Backpacks in Escape From Tarkov are far more important than they appear. At first glance, it seems simple, the bigger the better. But experienced players know there’s so much more to it: weight, size, capacity, price, and even visibility can completely change the value of a backpack.
In the current wipe, the weight of many backpacks seems confusing, leading players to think certain bags are useless garbage. But after careful testing, some gems rise to the surface, proving their worth.
This guide categorizes the best backpacks in Tarkov into functional groups. By the end, you’ll know exactly which bags to use and which ones to leave behind.
Also Read: How to Manage Your Stash in EFT
1. Lightweight and Small Backpacks
If you’re running light and only need the basics, these are the best backpacks in Tarkov for minimalists. They’re cheap, low-profile, and perfect for quick loot grabs or stealth-focused raids while staying unnoticed.
Day Pack
The Day Pack is the king of small backpacks. Available from Peacekeeper, it only weighs 0.6 kg and offers 20 slots of space. It’s light, compact, and easily camouflaged thanks to its black color. If you’re on a budget or running early-game raids, this is your best bet.
Berkut
The Berkut is a solid alternative to the Day Pack. It’s slightly heavier at 1 kg but provides the same 20 slots. It’s also widely available and a good fallback if you can’t grab the Day Pack.
Also Read: Top 10 Best Headsets in Tarkov – Top-tier Sound Detection
2. Mid-Tier Backpacks
These mid-tier backpacks are best for players who want a good mix of affordability, capacity, and weight.
T20 Backpack
If you prefer to buy outright, the T20 is a great alternative. It weighs 1.3 kg and also offers 25 slots. While slightly heavier and pricier than the Berkut Day, it’s still reliable and widely available for those not interested in bartering.
Mechanism Backpack
The Mechanism is worth mentioning as a unique mid-tier option. It’s sectional (annoying for loot organization), but it weighs only 1 kg. If you don’t mind the divided compartments, it’s a lightweight option that’s worth considering.
Also Read: Are Armor Repair Kits Worth It in Tarkov?
3. High-Capacity Backpacks
When your goal is maximum loot extraction, bigger backpacks shine. However, not all high-capacity backpacks are created equal.
Trooper Backpack
The Trooper Backpack stands out as one of the best backpacks in Tarkov. With 35 slots and only weighing 1 kg, it’s spacious, lightweight, and surprisingly affordable at around. The downside? It’s barter-only, making it slightly harder to obtain.
Paratus Backpack
While the Paratus offers the same 35 slots, it weighs more at 2 kg and costs about 75k. It’s also sectional, which can make organizing loot frustrating. Unless you can’t get a Trooper, the Paratus is often a second choice.
Gunslinger Backpacks
The Gunslinger offers similar slots to the Trooper but with higher weights over 2 kg. They also tend to cost between 60k and 75k, making them less appealing unless other options are unavailable.
4. Top-Tier Backpacks
At the very top of the backpack hierarchy are the largest, most expensive bags. These are the ultimate loot haulers but come with hefty price tags and weight penalties.
Blackjack Backpack
The Blackjack is often considered the best blend of capacity and practicality. It holds 40 slots, weighs about 3.3 kg, and costs around 100k. While heavy, it’s easier to manage than the absolute largest backpacks and has a sleek black design that helps with visibility.
6Sh118 Backpack
The 6Sh118 is the largest backpack in Tarkov, offering 48 slots. It’s a beast for loot runs but comes at a steep cost, around 130k, and weighs 4.2 kg. If you need maximum space and have rubles to spare, this is your ultimate choice.
Terminator Backpack
The Terminator is the heaviest backpack in Tarkov, weighing a massive 4.2 kg. It’s sectional, which adds another layer of frustration for loot organization. Despite being cheaper than the 6Sh118 at around 90k, it’s often overlooked due to its bulk and awkward compartments.
5. Backpacks to Avoid
Not all backpacks in Tarkov are worth your time. Here are the ones you should avoid at all costs:
Dragon Egg
The Dragon Egg is a terrible deal. It only has 25 slots, weighs a ridiculous 3 kg, and costs around 33k. For the same price, you can get better backpacks like the T20.
Mystery Ranch
At 100k, the Mystery Ranch is laughably overpriced. Its weird, sectional design splits the space into rectangles, making it a nightmare to organize.
Attack 2
The Attack 2 (Ataka 2) is heavy, expensive, and completely outclassed by the Trooper. Avoid it unless you’re truly desperate.
Filling Green
This backpack is basically a giant neon target. It’s heavy, brightly colored, and serves no practical purpose outside of quests. If you see it for free, leave it behind, it’s not worth carrying.
6. Backpack Visibility
Backpacks are not just only about space, they also affect your visibility and combat effectiveness. Larger backpacks increase your character’s model size, which can actually make you harder to hit when running or moving. For example:
• The 6Sh118 sits so high on your back that it’s level with your head. This can confuse enemies aiming for headshots, making them miss.
• On the flip side, large backpacks make you extremely visible when standing still or hiding in bushes. If you’re playing stealthy, smaller bags like the Day Pack, Berkut Day, or T20 are much better choices.
• Backpack color matters, too. Darker bags like the Day Pack or the Camelbak are harder to spot, while bright bags like the Filling Green make you an easy target.
Conclusion
Choosing from the best backpacks in Tarkov depends on your playstyle, budget, and raid goals. From lightweight bags like the Day Pack for stealth runs to massive haulers like the 6Sh118 for endgame loot, each backpack serves a purpose.
By picking the right backpack, you’ll carry more, move smarter, and ultimately extract more loot—and that’s what Tarkov is all about. If you want to make sure those backpacks come home with you full of loot, then it’s time to check out our EFT cheats.
