Tactical backpacks are popular with civilians who want to have the functionality and benefits of military design in their backpacks. These backpacks are useful for outdoor enthusiasts, military veterans, emergency crews, and survivalists who require lots of space for gear, durability for heavy-duty use, and organization.
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What is the Best Tactical Backpack?
We could say that we traveled the world to find for you the Best Tactical Backpack and it’s partially true – we’ve been on the road since 2011 after all.
More importantly, we have done a very thorough research online and have gone through most of the available military backpacks that you can buy today. We read the comments left by people who bought and used these tactical backpacks.
We also wrote a brief tactical backpacks Buying Guide and FAQ sections to address most questions you may have.
Without further ado, here’s the list of top 9 military backpacks based on their pricing, specs and ratings by real users.
1. Tacticon 24BattlePack Tactical Backpack
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Capacity: 40 Liters Weight: 2.7 Pounds (1.2 kg) Size: 19 x 13 x 10 Inches (48.3 x 33 x 25.4 cm) |
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The Tacticon Assault 24BattlePack is the best tactical backpack on my list because it features adjustable retention straps that can expand the packs capacity from 20L to 40L capacity. It also features a padded laptop pocket that makes it good for everyday carry, while its molle straps, accessory compartments, and waterproof interior lining make it versatile for an outdoor adventure. The backpack includes an insulated hydration bladder compartment with a drink tube access hole and hanging clips to hold it. Also included are a velcro concealed carry handgun holster and polymer D-rings for carabiner attachment.
Pros
- Up to 100lbs of carrying weight,
- Double-stitched seams on the entire backpack,
- Cross compatible with many accessory Molle pouches,
- Water-resistant interior lining keeps your stuff dry,
- Adjustable retention straps to adjust the backpack capacity, Heavy-duty waterproof zippers
Cons
- Shoulder straps are narrow for carrying heavy loads,Short waist straps
2. 5.11 Tactical RUSH24 Military Backpack
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Capacity: 37 Liters Weight: 4.2 Pounds (1.9 kg) Size: 20 x 12.5 x 8 Inches (50.8 x 31.8 x 20.3 cm) |
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The 5.11 Rush-24 is a highly rated tactical backpack and also one of the best bug out bags available in the market. The Rush-24 is the smaller version of the Rush-72 military-grade pack, and it is significantly popular with civilians. The Rush-24 is a multipurpose pack, but its tactical design makes it great for a survival kit carrying. It features a 1050D nylon construction with YKK zippers and MOLLE webbing. 1050D Nylon is also known as Ballistic Nylon and what is great about this fabric is the heavy weave that gives it a high tear-resistance, a slick texture that is water-resistant and makes the rucksack easy to blend in. For a bug out backpack, it comes with a generous main compartment for emergency supplies with multiple side and front pockets for your other gear. On the downside, the pockets expand internally, which constricts the internal space of the main compartment. However, the 5.11 MOLLE and SlickStick compatible webbing allows you to attach compatible pouches to your pack to give you extra space for your gear. For comfort, the backpack comes with a thickly padded back and contoured shoulder straps, as well as a sternum strap and compression straps to keep the pack compact.
Pros
- Compatible with the tier system for increased capacity,
- Made of water-resistant nylon material,
- Comfortable shoulder straps for heavy carrying,
- Wrap-around molle webbing and bottom lashing points,
- Excellent internal organization compartments, Great weight distribution
Cons
- No bottom padding,
- Weak seams around the pockets,
- Does not include a waist strap
3. Hannibal Tactical 36L MOLLE Assault Pack
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Capacity: 36 Liters Size: 20 x 13 x 12 Inches (50.8 x 33 x 30.5 cm) |
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The Hannibal tactical molle backpack is a multipurpose, military-style tactical pack with a 36L capacity. It features two main compartments with front and back compartments, and a variety of pockets to keep your stuff organized. The compartments also feature two quality zipper pulls to access your gear more easily and a molle web dominator to secure loose straps.The molle webbing throughout the front and sides of the pack is one feature I like the most because it allows you to attach lots of tactical gear. You can also use the padded hydration compartment to carry your laptop when going to work and replace it with the hydration bladder when going for your outdoor activities.
Pros
- High quality and durable double zippers,
- Features two main compartments for storage,
- Wrap-around molle webbing to attach additional gear,
- Great value for your money,
- Waterproof rubber lining in main compartments,
- Comfortable padded shoulder straps
Cons
- Loose stitching on the shoulder straps,Attachment slots are smaller than normal
4. Oakley Kitchen Sink Backpack
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Capacity: 34 Liters Weight: 4.1 Pounds (1.9 kg) Size: 20 x 14 x 8 Inches (50.8 x 35.6 x 20.3 cm) |
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Oakley is a global brand that is mostly known for its iconic wrap-around sunglasses. The company has widened its product line to include apparel like this Kitchen Sink backpack designed for everyday carry and short excursion trips. This is a small tactical backpack that you can fit conveniently under an airplane seat when traveling. It features versatile storage options such as the side access laptop sleeve, the front zipper organization pocket, and the compression-molded media player pocket with a headphone port. The compartments and pockets feature reinforced clip and zip closures that are compatible with locks to secure the contents.
The nylon structure allows you to carry a laptop, and you get a hard media-player pocket to protect your devices against bumps. The 34-liter capacity provides enough space for essentials on a weekend trip. The backpack serves professionals and travelers with a dedicated shoe compartment found at the bottom.
Pros
- Made of abrasion-resistant fabric,
- Heavy-duty chest and waist straps,
- Front clip mounts and side molle strap attachments,
- Compression-molded top pocket for your media players,
- Bottom compartment with drainage holes for wet items,
- Comfortable padded back and shoulder straps for extended carry,
- Padded side-access sleeve for a 17″ laptop
- Loads of compartments including side pocket for bottle
Cons
- Heavy even when empty
- Side-access sleeve laptop openinga bit narrow
5. GZ XINXING Bug Out Bag
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Capacity: 43 Liters Weight: 3.6 Pounds (1.6 kg) Size: 20 x 13 x 11 Inches (50.8 x 33 x 27.9 cm) |
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This is a large capacity bug out backpack with enough space to accommodate three days of essentials. It has two main compartments with additional smaller compartments on the front, a molle system for hanging extra gear, and a velcro strap for morale patches. Despite its large size, this rucksack has well-padded and comfortable back and shoulder straps with adjustable waist and chest straps to keep the pack secure on your back. It features a high-density polyester fabric construction that is water-resistant, and with reinforced seams throughout the bag for durability. The gift kit includes 6X D-Rings, a hydration tube clip, a water bottle pouch, a waterproof rain cover, and a PVC flag patch.
Pros
- Includes a free gift kit and a 30-days money-back guarantee,
- Reinforced seams all around the bag,
- High-density polyester fabric construction,
- Great quality materials and durable construction,
- Great value for its size,
- Large capacity storage for first responders
Cons
- Poor quality zippers
6. GZ XINXING Military Backpack
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Capacity: 45 Liters Weight: 3.5 Pounds (1.6 kg) Size: 20 x 13 x 11 Inches (50.8 x 33 x 27.9 cm) |
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The GZ XINXING Military Backpack is the best cheap tactical backpack on my list and is made with the more heavy-duty and durable 900D Nylon material than its smaller version above. It has generous space in its compartments with several internal pockets to keep everything organized and load compression straps to keep the pack compact. Like the smaller version, it is the perfect choice for first responders and emergency crews, and also comes with a gift kit. However, it doesn’t come with the hydration bladder.
Pros
- Includes a free gift kit and a 30-days money-back guarantee,
- Internal knotting reinforcement for durability,
- High-density nylon fabric construction,
- Very generous interior space,
- Comfortable to carry even when full,
- Good quality for the money
Cons
- Strong factory smell when new
7. REEBOW GEAR Tactical Backpack
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Capacity: 40 Liters Weight: 3.2 Pounds (1.5 kg) Size: 21 x 13 x 11 Inches (53.3 x 33 x 27.9 cm) |
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Reebow Gear tactical backpack is a high-performance backpack for outdoors and everyday use. Its generous compartments feature multiple pockets for organizing your stuff, while the wrap-around molle system allows you to attach extra gear. It is good value for money with good quality construction and durability. However, some of the features like the waist straps will break with time if you’re a heavy-duty user. It is relatively comfortable to carry with the padded and ventilated back and shoulder straps. The best feature is that it almost looks like an ordinary backpack, which is great for other everyday uses apart from camping and outdoors. It is the best tactical backpack under $50 if you’re looking for an affordable military-style EDC backpack.
Pros
- Wrap-around molle system for attaching extra gear,
- Side and front load compression system to keep it compact,
- Generous 40L carrying capacity,
- Comfortable padding on the shoulder straps,
- Generous interior space for outdoors,
- Simple and affordable
Cons
- Straps and zippers are not durable
8. Kroser Tactical Travel Backpack
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 3.1 Pounds (1.4 kg) Size: 18.6 x 13.5 x 10.8 Inches (47.2 x 34.3 x 27.4 cm) |
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This Kroser tactical laptop backpack is a multifunctional pack for school, work, travel, and outdoors. It is made with high quality and durable ballistic material that also prevents moisture or rain from penetrating the backpack. Another great feature is the RFID protection that prevents your credit card and passport information from being stolen when traveling. It comes with multifunctional and spacious compartments to keep your school or work stuff as well as hiking gear and travel clothes.The side compression straps keep the bag compact for easy handling and carrying. Lastly, the backpack also has a sunglass hard shell zone on the top, convenient to put your sunglasses, cellphone, mini drone, etc. Its airflow back padding system ensures that you stay comfortable on your journey.
Pros
- Water repellent ballistic fabric construction,
- Built-in USB charging port for your devices,
- RFID pockets to prevent identity theft from your cards,
- Padded bottom to protect your laptop,
- Compression straps to keep it compact
- Spacious storage,
Cons
- Poor quality zippers
- Does not have a dedicated laptop compartment
9. KAKA Convertible Duffel Bag
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Capacity: 35 Liters Weight: 3.7 Pounds (1.7 kg) Size: 20.5 x 11.8 x 7.1 Inches (52.1 x 30 x 18 cm) |
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Kaka 2070 travel backpack features a unique hybrid design that allows you to use it as a travel bag, outdoors backpack, duffle bag, and shoulder bag, depending on your needs. It features a functional design that fits your work travel needs with a professional aesthetic and an outdoors hiking trip with its durable and comfortable construction. On the downside, the pack’s capacity is smaller than it looks, giving you only 26L of capacity while at the same time being heavy when empty.
Pros
- Multifunctional design for versatile use,
- Large capacity pack with 10 compartments for organization,
- Fusion and stylish design that converts from backpack to duffle bag,
- High-quality scratch and water-resistant material,
- Anti-theft design with a secure password lock
- Handy key and beverage pocket,
Cons
- Heavy even when empty,
- Limited storage access and space
Verdict
TLDR: Quick summary of our findings as to what can be considered the best tactical backpack is below:
Overall best tactical backpack out there: Tacticon 24BattlePack Tactical Backpack
Premium Pick if money is not much of an issue: 5.11 Tactical RUSH24 Military Backpack
Budget Choice – there’s no shame in spending prudently: Hannibal Tactical 36L MOLLE Assault Pack
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
Questions and Answers About Tactical Backpacks
What is a tactical backpack?
Tactical backpacks are high-performance backpacks designed to enable military personnel, emergency services and first responders, and outdoor enthusiasts quick and easy access to their gear. It helps them to respond quickly to any situation while at the same time, having all the necessary equipment at hand.
What to look for in a tactical backpack?
Tactical backpacks are military-inspired in functionality, design, and quality. The notable features to look for include molle webbing to attach additional gear, multiple compartments with pockets for organization, heavy-duty and waterproof construction for heavy use, and hydration bladder compartment. Often, they will also include concealed carry handgun holster and polymer D-rings for carabiner attachment.
What are the loops for on a tactical backpack?
Backpack loops, also known as gear loops, are included to help you carry bulky items like axes, ice picks, knives, and trekking poles that you would want to have quick access to in your situation.
What to carry in a tactical backpack?
The contents of your tactical backpack will depend on what activity you are using the pack for and for how many days your excursion will last. Here are the basic items you should have in your survival kit for outdoors:
– First aid kit,
– Personal hygiene items and clothes,
– Hydration bladder with at least 2.5L capacity,
– Water bottle with filter,
– Water purification tablets,
– Protein-rich snacks,
– Multi tool kit and a fire starter,
– Flashlight with extra batteries,
– Powerbank for your communication equipment,
– Tactical knife
How to pack a tactical backpack?
The bottom part of your pack should have the heavier items and clothes that you need when you set up camp. The middle part of the backpack should have extra food and items that you use to set up your campsite, while the top part should be for items that you need regular access to, such as navigation gear, a camera, and quick snacks. The outer pockets should have quick access items such as first aid kit, water bottles, flashlights, multitools, and knives.
How to wash a tactical backpack?
Tactical backpacks come with easy care and maintenance instructions to guide you on how to clean the pack. Here are some basic cleaning tips to keep your backpack in great shape after every use.
1. Empty the backpack and use the small attachment of a vacuum cleaner to suck out the dirt and debris inside the bag quickly. 2. Remove any detachable straps and pockets that you can clean separately.
3. Use a soft brush to brush off loose dirt off the outside of the pack. 4. Use a mild detergent solution to spot clean stains using the soft brush. 5. Wipe down the outside and inside pack with a cloth in mild detergent solution and let it air dry completely before storage.
6. Always clean your backpack after every use to prevent a build-up of stains and odors.
Write about How do I choose the right tactical backpack?
You should feel comfortable when wearing your backpack, regardless of what it is for. A tactical backpack is designed to be used by law enforcement and military personnel so that they have an easy way to carry a lot of equipment and gear. These tactical backpacks can also be repurposed for hunting and other activities that require a lot of gear. Some people use their tactical backpack for camping or even hiking, just as long as they are comfortable with the weight it is holding.
1 thought on “Best Tactical Backpack”
The gearpack of REEBOW has so far been great.The only downside I’ve seen is that the clips aren’t all attached properly. I’ve taped all my straps now so I don’t have to worry about them falling off, but I’ve had a few falls before the tape. I’ve compared it to my brother’s 5.11 pack and there are some clear differences in quality, for example. The padding on the back and shoulder straps is not that thick, and not all straps have tethers. Considering the cost is less than 1/3, I have a good feeling about the trade-offs. You’ll have to spend more if you want the best, but at this price point it’s an excellent option.