A quality backpack is an essential piece of equipment for every hiker. Without a good backpack, you will not have the best experience out in nature as you should. Therefore investing your time into investigating what is the best backpack you can buy should be your number one priority. When it comes to buying a backpack made for hiking, it is important that you know where and when will you be using it. A best tactical backpack will be your good friend on your hiking, travel and for daily purposes.
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With this in mind, you will look for particular sizes and features these backpacks have. In this article, we will review some of the best tactical backpacks. The best tactical backpack should be an extension of yourself and should fit you in a way that you don’t even feel the weight on your back. Because we want you to have the best understanding of what is the best tactical backpack, this article will start with a buying guide. Also, we will look for the best tactical backpack brands.
Best Overall Tactical Backpack
1. Tactical RUSH72 Rucksack Pack
What we Like: Enormous space, organizing pockets, Multiple strap systems.
What we don’t Like: The design is not too attractive.
The RUSH 72 2.0 Backpack will prove itself to be the most practical and effective purchase for you, if you are looking for carrying loads of gear for multi-day outdoor adventures or long deployments.
With a total capacity of a whopping 55 liters, this rucksack uses high tensile strength Nylon material for durability and longevity. The shoulder straps use a closed-cell foam for ultimate comfort and strength, and they are adjustable as well.
Not just that, the waist strap and the compression straps let you secure your backpack against your back, no matter how loaded it is.
This RUSH 72 Backpack has three main compartments, one of them can also safely carry a laptop of up to 16 inches. In addition, there is a hydration pocket to carry your water vessel in an easily accessible location.
And then there are front zippered pockets to carry electronics, eyewear, or such small items, and also to carry your name sticker.
There is also a bug stuff compartment between the front admin section and the main compartment. This has no zipper, just a lined compartment to carry huge items such as your soccer ball, shoes, or a jacket.
You will also find a number of internal pockets to organize as much stuff as you can! Plus, it is available in five different colors!
The only catch with this perfect deal is that it does not offer chic, modern, or even contemporary aesthetics. It is a military rucksack, and on the design and looks part, a compromise needs to be made!
Best Budget Friendly Option
2. REEBOW 3 Day Tactical Backpack
What we Like: Value for money, Convenient size, Practically-built zipper pockets.
What we don’t Like: Weak Straps.
REEBOW 3-Day Tactical backpack is your budget option, a medium-range backpack that is neither too big for everyday use nor too small and tight for a multi-day getaway.
It offers a sufficient 40 Liter capacity, and a fairly attractive design and build as well. We specifically loved the tall and rather slim design and the consistent monochrome theme in all its color variants.
The integrated Molle webbing system makes it a perfect military bag, as it allows various other attachments as well. One thing that we found super thoughtful and convenient in this bag is that the main pockets can open all the way down, which lets you pack it like a suitcase. It gives you so much margin for packing a compact backpack for your trek or military deployment.
The shoulder pads have been sufficiently padded so that they don’t dig in and hurt your shoulders under enormous load. Also, the mesh padded back offers enough ventilation on hot days, when the bag stays in contact for a long time.
Double-stitched, heavy-duty zippers are a great guarantee for durability. At the same time, we have received some reviews regarding the insufficient strength of the straps. Except for that, REEBOW has been known for providing excellent tactical gear.
3. QT&QY 45L Military Tactical Backpack
What we Like: Durable and long-lasting, convenient to carry, webbing system for extra gear.
What we don’t Like: Does not have a designated cup-holder.
QT&QY 45L Military Tactical Backpack offers 45 liters of capacity, along with numerous compartments for organization. It opens 180-degrees wide so that you can fit in as much as you want while keeping it as compact as you want.
What stands this bag out is its high-quality Oxford polyester 900D building material. The fabric is soft, pliable, and water- and rip-proof at the same time. This makes this tactical backpack safe and feasible for all weather and environment conditions.
The two-way zippers offer easy access to the packed luggage, and so does the Molle webbing system, which is way more extensive in this backpack than you would find in any other backpack model on the market.
Both at the front and on either side, you can find the strong and efficient webbing system, where you can adjust as much gear as possible, such as the water tumbler, soccer ball, shoes, upperwear, etc.
The shoulder pads are padded and double-stitched, and the back uses strong building material for strength and a mesh for ventilation. The waist straps keep the backpack tight and snug, which protects you from the fatigue of carrying the bag around.
The bag offers two main pockets for the main stuff, and three variable-sized pockets for all the smaller stuff, including a 17-inch laptop, and the back pocket can carry the stuff that you might need handy.
The only downside you might find with this bag is that it does not have a designated cup holder!
Best Value For The Money
4. Mystery Ranch 2 Day Backpack
What we Like: choice in color and size,chic and stylish, organizable internal compartments
What we don’t Like: A bit on the expensive side, cannot carry loads of trekking or military gear
Mystery Ranch 2-day backpack is your urban, chic, medium-capacity but good-looking backpack, that may not come handy when traveling for more than 2 days, or for carrying lots and lots of camping, military, or hiking gear.
But its mid-range capacity, easily accessible main compartments, and lots of internal compartments make it a go-to for office use, one- to two-day trips, and school use.
It offers 27 liters of storage space, which is just fine for urban, everyday use, or for one-day travel. The cool part is that this bag comes in tons of exciting colors, and three different sizes!
The harness and the compression straps, along with the webbing system, all will help you pack lots of luggage, and then secure all of it so that it is convenient to carry.
The bag comes for a bigger price than the others on the list, but it has been designed for class, luxury, and durability. The front zipper goes all the way down, and there is a vast compartment with internal compartments and sleeves, side pockets, and a zippered compartment.
Best Sling Bag Option
5. 5.11 RUSH MOAB 10 Tactical Sling Bag
What we Like: Sturdy and comfortable, convenient size, several zipper pockets and compartments
What we don’t Like: A bit expensive for its size, single sling.
If you are looking for a sling backpack instead, with moderate tactical backpack features; something high-end but in the mid-price range, then MOAB 10 sling bag is the perfect way to go.
It uses 100% nylon material as the build fabric, which is super comfortable, and durable at the same time. It features a single sling, but it does not favor any sides. You can be equally comfortable both on the right and left sides. RUSH MOAB 10 also features a spacious hydration pocket that can carry a water vessel of up to 1.5 liters.
The zippers are self-sealing, and you can find numerous pockets in the admin compartment to organize absolutely anything you could possibly need. And the main compartments also carry separate internal pockets for even better packing and organizing.
Since this bag offers 18 liters of space, you can expect that it could only be used for office and school, that is day-to-day. With that being said, the Molle webbing system seems a bit over-the-top. It could be made detachable, since the target market here are office-workers and students.
The RUSH tier system integrates with the other bags from RUSH, so this is another pro you get! You can get smaller RUSH bags and using the webbing system , you can pack as much luggage as you want! One downside that you might feel with this bag is that for the size it offers, that is 18 liters, the price goes a bit on the higher side.
Best Tactical Backpack Buying Guide
Every backpack is suitable for a specific hiking trip. To find the best tactical backpack for hiking, you need to know what you will use it for. Also, if you can, try different types of backpacks, so you know which one feels the best for you. We will divide this section into parts to get a better understanding of what makes a quality backpack and how they are divided.
The tactical backpack is an excellent choice for the hiker who wants to keep their gear safe and organized. It can be worn as a backpack or carried as a duffel bag. Tactical backpacks are designed with durability in mind. They are made of weather-resistant materials that will not tear or fray easily.
Tactical backpacks are designed for use by survivalists, military personnel, and outdoor enthusiasts. The backpack is designed with durability in mind. It is made of weather-resistant materials that will not tear or fray easily. The zippers are made of metal, which is more durable than plastic zippers, and the buckles are covered by fabric to protect them from wear and tear.
Tactical backpacks come in many different sizes and styles, so there is one for every hiker’s needs. Depending on how much gear you want to take with you on your hike, you can find a backpack that suits your needs without sacrificing comfort or style.
Quality
Like in every piece of your gear, you should look for a quality product. This is really important when it comes to backpacks. The best tactical backpacks are made of quality materials. They are rough and resistant. Since the backpack is what you are carrying throughout the day, it should be really comfortable too. You shouldn’t feel any strain on your back. This is the most important thing you should look for so pay special attention.
Sturdiness
There is no worse feeling than your backpack going everywhere while walking. This is a problem with bad, cheaply made backpacks. To avoid this problem, look for backpacks that have some kind of frame. This is not a problem with the best tactical backpack for hiking. Since it is made for comfort. Most tactical backpack brands invest time into designing a backpack that is sturdy since they are used for carrying different types of equipment in various terrains.
Size
Like any other backpack, a tactical hiking backpack comes in many sizes. As you know, backpack size is measured in liters. How many days you can last with a particular size depends on various conditions. Such as in which season are you hiking, the gear you are carrying, and your ability to pack.
A tactical backpack is the perfect choice for any hiker. It offers a variety of features that make it an ideal hiking backpack. The tactical backpack also has plenty of storage space to carry all the essentials you need for your hike.
The tactical backpack is designed with several compartments that can hold all your gear and supplies for your hike. It also has many pockets to store smaller items like water bottles, snacks, and maps. There are also straps on the outside of the pack to secure things like tents or sleeping pads, which are often bulky items that take up a lot of space in other types of backpacks. We will roughly show how many days you can use different size backpacks.
20 l backpack
The best small tactical backpack of this size is excellent for light day hikes. When you don’t need as much gear. Therefore 20 l backpacks are the best for nice sunny days. The great thing that this size offers is that you can use it for everyday life and not only hiking. This is why everyone should have a 20 l backpack.
30-50 l backpack
With this size, we are getting into multiple-day hikes. These backpacks are especially good for people that know how to organize and pack small. They are light and really comfortable. And that is the best tactical backpack for hiking. They can be used for various activities and are great for carrying everything you need for 2 to 3 days.
50-70 l backpack
This is heavy artillery every hiker needs. Backpacks of this size are used for multiple-day trips where you need to carry a lot of equipment and different things that make your camping comfortable. These backpacks need to be sturdy and comfortable on your back. Most of them are really comfortable and you don’t even feel the weight on your back. But if you are not into multiple-day hiking you shouldn’t look for this size.
Sternum and Waist Strap
A sternum strap is used to additionally secure the backpack. Also, it takes some load off your shoulders. These straps should be comfortable and adjustable to fit a wide variety of users. They are great to have to ensure that shoulder straps don’t move around.
The waist strap is the most important part of a backpack. It takes the weight off your shoulders and puts it right on your hips where you don’t feel it as much. Without a good waist strap, your shoulders will have a hard time and you won’t feel comfortable.
Additional Features
Everyone likes to keep their stuff organized and this can be best achieved with pockets. Thankfully a tactical hiking backpack is full of these. You can forget about trying to find small stuff all around your backpack. Now you have a special place for this kind of stuff.
Easy accessibility is also something that adores the best tactical backpacks. Most of them can be unzipped from all sides. Also, special features such as briefcase opening are no stranger to these backpacks.
The best tactical backpack is nothing without MOLE webbing. And these backpacks have a lot of them. These are great because you can hang almost everything on your backpack. Further, you can buy additional MOLE compatible cases. For example, a first aid kit that should be easily and quickly accessible is great to have attached to the MOLE system.
What are tactical backpacks for?
Tactical backpacks are, in most cases more durable than ordinary hiking backpacks. Therefore they find their use in military and law enforcement and hiking. These backpacks are very versatile and are great for packing and organizing. All the pockets will make it easier for you to have a special place for everything.
Are tactical backpacks worth it?
Tactical backpacks are worth it for people who want easy access to their gear. These backpacks are great for organizing because they have many pockets. All in all, they have a special group of users, and if you find yourself in one of these, then it is the right thing for you.
Is a tactical backpack good for hiking?
These backpacks are great for hiking if you are into tactical backpacking and bushcraft. Still, they can’t be replaced with quality hiking backpacks in terms of load carrying and other hiking-related things.
Conclusion
The backpack is a crucial piece of gear for any hiker. It carries the supplies that keep you moving and alive in the wilderness. The best backpacks are durable, lightweight, and designed to carry your gear comfortably. The best ones also have a variety of storage options and compartments for organization.
We came to the end of this article. Hopefully, you learned something new and found out if tactical backpacks are a thing for you. The best thing you can do now is to try some of the models of these tactical backpacks and see if they fit you.