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If you are out camping in the woods or are simply going into a busy workday that requires you to carry a lot of stuff, it can be a real pain in the behind if you do not have a bag or backpack that can accommodate your needs. Imagine hiking up a trail with nowhere to keep your water bottle or a bag of snacks or even a map! Nobody wants to have their hands full of crap on a regular basis, forget while doing strenuous physical activity or while going into an important work meeting that is already stressing you out.
Thankfully, I discovered tactical backpacks early on in my life and it is really the sweetest thing. With a tactical backpack, you can be a walking-talking storage and can fit practically anything in the backpack while you are on the go. Imagine a magical, bottomless backpack that can fit the world in it (any Harry Potter fans in the house?). Well, a tactical backpack is not quite there yet, but it sure is the closest thing to a magical, bottomless backpack.
In the following sections, I will take you through a list of some of the best tactical backpacks I have found through my research. I have put them into different categories so you can find one that suits your needs perfectly. Strap in lads, this is going to be a great ride!
Best Overall Product
5.11 Tactical Rush24 Military Backpack, MOLLE Bag Rucksack Pack
The 5.11 Tactical Rush24 Military Backpack is a spacious and convenient tactical backpack you can invest in. The backpack is meant to be easy to travel with.
What’s Included
- Hydration pocket
- Mesh admin compartments (three)
- Side water bottle pocket (zippered)
- Drainage grommets (two)
- Eyewear pocket, fleece-lined (zippered)
- Wrap-around MOLLE SlickStick web platform
- Nametape
- Yoke shoulder straps (contoured)
What Do I Think?
I picked this backpack over all the others I found in the market because it seems to be truly resilient and multi-purpose. This is a very well-made backpack. It has several pockets and storage compartments which make it a great option for a long hike. You can also add your own MOLLE attachments in case you want to make it even more spacious. It is also available in a variety of different colors.
Common Questions
- Is it comfortable?
The contoured shoulder straps give your shoulders support and the mesh MOLLE attachments make it extremely easy to carry several things at once.
- Is it durable?
It is because the material is resilient that this can be called one of the best tactical EDC backpacks. (EDC = Everyday Carry)
- Is this a well-known brand?
5.11 Tactical is a well-known clothing company based in California.
- Will this qualify as an overhead bag while flying?
Yes, this bag will fit snugly in the overhead cabin while you are flying.
What I Like
- I appreciate how much support the compression straps provide to the shoulder.
- The internal organization of this backpack is commendable and you can place your belongings neatly inside the backpack.
- The gadget and eyewear compartment are fleeced for enhanced protection.
- The hydration compartment is conveniently located on the back panel.
What I Don’t Like
- The warranty on this backpack is not great and several customers online seemed to have complained about this.
- The bag is made with heavy-duty materials and may become too heavy to carry if it is packed too snugly.
This is a great investment for you to make and is one of the best tactical EDC backpacks. I chose it as the best overall backpack because it ticks all the boxes that a guy might require in a tactical backpack.
Best Buy
5.11 Tactical Rush12 Military Backpack, MOLLE Bag Rucksack Pack
The 5.11 Tactical Rush12 Military Backpack is a smaller one compared to others on this list, but it is a great pack that is absolute value for money. This is a nylon backpack that has a resilient and durable exterior. It is an ideal pack for the outdoors and also for everyday use.
What’s Included
- 16 individual compartments
- Adjustable height sternum strap
- Fleece-lined eyewear compartment
- Contoured yoke shoulder strap
- Glove-friendly pull tabs
- Self-repairing YKK zippers
Common Questions
- Is it comfortable?
Yes, the glove-friendly tabs, contoured yoke shoulder strap, and 16 compartments make it extremely comfortable.
- Is it durable?
This is a nylon backpack that can withstand extreme weather and also weight. Even the zippers are self-repairing!
- Will the pack fit a laptop?
The pack does not have a separate laptop sleeve but it can fit a slim laptop and other gadgets with ease.
- Can the pack accommodate a water bottle?
Yes, there is a water bottle pouch that can hold 24 oz of water.
What I Like
- This is a compact day bag that fits in just the right amount of items.
- It is highly durable and the self-repairing zips are a great addition.
- This is a very economical pack that offers plenty of features despite its price.
- It is available in several different colors.
What I Don’t Like
- This is not a great pack for long trips as it is a small, compact backpack.
- The contoured yoke straps do not always hold up too well.
Despite some of its shortcomings, I still picked this pack is the ‘best buy’ because it is great value for money. The pack is on the less expensive end of the spectrum and yet, it offers much more than what a high-end pack could offer.
Best Features
5.11 Tactical Rush72 Military Backpack, MOLLE Bag Rucksack Pack
The 5.11 Tactical Rush27 Military Backpack is close to the pack reviewed previously, but with a few tweaks. It is also slightly more expensive than the previous one, which takes a few of its points away.
What’s Included
- Dual-zippered front
- Glove-friendly pulls
- Admin organization pockets
- Cinching waist strap
- Dual compression straps
What Do I Think?
The backpack offers several things that caught my attention. It has a waterproof, durable construction. It is a multi-purpose backpack that can be used in a variety of different ways — sling bag, hunting backpack, hiking rucksack, etc. It has several compartments that allow you to use comfortably even on long hikes. The glove-friendly molded grip allows you to handle the straps even in cold weather.
Common Questions
- Is it comfortable?
Yes, this is a comfortable backpack in many ways. The foam shoulder straps give the shoulder good support and the weight is distributed evenly.
- Does it have a metal rod?
Yes, it has a removable metal rod in the back for additional support.
- Can a tent be attached to the backpack?
Yes, you can easily attach a tent to the bottom of the backpack.
- Will a laptop fit inside?
The backpack does not have a separate laptop sleeve but it is large enough to accommodate a laptop with ease.
What I Like
- This is a high-quality water-repellant rucksack which is great to carry on a hike.
- It comes in plenty of colors, giving you a great variety to pick from.
- The glove-friendly molded grip pulls is a great addition for colder climates.
- This can also be recognized as one of the best tactical EDC backpacks.
What I Don’t Like
- This backpack is more expensive than the previously reviewed one, though it offers fewer features.
- This is not a great backpack to carry heavy loads.
Despite its shortcomings, this is a backpack that will be worth your while. It is resilient for the most part, is great looking and offers several different storage options.
Fan Favorite
Reebow Gear Military Tactical Backpack Large ARMY 3 Day Assault Pack MOLLE Bag Backpacks
The Reebow Gear Military Tactical Backpack is an excellent pack that has got several great reviews by customers and fans. The pack is made with high-density fiber and is durable like nothing else!
What’s Included?
- Complete MOLLE webbing
- Double-stitched, heavy-duty zippers
- Breathable shoulder straps
- Side and front load compression system
- Ventilated mesh back area
What Do I Think?
This is a pack that is a clear winner in terms of customer reviews. Most people have come back with good feedback though there are certain shortcomings here and there. This is a multi-purpose pack that can be used in a variety of different ways.
Common Questions
- Is it comfortable?
Yes. This is one of the most ventilated and breathable tactical backpacks in the market.
- Is it durable?
Reviews suggest that the pack has delivered a great performance and has lasted customers for a long time and over many trips. The water-resistance feature allows you to use it in many kinds of weather.
- Can it be taken on a plane?
Certainly. It can fit easily in the overhead storage.
- Can you carry electronics with ease?
While this is a water-resistant backpack, I would still recommend exhibiting caution while carrying electronics in bad weather.
What I Like
- This is an inexpensive pack that offers plenty of things.
- The MOLLE system allows you to attach anything on the pack with velcro.
- It can be used as a 3-day assault pack, as an EDC backpack, a hiking rucksack, and more.
- The breathable back and shoulder straps make this a very comfortable pack.
What I Don’t Like
● The pack does not offer too many color options.
● The waist strap keeps coming undone.
This pack has been picked as a fan favorite because it won by sheer votes and reviews. Several customers have come back with great things to say about the pack. It is certainly worth considering.
Stay away from this Product!
CVLIFE Military Tactical Backpack ARMY Rucksack Assault Pack Built-Up MOLLE Bag
The CVLIFE Military Tactical Backpack does not meet the standards that the other packs in the list do. In fact, it comes several notches down because of several reasons. To begin with, this is a large backpack that can fit a lot of items at once. It has a capacity of 60 liters! But all of this goes to waste if the pack itself is not durable. The straps start coming undone after only a few uses. The compartment design is also not great and even though the pack can hold a lot, the organization is sub-par.
I noticed that several customers had complained that the pack is too heavy and uncomfortable. If it has such a large capacity, it does a poor job of holding the items in it. So those were all the packs that I thought brought great things to the table (plus one pack that you should steer clear of!). I have tried my best to put together a list that you, my good (wo)man, will find helpful. Feel free to venture out on your own, try some of these products and don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know which ones you liked best!