Best EDC Backpacks of 2021: Complete Reviews With Comparisons

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Dangerous things can happen at any time and any place. Are you prepared?

Whether it’s a natural disaster where evacuating is a must, or you need to tend to an injured person before the first responders show up, it’s important to have the right kind of equipment on hand at the right time.

Finding the best EDC backpack doesn’t have to be difficult.

And the one you choose out of the five we will be listing below may be your best friend in even the direst of situations.

EDC backpacks aren’t just for survivalists. They are for the tactical planners, the emergency responder, or someone who wants to be prepared and stay ahead of the curve against “the unexpected.”

At the end of the day, it is always the prepared ones who fare better against danger.

If you are looking for a backpack that will hold your EDC items all in one place and is easily portable, keep reading.

Remember, not all EDC backpacks are created equal, but there is bound to be one unique feature that will draw you to one or the other.

Now, let’s take a look at the best EDC backpacks that will work to your advantage in times of calm and emergency situations.

Comparison Chart

Best EDC Backpack Reviews

1. DIGBUG Tactical Sling Military Bag (Best Overall)

The first on the docket, we will be looking at the DIGBUG Tactical Sling Military Bag.

It is perfect for the outdoors and for everyday commutes.

It is also tough in durability, so you don’t have to worry about wearing and tearing after short-term use.

On top of that, it is available in various colors.

Product Highlights

This EDC bag is the closest thing you can get to a multi-purpose bag.

The bag comes in two colors: black and tan.

If you want to use the bag in an escape and evade situation, stick with solid colors, like black, so you “blend in” with the crowd.

A solid color will pass off as a standard backpack (unlike camo patterns).

Most survivalists or “gray man” practitioners will use solid color backpacks to blend in.

It also includes Molle webbing, which will allow you to add on some attachments where you can carry extra gear.

It is made from durable 600D polyester, which is one of the toughest materials used for EDC bags.

This bag has plenty of storage compartments where you can fit plenty of your EDC tools.

First-aid kits, extra pistol magazines, flashlights, extra clothes, and so many items can fit in here.

It even has a compartment where you can fit a 9.7-inch iPad.

If durability is all that important, you would be crazy to pass up the opportunity to give this a shot.

This includes a Velcro pad, too, which is perfect when you want to attach more items or secure your compartments nice and tight.

This is a huge plus if you are someone who conceal-carries and wants to keep an extra pistol and some ammo in an EDC bag.

Since it is lightweight, this is one of the best EDC bags survivalists can depend on.

Why settle for less than what you can get with this?

Excellent quality, spacious compartments, and easy to sling on your back or shoulders—not bad for the “best overall” choice.

The Good

Right off the bat, it is easy to see that it is very durable. You can expect to use this bag for months or years on end.

We like that it is designed for multiple purposes.

You can use this for a hiking trip, as a diaper bag while on a road trip with the kids, a regular backpack for class, or an equipment bag for your occupation as a police officer or an EMT.

The Bad

One of the things we don’t like about this bag is that it is a little smaller than some would expect.

Sure, it has a fair amount of storage space, but the small size might just make a few users second-guess buying it.

On the bright side, even if it’s small in size, it is compact enough for easy storage.

Plus, it might just be enough to blend in with your car’s trunk, closest, or storage space where no one thinks of looking.

2. Y&R Direct Lightweight Sling Backpack

Next on our list of the best everyday carry backpacks is the Y&R Direct Lightweight Sling Backpack.

This is an EDC bag that can be fitting for yourself and your family members (assuming you purchase one for each of them).

It is small in size, but don’t let that discourage you from what you can or can’t pack with you.

Like our previous EDC bag, this has the potential to be useful for various purposes.

Whether it’s for a weekend hike or if you are simply headed out and about, this is the kind of bag to have on your back wherever you go.

Product Highlights

This backpack comes in 13 different colors, so you have a wide variety of choices.

Luckily for those on a budget, this is actually affordable.

You can purchase one for yourself and order more for members of your family.

Even better, they can have their own EDC bags in their favorite color.

This contains multiple zippers in their respective compartments.

They are easy to zip up and unzip, so you won’t have to deal with any sticky or malfunctioning zippers.

The shoulder strap is made from a breathable mesh material, which will make carrying the bag a lot more comfortable.

Even when the bag is packed with the items you need, it won’t feel like you are carrying a one-ton boulder on your back.

Sometimes, your back just needs a break from handling the brunt of the backpack’s weight.

Thankfully, you can wear this on your back or across your body.

The Good

The versatility is one of our favorite things about this backpack. You can wear it on your back or switch it to your shoulders.

Considering that it is small in size, it is compact and good enough for those who are space-savers.

The last thing that you want is a bag that will take up all kinds of room.

This is especially true when the bag is fully packed with essentials you need for a hike, tactical purposes, or when you need to get out of the area for a few days.

If you are looking for a nice everyday bag or the best EDC bag for bugging out, this might be right up your alley.

The Bad

While small in size, some users stated that it may be too small, and we are inclined to agree.

That’s perhaps the only gripe we have against it.

3. Mardingtop Tactical Backpack

Next, we have the Mardingtop Tactical Backpack.

This might be the best EDC bag you can get if you are looking for something of the tactical variety.

It could easily be the best bag for the law enforcement officer or first responder who is always in the middle of the action.

With plenty of storage and a good amount of durability, this is the bag that can serve you best when time is not on your side.

Whether you are escaping danger or in the middle of it all, you will need to be ready with the right kind of tools (and a bag that can carry them all).

Product Highlights

This backpack comes in 19 different colors.

Made from 600D polyester, it is one of the toughest and most durable on the market.

This has various zipper closures and plenty of storage space.

It even has a hydration compartment so that you can fit a hydration bladder inside.

This is perfect if you are going on an all-day hike and may not be near any sources of water for longer periods.

Included is a waist belt design, which is essential when you want to be on the move and fast.

It will also give you additional back support so that the weight is evenly distributed.

If you are looking for durability and multi-functionality, you will love this backpack.

It is tough, lightweight, and can be useful in various situations.

This is one of the best everyday carry backpacks that can serve multiple purposes.

The Good

Immediately, you will notice that this is one of the best multi-purpose backpacks out there.

It doesn’t matter if you are using it as a range bag, for emergency purposes, or as a bug-out bag. You can use this to your advantage in several different ways.

Let’s not forget, this bad boy is quite durable, too.

It can take quite a bit of abuse whenever you need to make an escape (even into wooded areas where there are plenty of pointy branches that can puncture through an average backpack).

With the inclusion of the Molle webbing, you can add attachments that will be perfect for extra pieces of equipment, like magazines, small tools, and more.

The Bad

Even though it is affordable for most budgets, some parts of the backpack are quite cheap in quality.

For example, a handful of users had their issues with the zipper being a bit flimsy.

Some even say the zipper may not function as properly after short-term use.

Also, while the backpack is sturdy, it may not hold up well if you pack a plate that weighed 20 pounds or more.

If anything, you shouldn’t pack the backpack too full (nor should it be filled with heavy items).

4. LHI Military Tactical Backpack

Wouldn’t you like your EDC backpack to be a little more beefy in design?

If your answer is yes, the LHI Military Tactical Backpack might be precisely what you need.

Made from highly durable nylon fabric, it can handle survival situations, everyday use, and circumstances where a life is on the line, and you are the one responsible for saving it.

With plenty of space at your disposal, the question is: what can you pack, so you know you’re prepared?

Product Highlights

This backpack is made from 900 Oxford Nylon.

It is no secret that nylon is one of the best materials around when it comes to durability.

In fact, it may be tougher than the 600D polyester.

Regardless of which backpack you choose, you will more than likely stick with it for the long-term.

This includes a Molle system, too, which is excellent to have if you have some extra attachments handy.

You can carry extra tools or even a water bottle so that you can stay hydrated.

With heavy-duty zippers, they don’t feel cheap in quality.

This has multiple zipper compartments, so you have plenty of space to use.

Whether it is your medical tools, extra magazines, or enough items to last you on a 72-hour bug out, you will put it to fair use one way or another.

The Good

Obviously, it is good to have a durable backpack.

On top of that, with plenty of space on hand, you will have more than enough to pack the items you will need in different situations or if you need one of those “just-in-case” bags.

Either way, this bag lets you be packed and ready to rock when the situation arises.

We also like the inclusion of the Molle system.

You can never call a bag good if you are low on space. You may need more items on hand, and the Molle attachments make that possible with the right kind of tools.

If you want something that is beefy in design and can really pull its weight, this backpack might just be for you.

The Bad

Unfortunately, there are some things that are lacking.

What we don’t like is the glaringly obvious non-presence of Velcro pads because it could sure use some.

The included waist strap may be a good fit for those with average waist sizes, but anything larger, and it might be an uncomfortable fit.

Some have said that the bag is too small for much taller individuals (those standing six feet tall and taller).

5. Fieldline Backpack

The last backpack we will be looking at is the Fieldline Backpack.

This may look like your typical EDC backpack, but what really makes it interesting is that when you are trying to avoid being spotted, this bag can blend in quite nicely.

It is no ordinary backpack, but it can be in the eyes of the people you are trying to evade.

Product Highlights

This comes with plenty of compartments where you can store a lot of your items. One of them is large enough to fit a hydration bladder.

It also has a strap system with a sternum slider. This means you can make easy adjustments while wearing it on your back.

The last thing you have to worry about is this bag sliding off of you.

Nothing too snazzy; it is just a simple backpack that can serve plenty of uses whether you are in a tactical setting, taking it to the range, or camping for the weekend.

You name the activity, this backpack will find a way to fit in.

The Good

One of the good things is that you have plenty of compartment space at your disposal.

Then again, just because you do, doesn’t mean it’s OK to overpack it.

Even though it looks like an ordinary backpack, it is more durable. No need to worry about this thing falling apart on you.

The Bad

The thing that doesn’t sit well with us is the zipper.

The quality isn’t the best, and it has a habit of getting stuck at times.

Even after short-term use, you may have a hard time zipping or unzipping the compartments all the way.

Buyer’s Guide

If you seem to have a hard time finding the best EDC backpack, this buyer’s guide will help you out.

We will be looking at some key features you need to look for and answer some frequently asked questions to help you better understand how they work and how they are used.

Let’s begin by listing off some key features:

1. Molle Webbing

This is one of the key parts of the best EDC backpacks.

With the inclusion of Molle webbing, you can add some removable attachments

Molle attachments come in various sizes.

They can be small enough to carry extra magazines, or you can add on a water bottle holder in case you need additional hydration options (aside from a hydration bladder).

When you are running low on space, you may want to rely on Mole attachments to add more tools.

2. Compartments

The more compartments you have, the better.

A tactical backpack will have the same amount (if not more) compartments as a regular bag.

Most of them are spacious in size, which will allow you to pack items like a first-aid kit, extra magazines for your pistol, a gun cleaning kit, freeze-dried foods, and other survival items.

3. Straps

There are some straps on backpacks that don’t provide you with enough adjustability.

However, there are a handful of tactical backpacks that come with adjustable straps that will ensure a good fit for the user.

These will be convenient if the user is larger or smaller in frame.

EDC Backpack FAQs

1. What is an EDC backpack?

An EDC backpack is useful in storing your everyday-carry items.

This backpack can be stored in your home or your vehicle and can be accessible in the event of any emergency situation.

You may not use it every day, but you will have it on hand whenever the situation arises.

2. What backpacks do the Navy SEALs use?

Navy SEALs don’t use specific brand backpacks, but they carry what is known as 3-Day Assault Packs.

These are tactical backpacks made from the most durable materials and will likely use Molle webbing to attach additional tools while on a tactical mission.

3. What should I carry in my EDC bag?

The short answer: it depends. It will depend on your intended use.

If you are a member of law enforcement, you can carry a wide variety of gear and supplies in your bag.

This can include tactical gear, reflector vests, additional magazines and ammo, extra sidearms, and radios.

If you are using it for bugging out, make sure you have a first-aid kit and 72 hours’ worth of survival supplies, including food, a firestarter, maps, and compasses, among other items.

4. How do I organize my EDC bag?

To ensure your EDC bag is organized, you can utilize various organization methods and hacks.

For example, you can pack smaller items into a pouch that can easily fit your EDC bag.

That way, you can properly label them and know what is inside those pouches.

You can use Velcro, bread ties, or wire ties whenever you want to keep things like paracord intact and raveled.

5. What brand of backpack does the military use?

One of the best brands that military personnel has used is 5.11 Tactical.

There have been other brands, too, including GORUCK and Camelbak.

Final Verdict

With these five backpacks, you have plenty of choices at your disposal. These options will serve you well in the long run, thanks to their reliability and durability.

If we had to choose one that we highly recommend, we suggest the DIGBUG Military Tactical Sling Bag.

With plenty of space for storing your items and a compact size, it is the perfect bag to have on hand whether you are on the go or working hard to keep America safe.

Finding the best EDC bags will depend on your personal needs and preferences, especially when it comes to features you specifically need.

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