The backpack in Death Stranding is more than just a way to carry cargo—it’s a customizable tool that can enhance your deliveries, provide extra storage, and even protect your items from damage. With various pouches, batteries, stabilizers, and covers, knowing how to optimize your backpack setup can make a significant difference in your experience. This guide covers all the essential backpack upgrades, their uses, and where to find them.

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Backpack Equipment & Pouches

You unlock backpack customization after completing Order 24, which grants you your first grenade pouch and extra battery (Level 1). These two items alone provide early-game utility, but as you progress, you’ll gain access to larger, more efficient storage options.

Grenade Pouches

• Standard Grenade Pouch: Holds one grenade per slot.
• Large Grenade Pouch (Unlocked at Cosplayer, Connection Level 3): Holds three grenades while occupying only two slots, making it twice as efficient as standard grenade pouches.

Optimal Loadout Tip:

You can stack multiple grenade pouches on your backpack, and with the right setup, carry up to seven grenades efficiently. If you frequently use Hematic Grenades, EX Grenades, or VOG grenades, investing in large grenade pouches is a must.

Utility Pouch

• Unlocked at Cosplayer (Connection Level 2).
• Allows you to store four additional blood packs separately from your main cargo.
• Essential for combat-heavy missions where blood loss is common, especially when using Hematic Grenades or fighting BT bosses.

Optimal Loadout Tip:

You can trade some grenade pouches for additional blood packs if you prioritize health over offensive capabilities. This setup ensures longer survivability in extended fights.

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Extra Battery Upgrades

The Extra Battery is vital for using exoskeletons, power-hungry equipment, and avoiding unnecessary stops to recharge.

• Level 1 Battery (Unlocked via Order 24)
• Level 2 Battery (Distro Center North of Mountain Knot City, Connection Level 4)
• Level 3 Battery (Distro Center North of Mountain Knot City, Connection Level 5)

Optimal Loadout Tip:

• Level 3 (Gold Chiral Battery) provides the longest power duration and should be prioritized for players relying on speed exoskeletons or frequently using powered equipment.
• Delivering large cargo orders from other Distro Centers can speed up connection levels and unlock battery upgrades faster.

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Backpack Stabilizer: Worth It?

• Unlocked at Mountain Knot City (Order 46).
• Shoots out small jets to auto-correct balance while running with heavy loads.
• Uses battery power and prevents manual balancing.

Is It Useful?

While it sounds great, the stabilizer takes up the entire backpack slot, meaning you cannot equip a battery, grenade pouches, or a utility pouch. For most players, it’s not worth sacrificing utility for a minor balance correction.Instead, use a bike or truck for large loads.

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Spare Ammo Pouch

• Unlocked at Distro Center North of Mountain Knot City (Connection Level 3).
• Stores additional ammunition for weapons.

Should You Use It?

If you’re running a combat-heavy build, this can be useful for carrying more rounds for shotguns, non-lethal rifles, or grenade launchers. However, since most players don’t require that much extra ammo, the Utility Pouch or Extra Battery are usually better choices.

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Backpack Covers: Essential Protection

Backpack covers shield your stored items from timefall, impacts, and enemy attacks.

Where to Get Backpack Covers

• Level 1 (Silver/Omni Reflector Cover) – Unlocked at The Collector (Connection Level 2).
• Level 2 (Chiral Gold Cover) – Unlocked at The Collector (Connection Level 4).

Why Are They Important?

• Prevents timefall from damaging stored cargo.
• Reduces item loss when attacked by Mules or falling from heights.
• Level 2 covers last longer and offer better protection.

Optimal Loadout Tip:

• Always equip a Level 2 Backpack Cover once unlocked.
• It significantly increases the lifespan of cargo, especially when traveling through BT-infested areas.

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Backpack Colors: Customization Options

Death Stranding also allows you to change the color of your backpack. While this is purely cosmetic, many players enjoy matching their loadout to their gear.

Where to Unlock Backpack Colors

• Omni Reflector (Silver) – Unlocked at Cosplayer (Connection Level 5).
• Chiral Gold – Unlocked at Chiral Artist (Connection Level 3).
• Other standard colors (Red, Black, Blue, etc.) are unlocked throughout the game at various shelters.

Style Tip:

• If you want an all-silver aesthetic, use Omni Reflector, Level 1 Backpack Cover, and Level 2 Extra Battery.
• If you prefer gold, use Chiral Gold color, Level 2 Backpack Cover, and Level 3 Extra Battery.

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Final Thoughts: Best Backpack Configuration

Best General Loadout:

✅ 1 Large Grenade Pouch (Holds 3 grenades) ✅ 1 Utility Pouch (Holds 4 blood packs) ✅ Extra Battery Level 3(For long-duration power) ✅ Backpack Cover Level 2 (Max durability & protection)

Best Combat Loadout:

✅ 2 Large Grenade Pouches (Holds 6 grenades total) ✅ Spare Ammo Pouch (For extra rounds) ✅ Extra Battery Level 2 (Balanced power & weight) ✅ Backpack Cover Level 2 (Protection from damage)

Best Travel Loadout:

✅ 1 Large Grenade Pouch ✅ 1 Utility Pouch ✅ Extra Battery Level 3 ✅ Backpack Cover Level 2 ✅ Omni Reflector or Chiral Gold Color (For style!)

By optimizing your backpack loadout, you can carry more, survive longer, and maintain efficiency on deliveries. Prioritize the right equipment for your playstyle, and you’ll make every journey in Death Stranding smoother and more stylish.