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Last Updated on April 26, 2023 by Lisa Vargas

Sandpiper of California is a name that exudes excellence.  Their Top-quality items backed by a lifetime guarantee, affordability, and innovative design have made Sandpiper of California one of the US Military’s top providers for deployment and travel gear. 

SOC are expanding our presence in the outdoor market and forging new relationships with Law Enforcement and the First Responder community as well.

Below you’ll find detailed information about Sandpiper of California’s 5016-O-CB Bug Out Bag including comfort, fit, storage design, and water resistance.  

Sandpiper Of California 5016-O-CB Bugout Bag

Editors Comments: The Sandpiper of California brand is one of their strongest selling packs. Versatility and durability make it perfect for storing and carrying gear and tools if SHTF. Highly recommended at a great price tag!

Comfort and Fit
9
Durability
8
Zippers, Buckles, & Stitching
7
Storge Design (pockets, MOLLE)
6
Water Resistance
5
Overall Score
70

Read The Comprehensive Comparison Bug Out Review Here: Best Bug Out Bag For SHTF

  • Capacity: 47.5 L
  • Dimension: 22″ x 15.5″ x 8″, weight: 5lbs. 8 oz.
  • Pockets: Inside compartments instead of pockets
  • Hydration: You will be able to use this with any camelbak or hydration system
  • Material: 600D Nylon
  • Manufacturer: Sandpiper Of California

Bottom Line: Fantastic bag for the money. Might be a little smaller than the others, but well put together and rugged for its class.

Pros


  • Bag design blends well with crowds
  • Lifetime Warranty,
  • What it lacks in outside pockets it makes it up superior inside organization compartments

Cons


  • Not as many inside pockets as others on our list
  • Doesn’t come with side-pockets to put your water bottle in

Summary

There are a lot of features packed into this little bug out bag.  To begin you will notice the padded waist belts, compression straps, and sternum strap.  These features are important for all packs to have this to support the weight of its contents. 

In terms of water compatibility, the SOC bug out bag has a large compartment on the outside of the bag so that you can fit a 2-liter water hydration bladder.   The outside of the bag is equipped with a MOLLE strap panel that serves to add additional components onto your pack if desired. 

This bug out bag is a fantastic pick if you want to feel secure that you will have quality, reliability, and durability for a little bit smaller price tag than some of the others.

Read The Comprehensive Comparison Bug Out Review Here: Best Bug Out Bag For SHTF

Our Analysis, Comparisons & Test Results

performance comparison

The Sandpiper of California 5016-O-CB Bugout Bag was compared with all of our other bug out bags, and it faired very well in comparison to others that were much higher in cost.  That’s why we gave it the “Best Value” award. 

We know that prepping can get expensive, so we are always going to give a good value option in the reviews that we post on this website.  With the quality that Sandpiper of California is known for, you just can’t go wrong with this great little bag. 

Comfort And Fit

The Sandpiper Of California Bug Out Bag is an extremely comfortable bag in all of its features, which is why we gave it a 9 in this category. 

There are both compression straps on the inside and the outside.  They are designed to keep the pack closer to the pack frame and help balance the load on your back.  

sandpiper of california 5016 CB O bug out bag review
Kelty Coyote 65 L Backpack
9
5.11 Tactical RUSH72 Military Backpack
10
Sandpiper Of California 5016-0-CB Bug Out Bag
9
Plan-B (™) ‘17 Go-Bag Thermo-Cap Sling by Hazard 4
8
EVERLIT Complete 72-Hour For 2 People Earthquake Bug Out Bag
8
Premium Family Emergency Survival Bag/Kit (4 people)
7
Helikon-Tex Bail Out Bag
8
Red Rock Outdoor Gear Traveler Duffle Bag
8
Deuter ACT Trail 30 Hiking Backpack
9
LA Police Gear Jumbo Bail Out Bag
9

The compression straps also help with making the pack overall more comfortable, which we had no problem with on this bug out bag.   There are inner and outer cushions which add to its comfortability.   You will find the same superior cushioning on the upper and lower straps to help protect your shoulders and waste while wearing.

 

Durability

This bug out bag is made with rugged, abrasion-resistant material that will stay true to wear and tear and rough conditions. 

It has an aluminum backstay to help with lumbar support and the tuck-away shoulder harness makes it easy to stash somewhere in the house or in a vehicle. 

Kelty Coyote 65 L Backpack
8
5.11 Tactical RUSH72 Military Backpack
9
Sandpiper Of California 5016-0-CB Bug Out Bag
8
Plan-B (™) ‘17 Go-Bag Thermo-Cap Sling by Hazard 4
8
EVERLIT Complete 72-Hour For 2 People Earthquake Bug Out Bag
9
Premium Family Emergency Survival Bag/Kit (4 people)
8
Helikon-Tex Bail Out Bag
8
Red Rock Outdoor Gear Traveler Duffle Bag
9
Deuter ACT Trail 30 Hiking Backpack
8
LA Police Gear Jumbo Bail Out Bag
8

The alignment between the zippers and the compartments is strong and durable and you’ll see this immediately when you pull the bag out of its packaging.  This bag has been used by several military professionals out in the field with nothing but rave reviews at how well it held up. 

This Sandpiper of California Bug Out Bag is extremely rugged and durable and will work fantastic for any type of heavy use. 

Zippers, buckles, and stitching

When we looked at these bags, you can immediately tell that the zippers are sturdy and of high-quality.  The zippers slide pretty well throughout our tests, so you should feel confident they will be durable when in use.  

Kelty Coyote 65 L Backpack
8
5.11 Tactical RUSH72 Military Backpack
9
Sandpiper Of California 5016-0-CB Bug Out Bag
7
Plan-B (™) ‘17 Go-Bag Thermo-Cap Sling by Hazard 4
7
EVERLIT Complete 72-Hour For 2 People Earthquake Bug Out Bag
7
Premium Family Emergency Survival Bag/Kit (4 people)
8
Helikon-Tex Bail Out Bag
9
Red Rock Outdoor Gear Traveler Duffle Bag
7
Deuter ACT Trail 30 Hiking Backpack
8
LA Police Gear Jumbo Bail Out Bag
6

This pack won’t feel bulky in the least, and all the weight will be distributed on your hips and shoulders.  The compression straps looked a little thin and might wear before the actual bag does, but only time can tell. 

The waistband and shoulder harness are neatly tucked away in a compartment and you can use the adjustable shoulder strap and carry it like a duffel bag if you wanted to.  It’s a great versatility feature to have for any backpack. 

 

Storage Design (Pockets, MOLLE)

We gave the storage design a 6, only because it didn’t have as many pockets and as much MOLLE webbing as some of the others. 

We also noticed that there could have been more room in the design for larger pockets, but instead, they fitted it with smaller pockets for administrative items like pens and paper.  Depending on what you like, that may be ok.  It will just depend on your situation at the time.

Kelty Coyote 65 L Backpack
5
5.11 Tactical RUSH72 Military Backpack
9
Sandpiper Of California 5016-0-CB Bug Out Bag
6
Plan-B (™) ‘17 Go-Bag Thermo-Cap Sling by Hazard 4
6
EVERLIT Complete 72-Hour For 2 People Earthquake Bug Out Bag
5
Premium Family Emergency Survival Bag/Kit (4 people)
6
Helikon-Tex Bail Out Bag
7
Red Rock Outdoor Gear Traveler Duffle Bag
8
Deuter ACT Trail 30 Hiking Backpack
4
LA Police Gear Jumbo Bail Out Bag
8

The main compartment of the bugout bag provides ample space for items and includes tie-down straps to keep the items secure and in place.  The second compartment can be used for a tablet and includes additional zipper pockets to store pens, cables, accessories, and other small items.

The 5016 bug out bag includes an organizer panel for business cards, pens, paper, or other miscellaneous items.  The external pocket is great for other important travel documents such as birth certificates and what-not.  It’s important to have the proper identification if you’re out on the road in a chaotic situation, especially if you are in an area where martial law has been enforced. 

Water Resistance

We gave this bag a rating of 5 on water resistance because it’s not waterproof or actually water-resistant.  When we tested this bag by putting some light water from a hose on it, it certainly soaked the portion that we aimed at.  You’ll have to be careful if you want to take this out on a rainy day.  

sandpiper of california 5016 o cb bug out bag review
Kelty Coyote 65 L Backpack
6
5.11 Tactical RUSH72 Military Backpack
8
Sandpiper Of California 5016-0-CB Bug Out Bag
5
Plan-B (™) ‘17 Go-Bag Thermo-Cap Sling by Hazard 4
9
EVERLIT Complete 72-Hour For 2 People Earthquake Bug Out Bag
6
Premium Family Emergency Survival Bag/Kit (4 people)
7
Helikon-Tex Bail Out Bag
6
Red Rock Outdoor Gear Traveler Duffle Bag
6
Deuter ACT Trail 30 Hiking Backpack
8
LA Police Gear Jumbo Bail Out Bag
6

With bags that aren’t as waterproof as others, you could protect it with some type of water-resistant spray guard.  Although the bag is said to be made with water-resistant material, it just didn’t hold up like we had hoped it would.  I would say that it could withstand a light rain, but if you drop it in a creek somewhere, you’ll be out of luck.

Our Final Verdict

Based on all of the categories including comfort, durability, storage design, water resistance, and zippers we gave this bag some pretty high scores because of what you get with the price.   The Sandpiper of California 5016-0-CB Bugout Bag offers up some great features and qualities and is well-deserving of our best bag for the value. 

I don’t personally like to go cheap with my bugout bags, but this one worked well and we wanted to find one that is the best value for your money!

5.11 Tactical RUSH72 Military Backpack
90%
Plan-B(TM) '17 Go-Bag Thermo-Cap Sling by Hazard 4(R)
76%
Helikon-Tex Bail Out Bag
76%
Red Rock Outdoor Gear Traveler Duffle Bag
76%
Deuter ACT Trail 30 Hiking Backpack
74%
LA Police Gear Jumbo Bail Out Bag
74%
Kelty Coyote 65 L Backpack
72%
Premium Family Emergency Survival Bag/Kit (4 Person)
72%
Sandpiper of California 5016-O-CB Bugout Bag
70%
EVERLIT Complete 72 Hours for 2 People Earthquake Bug Out Bag
70%

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is The Sandpiper of California Bug Out Bag Made in the USA?

No. This bag is no made in the US. As a matter of fact, the company got into some trouble earlier by claiming that it was indeed made in the USA. These are imported bags, primarily from China, but marketed under the SOC brand.

How Do I Clean My Bug Out Bag?

Wipe your bug out bag with a wet cloth to remove topical dirt. Use hand soap and rinse thoroughly with cold water. You can then air dry upside down for drainage. DO NOT wash your pack in a washing machine as damage may occur to the pack or the machine itself. There is also a chance that the chemicals may deteriorate the fabric coating and void the lifetime warranty.

conclusion

Final Thoughts

Bug out bags come in all shapes and sizes and you will ultimately be the one to make the final decision.  This review was done to help you with those decisions and bring some light to how this bug out bag stands up on its own and with other bug out bags on the market. 

Read The Comprehensive Comparison Bug Out Review Here: Best Bug Out Bag For SHTF