Best Survival Knives for your Bugout Bag

A member of our YouTube audience recently posed the following question: “I am putting together five, 55 liter backpacks for a 72-hour bugout emergency. What knife would be good or best to put in each one while keeping the price around $75 each?” For that size bag and that budget, we’ve got a recommendation from a brand that you may not expect.

A bugout bag needs to carry a lot but it should be small and light enough to carry easily for extended periods. The knife you pack should be compact enough to serve those needs yet be strong enough to withstand hardcore emergencies and adaptable to cover anything from camping to combat. The Morakniv Bushcraft Black does all of these things at a price that won’t break the bank.

Lightweight Option: Morakniv Bushcraft Black

The design of this knife is a perfect example of how to blend tactical, outdoor, and utility elements together into one cohesive shape. The blade features a sharp-but-sturdy tip for piercing while its versatile profile allows it to flex into most roles you would need.

The handle backs up the mission as well. Although not a full tang, the robust partial tang is enveloped in a rubberized mold that is all grip, no slip; it absorbs vibrations and also shields your bare hands from frigid steel if you are in a cold-weather environment. It also sports a prominent finger guard cribbed from its tactical influences, yet appreciated for safety in what is sure to be an adrenaline-filled situation.

The specific model we like to recommend is the “Survival” variant as it features some valuable add-ons integrated with the sheath so that you are not adding bulk for the additional capability. A diamond plate sharpener is on board so you can keep your edge maintained in the field. You also get a firesteel that stores on the side of the sheath. These ferrocerium rods can throw sparks hotter than 5,000 °F even when wet, and since the spine of the knife blade is crisp, there is no need to carry a separate striker for the firesteel. In places where a lighter or matches just don’t stand a chance, these rods can be a lifesaver.

Heavy-Duty Option: Cold Steel SRK Survival Rescue Knife

If you want something even more substantial, Cold Steel’s SRK Survival Rescue Knives offer many of the same benefits of the Morakniv suggestion. They are more combat-oriented (yet still versatile), offer rubberized handles, and come in a range of blade steels to suit both budget buyers and high-performance premium buyers.

The SRK is available with a 6-inch blade, while the more compact SRK-C measures in with 5-inches of steel. Both offer a little more length than the Morakniv. The carbon steel blade features a clip point profile more similar to classic American combat knives with  strong piercing characteristics. A black coating helps keep corrosion at bay while also minimizing reflections. The sheath lacks extra items but it is still lightweight, durable, and resistant to moisture.

Portable Chopping Power: Kershaw Camp 10

If you have the flexibility in your loadout for a larger knife, check out the Camp 10, essentially Kershaw’s take on a kukri which can easily cover both hatchet or machete tasks.

The blade has plenty of power thanks to the tough and easy to maintain 65Mn carbon steel and nearly 10-inches of reach. Despite the strength and chopping power, this knife is surprisingly well balanced for its size, and can still be used for smaller knife tasks quite well.

What About A Pocket Knife? Cold Steel SR1

If space is at a premium in your bag, a folding knife is certainly more compact than a fixed blade. Check out Cold Steel’s SR1 folders, essentially a folding version of the SRK fixed blade mentioned above. They feature thick blades for strength and the Tri-Ad lock, one of the strongest mechanisms on the market, which lets these folders compete more closely with fixed blades for strength.

There are two blade shapes you can choose here. The clip point version is more versatile, while the tanto has a more durable tip which could come in handy during rough usage. The budget options are a great choice, but premium S35VN steel variants are also available.

What About a Multi-Tool?: SOG PowerLock

The space saving convenience of a Multi-Tool can make it a great addition to a bugout bag or emergency preparedness kit, either in conjunction with one of the knives above, or on its own.

SOG’s PowerLock offers good value with quality construction at a reasonable price, and the right tools for the intent of a bugout bag. It features screwdrivers, a partially serrated blade, wood saw, metal file, and more, including SOG’s compound leverage pliers which increase your gripping force without adding extra bulk to your kit.

Before you make your final decision, it is vitally important to carefully consider your needs and honestly evaluate your physical fitness. If you can handle the weight of a larger blade in your pack, along with everything else, then by all means go for it. But if you are at all unsure, go with the smaller blade. Better to have that on hand when you need it than to face the decision of lightening your load after the fact because you are worn out by your gear. Best of luck, and stay safe!