A guide to the best tactical backpack for your gear

If you’re searching for a durable, attractive and functional tactical backpack, look no further. As luck would have it, I was tasked with testing and torturing a bunch of them. What I found is that a durable and reliable tactical backpack with quality features is not cheap. You get what you pay for and quality matters.

During this testing, I traveled to Portugal, Canada and all over the United States carrying a tactical backpack as part of my luggage. One of the things I discovered was a tactical backpack can be a key element to many of life’s greatest adventures. Whether on duty or at play, a good tactical backpack can either help or hinder your progress.

If you’re looking for the best option for duty use, travel, school, or play, I’ve compiled this list of the best tactical backpacks to meet the demanding needs of all first responders. These aren’t designed to thru-hike the Pacific Crest Trail or spend a week exploring the Appalachian Trail, but they are plenty big for a weekend getaway, carrying gear to class, or a go-bag for your emergency equipment. With an assortment of sizes, shapes, colors and configurations available, you are guaranteed to find a tactical backpack to suit your needs. Without further ado, here’s a lineup of the tactical backpacks we thought performed the best:

If you’re looking for the ultimate tactical backpack that will easily fit and organize all your gear into an amazingly compact amount of space, the First Tactical Tactix 3-Day Plus Backpack is your go to pack. The sleek and efficient design makes this a fantastic “grab-and-go” bag.

This sturdy yet lightweight backpack uses First Tactical’s innovative Lynx Laser Cut Platform, which is compatible with MOLLE/PALS, but unlike traditional MOLLE loops, the Lynx Laser Cut Platform is lighter and stronger. It also features the Hook & Hang Thru compartment which exponentially increases organization options. This simple yet ingenious feature unzips top and bottom allowing specialized items like First Tactical Rifle Sleeves, or other oversized tactical gear or hanging items, to slide through and securely hook and hang in place.

First Tactical has included many additional innovative design touches on the Tactix 3-Day Plus Backpack. In a video meeting with lead designer, Cory Nykoluk, he told me he has taken his 25 years of backpack design and poured it into the Tactix 3-Day Plus Backpack. The compression straps can be repositioned to accommodate different loads and needs, and there are dual carry handles for vertical or horizontal carry.

The main compartment of the Tactix 3-Day Plus Backpack opens 190° for easy access and includes three hook and loop pouches that are removable. This makes it simple to set up one of the pouches as an IFAK making it completely portable and removable in an emergency. Even the rigid insert in the backpack used to provide user comfort and support can be removed and used as an arm sling, a short C-spine collar, or as a shovel.

Among large tactical backpacks, the Tactix 3-Day Plus leaves its competition in the back of the pack.

Product details:

This top-tier backpack offers 55 liters of space to load all your essential gear and keep it organized with a wide range of compartments. This has been my go-to backpack while traveling as a firearms instructor. The designated compartments are perfect for storing electronics, survival gear, eyewear, hydration, clothing, camping equipment, firearms, pens and documents. Constructed to withstand the most brutal environments, the RUSH 72 2.0 is an ideal choice for anyone who needs critical gear to be easily accessible and secure on their back. The RUSH 72 2.0 Backpack features 5.11’s signature Center Line design, a hidden CCW compartment with a loop panel, and a padded laptop sleeve that can accommodate up to a 15" laptop.

The backpack includes three zippered pockets within the main compartment, a rear hydration compartment, a front lower pocket with internal slip and zippered pockets. It also features a slip pocket in the center secured by compression straps for quick and easy access that contains an additional zippered pocket with a 6x1 name tape and internal pocket. Built with 1050D nylon, the RUSH 72 2.0 offers external front and side web MOLLE with 3x3 loops, making it compatible with 5.11’s Tier System.

Additional features include a fleece-lined eyewear/media pocket, dual external side-zippered pockets that easily accommodate my 40oz water bottle, a contoured yoke shoulder strap system with web MOLLE, a reinforced back panel with an aluminum stay bar, a waist strap, and bottom panel web gear loops.

Product details:

The Condor Elite Titan Assault Backpack is an outstanding tactical backpack and piece of survival gear. Boasting a 40L capacity, it caters to the most demanding missions you can throw at it. Constructed with Mil-Spec 500 Denier Cordura fabric and reinforced with YKK zippers, this backpack is built for durability. Its dual-access main compartment and multiple organizational pockets ensure your gear is always ready and accessible. The rear compartment can double as a laptop or hydration compartment with wire or tube access to the top. The top front compartment contains an organizer panel to help keep stuff in order. Condor also includes two quick access side pouches, an internal divider between compartments, and a fleece-lined tech pocket to keep your glasses, goggles, or cell phone clean and scratch free.

The Titan features an air-flow system on the back for maximum ventilation and to help prevent wet-back syndrome when pushing yourself to perform under pressure. Adjustable padded shoulder straps for comfort and multiple carry methods for versatility add to this backpack’s ability to evolve to fit any need. This backpack is as comfortable as it is rugged. Whether for deployment, training, or outdoor adventures, the Titan is designed to support all your needs with unmatched durability and efficiency.

Product details:

If you’re looking for something that doesn’t scream “tactical” but has all the ruggedness and utilitarian features found on the backpacks featured above, then take a look at the 5.11 LVC Covert Carry Pack 45L. 5.11’s signature CenterLine design and tuckable labels help you keep a low profile. The outside is equipped with quick-release shoulder straps, a removable sternum strap, a side carry handle, and lower webbing straps for extra cargo or for attaching the 5.11 LVC6 bag. Dual front pockets are designed with admin organization and low-profile MOLLE webbing so you can organize your loadout to fit the mission.

Inside the main compartment, a suspended padded laptop sleeve and a mesh zippered pocket give you more storage. The secondary weapon compartment has a reinforced muzzle pocket, web loops and two rifle retention straps when you need to bring the heat. A 3" drop-down extension in the primary weapons compartment can accommodate compact or full-size firearms. Tri-glides for optional waist belt attachment, an aluminum frame HDPE board and comfortable foam padding with a flex cuff channel on the back make this pack easy to wear. This well-designed and thought-out backpack seamlessly combines comfort and covert.

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All these backpacks have proven tough, durable and capable of everything you throw at them. From the advanced engineering and design to the extra strong hardware and stitching, these packs are designed to support you without weighing you down.