Tested: The 7 Best Tactical & Military Backpacks

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Seeing as how backpacks are one of the most ubiquitous pieces of everyday carry gear around, it should come as no surprise that there are a ton of sub-categories therein. And while most folks are probably looking for something that fits more in the realm of everyday usage, hiking haulers, or even college-ready bags, there&#;s another class of person that needs something a bit tougher, more versatile, and ready for anything. We&#;re talking, of course, about the tactical and military crowds. Now, you don&#;t actually have to be active duty or a veteran in order to desire a tactical military backpack, but knowing what that entails will certainly help you understand what to expect out of these bags. Designed for durability, expandability and modularity, and more &#; the following bags are what our extensive hands-on and field-testing revealed to be the best of the best when it comes to tactical military backpacks. 

Selection & Testing

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Between purpose-built tactical designs and hardwearing outdoor packs that just happen to lend themselves to tactical use, there&#;s absolutely no shortage of stellar tactical backpacks currently on the market. While this gives buyers a wealth of options, it also makes it exceedingly difficult to sort through the seemingly endless sea of available options in order to hone in on the segment&#;s few standouts. In an effort to uncover the best the space has to offer, we kicked off our search for the latest and greatest tactical backpacks by first generating a list of criteria that we&#;d be using to judge each bag, reviewing areas such as materials and construction technique, manufacturing origin, hardware and trim, weather resistance, and features and amnesties, just to name a few. 

Focusing on these key areas, we then relied on them in order to compile a shortlist of tactical backpacks that we suspected may currently represent some of the best that money can buy. With this list in hand, we proceeded to get our hands on an example of each pack from our shortlist in order to experience each backpack first hand and place each through an extensive battery of tests. This included loading each pack with a pair of 25-pound plates and then performing a mobility test in order to experience how supportive and comfortable each bag&#;s harness system was. This battery of tests also included a hose spray tests to determine weatherproofing, as well as a trial that involved testing the ease of access of each pack&#;s main compartment. In addition to ergonomics, our hands-on testing would also help shine a light on areas such as craftsmanship and build quality as well. Plus, when applicable, this also included testing mounting and removable sidearms and/or long guns on the backpacks that featured weapon storage systems. 

Once armed with our firsthand findings from our hands-on testing phase, we then returned to the drawing board and compared and contrasted the performance and specs of each pack from our testing in order to narrow our initial shortlist down to a final hard list of what we found to be the very best tactical backpacks on the market. 

5.11 Tactical Rush 12 2.0

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Pros

• Combines EDC & tactical features
• Has a CCW compartment
• Main compartment is super easy to access
• Offers outstanding value

Cons

• Devoid of waist straps (available as add-on)
• Lacks build quality of pricier packs

Best Budget Pick: The 5.11 Tactical Rush 12 2.0 is a second-generation tac-pack that combines military-inspired features with a host of everyday and commuter-focused amenities. Like its gen-one predecessor, the Rush 12 2.0 was engineered to be as versatile as possible, aiming to be able to seamlessly go from tactical to outdoor to everyday use without skipping a beat. Utilizing 5.11&#;s signature Center Line design, the Rush 12 2.0 boasts a generous-sized main compartment that&#;s supplemented via a slew of exterior pockets and attachment points including a front lower pocket with interior zip pockets and an admin organizer, a top zip pocket, a fleece-lined media/sunglasses pocket, and multiple rows of MOLLE webbing. What&#;s more, the thing also packs a rear hydration compartment, a dedicated CCW compartment, and a padded false-bottom laptop compartment that can accommodate notebooks of up to 15&#;. Suspended from its wearer via a harness setup comprised of a contoured yoke shoulder strap system &#; also adorned in MOLLE web &#; the backpack is crafted from rugged, water-resistant 1,050-denier ballistic nylon (or 1,000D nylon for the MultiCam version). 

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5.11 Tactical&#;s Rush 12 2.0 is not only the cheapest tactical backpack on our list, but it also costs a literal fraction of some of the other packs further down in this review. As such, it didn&#;t come as much of a surprise that I found there to be certain shortcoming and issues that I didn&#;t love about this pack. For starters, the build quality on the second-gen Rush 12 doesn&#;t feel particularly robust &#; something that&#;s even more apparent when compared side-by-side with practically every other tactical backpack on this list. Next, while I do appreciate the use of the ballistic-grade nylon shell construction, I do wish 5.11 had opted to charge a little more for the pack and opt for water-resistant zippers, as the weatherproofing of the shell material suddenly becomes a lot less important when water is going to find its way into the bag via the zipper tracks either way. Additionally, the back panel leaves your back sweaty due to the fact it has no ventilation, the waist strap system is sold separately as an optional add-on, and while it didn&#;t&#; tear during my testing, some of the interior mesh still felt rather cheap and prone to ripping. Lastly, I found that the shoulder strap became uncomfortable and dug into my shoulders after more than 15-20 minutes of wearing the pack with it fully loaded. With that said I do like that the shoulder straps have quick-release buckles on them to easily drop the pack if needed. 

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With that out of the way, there&#;s also a lot that I really liked about this backpack &#; hence why I gave it a spot on this list. Out of every bag I tested, the 5.11&#;s main compartment was the easiest to access &#; followed closely by Mystery Ranch&#;s 2DAP. This is because when the backpack is fully undone the bag can almost open flat. I do wish the bag&#;s designers opted to have the zipper track run down another inch or two, as this would allow for a full clamshell opening setup &#; though the setup it has still offers fairly unobstructed access. What&#;s more, tront pocket pops out from the bag, so no matter how stuffed the main compartment is, you can still easily add and remove objects from the smaller front pocket. Also of note was the hidden CCW compartment. The concealed carry compartment features a Velcro closure that I found to be secure, yet was easy to open, plus the wide mouth of the pocket made it really easy to draw a sub-compact on-the-fly without the optics or light snagging. I also really like how this compartment can be accessed without fully removing the pack, instead requiring you to slip out of one of the shoulder straps and rotate the bag in front of you. The inclusion of a padded laptop sleeve also gives this pack a lot more day-to-day utility than most tactical backpacks &#; even if it does have an overly militaristic look to it. It&#;s also compatible with 5.11&#;s hydration system which I like as well. 

Though it doesn&#;t feel as rugged as every other bag on this list in terms of build quality, the Rush 12 2.0 did hold up the entire time I tested it, and had zero problem lugging around weight plates, axes, and other heavy kit. So credit where credit is due there. Despite its shortcomings, the 5.11 Tactical Rush 12 2.0 is a quality tactical backpack that offers solid organizational features, satisfactory durability, some nice tactical-specific  features, and a rugged shell material, all at a very reasonable price. In fact, I&#;d argue it&#;s a lot easier to overlook almost all of the issues I had with this backpack when you consider the approximately $100 price, as it makes the vast majority of my gripes a lot harder to complain about. Of all the bags on our list, this one offers by far the best bang-for-your-buck. 

Verdict: The 5.11 Tactical Rush 12 2.0 is an affordable, value-laden tactical backpack that combines a host of EDC and tactical-specific features into a traditional &#; and accessibly-priced &#; package.

Shell Material: 1,050D Ballistic Nylon
Capacity: 24 Liters
Dimensions: 18&#; H x 11&#; W x 6.5&#; D
Weight: 3.15LBs
Laptop Compartment: 15&#;
Waist Strap: No
Manufacturing Origin: Vietnam

Oakley Link Pack Miltac 2.0

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Pros

• Features purposefully minimalistic design
• Great fit & finish for the price
• Offers outstanding value

Cons

• Would benefit from better weatherproofing
• Devoid of waist straps

Best Upgrade Pick: Though Oakley is no doubt best known for its premium eyewear, tactical military gear has also been an important part of the brand&#;s business for the vast majority of its existence &#; with the company having been founded in and beginning its partnership with the U.S. Armed Forces in the s. Producing gear under the banner of Oakley Standard Issue, the division churns out utilitarian, built-to-last pieces of kit made specifically for military personnel that offer solid performance at an affordable price &#; not unlike what Gerber does for knives. And an excellent example of OSI&#;s wares is the Oakley Link Pack Miltac 2.0. Measuring &#; 23.5&#; H x 13&#; W x 7.5D &#;, this 27-liter pack tips the scales at just over 2.0lbs and features a 600-denier polyester shell construction. 

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Trimmed in a combination of VELCRO, daisy-chain webbing, and MOLLE webbing, the exterior of the tactical backpack sports a set of gusseted side pockets, a top grab handle, and a top-access zippered closure sitting beneath a storm flap with an integrated quick-access pocket. Because it&#;s Oakley, the backpack also boasts a padded eyewear holder, as well. Moving inside, the bag features an internal VELCRO strip with an accessories panel, and a padded laptop sleeve that&#;s also water bladder compatible. The second-gen Link Pack Miltac&#;s harness system was adequate, with a breathable mesh, padded back panel, a contoured lightly-padded set of shoulder straps, and a laddered adjustable sternum strap with a stabilizing sternum clip. All in all, the backpack boasts an overall more minimalistic setup than most tactical bags, though this was clearly by design. 

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Due to the Oakley Link Pack Miltac 2.0&#;s price point, I expected to have at least a few gripes after testing it, and I wasn&#;t wrong in this regard. For starters, it offers pretty minimal weatherproofing aside from its shell and storm flap, plus its internal laptop sleeve doesn&#;t provide any padding or cushioning between the laptop and the rest of the pack&#;s contents. &#; though the back panel that sits over it is heavily padded, protected it from the outside at least. I also didn&#;t love the fact that the main compartment is only accessible via the top-loading setup. Next, the bag is devoid of a waist strap which is definitely a negative on a tactical backpack. Even with the sternum strap tightened, the bag still bounced around and shifted a lot during physical movement. And, while it admittedly had no problem accommodating a 25-pound plate, I could see light shining through the shell which gave me some concerns about its ability to accommodate heavier loads (exceeding 70lbs). I&#;d also worry a sharp edge may puncture the bottom of the pack. Lastly, while all of the attachment points on the bag felt super secure and heavily reinforced, I did find the the grab handle was on the thinner side, resulting it in digging into my hand a bit when fully loaded with gear. 

With that out of the way, there was also a myriad of elements that I was really pleased with when testing this bag &#; areas that collectively outweigh any downsides it has in my opinion. It&#;s clear a lot of thought went into designing this bag and small areas such as the way its two front rows of vertically-running MOLLE webbing double as integrated grab handles really demonstrate that. Additionally, the use of jumbo-sized dipped pulls make accessing the main compartments zipper super easy, while still allowing it to remain protected by the storm flap. Thanks to their gusseted construction, the bag&#;s side pockets can also easily be used even when the pack&#;s main compartment is stuffed &#; another detail that I really appreciated, as several of the other packs I tested made it wildly difficult to stuff their side pockets when their main cavity was fully loaded. And though the inside of the backpack is somewhat spartan, I did find the VELCRO interior accessory organizer to surprisingly be one of my favorite aspects of the bag. Incredibly modular, I found it to be perfect for housing a sub compact, stashing a tactical fixed blade, or orienting the barrel of a longer firearm. 

Verdict: Oakley&#;s Link Pack Miltac 2.0 is a terrific choice for those looking for a rugged yet minimalistic tactical backpack without breaking the bank.

Shell Material: 600D Polyester
Capacity: 27 Liters
Dimensions: 23.5&#; H x 13&#; W x 7.5&#; D
Weight: 2.01LBs
Laptop Compartment: 15&#;
Waist Strap: None
Manufacturing Origin: China

Prometheus Design Werx S.H.A.D.O. Pack 24L 3.0

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Pros

• Is insanely modular & versatile
• Has huge number of attachment & clip points
• Offers outstanding value
• Super calculated design
• Equipped w/ a terrific harness system

Cons

• Can be a little top-heavy depending on loading/packing

Best Value Pick: The Prometheus Design Werx S.H.A.D.O. Pack 24L 3.0 is a highly-calculated tactical backpack that takes its name from an acronym based on the bag&#;s key traits and abilities of &#;S.uspension, H.aul, A.ccess, D.urability, O.rganized.&#; Offering 24 liters of storage space, the S.H.A.D.O. Pack 3.0 is cut from 500-denier CORDURA and features a super robust and supportive harness system, a generous slew of attachment points, and a main compartment with a full clamshell-opening setup. In typical PDW fashion, this daypack was built for adventure, and as such is insanely tough, benefitting from both hardwearing materials and rugged build quality. 

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Fully lined in flame orange 140-denier ripstop, the interior of the pack sports a removable admin tile, a suite of zippered mesh pockets, a removable modular EDCO panel organizer, and a padded 15&#; laptop compartment. Sitting under the bag&#;s back panel is also a low-profile hydration sleeve pocket complete with a top bladder tube port and a bladder hanger clip &#; though this hydration sleeve can also double as a second laptop or tablet compartment. The exterior of the PDW S.H.A.D.O. Pack 24L 3.0 is brimming with attachment points and other supplementary elements for stashing or hauling additional gear or kit. This includes a set of side stretch water bottle pockets, a hook and loop ID or morale patch panel, multiple D ring clip points front and back, low-profile reinforced grab handles top, bottom, and on both sides, a M.OLLE compatible array lining the front of the pack, axe and tool loops, multiple daisy chains, a quick-access accessory pocket, YKK reverse-coil zippers with 3mm cord saddle pulls throughout, and custom color-matched nylon trim and hardware. 

The front of the bag also features a modular, multi-way-adjustable, M.OLLE-lined transporter tail that sits over a shock cord array. Capped off with a padded panel with multi-density closed-cell foam and ripple-pattern airflow channels, the back of the third-gen S.H.A.D.O. Pack comes loaded with a contoured set of shoulder straps with laser-cut, laminated MCA mounting points, supplemented via a removable lumber pad, adjustable and removable sternum straps, and a super-beefy removable waist strap with fully-padded wings, 2&#; webbing belt, and a drop leg holster slot. Measuring 20&#; H x 11&#; W x 7&#; D &#; though expandable to 9&#; deep &#; the entire pack is also constructed around a removable HDPE frame sheet. It can be easy to first look at PDW&#;s S.H.A.D.O. Pack 24L 3.0 and feel like there&#;s a lot going on, and frankly, that&#;s because there is. With that said, the pack isn&#;t loaded with features simply for the sake of being loaded with features. Every element and detail on the backpack serves a specific purpose or function &#; all of which lend themselves to real-world uses. The bag&#;s clamshell opening provides totally unobstructed access to its main tub compartment, while its generous slew of external attachment points and transporter tail make it ridiculously easy to securely lash or link garments or gear to the thing&#;s exterior. 

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While I could tell the S.H.A.D.O. Pack 24L 3.0 had a robust harness system just from looking at it, I was nonetheless pretty blown away but just how perfectly dialed-in it was. The contoured shoulder straps, super beefy padding, and adjustable (and removable) sternum strap and waist belt collectively do a stellar job of comfortably and evenly distributing weight across the wearer. Even amidst ample movement, the pack didn&#;t sway around, and was able to remain firmly on my back, not throwing off my balance. And, even when worn for an extended period with the pack fully loaded with weight, the straps never became uncomfortable or began digging into my back or shoulders. Truth be told, the only real gripe I had while testing this pack is the fact that it can sometimes be a little bit top heavy because of how far it protrudes from its wearer&#;s back &#; though this was only noticeable when attaching heavy items to the top of the pack. 

My favorite aspect of this backpack, however, is undoubtedly how incredibly modular it is. No matter your intended use, the bag can be configured in a manner that will almost certainly be conducive to what you&#;re doing, whether that&#;s commuting in the city, hitting the trails, or even taking on covert missions. With its removable waist belt, removable modular interior organizers, and removable transporter tail, the thing really can lend itself to practically any use. Additionally, small details such as the fact the pack&#;s exterior water bottle pockets feature small pull tabs make it abundantly clear just how thoroughly calculated of a design this is &#; as well as the fact that it&#;s designers clearly possess a wealth of real-world experience using outdoor and military packs. This was also evident through the fact that the backpack&#;s removable frame sheet can also double as an emergency snow shovel or medical splint. With a price of a little over $200, it wouldn&#;t really be fair to call the S.H.A.D.O. Pack 24L 3.0 &#;cheap,&#; though considering all you&#;re getting for your money, I&#;d argue this third-gen tac-pack actually offers pretty incredible bang-for-your-buck, too. 

Verdict: The Prometheus Design Werx S.H.A.D.O. Pack 24L 3.0 NAME is the obvious go-to pick for anyone looking for a highly-versatile tactical backpack that&#;s just as conducive to use on the battlefield or in the backwoods as it is to daily commuting in the city.

Shell Material: 500D CORDURA
Capacity: 24 Liters
Dimensions: 20&#; H x 11&#; W x 7&#; D
Weight: 3.875LBs
Laptop Compartment: 15&#;
Waist Strap: Yes
Manufacturing Origin: USA

Mystery Ranch 2 Day Assault Pack

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Pros

• Scaled down take on ultra-popular, award-winning 3 Day Assault pack
• Does terrific job of combining tactical & EDC features
• Great materials & build quality
• Y-shaped 3-zip setup affords unobstructed access to bag

Cons

• Y-shaped 3-zip setup leaves small opening in pack
• Would benefit from alloy hardware & more robust waist strap

Best Overall Pick: The Mystery Ranch 3 Day Assault Pack has long been a favorite among military personnel, with its rugged build quality, hardwearing materials, ample adjustability, generous volume, and unique Y-shaped 3-zip design. Mystery Ranch&#;s newer 2 Day Assault Pack takes the key DNA of the original 3 Day-spec and sees it applied to a more compact and versatile model aimed at both outdoor and everyday use. Measuring 21&#;x12&#;x11.25&#; and weighing 3lbs, the 2 Day Assault Pack &#; also known simply as the &#;2DAP&#; &#; offers 27 liters of internal real estate inside a 500-denier CORDURA shell trimmed in rows of MOLLE webbing and multiple compression straps. 

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Constructed around a full-length framed hard plastic harness system, the Mystery Ranch 2DAP boasts a Y-shaped 3-zip entry using coated weatherproof zippers that open to reveal a main compartment with a pair of interior mesh pockets and multiple interior dump pockets. There&#;s also a vertical zipper running along the back of the bag that also grants access to its main compartment. A side-running zip grants access to the bag&#;s padded, floating laptop compartment which can house notebooks of up to 15&#;. The top of the pack also features twin zipper-secured lid pockets and a VELCRO pile for IDs and morale patches. Another monumental aspect of what made the original 3DAP so popular was undoubtedly its top-notch harness system &#; a detail that hasn&#;t in any way been lost on the 2 Day model. Equipped with an adjustable yoke, this framed system features padded, contoured shoulder straps, a mesh-lined padded back panel, a multi-way-adjustable sternum strap, and a removable and adjustable webbing-style waist belt. 

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Despite not being as beefy or robust as some of the other shoulder strap setups and harness systems on other tactical bags on this list, the 2 Day Assault Pack still manages to deliver impressive levels of stability and support. Its compression straps also make it easier to centralize weight and mass. Even when jumping or running up stairs, the pack remained firmly in place. I did find it to be slightly less comfortable than some of the more cushiony setups on this list, though this was only noticeable when the 2DAP was loaded with a weight plate. And though it&#;s hard to fault the 2DAP for this when viewing it as a tactical pack, I will acknowledge that the bag does have a very military-esque, tactical aesthetic that some may not appreciate or everyday use &#; though certain color ways such as the available black and orange scheme definitely mitigate this area to a pretty significant extent. 

I had always been a fan of Mystery Ranch&#;s signature Y-shaped 3-zip layout, but spending time testing the 2 Day Assault Pack just reminded me why I fell in love with the design to begin with. It&#;s built incredibly tough, it&#;s immensely well-crafted, it&#;s comfortable, it&#;s versatile, and it makes accessing the pack&#;s contents an absolute breeze. The build quality is no doubt another major part of what makes this bag shine, as its execution and overall craftsmanship is just stellar. At the end of the day, my complaints surrounding the pack were few and far between. I wouldn&#;t mind seeing the hardware upgraded to alloy items for certain components, and the removable waist strap could no doubt benefit from some padding. I also thoroughly appreciate the use of weatherproof zippers, though it&#;s impossible to fully seal the 3-zip setup, as there&#;s always a small hole at where the zippers meet. Obviously it&#;s just a small opening and I doubt it would allow much water in, but I still see it as the design&#;s only real Achille&#;s heel. 

Verdict: Seeing everyday carry and tactical features colliding, the Mystery Ranch 2 Day Assault Pack is a streamlined and scaled down take on one of the all-time greatest military packs &#; making it an exceptional &#;just get this&#; pick when shopping in the tac-pack segment.

Shell Material: 500D CORDURA
Capacity: 27 Liters
Dimensions: 21&#; H x 12&#; W x 11.25&#; D
Weight: 3.0LBs
Laptop Compartment: 15&#;
Waist Strap: Yes
Manufacturing Origin: USA

Stone Glacier R1

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Pros

• Features stellar frame system capable of hauling over 300lbs
• Is Berry compliant
• Made in America from USA-sourced materials
• Benefits from outstanding build quality
• Has fantastic harness system

Cons

• Expensive price

Best USA-Made Pick: Despite only being founded in , Stone Glacier has already become a go-to brand for serious outdoorsman and hunters &#; not to mention military personnel, which make up a good chunk of the brand&#;s overall sales. The use of clever yet practical designs brought to life using premium materials and quality craftsmanship allows the company to deliver some of the best technical garments and gear that money can buy. Case in point; the Stone Glacier R1 . Made in America using materials and hardware sourced from within the U.S.A, the R1 is designed for 24-hour hunts, missions, bikes, or adventures and as such features 36-liters (2,200 cubic inches, hence the name) of storage space. Cut from 500-denier CORDURA and sewn using heavy-duty, military-grade, and UV-resistant threading, the R1 is constructed around one of the coolest and most unique frame designs I&#;ve ever seen.

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Able to support loads of over 300lbs, this frame system is comprised of multiple steel plates and an ultra-clever load-shelf system that provides a space in-between the pack&#;s back panel and the rest of the bag. This not only allows the R1 to accommodate game or large pieces of gear, but it also enables it to hold these heavy items as close to the wearer&#;s back as possible. This is just one of the pack&#;s laundry list of features though. Equipped with male-female connection hardware on all compression straps, load lifters, and shoulder straps, the R1 boasts a slew of features including a dedicated comms pouch with routing for an antenna and cables, compatibility with Stone Glacier&#;s SG Hydro Sleeve, heavy-duty #10 YKK zippers, Duraflex hardware, multiple rows of PALS webbing inside and out, a pair of internal zippered pockets, and a harness and suspension system complete with a removable webbing belt, hydrophobic foam padding, and a unique &#;X&#;, carbon composite, four-stay design. In typical Stone Glacier fashion, the R1 benefits from meticulous build quality and craftsmanship, and what&#;s obviously super-stringent quality control measures. 

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The more time I spent with the Stone Glacier R1 , the more I liked it. For starters, I really appreciate how all of Stone Glacier&#;s bags and frames are fully interchangeable, plus the company sells &#;bag-only&#; packs sans frame so you don&#;t have to pay for the same chassis twice. The placement of the compression straps are perfect. As previously mentioned, its materials and craftsmanship are fantastic as well. Additionally, the way the pack opens doesn&#;t provide clamshell-style access, though nonetheless gives you surprisingly unencumbered access to its contents. I was also particularly impressed with how supportive the backpack&#;s harness system was, as even without a waist strap it remained firmly in place, despite sudden movements or changes in direction. And, while it was already touched on above, I can&#;t get over how well the load shelf frame design works &#; and what a game-changing feature it is. 

I also really like that the R1 can be optioned with other available add-ons and accessory pockets, though I do really wish it came with the wing-equipped padded 3-piece belt upgrade as a standard amenity. In general, I found the pack to have solid weatherproofing, though there is a small Velcro-secured opening towards the top of the pack that I worry may allow water in if exposed to a heavy downpour for extended periods &#; though my hose spray-testing didn&#;t result in any water entering from this area. And, while I really do think you&#;re getting what you pay for, I will readily acknowledge that approximately $400 is objectively a lot to spend on a backpack &#; though the thing is practically guaranteed to afford a lifetime of use. These were the only complaints I uncovered during the entire time I spent testing the pack &#; a fact that I think speaks volumes about just what a truly stellar design and execution it has. 

Verdict: If you&#;re looking for a tactical backpack that&#;s capable of hauling serious weight, there truly is no better option than Stone Glacier&#;s USA-made R1 pack &#; and that&#;s before considering it&#;s stellar design, wealth of features, and premium materials and craftsmanship.

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Shell Material: 500D CORDURA
Capacity: 36 Liters
Dimensions: 20.5&#; H x 12&#; W x 8&#; D
Weight: 3.05LBs
Laptop Compartment: None
Waist Strap: Optional
Manufacturing Origin: USA

Triple Aught Design FAST Pack Litespeed Covenant

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Pros

• Evolution of ultra-popular tactical backpack
• Features ultra-modular ultra-versatile design
• Crafted from super premium materials
• Made in small batches using stellar craftsmanship
• Has updated harness system design that&#;s wildly comfortable & supportive

Cons

• Expensive price
• Requires add-ons to take full advantage of pack (making it even more expensive)

Best Modular Pick: The Triple Aught Design FAST Pack Litespeed Covenant is an evolutionary design that&#;s slowly been perfected over the course of numerous generations and over a decade of meticulous development. The latest iteration of this highly sought-after bag, the TAD FAST Pack Litespeed Covenant builds on its predecessors with a myriad of subtle but meaning improvements that collectively represent a major step forward for what was already an incredible tactical backpack. Triple Aught Design&#;s FAST Pack Litespeed Covenant is made in America and features an ultra-rugged X-Pac X-50 sailcloth with Hypalon reinforcements set over an HDPE frame sheet. Offering 22 liters of storage space, the FAST Pack Litespeed Covenant stands at 20&#; tall, 10&#; wide, 6.75&#; deep, and weighs in at 3.125lbs. 

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Like its predecessors, the bag features a fairly minimalistic design that can be optioned and configured in a wide variety of ways in order to suit an equally wide variety of uses. This is made possible through the use of a plethora of interior anchor points supplemented via a removable Transport Tail that can accommodate larger, more awkward-sized objects like helmets or tents &#; or be configured in a downward position in order to accept linear items like long guns. Like Prometheus Design Werx&#;s S.H.A.D.O. Pack 24L 3.0, the FAST Pack Litespeed Covenant&#;s immense modularity and versatility plays a key role in what makes this tactical backpack so special. Couple that with top-shelf materials and top-notch build quality, and premium hardware and trim, and it&#;s not hard to see why TAD&#;s FAST Pack Lightspeed has become so highly sought-after. 

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Improving on its earlier generations, the Triple Aught Design FAST Pack Litespeed Covenant benefits from a host of updates. This includes a new external top admin pocket, redesigned ergonomic aerated closed-cell foam shoulder straps made with a unique high pressure nitrogen gas solution process, and new bottom straps. It doesn&#;t end there though. Made from Evazote closed-cell cross-linked ethylene copolymer foam trimmed in DRI LEX aerospacer moisture management mesh, the bag&#;s new high-aspect back panel features an updated, more comfortable design with improved airflow. The bag&#;s hardware and trim is also the best of the best and includes YKK #8 and #10 nylon reverse-coil zippers with Paracord pulls, Tri-Glides, and web dominators, Looploc anchor points SR Ladderloc buckles, Cordlocs, and Ladderlocs all from ITW GhillieTEX &#; a detail that I hugely appreciate, along with the backpack&#;s use of an ultra-premium shell construction. 

The Triple Aught Design FAST Pack Litespeed Covenant is fairly sparse on organizational amenities &#; though this isn&#;t a backpack that you buy for its wealth of organizational features, at least not without a few add-ons and accessories. It&#;s materials and build quality are second to none, and the placement of its bevy of clip and attachment points are perfectly placed in order to accommodate real-world equipment and accessories. From the feeling of using and opening it to the feeling of actually wearing it, the entire thing feels incredible durable and robust &#; plus is super supportive and comfortable thanks to its redesigned harness system and plush materials. While not fully waterproof, the bag performed adequately in our hose spray test, only allowing small amount of water into top quick-access pocket and keeping the rest of its contents largely dry. 

The only real gripe I have with the Triple Aught Design FAST Pack Litespeed Covenant is its price. Considering its hardware, materials, and craftsmanship, I actually think it&#;s a fair price, though nearly-$400 is still a lot to spend on a backpack for most people. If you&#;re in a situation where you&#;re trusting your gear with your life, it may be worth opting for higher quality kit like this. It&#;s also worth noting that building out the pack and adding accessories, packing cubes, and attachments further raises its price &#; something you&#;ll likely want to do if you want to take full advantage of everything it has to offer. This brings me to my only other minor complaint, which is how spartan it is in its stock form with no options. Sure, it&#;s still an amazing tactical backpack, but I wouldn&#;t mind seeing it come with a few accessories and add-ons like several other packs on this list. At the same time, I recognize that its spartan nature also plays a key role in it being so modular and so versatile, so this may be a downside, but it&#;s a necessary one. 

Verdict: An excellent option for those not restricted by a budget, the Triple Aught Design FAST Pack Litespeed Covenant is a highly modular and highly versatile tactical backpack that features a man ultra-top-shelf construction and a design that allows it to lend itself to a huge variety of applications.

Want to check out an even more in-depth look at another recent generation of this TAD tac-pack? Then head over to our hands-on review of the Triple Aught Design FAST Pack.

Shell Material: X-Pac X-50
Capacity: 22 Liters
Dimensions: 20&#; H x 10&#; W x 6.75&#; D
Weight: 3.125LBS
Laptop Compartment: Optional
Waist Strap: Optional
Manufacturing Origin: USA

Eberlestock Terminator

Photo: HICONSUMPTION

Pros

• Can haul an enormous amount of gear
• Stellar harness system makes it much easier to haul ample weight
• Great materials & build quality
• Loaded w/ attachment points
• Can be optioned with add-ons (for an added price)
• Comes with integrated rain cover

Cons

• Weighs over 9lbs when empty
• Is massive

Best Full-Size Pick: The Eberlestock Terminator is an absolute tank of a tactical backpack. Weighing 9.25lbs empty, this behemoth is a full-format load-bearing backpack designed for serious hauling and rucking, and offers a whopping 92.87 liters of storage space &#; plus is offered in an even larger 99.96-liter XL-spec. Measuring 36.5&#; H x 23&#; W x 12&#; D, the entire pack is cut from 500-denier CORDURA nylon and is crafted around Eberlestock&#;s Intex II frame. This second generation aluminum frame plays a monumental role in the Terminator&#;s unparalleled hauling capabilities. 

Photo: HICONSUMPTION

The Eberlestock Terminator isn&#;t just designed to haul massive amounts of gear and equipment, it&#;s been engineered to stand as a backpack that one can live out of while in the field for an extended period. As such, it not only features an enormous amount of storage space, but it also offers the organization needed to minimize digging and searching when removing items &#; an area accomplished through the use of a bevy of internal pockets and organizers, and a myriad of generously-sized exterior pockets. The top of the bag has a removable floating MultiLid and an inner drawstring closure that open to reveal a main compartment that can be accessed from the top or the front. Lined with 10mm MOLLE webbing rows supplemented via horizontal 25mm webbing, the exterior of the Terminator features a rear scabbard tunnel, and a pair of large pouch-style pockets on both the front and sides of the bag. 

Photo: HICONSUMPTION

Other than how much storage it offers, my favorite aspect of this backpack was almost certainly its next-level harness and belt system. Paired with the Intex II frame, this fully-adjustable set of shoulder and waist straps and ridiculously robust and beefy, plus feature a beyond-generous amount of padding and an ergonomic shape that hugs the body without constricting it. Even when moving around with the Terminator fully loaded on my back, the harness system did a stellar job keeping the pack firmly in place and preventing it from throwing off my balance. On top of making hauling ample gear surprisingly comfortable, the bevy of attachment points on the shoulder and waist straps also made it super easy to lash or attach small and regularly-needed pieces of gear in easily-accessible areas so they could be accessed without having to takeoff and dig through the bag&#;s more than 90 liters of storage space. I also really liked how the bag&#;s removable MultiLid top can be taken off and used as a hip or crossbody bag &#; allowing you to leave the main 93-liter pack behind when less kit is needed or when only traveling a short distance from camp. 

My only real gripes with this backpack is that it&#;s incredibly heavy &#; even when empty &#; and that it can be somewhat difficult to locate and remove gear just based on how much there is to sort through. The admittedly solid organization does mitigate this issue to an extent, but with a pack this size there&#;s ultimately no way around it. Plus I understand why opting for a full clamshell design on a load-bearing pack of this size was out of the question. Another minor issue I came across involved the pack&#;s side flaps. These bottom side flaps are extremely difficult to use when the pack is fully loaded, plus if the side flap pockets are full, they constrict some of the main compartment&#;s real estate, which I didn&#;t love. The Terminator only offers mild weather resistance, though makes up for this with an included integrated rain cover stashed away in a pocket towards the bottom of the backpack. 

The bag can also be optioned with available add-ons such as a hydration pack and a tactical weapon scabbard (both $129 upgrades) &#; the latter of which makes toting a long gun effortless. I initially felt like these add-ons should have come standard with the Terminator considering its more-than-$500 MSRP, though after factoring-in the more-than-9lbs of raw materials that go into its creation and how well constructed it is, I no longer hold this belief. What&#;s more, I actually appreciate the fact that you can custom-option the pack rather than paying more for a backpack that may come with included elements that you don&#;t need. And, while it is objectively an expensive backpack with an MSRP of over $500, I&#;d actually argue the thing still affords decent value when you consider all that you get in terms of raw materials, build quality, and features. 

Verdict: With over 90 liters of storage space and one of the most robust designs I&#;ve ever experienced, the Eberlestock Terminator is a behemoth of a tactical backpack that allows you haul all of the gear, garments, and mission equipment to thrive in practically any environment.

Shell Material: 500D CORDURA
Capacity: 92.87 Liters
Dimensions: 36.5&#; H x 23&#; W x 12&#; D
Weight: 9.25LBs
Laptop Compartment: None
Waist Strap: Yes
Manufacturing Origin: Vietnam

Tactical Backpacks Comparison Chart

Tactical Backpack Shell Material Capacity Dimensions Weight Laptop Compartment Waist Strap Manufacturing Origin 5.11 Tactical Rush 12 2.0 1,050D Ballistic Nylon 24 Liters 18&#; H x 11&#; W x 6.5&#; D 3.15LBs 15&#; No Vietnam Oakley Link Pack Miltac 2.0 600D Polyester  27 Liters 23.5&#; H x 13&#; W x 7.5&#; D 2.01LBs 15&#; None China Prometheus Design Werx S.H.A.D.O. Pack 24L 3.0 500D CORDURA 24 Liters 20&#; H x 11&#; W x 7&#; D 3.875LBs 15&#; Yes USA Mystery Ranch 2 Day Assault Pack 500D CORDURA 27 Liters 21&#; H x 12&#; W x 11.25&#; D 3.0LBs 15&#; Yes USA Stone Glacier R1 500D CORDURA 36 Liters 20.5&#; H x 12&#; W x 8&#; D 3.05LBs None Optional USA Triple Aught Design FAST Pack Litespeed Covenant X-Pac X-50 22 Liters 20&#; H x 10&#; W x 6.75&#; D 3.125LBS  Optional Optional USA Eberlestock Terminator 500D CORDURA 92.87 Liters 36.5&#; H x 23&#; W x 12&#; D 9.25LBs None Yes Vietnam

What Makes A Backpack Tactical?

Determining what, exactly, qualifies a piece of gear as being tactical is no easy feat. That&#;s probably because, while there&#;s a clear definition for &#;tactical&#; (of or relating to military use), there&#;s not actually any standards in place as set by a governing body or institution. That doesn&#;t mean you can&#;t tell what&#;s tactical and what isn&#;t, so long as you keep your eyes on a few specific points, as we&#;ve outlined below.

Material: One of the clearer indicators as to whether something qualifies as being tactical or not is the materials out of which it is made. For reference, there are a number of fabrics used in the construction of backpacks that are widely used by global militaries. In regards to backpacks, the most common material is ballistic nylon &#; a woven fabric marked by durability, natural water-resistance, and high tensile strength. For nylon to be considered &#;ballistic,&#; it has to be made to a specific military standard that denotes its ability to survive hard battlefield usage. If it isn&#;t specifically denoted as ballistic nylon, that doesn&#;t immediately disqualify it as being worthy of a tactical designation &#; but you should perhaps research it a bit to discover if it can stand up to similar types of punishment.

Modularity: One of the clearer indicators of tactical functionality is the inclusion of a MOLLE grid. Widely used by militaries to allow additional modules to be added onto existing carry systems, MOLLE grids are ideal for tactical usage, as they help increase a bag&#;s versatility. If you need a medkit, you simply attach it to the MOLLE grid. Same goes for some bladed tool sheaths, ammo packs, some flashlights, and more. Because MOLLE is so popular, however, it can sometimes be found on non-tactical items or things that were inspired by tactical gear. Still, it&#;s a fairly good indicator.

Intended Purpose: It&#;s not always immediately apparent, but there are many pieces of gear that were originally developed for military use but are now widely available to the civilian population. Often, however, brands are proud of their military heritage and will clearly advertise their offerings as such. If you see a claim on a brand&#;s site that their gear is specifically used by soldiers, the likelihood is that this is factual. You can always to a quick internet search to be sure, but if a backpack was made for the Navy SEALs, Army, or Marine Corps, then you can bet your bottom dollar that makes it a tactical bag.

What To Look For When Shopping

While there are dozens of areas on can consider when purchasing a tactical backpack, there are half-a-dozen areas that trump all others in terms of importance &#; all six of which we&#;ll be breaking down directly below. 

Shell Construction: The one single area that probably plays the biggest role in determining the overall quality of a tactical backpack is its primary material and construction technique. As such, you&#;ll want to pay close attention to the type of material used to construct any pack&#;s shell. Additionally, it&#;s not only the material that the bag is composed of, but also how said material has been pieced tougher &#; i.e. the construction technique(s) used. 

Size & Volume: Tactical backpacks come in all manner of shapes and sizes. And while there&#;s no one size that&#;s best, we recommend considering your intended use, as this will make it markedly easier to determine roughly what size pack you&#;l require. 

Harness System: Tactical backpacks often have to support excessive loads. As such, the vast majority of them boast robust harness and suspension systems that help to evenly distribute weight across the wearer&#;s entire torso. When reviewing this area, you&#;ll want to look at the backpack&#;s back panel, shoulder straps, sternum strap, and, whenever possible, waist belt. 

Features: Just like when shopping for a regular backpack, you&#;ll want to review the various features a tactical backpack comes loaded with. This includes normal features such as water bottle pockets and laptop compartments, as well as tactical-specific features such as pockets or compartments made for housing firearms, pockets for housing comm systems, and harness systems with quick-release buckles. 

Durability & Weather Resistance: A major part of what separates tactical military-style packs from regular EDC backpacks is the former&#;s immense durability &#; an area achieved through the use of rugged shell materials and heavily-reinforced constructions. Additionally, you&#;ll want to look at the backpack&#;s ability to stand up to the elements &#; an area often impacted by shell material, construction technique, and the types of zippers used. 

Trim & Hardware: Another area that plays a major role in determining a tactical backpack&#;s overall quality is the type of hardware and trim used for elements such as its zipper tracks and buckles. Because these elements can have a profound effect on how the bag performs, this is another pivotal area to consider when shopping.  

Honorable Mentions 

The RE Factor Tactical Ggg Apparition Bag is a more discreet take on a full-featured long gun pack that&#;s meant to look more like an ordinary daypack than a rifle bag. Able to accommodate short barreled rifles with barrels of up to 10.5&#;, the hardwearing tactical pack is able to handle just about anything you can throw at it &#; making it a popular choice amongst military personnel and civilians that frequent the shooting range. 

Armed with a super rugged construction, a full clamshell opening, a bevy of attachment points, and two locations for a CCW placement, the Maxpedition Riftcore v2.0 is a well-built general use military bag and tactical backpack with an absolsutely stellar harness system and decent organizational features. Priced at close to $300, it doesn&#;t offer the best value &#; though is otherwise a terrific bag &#; ultimately resulting it in earning a spot on this list as an honroable mention. 

Short for &#;Ultimate Assault Pack,&#; the Spec-Ops T.H.E. Pack U.A.P is a modern interpretation of a high-end three-day assault pack that benefits from a host of updates and tweaks over its predecessors. Made in America, this feature-laden pack offers stellar quality and durability &#; though comes at a steep price considering its materials, resulting in an honorable mention slot on this list. 

The GORUCK GR2 is a minimalistic tac-pack that&#;s modeled after special forces medical packs, with its tough-as-nails construction and full-clamshell opening. While it&#;s no doubt a terrific tactical backpack, some of its more EDC-focused features, such as its &#;bombproof laptop compartment,&#; have lead to it bing an honorable mention on this list &#; as well as one of our picks for the best everyday carry backpacks. 

Engineered for the world&#;s most elite operators, the Arc&#;Teryx LEAF Assault Pack 30 is a spare-no-expense take on a tactical backpack that features the best materials, hardware, and build quality possible.Not only is this tactical pack exorbitantly priced, but it&#;s also only available to active military and law enforcement personnel &#; a fact that&#;s made us opt to relegate this otherwise stellar tac-pack to an honorable mention.

Tested: The Best Tactical Pens To Carry Everyday

All Photography: HICONSUMPTION

Want to check out another hands-on test of some of our other favorite tactical gear? Then be sure to head over to our guide to the best tactical pens for a curated selection of writing instruments capable of doubling as self-defense striking weapons.

Long lasting outdoor backpacks

Going to the mountains? Or perhaps to the forest? A good backpack will come in handy everywhere. For a one-day trip, the 18 l Bergen Backpack is enough, while for longer trips its older sister, the 35 l Matilda Backpack, will do better. Both models have a similar design and refer to military backpacks in the ALICE system, but have various extra functionalities. In addition, the Matilda Backpack is made of nylon, and the Bergen of 500D Cordura.

For fans of lightweight and modern backpacks, Summit will be the best. It was designed consciously for the outdoors, so it is lightweight and can hold up to 40 l of luggage. Also, the advantages are the rolltop fastening and the retractable beaver tail. Fans of tactical solutions will appreciate the Raider Backpack with a capacity of 20 l and an integrated waterproof cover.

The company is the world’s best Custom Tactical Backpack supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.