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Best Tactical Backpacks under $50

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Whether you’re a frequent traveler or someone who works with the armed forces or law enforcement, tactical backpacks are damn handy. Stronger, more functional, versatile and more durable than regular backpacks, a tactical backpack ensures that you can pack in all your gear, organize it to access every item easily, and have your back for you come rain, hail, snow or sunshine!

Well, let’s say you’ve bought into tactical backpacks and you’re browsing Amazon to find one that works for you. And that’s when you see that tactical backpacks seem to cost a minimum of $100! No, thanks, I’d rather buy 3 regular backpacks at that price and just use them, instead, right?

Well, no. Don’t let the first few prices you see fool you; I’m here to tell you that getting a tactical backpack under $50, and a great one at that, isn’t impossible. It’s actually quite easy and is only going to get easier with my top 4 “cheap under 50” tactical backpack picks. So read on, hombre!

Best Overall Product

Reebow Gear Military Tactical Backpack

With a 40-liter capacity that’s backed by some pretty amazing durability and functionality, the Reebow Gear Military Tactical Backpack takes the cake for being the best overall product under $50 in the market. Why? Well, it could be the amazing capacity that lets you take a 3-day trip (of any kind) without sweating it. Or it could be the backpack’s versatility, perfect for activities ranging from school to office to tactical stakeouts. Or it could be the great price. You get the drift!

What’s Included

  • A military tactical backpack of 13 x 20 x 11 inches with a 40-liter-capacity

What I Think

If you don’t mind a slightly bigger backpack that’s quite the model of efficiency, functionality and durability, look no further than this Reebow backpack. Made of high-density fabric that’s water resistant, it has a MOLLE system with webbing that lets you attach additional pouches and gear easily. Additionally, the seams are reinforced with double stitching, while heavy-duty zippers and utility-style cord pulls make sure the backpack won’t give out any time soon.

To ensure comfort, the backpack comes with a padded back area of mesh for ventilation, with padded, comfortable and breathable shoulder straps (mesh on the underside) that can be easily adjusted. Oh, and let’s not forget the side and front-load compression system either! Whether you want an army backpack, trekking backpack, a survival backpack, a range bag, an assault pack for a 3-day stakeout, or even just a school bag, the Reebow Military Tactical Backpack is a pretty damn great option.

Common Questions
  • Can I carry this backpack on a flight as cabin baggage?

Well, that depends on how you pack as well. If your backpack is packed to its full capacity, fitting it under the seat maybe a bit of a squeeze. However, legally, the backpack does meet carry-on regulations so you can always put it in the overhead cabins as well.

  • Can I use this backpack to store my photography gear?

Yes, you can. With Velcro dividers and camera bag inserts (both easily available on Amazon and sold separately), you can use the backpack quite efficiently for your photography gear.

  • How well does the backpack fit those with larger builds?

The chest and shoulders won’t be an issue. However, the waist strap may be a little tight; unfortunately, the company hasn’t added any extra inches to this part.

What I Like
  • The amazing versatility, including its compatibility with hydration bladders
  • Value for the price paid
  • Can fit a 15.6-inch laptop
  • All the durability-enhancing features mentioned earlier
  • Sturdy construction
  • Well-designed
  • Extremely spacious with tons of pockets for storage
What I Don’t Like
  • Though the bag is quite durable, the straps tend to come off easily, especially the compression and waist straps.
  • The zippers are also less durable compared to other parts of the bag and are prone to damage.

All said and done, the Reebow Military Tactical Backpack seems to be one of the best tactical backpacks out there, and by now, if you’ve been paying attention, you already know why! Whether it’s versatility, functionality, durability, a great price or all of this put together that you’re looking for, this backpack is one of your best bets.

Buy it here!

Best Buy

G4Free Outdoor Tactical Backpack

The G4Free Outdoor Tactical Backpack may seem a tad bit small, but don’t judge the book by its cover, or the backpack by its size; this backpack is all kinds of versatile, functional and durable!

What’s Included

  • A 7-liter backpack of 8 ounces

What I Think

Lightweight yet extremely durable and spacious (considering its size and capacity), the G4Free Outdoor Tactical Backpack can be used as a shoulder bag, a chest sling or a back sling; however you choose to use it, though, the extreme comfort it provides is something you’d be hard pressed to find in other backpacks.

The bag also a small MOLLE pouch to store your easy-access-requiring items, and thanks to its compact size that doesn’t compromise on its efficiency and functionality, this backpack is a great pick for a range of activities, from sports to hunting to trekking.

The best part about this backpack though is that it redefines “best value”. With a price well below $20 that belies the outstanding functionality and performance of this bag, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that this backpack is a damn hard one to beat!

Common Questions
  • What are the dimensions of this backpack?

The backpack is 7.87 x 5.51 x 9.87 inches with a weight of 8 ounces.

  • Is this compatible with a hydration bladder?

Though the backpack doesn’t come with a hydration bladder, you can take the call based on the dimensions of the backpack. However, the company itself has stated that the backpack isn’t hydration compatible.

  • Is the backpack waterproof?

No, it’s water-resistant, which means it’ll hold up in a light shower or the occasional splash, but not under a heavy downpour.

What I Like
  • The versatility, both in terms of design as well as the purposes it can be used for
  • The hard-to-beat price tag and great value for money
  • The facility to switch it between right and left to suit your body shape/preference (this is done via two clips on the sides)
  • Extremely durable — 600D polyester construction with double zip closure, heavy-duty handles that are padded and upgraded stitching
  • Lightweight yet spacious, strong and durable
What I Don’t Like
  • With a 7-liter capacity and the dimensions it has, you can’t really fit a lot of big items into the backpack, such as laptops, long notebooks and even some tablets.
  • There is no specific water-bottle pouch.

The G4Free Outdoor Tactical Backpack is what it is; small, compact yet functional — you can fit in a lot of stuff but don’t expect to be able to carry 10 water bottles, 3 rolls of duct tape, your Glock, 3 sets of clothes and your shoes all at once in the backpack. That being said, the backpack can quite comfortably accommodate quite a few belongings (even better if they’re well-packed) and quite efficiently satisfies the purpose it was designed for, along with taking the meaning of “best buy” to a whole new dimension!

Buy it here!

Best Features

CVLife Tactical Backpack

With an impressive array of features and a reasonable price, the CVLife Tactical Backpack makes it to my list for having not just one of the highest tally of features in any tactical backpack but also for the quality of these features.

What’s Included

  • A tactical backpack with detachable parts

What I Think

One of the main reasons that the CVLife backpack in question won my vote for having the best features is the detachable bag and detachable accessory pouches — a feature that I’ve come across in very few other backpacks in the same range. Therefore, you get a full-sized 50-liter backpack (can also be stretched to 60!) with a fanny pack and not one, but two detachable pouches; that’s multi-purpose on a whole new level!

The backpack, constructed with water-resistant 600×600 Oxford fabric and heavy-duty zippers, also comes with a MOLLE system that lets you easily attach gear, pouches and sleeping pads to the backpack, and along with the detachable pouches, there’s the spacious main compartment to easily store all your stuff in.

When it comes to comfort, the makers seem to have left no stone unturned, with adjustable dual-density shoulder straps with mesh lining for ventilation and breathability, a comfortable waist strap, rain-diverting flaps and dual compression straps. The bag is also quite versatile — you can use it as an emergency kit, hunting backpack, assault pack, a trekking rucksack or an outdoor backpack.

Common Questions
  • What are the bag’s dimensions?

The backpack seems to be 12 x 12 x 20 inches (depth, width and height, respectively), with the side pockets adding an extra 2-3 inches each side.

  • Is there a water-bottle pouch?

Yes, you could quite easily fit a Nalgene bottle in each of the side pockets. There’s also an internal water-bottle pocket; it’s inside the back pouch in the main compartment.

  • Is the bag waterproof?

No, the bag is water-resistant, which means that your stuff probably won’t last a minute longer than 15 minutes if you’re out in the rain.

  • Is it hydration compatible?

Yes, it is. There’s a secret pocket where you can put your bladder.

What I Like
  • The impressive number of features for the price
  • The 3 detachable bags, allowing for customizability
  • Spacious (flexible capacity), with lots of pockets for storage
  • Designed for comfort and durability
  • Versatile
  • Great customer service with easy replacement in case of damaged goods received
What I Don’t Like
  • Some users have reported durability issues, such as the straps coming off or breaking.
  • Since the buckles are made of plastic, they tend to come loose or break more easily than other parts of the bag.

Honestly speaking, finding flaws with this backpack requires you to be nit picky; the durability issues seem to be a one-off occurrence and the only real issue would be the plastic buckles. That apart, the CVLife backpack is a great tactical backpack option and honestly gives you more than you’ve bargained for, in terms of both features and price, in the best way possible.

Buy it here!

Fan Favorite

PANS Military Expandable Tactical Backpack

Large, functional, spacious and popular, the PANS Military Expandable Tactical Backpack ticks all the right boxes. Extremely versatile, the backpack can be used for multiple purposes, from hiking to trekking to hunting or as just a daypack.

What’s Included

  • A 39-liter expandable tactical backpack

What I Think

Extremely well designed, the PANS Military Backpack is extremely durable and functional, its main selling point being its expandability; the backpack comes with a 39-liter capacity that can be extended to 64 liters. Along with this, you get 4 main loading spaces with plenty of spacious pockets, including a mesh pocket on the side for your water bottle, a MOLLE system in front to easily attach gear, and even a couple of walkie-talkie pouches on the bag’s backstrap.

The bag is also quite comfortable, with a padded mesh back area for ventilation, padded shoulder straps, and an easily adjustable waist belt and sternum strap to easily carry heavy loads. All in all, with a great price, great features, and an enviable fan base, it’s win-win all around with the Eyourlife Military Backpack!

Common Questions
  • Can I fit a laptop into the bag?

Considering that the dimensions of the bag are 21 x 16 x 14 inches, you could fit a standard 11-inch laptop into the bag or a 13.3-inch Macbook. A 15-inch laptop may be a bit of a squeeze.

  • Is the bag waterproof?

Yes, it is.

  • Can this be used as a school bag?

Absolutely, if you can make it work! However, it does have quite a few pockets, so make sure you or the person using it remember which pouch all the various belongings are in to minimize the risk of getting into trouble for missing homework or stationery!

What I Like
  • The number of storage pouches
  • The spaciousness of the bag
  • The expandable feature
  • Carry-on size
  • Durability
What I Don’t Like
  • Some users have reported receiving faulty/defective pieces.
  • Since the buckles are plastic, they’re more prone to breakage with use than other parts of the bag.

All things considered, the PANS Military Backpack might not be the best out there, but it definitely holds its mettle; no wonder then, that so many people find the backpack appealing! Definitely a fan favorite and for that, I recommend this one.

Buy it here!

Stay Away from This Product!

ARMYCAMOUSA Tactical Heavy-Duty Drawstring Backpack

First things first; this backpack is dirt-cheap. However, don’t let that sway you; it’s 13.5 x 17 inches of cloth with a drawstring and it’s only noticeable feature is the reflective strip on it. That apart, and the camouflage color, this bag bears no resemblance to a tactical backpack of any sort. It may have 2 5-star ratings, but again, don’t let that fool you; this backpack is a great option if you’re just looking for a daypack, but can’t match up to a tactical backpack of any sort.

The Parting Note

Well, with that, we come to the end of my review of tactical backpacks. If you ever thought you couldn’t land a more-than-decent tactical backpack for under $50, I hope this article blew your mind! Perfect for a range of purposes, these backpacks are all great investments and definitely worth some serious consideration.

Do you think you’ll be taking any of my recommendations? Let me know in the comments below!