The best tactical backpacks today blur the line between battlefield and everyday use. They’re made with military-inspired utility in mind and designed to carry heavy loads and stand up to the harshest environments.
Then there’s the customization afforded to you by way of the MOLLE exterior (pronounced “Molly”). MOLLE is the short form for “Modular, Lightweight Load-Carrying Equipment.” This feature allows you to customize your backpack with emergency triage kits, food containers, multi-tools, magazine pouches, and more.
Whether you’re a military person, outdoor enthusiast, or survivalist, you might have noticed the resurgence of range bags, backpacks, and even vests that are covered in loops, straps, and webbing. MOLLE systems essentially allow you to customize your gear to suit your mission.
Plenty of backpacks on the market sport the “tactical” description, but that doesn’t mean they’re all designed to the same standards of quality. But these three examples demonstrate the variety of features now offered on the market:
5.11 Tactical RUSH 24 2.0
5.11 Tactical is a popular pack maker, and this offering is an example of why. The Rush 24 sits at a happy medium of just over 37L of capacity with seven compartments, including a padded laptop stowage.
Like all RUSH series backpacks, the 24’ features MOLLE webbing and a hidden concealed carry compartment on the inside. More importantly, it offers the perfect combination of ample storage, practical features, and all-day comfort, making it great for both professional and recreational applications.
The RUSH series really sets the bar when it comes to tactical backpacks. They’re designed for the outdoorsman looking for unrivaled quality and performance.
Network Member Website: 511tactical.com
Condor 3-Day Assault Pack
Appreciated by soldiers, outdoors enthusiasts, and everyday users alike, the Condor 3-day pack comes with 3038 cubic inches of storage capacity. As such, you can easily carry adequate supplies to last a week if you have great packing skills. It has a total of seven compartments, each with its own strategic purpose, and can carry two 3-liter hydration bladders.
Made of rugged 1000 Denier Cordura nylon, this pack performs well outdoors and is resistant to chemical and perspiration stains. The contoured shoulder straps, sternum strap, and waist belt allow for extra comfort and stability.
Network Member Website: condoroutdoor.com
Fox Outdoor Modular Field Pack
Now, here’s a backpack for any military or outdoor excursion. With a total capacity of 50 liters, this backpack features a roomy main compartment with a hydration bladder pocket and two large vertical exterior side pockets. It provides an excellent amount of space for all your gear and is designed to be comfortable to carry.
It’s great for trekking through the wilderness and is fully customizable, allowing you to add as many pouches and accessories as you wish. With superb utility and numerous convenient features, the Modular Field Pack is a superb choice amongst the variety of large packs on the market.
Network Member Website: foxoutdoor.com
These packs are by no means an exhaustive list of tactical backpacks available today. We encourage you to explore these NAUMD network suppliers in greater detail on their websites.