

#4

Emergency Zone Urban Survival 72-Hour Bug Out/Go Bag Survival Kit

We are getting close to the top bags, but at number four is this 72-hour survival backpack with everything you need. You have the choice to upgrade to a four-person bag or even a four-person with a dog.

A disaster is something that no one can predict. It’s best to prepare early and with this bug out bag, you’ll be protected from floods, storms in the winter, earthquakes, fires, evacuations, and even civil unrest.

It’s happening right now in certain countries so having a backpack with food and water that remains usable for five years is great.

It comes with a guidebook to help you survive and the bars you’ll eat contain enough calories to be considered a meal.

The discreet design is made with the thought of confusion in mind. When there’s a natural disaster or civil unrest, you don’t want to stand out so blending in with the crowds is important.

If people were fighting for food out in the streets you wouldn’t want them to see your backpack full of valuable goodies.

The backpack has great organization potential with 12 compartments.

The average waiting time to get running water back on during a disaster is three months. People need to prepare.  

What We Like:

• 3-Day food and water supply
• Tools, shelter, first aid, water purification, hygiene supplies
• Very discrete design that could blend into any situation

What We Don’t Like:

• The material is water-resistant not waterproof
• Some of the items may be missing or have been misplaced.  

#3

Barbarians Upgraded 35L Tactical Molle Backpack

On the smaller side, this backpack has a thirty-five-liter capacity. The size does make it more suitable as an assault backpack, but that doesn’t mean you can’t pack it with survival items and food.

It is great for a hiking adventure or in case of a survival emergency. The material is durable and water-resistant and the backpack has a special compartment to keep a water bladder.

Made with the MOLLE system this backpack can convert into multiple uses attaching tools, gear, and more.

It comes in two colors and it has a neat feature where it can open completely.

We keep talking about these sorts of backpacks being water-proof, but we’ve forgotten to mention the material. The waterproof material used is called high-density 600D fabric.

One of the main issues with backpacks that get put to work in tough environments is the zipper life. I’ve had too many backpacks whose zippers stop working when I pull it too hard. It either comes off its zipper railing or completely breaks. You won’t have these problems with this backpack since it has some of the most durable SBS zippers on the market. You can tell when it’s quality. 

It’s great that the backpack is waterproof because we don’t have to worry about our survival items getting wet. However, we still have to get the items to put inside the backpack.

To be honest, this backpack could work best as a get home backpack because of its size. You could easily fit a pair of clothes, some snacks, and water in here while you wait to get home to the actual bug out bag. This doesn’t stop you from having a couple of these backpacks as bug out bags.  

What We Like:

• Can be used for multiple activities
• About half the price people expect to pay for this type of backpacks

What We Don’t Like:

• Survival items not included
• Plastic joints may break easily. 

#2

Emergency Zone 4 Person Family Prep 72 Hour Survival Kit/Go-Bag

This backpack contains enough survival items to last you seventy-two hours in almost any situation. It also comes with a smaller choice for two people so the choice is yours.

Only one of the other backpacks on the list contains a water purification system, but this backpack contains a straw as well. This means you can drink potentially out of any water source you find. Great for any flooding or storm events where freshwater is inaccessible.

It comes with an emergency book to learn more about survival in case you come across a situation you were not aware of.

Everything in the bag meets FEMA’s requirements so you know it’s higher quality than other bags.

The descriptions on Amazon and other resellers tell you it is “discrete”, but there’s nothing discrete about the color red.

This brand takes space and mobility very seriously and packs its backpacks with the utmost care to make a compact and lightweight backpack to carry in any situation. In a dire situation, you want to be able to move quickly and not be bogged down by weight or an uncomfortable bag.

It comes with a radio as well in case you want to listen to important news if your power goes out.  

There’s no surprise why this backpack came in second place on our list. It meets every single requirement for a bug out bag.

You not only have multiple packs of drinkable water, but you also have a water filtration straw that takes care of your hydration needs.

There are enough snacks tools, light, shelter, and hygienic items in here for a family to survive. You even have a can opener and playing cards so you can eat whatever canned meals you added and have a little fun distraction while you wait for everything to get back to normal.

This backpack also adds a hygiene kit which is more than a necessity. We are used to being clean and having certain items such as a toothbrush, razor, and shampoo available. In case of an emergency we want as many familiar items as possible and having these available can neutralize anxiety or the feeling of worry. 

What We Like:

• Options for two or four people
• Everything you need in case of a disaster. 

What We Don’t Like:

• Some of the items are said to be cheaper than expected
• Packs are not evenly distributed with items

#1

First My Family 4FKIT All-in-One 4-Person Premium Disaster Preparedness Survival Kit

We are now at the best bug out backpack. The reason we put it at number one is that not only is it the best value for your money, but it is a PREMIUM bug out backpack.

Only one other backpacks on this list had premium materials, but that one was twice the cost of this one. The “First My Family” all-in-one backpack is for four people.

In the kit, you get items for warmth, shelter, food, water, and first aid. When disaster hits typically people need to use first aid kits before everything else. The emergency kit in this kit has more than eighty-five pieces.

The water supply can last seventy-two hours while the food rations total 2,400 calories.

There’s also blankets, a poncho, and a body warmer to ensure you survive in the cold. Who knows what you will need to move and touch with your bare hands during a survival event so this bag also comes with leather gloves to protect you from whatever is out there.

This bug out backpack comes in at number 1 because of everything already mentioned and because it goes above and beyond to prepare and protect your family from disasters. So much planning went into this bag that it even includes medical procedure masks in case they’re needed.  

What We Like:

• Best value for the money
• Mylar space blankets
• Premium items and materials
• 5-year shelf-life. 

What We Don’t Like:

• Some buyers mention this being of lower quality than they thought. 

Best Get Home Backpack

We forgot to mention the other term “get home backpack” which is a smaller version of a bug out bag.

A get home backpack is meant to sustain your needs for shorter periods; a few hours, or a day. It’s also not kept in your home like the bug out bag.

Instead, the get home backpack is meant to protect you as you’re away from your house, hence the name “get home”. These types of backpacks should also be pre-prepped and left inside your car in a cool area.

Inside you should have a pair of clothes, water, and some snacks with enough calories to prevent extreme hunger. You’ll need the energy to get home safely and pick up the real bug out bag.

How & Why to Use The Backpacks

If you’ve read up to this point you’ll notice we spoke about the natural disasters that can occur, but why else should you use a bug out bag or prepare a get home backpack?

Well, because the nature of the universe is unpredictable. You don’t know when you’re going to get a flat tire in the middle of nowhere. It’s when you least expect it that things happen so it’s best to be prepared. That’s reason number one.

Reason number two is that having a get home backpack in your car at all times means you can always change into a new pair of clothes and what’s bad about having a couple of snacks and water in the car?

You don’t have to carry a whole bug out backpack in your car, but you could carry a few get home backpacks just in case. Now let’s talk about how to structure a bug out backpack. So many people tell you what you need and that you need it, but they won’t explain or show you how to set up the backpack.

It doesn’t matter whether you have a fifty liter or a 70-liter backpack, the space inside it will only hold so many items. As you saw throughout this article, these backpacks can fit three hundred items, but those are smaller survival products.

If you’re building your bug out backpack it will be less “commercial” and more personal to you. However, you’re still human and humans need the same things to survive. Shelter, water, food, and fire.

Clothing

As you build your bag make sure to first put in one extra set of the warmest clothes you have. Protection from the elements is the first line of defense when it comes to shelter.

If you can’t find shelter at all then you’ll need to have warm clothes. After the set of clothes, you’re going to want to put in the tarp and the space blanket so that your shelter is taken care of.

Fire

Next, you’ll want to make sure everything you can have for a fire is set in the bag. A lighter, magnesium rods, stormproof matches, and something dry for instant fire.  

Water

Water is the most important thing you need when trying to survive. It’s more important than food, so if it’s between packing food or water, we’d go with the water. So, for the water, you can have water pouches to reduce space or a gallon to carry with the MOLLE system.

However, you’re going to want the ability to disinfect water wherever you find it. You’ll want disinfection tablets and a clean filter bottle to first filter the water. Then disinfect and filter it again for super clean water.

Food

The food aspect of a bug out can be tricky. You want to have food in there that has a long shelf life. The food shouldn’t require heat or water since that’s something you’ll have in a limited quantity.

If you want something a bit nicer than survival food, you can have an MRE (meal, ready to eat), which they use in the military. That’s a whole meal you can have to gain and store energy while you’re bugging out.

These MREs themselves are around 130 dollars for a pack of 12. That is why we felt the pricing would be about the same as buying the backpack and then filling it up yourself. 

Conclusion

It doesn’t have to be a catastrophe for these backpacks to be useful. You can turn a lot of these into hiking backpacks, trekking bags, and more. The majority that we listed come with the MOLLE military system which allows you to convert the backpack into whatever you want.

Whether you’re going camping, hiking, trekking, climbing, or need it to survive, these bug out bags will do the job.

We’ve selected ten of the top-rated backpacks to choose from and the number one bag is the most suitable for a family.

Within this list, you’ll also find that some of the backpacks don’t contain items inside of them. That’s because they can also be used as get home backpacks. The difference between these and bug-outs is the amount of time it can help you stay alive.

The best get home backpack contains one pair of clean clothes, snacks, water, and a few tools. It’s meant to keep you protected while you are away from home, with just enough items to keep you alive while you “get home”.

So you can choose between building a bug out backpack, buying one that’s already packed with items in it, or buying a backpack to build a simple get home backpack.

Now it’s up to you to select which backpack you want to purchase. Thanks for reading!

Last updated on August 5th, 2020

When building your bug out bag, there are several considerations to ensure your survival system meets your needs. You will need to determine how long you want to prepare for, and what type of situation you might find yourself in. You should also consider your local environment to determine if you need water on hand, or if you will be able to forage for water; and then if the water available, is it potable. Also consider how many people you expect to be in your party. Of course, budget is almost always a concern as well. Use this guide to help you get started on your hunt for the best premade bug out bag for your needs.

The Best Premade Bug Out Bags

Easily compare premade bug out bags with this table and then scroll down for more details about each bag.

Bug out Bag	Link	Food and Water	First Aid	Shelter
	Everlit Earthquake Emergency Kit	Yes	Yes	Yes
	First My Family 4FKIT	Yes	Yes
	Emergency Zone Deluxe 2 Person Urban Survival Kit	Yes	Yes	Yes
	Monoki First Aid Survival Kit		Yes	Yes
	Sustain Supply Co Premium Emergency Survival Bag	Yes
	Bug Out Bag Survival Kit			Yes

Everlit Earthquake Emergency Kit

This bag has everything two people will need to survive for up to 72 hours. This is impressive as the entire kit only weighs 20 pounds, and fits in the included backpack. The bag is also modular with plenty of MOLLE attaching points spread across the back, so you can easily add to it as you see fit. This will be helpful if you wish to add sustainment pouches for additional food, water, ammunition, or batteries for an extended survival situation.

First Aid

The kit includes the most important emergency equipment; over 200 pieces of first aid supplies. Bandages, gauze, a tourniquet, burn dressings, face coverings, tape, and more are all included. The makers of this kit clearly understand that medical supplies are more important in an emergency situation than weapons. Your primary goal during a three-day survival situation should be to improve your situation, and this is impossible if your health is degrading due to injury or health concerns.

Shelter

You will also be prepared to provide yourself with improvised shelters with this kit. It includes a saw capable of cutting small pieces of wood, a poncho, gloves, and parachute cord that will all come in handy when creating shelter from the elements.

A multi-tool, a fire starter, a crank flashlight, and chemlights will also come in handy for a variety of different purposes when in a survival or evasion situation.

Food and Water

Of course, you will be able to gather food and water during a survival situation, but this kit allows you to focus on other concerns for the first few days. Shelf stable food and water capable of maintaining two adults for up to two days are included. This will allow you to manage your survival priorities easier, and potentially give you the opportunity to sustain yourself for much longer than three days if you do choose to hunt or gather food from the environment.

Pros:

Can be shared between two people, modular

Cons:

The bag is not premium quality

First My Family 4FKIT

This kit places a premium on medical supplies that you might need during a survival situation. If you are looking for a kit to get you started, or to help you make it to a relatively near improved position, this kit can help you achieve that goal.

First Aid

The kit includes 85 pieces of medical supplies that will help you to treat minor injuries such as cuts and scrapes. The kit also includes instructions on how to use the medical supplies for a variety of different injuries, which can be very useful if you are not up to speed in your medical training.

The kit also includes other useful items during a survival situation. The floating flashlight is a nice touch as your light will do you no good if it is unreachable or damaged due to water. Find more flashlight options in our article about the best tactical flashlights.

The water bottle can help you to carry water found from safe water sources. A whistle will help you to be found if that is your goal or can be used to signal others in your party. The included poncho can be used for a variety of purposes, in addition to protection from the elements. Chemlights, a multitool, a blanket, and gloves are also nice additions.

Food and Water

This kit also includes 9600 calories of food and plenty of freshwater packets to keep you sustained for up to four days. The food is nut free for those who are concerned about allergies.

The bag itself is made of simple nylon. It will keep everything from the kit contained and ready to go at a moment’s notice. Extra pockets help for keeping things organized as you use the kit. The bag is not modular though, so altering the system to fit your specific needs will be a challenge.

Pros:

Plenty of food and water to keep you going, many of the components are certified by the U.S. Coast guard for quality.

Cons:

Expensive, not modular, low quality bag, 18 pounds seems heavy for what you get with this kit.

Emergency Zone Deluxe 2 Person Urban Survival Kit

This kit is designed to sustain two people for up to three days, but there are versions that include supplies for four people and dogs as well. This is a nice addition as it is likely that you might include your dog as part of your survival plan. Dogs can help with security, hunting, and morale during a survival situation so they should not be discounted when planning for a survival situation.

This kit has a little bit of everything you are going to want in a survival situation, and several items that are often overlooked. Toilet paper might be one of the most often forgotten additions to a survival system; while substitutes are easy to come by for the imaginative mind, having the right tool for the job can be a great morale booster. Other hygiene items such as a shaving kit and feminine hygiene products are also a welcome addition to this kit as they can double as hygiene and first aid supplies.

The included playing cards can of course be used to keep morale high as well as pass time, but they can also be used to help keep track of the date or be used for covert communication with others.

Food and Water

Shelf stable water is included, but the water bottle also includes a filter-straw to help make brackish water safer to drink if necessary. Emergency food rations are also included to help keep your focus on concerns other than where your next meal is coming from. An included can opener will be helpful for any scavenged food that might be found, as canned goods are of little use if you can’t get them open.

First Aid

The 118 piece first aid kit will be sufficient for minor cuts and scrapes. I would like to see a tourniquet included, but the scissors are a great addition. As is the guidebook and waterproof bag.

Shelter

This kit also includes one of the better survival shelter systems you can find in a kit like this. Two sleeping bags, two ponchos, and a minimalist tent will be extremely helpful if you are struggling to create a shelter due to lack of time or materials. The paracord, duct tape, gloves, and multi-function knife will also help with shelter improvement.

The included flashlight is powered by a hand crank and has an integrated radio to keep you up to date on the developing situation.

The bag is not modular, but does have plenty of pockets for organization, and it is discreet so as to not draw attention when stored in a common area.

Pros:

Discreet bag, entire kit is less than 15 pounds, includes often forgotten items

Cons:

Medical supplies are limited, no firestarter included

Monoki First Aid Survival Kit

If you are looking to add supplies to an existing kit, or supplement a tactical system with survival equipment, this is an excellent option. The kit is super small and lightweight, and it is designed with MOLLE loops and to be attached to another system with MOLLE.

Food and Water

This kit does not include food or water supplies, which is understandable due to the overall size of the kit. But you will need to supplement your survival system with sustenance or plan on reaching food and water sources during your egress. It is true that you can survive for a couple of days without food or water, but your body will be in a degraded state of performance.

Fishing line and fly-type lures can help to provide some food when needed, but for anybody who has tried to rely on these tools alone for sustenance, you will know that they call it fishing and not catching for a reason. This can be helpful as an alternate or emergency source of food.

First Aid

The kit does include a moderate amount of medical supplies. They would be sufficient for minor cuts and scrapes, but for a serious injury you will need to get creative. Rubber banding can be used as a tourniquet, but it is not the most effective for wounds to the upper legs or arms where the arteries are deep in the limb. The medical scissors included are a great addition and can be used for a variety of needs.

The kit includes both a folding knife and a multitool. I love this idea because the blade on many multitools is often small and will dull easily. Having a blade for small jobs and one for medium jobs will help to extend the life of each. An included saw will also help to collect small sources of fuel for a fire, and the firestarter will help to get that fire lit for cooking or heat.

Shelter

The paracord bracelet, carabiners, and ponchos are also useful tools for creating hasty shelters. The included flashlight is also of reasonable quality and is water resistant and durable. Even with the compact size of the bag, there is still room to add a few small essentials you might want to drop in.

Pros:

High quality bag, lightweight, included folding knife in addition to the multitool

Cons:

No food or water included, the first aid supplies are lacking

Sustain Supply Co Premium Emergency Survival Bag

This bag has a ton of great items that are nice to have in a survival system, especially if you might be in egress for a while and you appreciate some creature comforts. There are a couple of glaring concerns with the kit though that should be addressed when creating your bug out kit.

First Aid

First, the bad. The medical supplies in this kit are severely lacking. If you are in need of anything a Band-Aid can’t fix, you’re going to have to get creative. The kit is also light in the tools department. Other than the included knife and firestarter, there is not much that will assist you in the way of fieldcraft.

Food and Water

Now to the good stuff. This kit has the best food out of any of the kits on this list. Real food can be a huge morale booster when in a survival situation. The only concern is that it can be easy to consume your food too quickly if it tastes good, so self-restraint might need to be practiced.

Not only is the food real, but the kit provides both the means to cook it, but also the utensils needed to eat it. And there’s enough food to feed four people for up to three days. You might feel more like you’re camping instead of surviving during meals with this kit.

The provided water is in refillable containers, and the kit includes a water filtration system. This is great for extended situations where the provided water might not be sufficient.

The light sources in this kit are also fantastic. Two lanterns and two durable flashlights are included. A lantern can be extremely useful when trying to work with both hands in the dark, and you don’t realize how frustrating a flashlight can be in this situation until you find yourself in it.

While the tools are minimal in this kit, they are high quality. A strong fixed blade knife will be useful for both cutting and small jobs that require chopping. The firestarter is accompanied by tinder materials which will greatly enhance your ability to get a fire going. The cooking pot is also designed to protect your fire from the elements when in use.

Pros:

Real food, excellent light sources and knife

Cons:

Greatly lacking on medical supplies, very large bag

Bug Out Bag Survival Kit

This bag is a great start to a system, especially if you are looking for something to supplement a larger kit. The over-the-shoulder bag is easy to carry and is light weight. The whole kit is just over three pounds, making this a very portable system.

The first disclaimer with this kit is that it is not a complete system by any stretch of the imagination. This kit does not include many medical supplies. You will need to add to this bag or include this bag as part of a larger system when building your complete bug out bag. There are also no food or water provisions included with this kit.

Where I think this bag will excel is as an ancillary bag used to make small treks out of your camp where you want some of the included tools on your person.

This is the only kit on the list that includes a shovel. A small shovel can be greatly under-appreciated as a survival tool as it can be used to create shelter, create fish traps, or even chop small branches for a fire.

The compass is of medium quality, which is better than what is included in most kits. The flashlight is water resistant and is made of aluminum for durability; be advised that batteries are not included. The included fishing equipment is nice to see but should not be relied upon. The one piece of medical equipment is a high-quality tourniquet and can be operated with one hand which should be a priority in a survival situation.

There is also a pen with a built-in window breaker and a scarf included. Both will appeal to the tactical gear guru but are relatively forgettable as inclusions in the kit.

Pros:

Lightweight, inexpensive

Cons:

Lacks medical supplies, no food or water included

Final Thoughts

When building a kit for a survival egress, the best premade bug out bag should be part of a complete system that meets your specific needs. Take care to make sure you have the ability to feed yourself and provide sustenance for yourself while on the move.

Also be sure to have the means to provide yourself with shelter or build shelter to protect yourself from the elements. Imagination is your friend when coming up with extra items you might want included in your system, as long as you also keep size and weight constraints in mind as you may be carrying this bag on foot.

Last updated on October 11th, 2021

Best Handgun Safe

My children are very young but are getting to the age where they are curious about hidden things.  My every day carry weapon is a Ruger LCP.  I usually keep this in my top drawer which is about five feet high.  

As my kids get older and more curious this will no longer be an option.  I will be purchasing a handgun safe and this post will show my thoughts and research on the best handgun safe.

Here are my requirements:

• Keep my kids out
• Allow quick access to my firearm under stress and in the dark
• High Quality
• Price range of $100 to $300

I am not interested in fire protection and I don’t really care how hard it is for a burglar to break into.  My carry gun is a Ruger LCP which is only a $300 gun and can be easily replaced.  

Any of the pistol safes on the market today can be easily carried off by a burglar unless they are bolted to something secure and I have not found any that offer real fire protection.

Popular Handgun Safes

Handgun Safe	Check Price	Price	Steel	Lock Type	Weight
	V-LINE TOP DRAW	$$	16GA	Simplex	9 lbs
	FORT KNOX PB1	$$$	10GA	Simplex	24 lbs
	V-LINE BRUTE	$$$	10GA	Simplex	22 lbs
	AMSEC HD PS1210HD	$$$	10GA	Simplex	24 lbs
	GunVault GV2000C-STD Multi Vault	$	16GA	Electronic & Key	9 lbs
	SENTRYSAFE QAP1E	$	12GA	Electronic & Key	12 lbs
	Stack-On QAS-1304-12	$	Unknown	Electronic & Key	12 lbs
	V-Line Hide Away	$$$	16GA	Simplex	4 lbs
	GUNVAULT SV500	$	18GA	Electronic & Key	7 lbs

What is the most important feature of a handgun safe?

Because my main priority is to keep my kids out, the most important feature is the lock.  There are several lock styles on the market today including electronic, key, simplex, biometric, and mechanical dial locks.

Electronic locks

An electronic lock is used on the Sentrysafe QAP1E. These types of locks can have hundreds of thousands of possible combinations.  This makes it very hard and time consuming  for a child to guess the combination.  It is also quick to access in emergency situations.  

Some safes even have finger indentations like the GunVault GV2000C-STD that make it easier to type in a code in the dark. Unfortunately many of the electronic locks used on gun safes in my price range are poorly built.  Watch a toddler access several popular safes in this video.

Biometric locks

Biometric locks on handgun safes are opened by scanning your fingerprint.  This meets my need of quick access to the safe but it falls short in another area that is more important: keeping my kids out!

The technology for biometric locks is still relatively new and developing.  Some manufacturers make their tolerances for recognizing a fingerprint very loose to cut down on returned safes. Unfortunately this means a creative child will have an easier time breaking into the safe.  

Some biometric locks can be defeated with just a photocopy of a fingerprint.  I will not be purchasing a biometric safe at this time.

Key Locks and Mechanical Dial Locks

I’m sure you already know what these locks are.  I am totally discounting these types right now because they do not meet my need of quickly accessing a firearm.  

It would be very difficult to find the right key and insert it properly after being suddenly awakened by a bump in the night.  

The same thing goes for a mechanical dial lock.  It would take too long to properly enter the combination when it really matters most.

Simplex Locks

This type of lock has been around since the 1960’s and has proven to be very reliable.  It is fully mechanical and therefore does not require a battery.  

In contrast to an electronic lock that can have hundreds of thousands of combinations, a typical simplex lock with five buttons can only have 1,081 combinations.  This makes it much easier for an enterprising youngster with a lot of time on his hands to break into the safe.  

It seems like the best handgun safes on the market all come with a simplex lock.  Check out the Fort Knox PB1, the V-Line Brute or the Amsec PS1210HD.

Best Handgun Safe

So here is the moment of truth.  I am choosing a model with a simplex lock because I like that it does not rely on a battery.  Yes, I know that only 1,081 combinations are available but that is a tradeoff I am making to increase the reliability of the safe.  Many of the simplex models shown in the above table are made out of thicker steel and better components.  My top three choices were the Fort Knox PB1, the V-Line Brute and the Amsec PS1210HD.

Here’s My Decision:

The best handgun safe for my family is the Amsec PS1210HD.

Want to learn more about guns?

Head over to my main learning page All About Guns. There is a wealth of information here about guns and ammo!

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