The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Tactical or Survival Backpack
Choosing the right backpack can mean the difference between a successful mission and a failure in the field. Whether you're preparing your 72-hour survival kit, planning a bushcraft expedition, or need an everyday carry (EDC) tactical backpack, this guide will help you make the right choice.
Table of Contents
- Types of backpacks according to your mission
- Capacities: How many liters do you need?
- MOLLE system explained
- Northvivor 72 Hour Survival Backpacks
- Comparison of available models
- How to organize your backpack
- FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Types of Backpacks According to Your Mission
1. EDC Backpack (Every Day Carry) - 20-28L
Perfect for everyday urban use, short commutes, or as an emergency backpack in the car. Compact yet functional.
Available at Northvivor:
US Assault Pack
- US Assault Pack Ultra Compact Ranger Green - Ranger green version for natural environments
2. Tactical Assault Backpack - 30-40L
The military standard. Ideal for 1-3 day missions, patrols, bushcraft activities, or as your main pack in your survival system.
⭐ Northvivor's absolute bestseller:
- Mil-Tec US Assault Tactical Backpack, Black, 36L - Our best-selling backpack with over 248 units sold. Durable, versatile, and excellent value. 23 units in stock
3. Expedition Backpack - 50L+
For extended missions of 4-7 days, mountain expeditions, or when you need to transport additional technical equipment.
Northvivor 72-Hour Survival Backpacks: Ready for Action
Don't have time to pack your own emergency kit? Our survival backpacks come fully equipped with everything you need to survive 72 hours in emergency situations.
MIL-TEC Northvivor 72hr Survival Backpack
Survival kit
See MIL-TEC 72hrs Backpack - €140
Includes 12 professional MIL-TEC products:
- Base backpack: Mil-Tec US Assault Pack Large 36L Olive Green Backpack with MOLLE system
- First aid: Mil-Tec Compact First Aid Kit + Signaling whistle
- Hydration: Mil-Tec 1L canteen with cover and clip
- Food: NRG-5 ZERO Emergency Ration (2,325 kcal, gluten-free, vegan)
- Fire: Mil-Tec Waterproof Matches (4-pack with 35 matches each)
- Shelter: Gima emergency thermal blanket (160x210 cm, double-sided)
- Tools: Mil-Tec FullSteel 29cm Hand Axe with Sheath + Mil-Tec Multi-Tool
- Navigation: Mil-Tec 10-in-1 Multifunctional Compass
- Lighting: Mil-Tec 200LM Headlamp with CREE XPE LED
- Ropes: Commando Mil-Tec rope 5mm x 15m olive green
Advantage: All products are MIL-TEC brand, guaranteeing compatibility and military-grade quality standards. Ideal for preppers and regular use.
Northvivor Basic Survival Backpack
View Basic Backpack - €120
Includes 9 essential products:
- Hydration: Sawyer Mini personal water filter (filters up to 378,000 liters)
- First aid: Mil-Tec Compact First Aid Kit + Signaling whistle
- Lighting: Mil-Tec Cree LED flashlight with zoom and MOLLE clip
- Fire: Mil-Tec Waterproof Matches (4-pack)
- Shelter: Gima emergency thermal blanket
- Tools: Mil-Tec FullSteel 29cm Hand Axe with Sheath
- Food: Mil-Tec cutlery set with ring (stainless steel)
- Navigation: Highlander Waterproof Map Case
Advantage: Perfect entry-level option for beginners in drone preparedness or as a secondary pack. Includes the excellent Sawyer Mini filter.
⚙️ MOLLE System: The Key to Versatility
MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) is the military standard system that allows you to customize your backpack by adding external pockets, holsters, and accessories.
Advantages of the MOLLE system:
- ✅ Total modularity: add or remove equipment depending on the mission
- ✅ Optimized weight distribution
- ✅ Quick access to critical equipment without opening the backpack
- ✅ Compatible with universal tactical accessories
MOLLE accessories available at Northvivor:
MOLLE pocket
-
Molle Belt Pouch SM Exterior Pocket - Small Multipurpose Pocket
- Olive Green MOLLE Bottle Holster - Quick access to hydration
📏 How Many Liters Do You Need? Quick Guide
| Ability | Duration | Recommended Use | Northvivor Model Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20-28L | 12-24 hours | Urban EDC, day trips, vehicle backpack | US Assault Pack Ultra Compact |
| 30-40L | 1-3 days | 72hrs backpack, bushcraft, patrols, trekking | Mil-Tec US Assault 36L (Bestseller) |
| 50-60L | 4-7 days | Expeditions, mountaineering, extended missions | Check availability |
| 100L | 7+ days | Long expeditions, extreme self-sufficiency | Miltec Expedition Teesar 100L |
🎖️ Materials and Construction: What to Look For
Recommended Fabrics
- Cordura 600D-1000D: Military standard, excellent abrasion resistance
- Ripstop: Tear-resistant fabric that prevents small cuts from spreading
- Polyester with PVC coating: Water resistant and durable
Essential Features
- ✅ Reinforced seams with double or triple stitching
- ✅ YKK zippers or military equivalent
- ✅ Padded and adjustable shoulder straps
- ✅ Lumbar support belt to distribute weight (on backpacks 35L+)
- ✅ MOLLE system for modularity
- ✅ Separate compartments for organization
- ✅ Quick front or side access
📦 How to Organize Your Survival Backpack
Golden Rule: Weight and Accessibility
UPPER Zone (easy access):
- Food for the day
- Extra coat layer
- First aid kit
- Headlamp
CENTRAL Zone (close to the back):
- Heavy objects: water, main meal, kitchen
- Sleeping bag (if not going on the bottom)
- Spare clothes
LOWER Zone:
- Sleeping bag in compression sack
- Equipment you'll only use while camping
- Clean clothes in a waterproof bag
External pockets and MOLLE:
- Canteen (access without opening backpack)
- Knife or multi-tool
- Compass and map
- Emergency fire kit
- Signaling whistle
survival kit
🔥 Essential Equipment for Your Survival Backpack
If you prefer to pack your own backpack, these are the essential items you can't leave out:
1. Hydration (Priority #1)
- 1-2 liter military canteen
- Portable water filter (Sawyer Mini recommended)
- Backup water purification tablets
2. Shelter and Rest
- Sleeping bag according to season
- Emergency thermal blanket (mandatory)
- Tarp for improvised shelter
3. Fire
- Waterproof matches in a watertight container
- Ferrocerium as a backup
- Windproof lighter
4. First Aid
- IFAK Individual First Aid Kit - Northvivor's best seller
- Combat tourniquet
- Trauma bandages
- Personal medication
5. Tools
- Multifunctional axe (included in our 72hr backpacks)
- Leatherman-type multi-tool
- Paracord rope 15-30m
- Orientation compass
6. Lighting
- LED headlamp (hands-free)
- Handheld tactical flashlight
- Chemical light sticks (battery-free backup)
7. Protection
- Camouflage Rain Poncho
- Tactical gloves
- Goggles
- Tactical No Ball Whistle
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What size backpack do I need for 72 hours?
For a 72-hour survival backpack, we recommend between 30 and 40 liters . This size allows you to carry all the essential gear without it being excessively heavy. Our Northvivor 72hr Survival Backpacks are optimized at 36 liters, the perfect military standard.
What is the difference between a tactical backpack and a trekking backpack?
Tactical backpacks prioritize:
- MOLLE system for modularity
- Quick access to equipment
- Abrasion-resistant materials (Cordura, Ripstop)
- Low-profile design
- Tactical colors (black, coyote, olive green)
- Robust construction for heavy-duty use
Trekking boots prioritize comfort over long distances, ventilation, and light weight.
What does "Laser Cut" mean on the backpacks?
Laser Cut technology replaces traditional sewn-in MOLLE webbing with a laser-cut system embedded in the fabric. Advantages: reduced weight (up to 20% lighter), same level of durability, cleaner and more modern aesthetics, and improved ventilation.
How much weight can I carry in my backpack?
The general rule is not to exceed 20-25% of your body weight for extended marches. For short missions, you can go up to 30%, but this will affect your mobility and endurance. For example, if you weigh 70 kg, your backpack should not exceed 14-17.5 kg when fully loaded.
Which backpack color is best?
- Black: Urban, versatile, discreet in the city (our best-selling option)
- Olive Green: Forest, dense vegetation, classic military use
- Ranger Green: Modern, multi-environment green tone
- Coyote/Tan: Arid environments, desert, dry mountain
- Camouflage: Concealment in specific natural environments
Do I need a backpack with a hydration system?
It's not essential, but it's highly recommended. It allows you to drink without stopping and keeps the water close to your back (better weight distribution). Most of our tactical backpacks include a compartment for a 2-3 liter CamelBak-type hydration bladder.
How often should I check my emergency kit?
We recommend a complete check-up every 6 months :
- Check food expiration dates (NRG-5 rations last 15-20 years)
- Check the condition of the medicines in the first aid kit
- Check flashlight batteries
- Inspect the seams and zippers of the backpack
- Update your wardrobe according to the season.
- Test the water filter
Do Northvivor survival backpacks come with a warranty?
Yes, all products included in our survival backpacks have a manufacturer's warranty. The Mil-Tec base pack has a 2-year warranty against manufacturing defects. We also offer technical support to help you use each item in the kit correctly.
🎯 Conclusion: Which is the Best Backpack for You?
If you're looking for the best-selling and most versatile option:
Mil-Tec US Assault Tactical Backpack, Black, 36L - Tested by hundreds of customers, unbeatable value. 23 units available.
If you want a ready-to-use solution:
MIL-TEC Northvivor 72hr Survival Backpack - 12 professional products included, just add water and you're ready. €140
If you're looking for the entry option:
Northvivor Basic Survival Backpack - 9 essential items to get you started in preparedness. €120
If you need maximum capacity:
Miltec Teesar Expedition Backpack 100 Liters - For long expeditions or additional technical equipment.
If you prioritize lightweight and compact design:
US Assault Pack Ultra Compact - Ultra-lightweight design, perfect for urban EDC.
📞 Do you need personalized advice?
At Northvivor, we understand that choosing the right gear is critical. If you're unsure which backpack is best suited to your specific mission, contact us and our team of survival experts will help you make the best decision.
Remember: The best backpack is the one that suits YOUR mission, YOUR physique, and YOUR environment. There's no one-size-fits-all solution.
All products mentioned in this guide are in stock and ready for immediate shipment.
Prepare. Survive. Thrive.
- Team Northvivor
