In Fallout 76, the Backpack is a utility item that allows the player to carry extra weight. It comes in two standard sizes, small and large, which increase the overall Carry Weight to 60. Backpacks were introduced in 2019 during the Ever Upward patch, but they’ve been tweaked a few times since then.
Although not rare, the Backpack is hard to get, especially for beginner Fallout 76 survivors. Its plan is found only in specific parts of the map and is obtained through a series of quests. So, to help with that, here’s an instructive guide on how to get Backpacks with little to no hassle.
How to Get Backpacks in Fallout 76
The Standard Small Backback and the Standard Large backpack each have separate plans that players will need to get their hands on via the missions below. After acquiring the plans, craft the Backpack on an Armor Workbench using Cloth, Leather, and Steel. Players can also purchase the Standard Backpack from the Possum Vending Machines in exchange for badges, but this only becomes available after unlocking the plans.
Both the small and large Backpacks come in five different capacities determined by Levels. The higher the Level, the more the capacity. When maxed out, the small version grants 30 Capacity Weight, while the larger one gives 60.
Crafting a Small Backpack at Level 10 requires 10 Cloth, 5 Leather, and 2 Steel. However, the requirements increase as the Level goes up, and the maxed-out bag needs 27 Cloth, 18 Leather, and 19 Steel.
How to Get the Standard Small Backpack
Locate the Morgantown Airport to the east of Vault 76 and enter the terminal. Take out the Scorched, find the keycard, and unlock the metal door upstairs. Inside, loot the Overseer’s Cache, which holds the Standard Small Backpack’s plan. Finally, learn the blueprint and craft it on the Armor Workbench.
How to Get the Standard Large Backpack
To get the Standard Backpack (the large bag), complete the four Kindness, Bravery, Helpfulness, and Growth quests at Camp Lewis. The Backpack comes as a reward for finishing The Order of the Tadpole mission, which can be initiated by reading a Pioneer Scouts poster at Train Stations. Here's how to complete the mission:
- Read a Pioneer Scouts poster.
- Head to Camp Lewis and talk to Scout Leader Jaggy.
- Rank up to “Possum” as a Scout.
- Obtain the Standard Backpack plan and craft it.
Backpacks are automatically unequipped when players get into a Power Armor.
How to Modify Backpacks in Fallout 76
Modifying a Backpack means adding utility functions to it in exchange for reduced capacity. To mod a Backpack, interact with an Armor Workbench, select the Backpack, and press the “Modify” button. Here, attach any of the available modifications to the bag to enhance its performance.
The High-Capacity Backpack Mod is the best modification item. It adds an extra 60 Carry Weight to the Backpacks, so that they take in heavier items.
How to Change Backpack Skin
First, purchase a Backpack skin from the Atomic Shop. Then, open the Armor Workbench and select “Modify” on a bag. Finally, select the purchased skin to apply to the Backpack and change its look.
Fallout 76 is available now for PC, Xbox, and PlayStation.