The single (potential) downside is the use of
While we found it to be comfortable to wear, easy to use, well-made, and flexible, its not a great assault pack as it lacks the features you need to make it work as an actual assault pack. Common items are extra ammunition, water, a first aid kit, food, personal hygiene items, a hardshell jacket, a warming layer, a headlamp, communication devices, maps, pens, GPS, and other mission-specific tools. use of space by taking up every allowable inch based on airline carryon bag This 5.11 RUSH 12 look-alike delivers many of the features you want in a tactical backpack but at a $40 price point. Banzai! extensive organization: pockets, slots, and compartments galore from a trusted of $150, DetailsoftheBlackhawkSpecialOperationsMedicalPack. The minimalist design of the GR3 is its strong suit just add packing cubes and you have a great travel pack (I know, Ive used in 20 countries over Inside the main compartment is a padded laptop stowage that can accommodate a 15-inch computer. Hold Everything Pack) (22L, $127), Click here to check availability for the Spec Ops T.H.E.
As long as you dont mind the $495 price, an To that end, our trusty team of gear reviewers took a look at the range of tactical backpacks on the market to help you decide which are the best for your needs. The Vulture II is differentiated by its Pistol cases tight for larger frame revolvers, Pistol cases lack labels for identification. Like all of the packs we reviewed, it also lacks a hip belt.
We take our time to get to know the strengths and weaknesses of each backpack, and also check out the reviews of other experts just to make sure were not missing anything. Over traditional outdoor and travel backpacks, the best tactical backpacks provide more durability, useful modular design (making it easy to add storage), and the comfort of being tested in some of the harshest environments and conditions imaginable. All of this comes while still being a minimalist tactical backpack not bulky, no unnecessary garbage added, and maintaining a sleek, low profile. Extra Padded shoulder straps support heavy weight well, making it a great, Over 250,000 packs and not a single pack returned with harness failure, Two side storage compartments and front top compartment hold quick-access items, MOLLE webbing for modular expansion and customization, Single main Read on to find out.
This time-tested 37L design offers plenty of capacity and versatility. The combat ready durability of tactical backpacks
it, if it does?
I used this bags big brother (the T.H.E. absolutely comes with a few sacrifices that you need to understand before It offers 24 liters of capacity, a hydration reservoir pouch, a concealed carry compartment, two external zipper pouches, side compression straps, breakaway shoulder straps, a sternum strap, MOLLE compatible webbing, and an attachment point for a hip belt. We confess.
If youre going to last that long (comfortably) youll need a little more space.
placement of MOLLE/PALS webbing. Through it all not a single stitch Though the packs are pricier than many youve GR1 alternative, the Spec Ops Brand T.H.E.
organization at a great price, the Rush 72 is it, A cheaper alternative to the 5.11 Rush 72, with less durability but still a great value. Spacious and organized yet minimalist. Though the best tactical backpacks achieve a reasonable balance between these 4 downsides youll rarely find a truly badass tactical bag that doesnt have each of these to some degree. This is why we think its worth a look. This 37-liter bag is plenty roomy with seven compartments, and good for everything from going to the gym to a weekend trip.
While we like its $40 affordability, the Wakizashi isnt a true operational backpack as it lacks the durability and features required for tactical applications.
For the crowd interested in the GORUCK GR2 (but not A great extended use pack for the price. from a brand rooted in hunting another hard use, no BS activity (and customer Google pictures from Iraq and Afghanistan, tactical backpack thats just as good as the big name alternative (or close The best tactical backpacks have been being abused since around 2003, and are still beloved by their owners. 1000D Cordura, mil-spec My GR3 is 45L, but the collapsible 18L stuff sack that clips to the bottom makes it a 63L ruck in a heartbeat, but collapsible to airline carry on size just as quickly. marketed as a 3 day bag, the 55L of storage and plethora of pockets.
style with an open flat (clamshell) design that makes all of the cargo accessible. The plastic buckles and clips are also of lower quality. the GORUCK GR1 as an everyday carry tactical backpack. know the benefits of the best Where we see something interesting that we havent field-tested, we identify these products as honorable mentions that are worth a look. lighter materials.
At $140 (on Amazon), this pack that is guaranteed for life, made in the US, and durably constructed from 1000D Cordura, fat #10 YKK zippers, and heavy duty plastic hardware is arguably the best tactical backpack you can get for under $150. gear. addition of tailored storage easy. Rush 12, delivers ample storage, tons of organization, and a quality build This is because they are usually made from reinforced polyester or abrasion and tear-resistant Cordura() nylon material. A: This really depends on the mission. durable tested materials and updated over the years. We dig this weight-saving design and appreciate a 32L pack that only weighs 2.64 pounds. civilian friendly design these days, considering most modern tactical packs are
The main compartment is designed to also carry a hydration system and the rear pocket has a padded sleeve that will protect a 15 laptop or squad radio.
Like most premium products, were not convinced the extra cost always delivers extra performance. MOLLE webbing, it is understated for daily wear without too much issue. restrictions. We felt the 2-DAY is a pack that cant figure out what its purpose is. SCARS guarantee for life. A budget, tactical pack for users that arent as rough on their gear but still want most of the benefits of a tactical backpack. minimalist yet functional. for a military styled ruck? Your bag wont keep everything in if the zippers blow, and that really sucks when youre in the field. your adventures, but at a price tag that wont break the bankor be well worth
medic packs, which were the basis for the GORUCK line. Of note, the 2-DAYs material is NOT shielded to absorb near-IR frequencies, meaning you will light up like a Christmas tree in the enemys Generation 3+ night vision. You can expect to pay between $80 and $150 or a mid-range tactical backpack in the 25 to 50 L capacity range. You can dump the tattered bag there and just The 23L Maxpedition Falcon II, $180 on Maxpedition.com, $121 on Amazon.com, The 23L Maxpedition Riftcore, $219 on
Here's what they found.
make this pack hard to beat at a price to hell and back, but from Ive seen it will definitely make it all of the way
purchasing a backpack from this company, I heavily suggest checking the reviews has a lifetime It is an adequate and serviceable EDC bag.
as the design suits you, a great bag for the price. A very functional and capable small tactical Before
to be a tactical pack) which makes it more palatable. It is well-built out of 500 denier nylon for most of the pack and a reinforced 840 denier bottom for greater abrasion resistance where it counts. generally slick, not too tactical look, make this an excellent optionif you can stomach the pricetag, GORUCK recently hiked up prices on all of their backpacks to, what some believe, are unreasonable prices but- for a bag built to last for decades and backed by a lifetime warranty through theirScars Program, how much is a bag like that actually worth?
At this price point, you might find a lot of familiar design features, but most manufacturers sacrifice the quality of materials and quality of construction to deliver at a low price point. outside of the areas I would normally consider for tactical backpacks (e.g., the pricetag), the Blackhawk Special Operations Medical Backpack is another
breakthis is the pack for you. The Dragon Egg also features a unique laser cut MOLLE/PALS compatible panel. Lets face it, military life is hard on gear, so its important that your tactical backpack is built to protect the equipment it carries and lasts for a long time. Army Special Forces Selection process. Many times, with premium packs, you are also paying for advanced materials that lower overall pack weight. The Condor Outdoor 3 Day may (or may not) make it
The ALICE pack, the granddaddy of all tactical backpacks, is still for sale as a surplus item, even though it hasnt been in service for years.
Medic Bag (17L, $207), Click here to see the Maxpedition Condor in all colors, Click here to learn more about the Maxpedition Falcon II, Click here to see the Cambelbak HAWG in more colors, Click here to see all available colors of the GORUCK GR1, GORUCK Alternative Backpacks and an Overview of the GORUCK Line, Click here to see all available Blackhawk 3 Day Assault Pack styles, Blackhawk Special Operations Medical Backpack (36L, $150), Click to see all colors of the Blackhawk Medical Pack, Click to see all available styles of the 5.11 Rush-24, Click to check availability of the Mystery Ranch 3 Day Pack, Eberlstock Little Brother Pack (29L, $189), Click to check all colors for the Harzard 4 Patrol Pack, Click here to see all Maxpedition Condor II colors, Click here to see all styles and colors of the GORUCK GR2, Spec Ops Brand T.H.E. than your classic tan, Hummer of a Cordura nylon rucksack, why would anyone opt A 3 day sized pack with ample pockets and storage
Let the argument begin, Suitable for travel lengths of a few days to a few weeks, A tough, minimalist, sleek classic at a great price. A 2013 updated version
What did he love about it? and simplicity while still allowing modular expansion via conservative We like that this pack looks more like a college kids bookbag and eschews tacticool vibes. Large main compartment with open flat design and two front pockets, Easy access (side zip) laptop compartment in back panel, Hit the checkmarks but brand lacks validation from law enforcement, rescue, and tactical use, Lack of tactical track record, so this is listed as a potential option but the recommendation is TBD, Simple 3 Day Assault pack design with main compartment, front compartment, and slant front pocket, Inner zippered mesh pocket for quick access items and document storage, Non-slip, abrasion resistant bottom (not nylon) ensures a much longer pack life, Bombproof laptop compartment easy, zippered access and stored behind back panel, Panel of main compartment has two, large, zippered mesh pockets, Panel of outer compartment has two, large, zippered mesh pockets and 1 Cordura nylon field pouch, Great yet simple organization is perfect for travel, Double Layer Pack Top eliminates stress failure associated with excessive use of. Ive
tacticool look, 2 compartment design with plenty of pockets, Contoured, heavily padded yoke style shoulder straps, 16 individual compartments to keep quick access gear organized, Open flat design with 2 compartments: main, and TSA friendly laptop compartment (closest to back), Zippered bombproof laptop compartment in back panel with false bottom, to prevent laptop contact with ground, Straight forward design has a main compartment and front compartment, and quick access slant pocket, Lack of MOLLE webbing gives a much less tactical look, Padded waistbelt and sternum strap included, Open flat style, compartmentalized medic bag.
Some of my favorite adventures didnt happen until months into my travels. This pack merely appears to be a remake of something from Vietnam (which While we respect Mystery Ranchs long record of designing and building great packs, the 27 liter 2 Day Assault Pack, or 2 DAY, left our reviewer perplexed. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Youll want to select a balance between ruggedness and weight. The external look is EDC Pack Pack (Tactical While theres much to like about the RUSH 12 2.0, the two downsides we identified were the price ($99.99) and its weight. BUT, with so many high dollar items and wannabes on the tactical backpack market, this list aims to provide a few reliable, pre-vetted options to start your tactical backpack search. Read on to discover the tactical travel backpacks I recommend for travel, adventure, and hard use. The Dragon Egg MK II is an update to Direct Actions best selling pack. compression system design, which keeps loads from shifting when youre on the One of the best packs on the market. military, law enforcement, hunting, fire, rescue, etc.) Front and top for the job?
Theyre made to withstand a higher degree of abuse and have additional padding to protect the gear stowed within the bag. used in packs (like the Tortuga Outbreaker). Equally tough and more functional. Ive had backpacks literally break on day three of seven in the back country. Designed specifically for military and law enforcement applications, this mid-sized pack features three zippered compartments.
If 29L is too Joe Plenzler is a communication consultant, leadership coach, and backcountry expert.
That is the standard that tactical backpacks. Most have a clamshell design that enables fast access and plenty of zippered and see-through mesh pockets for stowing and locating your stuff.
Outstanding organization and functionality, The 5.11 Tactical RUSH 12 2.0 is a well-built bag, just like its larger siblings, and is constructed out of water-resistant 1050 denier nylon.
of the near bulletproof original Spec Ops Brand T.H.E pack.
In the Recon Ruck Ultra, Spec Ops brand took the loved and hated (but mostly loved) ALICE pack and updated it with 1000D Nylon and durable plastic hardware. A classically simple 3 day pack design made with exactly what this pack is, and comes at an extremely reasonable price.
crept into combat zones thanks to word of mouth and a good reputation. backpack for the price. compartment maximizes use of space, 3 zippered pockets And we prefer our EDC bags to be low-profile and low-key.
Made from 300 denier Aquaforte high tensile nylon, its waterproof, abrasion-resistant, and low drag when youre doing 150 mph on your Ducati. value tactical backpack option. Zippers: Look for high-quality zippers like YKK when youre selecting a pack. $200 will get you an excellent tactical backpack that checks all of the boxes of a good pack and will last you at least a decade of hard use, likely longer. webbing, and reinforced abrasion points make this an everyday carry backpack The realm of tactical backpacks intended for military grade abuse is now filled with great tactical travel backpack options, from military travel backpacks specifically designed for combat, hunting, and the backcountry, to minimalist tactical backpacks with small footprints and tons of function making for the perfect everyday carry backpack. Straps: The best bags have cushy padded shoulder straps that prevent fatigue and pinched trapezius muscles.
It also has marked pockets for earplugs, shooting glasses, targets, ear muffs, and tools. things organized without needing packing cubes. GORUCK GR2: A well-known member of the tactical Material: Almost every tactical backpack is made of high denier nylon or polyester. The GORUCK GR2s selling point is durability and hard use, as it is tested to carry a minimum of 450lbs and is covered by GORUCKs SCARS Guarantee just in case you decide to exceed a quarter-ton of cargo. accessing anywhere in the pack easy.
you can expect it to last through heavy abuse, is pretty awesome.
The differences are abundant as well.
Durable 500D Cordura construction and YKK zippers.
If you require a little more rigidity with the heavy loads, this pack is easily compatible with the old ALICE pack external frames. look than the clickbait backpacks on Amazon. straightforward, and a low key legend with combat veterans. E.D.C. Theres no doubt why its a best-seller. brand that provides reliable tactical gear aimed at the law enforcement pack, consider picking up the Recon Ruck Ultra instead. Pack (22L), Blackhawk Special Operations Medic Pack (36L), Best Tactical Backpacks for Long Term Travel (40L+), Spec Ops Brand T.H.E. The bag is rugged made from water-repellant 1000 denier nylon but that ruggedness comes at a cost in terms of weight and for this size of pack, wed like to see a hip belt for carrying heavier loads. The tactical backpack community is interesting. The COVRT18s low-key design offers the features you need while keeping it on the DL. Rugged and functional, youll see why we think this is a winner. it. He is an Eagle Scout, 20 year combat veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and graduate of the U.S. Pack (Tactical Hold
that will last for years.
The packs wraparound A: Tactical backpacks typically have greater durability, modularity, and organizational options than civilian backpacks.
Compared to the predecessors in the GORUCK line, the has a streamlined form but is big on MOLLE enabled modularity. Posted on Last updated: April 17, 2020 By: Author Carlos Grider. Pack (Tactical
tactical backpack candidates, but how can we tell the best from the On the downside, for $129, wed like to see yoked shoulder straps like the RUSH models. laptop pocket in back panel of backpack, Covered by GORUCKs Youve got questions, Task & Purpose has answers. life. Kind of impressive. For carry in the civilian community, we prefer bags without MOLLE that lowers the profile. painted in MOLLE and this one isnt. The front pocket unzips and lays flat to provide a working surface for laying out ammo and mags. Everything Pack) (41L, $140), Click here to all colors of the Spec Ops T.H.E. Ive had packs that proved much less functional than expected with extended use, lead me to ditch them mid trip. carry 400lbs minimum and built, A: It depends. Sailcloths durability in hard use packs is unproven so there is still leave with a good storythen buy the same pack on Amazon for peanuts when you
small for you, MOLLE webbing covers (nearly) the entire pack, making the
And remember, the larger the bag, the more crap youll put into it, and the heavier it will be especially without a hip belt. reinforced with car seat belt webbing, and simple, practical organization make
Though the GORUCK line is the only line that touts testing to hold 450lbs, Ive run and exercised with plenty of iron plates in my other tactical backpacks without so much as a busted stitch. Boxy style maximizes use Overall, this was our favorite tactical pack.
If youre traveling around the world and need a pack that wont
Youll have challenges putting larger pistols in them. before the price hike) and, for me at least, the tradeoffs have been well worth DetailsoftheSpecOpsTacticalHoldEverythingPack.
Condor Outdoor produces mostly unbranded packs that duplicate the most popular tactical pack designs and incorporate materials that are close enough.
The Spec Ops Brand T.H.E. If youre looking for a lower priced GORUCK without being overdone. Our pick for best-looking and most low-key (least visibly tactical) is the Velomacchi 35L Giro Backpack. You can find relatively inexpensive selections like the Samurai Tactical Wakizashi or SOG Ninja Tactical Daypack for less than $50 with the basic, most important features.
After all, the whole point of carrying concealed is to do so unnoticed. GR3. Their most popular daypack, the 24 liter 5.11
price hike) by anyone who didnt mind the weight and the price tag.
by the Tactical Tailor a company started by an Army Scout that got his start integrated into the back panel and moves the main compartment zipper forward,
Doing so will help you find exactly what you are looking for quickly, especially in the dark. A 45L travel pack built to carry a minimum of 450lbs and backed by a Talk to anyone who has owned one and youll
When it comes to cool, its hard to beat Italian style. Perfect for daily carry and weekend trips. durability.
The whole point of carrying concealed is to not appear you are carrying concealed.
Thats just bad planning. Not only does it have a cool name, the Dragon Egg is made by a company that knows a thing or two about tactical bags. Our tester also thought the positioning of the CCW compartment could be improved, and lamented the lack of a hip belt.
The 32-liter COVRT18 has all the bells and whistles of a tactical backpack while downplaying the wannabe SOF guy or gal look. We get the folks who use them for military, law enforcement, or first responder purposes, where theyre appropriate tools for the job. A: The loops serve two purposes: 1) to attach other small pouches to expand the carrying capacity of the pack, and 2) to provide a place to attach immediately accessible items. At first blush, it could easily be confused with the 5.11 RUSH 12, and its similarities are undeniable. A tough, proven, and roomy pack worthy of daily carry or minimalist, long term travel. has popped, and not a single hole has abraded through.
Most tactical backpacks are designed with pockets and compartments to enable you to organize your gear so you know where it is that is if you put your gear in the same place every time (which we recommend). Dont let your bag be the give away. functional design thats subdued enough to pass for a normal pack in civilian We consider any tactical backpack above $200 to be a premium pick.
We
We like tactical backpacks on the down-low. A simple, less tactical looking backpack with ample For our gear reviewer, the GPS was love at first sight. Of the gear reviewers here at Task & Purpose who carry concealed, we sure as hell dont do it wearing 5.11 cargo pants and a concealed carry vest while wearing an obviously tactical backpack.
Beloved (before the recent
the GR2. And Ive had backpacks that were built exactly how I needed comfortably padded back panel and shoulder straps, the durability to stand being thrown off motorbikes, sat on, and overstuffed over years of abuse, and built with the simple, minimalist function that makes living out of them a breeze. Being modular, it allows the user to customize the placement of individual equipment. Yet tactical backpacks have their place typically on the backs of soldiers and infantry Marines, in the squad car trunks of S.W.A.T. owned this pack for roughly 15 yearsI think? After a thorough test, we found the 2-DAY to be more of a military-style EDC backpack that, in its effort to be a jack of all trades, became a master of none. He writes about leadership, communication, and also reviews outdoor equipment. A proven tactical brand that started in the law enforcement market and backpack that excels in comfort, keeping the load stabilized, and
If youre looking for a not-so-tactical backpack I recommend checking out these carry on backpack options.
A trusted and reliable Everyday Carry bag for the price. 1000D nylon, and heavy duty stitching backup the functionality with durability Within this price range exists myriad options, and we recommend making a list of your needs and desires before searching to help dial in your selection.
A straight forward, heavy duty 3 day bag with The unique 3 zip setup makes
Tough, comfortable, functional, proven. For a 24 liter bag, it has a lot of junk in the trunk at 3.15 pounds. It also has a quick access side pocket for laptops and a key pocket.
great price. This pack maintains the simple, space maximizing boxy GR1 (21L, 27L) and others, the GR2 is more geared for travel. While the Wakizashi is made of some tough nylon, the denier is thinner and the shoulder padding isnt as cushy. About A Brother Abroad | The Origin Story, Why get a tactical backpack (instead of a regular backpack), Tradeoffs of tactical backpacks:theconsoftoughbags, The List: The Best Tactical Backpack and GORUCK Alternative Options for Travelers, Day Packs (~10L to ~25L): Small Tactical Backpack Options For Everyday Carry, 3 Day Packs (~26L to ~39L): 1 Day to 3 Weeks of Travel, Long Range Packs (~40L+): 3 Weeks+ of Travel, the only bodyweight fitness routine you need, An acrobats guide to a bulletproof upper body, Spec Ops Brand T.H.E.
When Our team of veteran gear reviewers scoured the market for the best tactical backpacks. sewing use specific military gear in his barracks room. Whatever your aim and however long you intend to wander, if a durable, long lasting, minimalist, yet still highly functional backpack is what youre after, then a tactical backpack for everyday use or travel may be exactly what you need.. Ive spent 3+ years traveling the world through 55 countries and counting, and one of the biggest factors of how much (or how little) I enjoy the experience of moving from place to place has been my backpack. It, too, has a hydration reservoir compartment, a ventilated back panel and side compression straps. Functional. The bag is made from 500D Cordura with a water resistant coating and features heavy duty, glove friendly YKK zippers, a chest strap, hip belt, quick release shoulder straps, and a heavy duty paracord handle. While it offers excellent internal organization, we didnt like the placement of the chest strap as it rode up towards the neck.
Pack, Spec Ops Brand T.H.E. compartments in a design. of a good multi day use tactical pack: 1000D outer, simple design, heavy duty Simple,
As travelers and daily users hunt for the perfect travel backpack, combining function, durability, and value, the search has expanded beyond traditional book bags and hiking rucksacks. on inside of front panel 2 mesh and 1 Cordura nylon, Zippered bombproof An amazingly comfortable, tough, and reliable tactical backpack perfect for long term adventure travel, A sturdy tactical backpack with tons of storage at a My No hip belt, carrying heavier loads more fatiguing on shoulders, Good ventilation on shoulder straps and back panel, Fast and easy access with clamshell design, Dual-access CCW compartment with internal loop panel.
Tactical backpacks are generally pretty affordable. This bag was designed with motorcyclists in mind, but hey, its a sweet bag thats very functional. I still have my Spec Ops Brand T.H.E. A low-key pack with a great design and a slew of (It does not come with a hip belt.) Notes: For more info read GORUCK Alternative Backpacks and A Brother Abroads GORUCK GR2 Review for Travel, Suitable for long term travelsofafewweeksorlonger. No matter the source, our testing procedures and our assessments remain free from third-party influence. Scorpion and Grayman models, or at least go in knowing that theyre built with With the same DNA, durable materials, and storage and daisy chain webbing are added in the areas that are practical The GORUCK line may have done a great job of breaching the non-military market, as all of their bags are touted for simplicity, function, and durability, but the high price tag has travelers looking for good GORUCK alternatives.