Since prehistoric times, the backpack has been primarily used as a load carrier for the daily essentials and necessities.
Back then and even now the proper pack can very well mean the difference between surviving and dying given the right circumstances.
With that in mind, and whether you are in law enforcement, the military, a survivalist, a hunter, an outdoors men, or even just a normal civilian wanting the best out of his backpack — you have come to the right place.
From personal experience and that of others, we have dedicated this site to helping you find the best tactical backpack for your specific needs.
Contents
Ultimately though it will be up to you to decide exactly what you require for your specific preferences and needs. However, we feel confident that you will find them from within our list like so many other have.
We have included an interactive chart below featuring the top packs for quick reference, as well as some in depth reviews and analysis on the few best of the best packs on the market today.
So be sure to check it all out!
Top Backpacks on the Market — Comparison Chart
| Name | Approx Dimensions (Inches)(Tall x Wide x Deep) | Approx Internal Capacity (Cubic Inches) | Rating (Out of 5) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 5.11 Rush 24 | 20x12.5x8 | 2000 | 4.8 |
 | Maxpedition Falcon II | 19x8.5x10 | 1520 | 4.6 |
 | Condor 3 Day Assault | 22x17x11 | 3040 | 4.6 |
 | 5.11 Rush 12 | 18x11x6 | 1296 | 4.8 |
 | 5.11 Rush 72 | 23x15x8 | 2894 | 4.8 |
 | Maxpedition Kodiak Gearslinger | 18.5x11x 4 | 1100 | 4.5 |
 | ILBE Main Pack USMC Generation 2 With Assault Pack | 24x8x12 + 13x 5x7 | 5000 | 4.6 |
 | 3V Gear Outlaw Sling Pack Over the Shoulder Day Bag by 3V Gear | 15x8x4 | 684 | 4.7 |
 | Paratus 3 Day Operator's Pack Military Style MOLLE Compatible | 20x12x5.5 | 1320 | 4.5 |
 | Mil-Tec Military Army Patrol Molle | 20.1x11.4x11.1 | 3050 | 4.7 |
Tactical Backpack Reviews – Top 3 Picks
5.11 Rush 24 Review
Overview:
- Hailed as quite possibly the best pack on the market
- Trusted and used by top professionals in various professions
- Proven long lasting durability
- Plenty of room in the main compartment zone
- Double zipping side pockets
- Built in hydration pocket
- Reinforced handles
- Soft lined pocket perfect for shades or cell phone
- + much more features
- Design making it perfectly versatile for military or civilian life
- Will become your “go to bag”
First Impressions
Quality, built solid, and packed with features are among the first three words that pop into mind when thinking about the 5.11 rush 24 backpack.
The 5.11 series comes in three different sizes boasting a 12, 24 & 72 hour range. This pack takes the middle ground being the middle size bag in the series.
Although contrary to the time slots assigned in the names, the 24 is large enough to carry most everything you might need on a 3-10 day trip (within reason), while being versatile and small enough for carry on travel via buses, planes, trains, work, etc.
Features:
We weren’t kidding about there being a lot of features — in fact lets go over some of them:
Atop the bag at the grab handle is a zipped laced fleece pocket that is ideal for shades or electronic devices that can be accessed in a breeze.
The sternum strap at the back uses partially elasticated C-loops which allow for optimal comfort, easy repositioning of higher and lower — and removal if needed. The pack also features the fantastic dura-flex hardware which contains side release buckles allowing for easy arm, or complete and instant release from the pack in case the need ever arises.
The shoulder straps have an intelligent system to distribute the load properly, as well as heavily padded straps to make carrying of even some of the heaviest loads comfortable.
A hydration bladder can be securely placed with the toggles and straps of the pack and then can be fed through the compartments as needed. At the base of the bag are four lashing points and two drainage holes. Alongside the backside of the backpack are grippy pads for reduced slipping on the back when moving fast, as well as an additional hydration drainage hole.
The sides contain a series of loop slots or webbing to hook or mount additional objects to; as well as compression straps to keep things secure and tidy. The sides also contain rather stealthy side pockets for additional storage.
With double sided compartment pockets all over this pack; the front most pocket contains many many compartments for administrative equipment, keys, pens, knives, etc. And the main compartment opens up huge just like a giant clams shells breaking apart — which feature a plethora of mesh, zip pouches, flaps, stuff-pockets with a bungee fastener.
Wrapping It Up
Yes the Rush 24 is a rugged, durable, compartment masterpiece, and an all arounder type kind of guy. We really love the Rush series and this pack is a great choice for those needing ample storage space with tons of multi-purpose versatility regardless of objective, travel, mobility or location restrictions. It is probably the best tactical backpack for the money and the top pack on the market for fitting into the category of being a one size fits all.
Known by many as quite possibly the greatest tactical backpack ever made; it likely to be appropriate for almost any situation you might be in.
With all this being said we strongly recommend the 5.11 Rush 24 for anyone wanted an all around “go to pack” for almost any situation life throws at you.
What Other Owners Are Saying
Jason: First Responder:
I’ve had mine for nearly 5 years now and nothing on it has caused me any issues. I love how rugged it is.”Kevin: Law Enforcement:
“I have been using this bag for just over four years or so now. If I recall correctly it was purchased back in 2011.I am a former ForceRecon Marine and currently working as a National Guardsman and Sheriff’s deputy.I use this pack everyday and I currently own three of them in various colors (dark earth/black/multicam). I love the plethora of different pockets and how they apply efficiently for the tasks I need them to.”Matt: First Responder: Firefighter: I am both a volunteer and paid firefighter and EMT. I use this pack everyday for work and a lot during my off time as well. This backpack holds my laptop, iPad, external hard drive, portable charger, charging and misc cables, mini flashlights. Along with my various files and clothing with no issues what so ever. When I get called in at the last minute to come work a 24 or 36 hour shift, this is the bag I turn to.
Mark: Law Enforcment: Outdoor Enthusiast: Hunter:
“Over the years I have owned and personally field tested many packs, in many different environments and situations. This overall is a good pack, that I have been known to use every day. What I love is the amount of durability and organization that is possible with this bag. Having been used religiously for over 9 months now, overall, I love it.”
>>For the Lowest Price & Other Information on the Rush 24 Click Here<<
Maxpedition Falcon 2 Review
Overview
- One of if not the most copied bags due to its sheer excellence
- Can carry tons of additional weight and storage pouches/compartments/objects virtually everywhere on this pack
- Built like a tank — material is of the highest quality and long lasting
- Highly water resilient
- Narrow; and can be compressed if needed
- Ability to carry large amounts of weight without bodily discomfort due to proper weight distribution and hefty padding
- Known as one of, if not the best maxpedition bag
First Impressions
This backpack is one of the most frequently ripped off and copied by other knock off distributors in the industry — and for good reason — being that it is one of the best military backpacks around.
If you’re looking for a pack that is able to keep with your hectic lifestyle of long haul hiking trips, worldly travels, or being in remote areas for an extended period of time this may be right up your alley.
Contrary to the picture the backpack isn’t quite as huge as you may think. It is long and fairly narrow, yet yields plenty of space with tons of available pockets and compartment features. It is able to carry most everything you may need, while also being compact enough to fit under the seat of a larger airliner.
Features
The straps are smaller than on some pack but are correctly sized for the amount of weight you would expect to be carrying for this type of pack. They are nicely padded with plenty of cushioning for optimal comfort. We have also found that they do not dig into you like you might expect from similar elongated bags. All in all the straps are ideal for the long hiking treks ahead of you.
The falcon II comes with a sternum strap for load balancing, and features an upper Y strap and side straps that can be tightened either for added security or to compress the bag to a smaller thickness if a smaller load is in use. The Y strap can also be used to strap items such as a light jacket or poncho underneath itself.
The bottom of the bag also features two straps for attaching awkward or bulky items such as a sleeping bag or a tent.
The bag features exceptional compartmentalization; divided up between five main pouches which include; the plenty spacious main compartment, the water bladder, secondary compartment, bottom and top pockets. Inside these compartments are secondary interior zippered and non-zipped pockets and organizers.
The sides and back of the maxpedition falcon 2 are covered with PALS webbing; two on the sides and five on the back.
Attaching additional pouches to this bag is a breeze and held up very well through long use. One could probably attach an extra thirty pounds of weight without any real difficulty.
Parting Thoughts
The falcon 2 is a pack loved by many, and some consider it to be the best maxpedition backpack ever — the quality really is top-notch here.
This bag is built to last and we would buy it ten times outta ten over any generic copycat out there that would let us down by not meeting up to quality and durability expectations of the Maxpedition series. So, not much convincing should need to be done when a pack is copied by so many, yet all the rest fail in comparison.
What Other Owners Are Saying
Brad: Law Enforcement: Outdoor Enthusiast:
After owning this bag for about a year the outstanding quality and durability is very noticeable. The exterior is very rugged, holding out to all the constant punishment I put this pack through from weather, trunk, and terrain. The zippers themselves have help up without fail to extreme situations I have put them through (overfilling bag way past capacity). If and whenever I need a replacement the Falcon II will be it.
Jeff: Conductor:
My occupation is a conductor and therefore I needed an excellent backpack that would be able to take a beating while still being comfortable to have on (for long walks on the tracks). This bag is it. I wear this bag with 40lbs of work supplies and books and it has never let me down. I can barely feel it on my back even with all that weight inside of it. My prior bag lasted about five months but I can already tell this bag should last for years.Jason: Outdoor Enthusiast: Avid Backpacker: Traveler:
I have just came back from my second trek. First from Indonesia, Mt Rinjani @ 12,000 feet, and the other was an eighteen day trek to the Pakistan k2 camp. Throughout both treks the pack was subjected to very harsh conditions and terrain and held up fine. For instance the bag was covered with a very fine sand at one point which returned to looking brand new after a wash — a testament to the quality of the material. Also, even though the bag has not specified itself as waterproof, I had trekked through the heavy rain and the contents inside remained dry. I will be going to Nepal soon for another fifteen day trek and I am sure this bag will withstand anything (sand/snow/terrain) that gets thrown at it. This is my bag of choice.
>>For the Lowest Price & Other Information on the Maxpedition Falcon II Click Here<<
Best Tactical Day Pack
If you’re looking for the best tactical day pack then I thoroughly recommend you consider the 5.11 Rush 12 tactical backpack. It is one of the best sold day packs on the market and for good reason.
As you can see from the picture on the right it is the little brother of the 5.11 rush 24 backpack. And that means it has the same awesome features and design as the rush 24, only in a smaller day pack version.
The Rush 12 has a capacity of 21.2 liters while the Rush 24 has 32.7. So the Rush 12 works out to be about 2/3 the size of the 24; which is still plenty spacious for all your daily needs.
Also due to 5.11 rush series simple appearance as well as size of this pack; it is also great for daily civilian/city life. I would say if you are looking for the best tactical laptop backpack then you would be making an extremely good choice choosing the rush 12 backpack.
And remember just like all the rush series bags, the 12 also includes the pouch attachment ladder system (PALS) webbing so that you can easily and securely attach additional pouches or storage devices to various parts of the bag at will.
>>For the Lowest Price & Other Information on the Rush 12 Click Here<<
Best Tactical Hydration Pack
Staying hydrated is absolutely crucial, and if you’re looking for the best tactical hydration pack then I thoroughly recommend you consider the Camelbak Thermobak 100 oz Mil-Spec Tactical Hydration Pack. It is one of the best selling tactical hydration packs on the market, and is definitely a case of simplicity at its finest. It does its job, and it does it very well.
Just like all Camelbak’s the quality is superb; ergonomically constructed; featuring the tough and resilient cordura 1000d exterior, top notch stitching, and extremely well designed and durable reservoir and nozzle.
Some things to note are that the fill hole is large enough to allow adding things like ice cubes a breeze, along with making cleaning the reservoir very easy. And the reservoir itself can be filled without needing to be removed like some other packs out there.
>>For the Lowest Prices & Other Information on the Camelbak Thermobak 100 oz Mil-Spec Click Here<<
Verdict:
I thoroughly hope that my research, analysis, and experience, along with the testimonials and experiences from other like minded individuals and professionals across the board have helped you to identify and choose the best tactical backpack for you.