As travelers and daily users hunt for the perfect travel backpack, combining function, durability, and value, the search has expanded beyond traditional book bags and hiking rucksacks. The realm of tactical backpacks intended for military grade abuse is now filled with great tactical travel backpack options, from military travel backpacks specifically designed for combat, hunting, and the backcountry, to minimalist tactical backpacks with small footprints and tons of function making for the perfect everyday carry backpack.
Whatever your aim and however long you intend to wander, if a durable, long lasting, minimalist, yet still highly functional backpack is what you’re after, then a tactical backpack for everyday use or travel may be exactly what you need..
I’ve spent 3+ years traveling the world through 55 countries and counting, and one of the biggest factors of how much (or how little) I enjoy the experience of moving from place to place has been my backpack. I’ve had backpacks literally break on day three of seven in the back country. I’ve had packs that proved much less functional than expected with extended use, lead me to ditch them mid trip. And I’ve had backpacks that were built exactly how I needed – comfortably padded back panel and shoulder straps, the durability to stand being thrown off motorbikes, sat on, and overstuffed over years of abuse, and built with the simple, minimalist function that makes living out of them a breeze.
The last backpack I described, the perfect backpacks for travel, have all been tactical travel backpacks, built with military grade hardware (1000D Cordura, duraflex buckles, insanely redundant heavy duty nylon stitching), great worksmanship, the simple function of pockets and webbing that makes adapting that pack and living out of them a breeze. All of this comes while still being a minimalist tactical backpack – not bulky, no unnecessary garbage added, and maintaining a sleek, low profile. This is why after years of travel, I adamantly recommend military travel backpacks for adventure travelers.
Read on to discover the tactical travel backpacks I recommend for travel, adventure, and hard use.
Jump to our list of the best tactical backpacks for travelers
Contents
- Why get a tactical backpack (instead of a regular backpack)
- What makes a good tactical backpack
- Tradeoffs of tactical backpacks:theconsoftoughbags
The List: The Best Tactical Backpack and GORUCK Alternative Options for Travelers
- Day Packs (~10L to ~25L): Small Tactical Backpack Options For Everyday Carry
- 3 Day Packs (~26L to ~39L): 1 Day to 3 Weeks of Travel
- Long Range Packs (~40L+): 3 Weeks+ of Travel
Whenit comes to travel and everyday carry in the civilian world, which is the best tactical backpackfor the job? Which backpack provides amazing function, durability to outlastyour adventures, but at a price tag that won’t break the bank…or be well worthit, if it does?
The GORUCK line may have done a great job of breaching the non-military market, as all of their bags are touted for simplicity, function, and durability, but the high price tag has travelers looking for good GORUCK alternatives.
Based on my years of experience traveling and breaking gear in warzones, combined with thousands of user reviews available on the internet, here is a list of the best tactical backpack and GORUCK alternative options on the market – perfect for travelers and wearers that value durability, function, and value over all else when shopping for a backpack
Over traditional outdoor and travel backpacks, the best tactical backpacks provide more durability,
I’vetraveled for 9 months with a tactical backpack (the GORUCK GR3, which I purchasedbefore the price hike) and, for me at least, the tradeoffs have been well worthit. As a hard user and occasional adventurer, I’ve broken acouple backpacks mid-adventure and never want the experience of backpackfailure again. Now, I’m willing to pay a little extra and carry a little extraweight for that “buy it for life” quality in a backpack.
BUT, with so many high dollar items and wannabes on the tactical backpack market, this list aims to provide a few reliable, pre-vetted options to start your tactical backpack search.
Jump to our list of the best tactical backpacks for travelers
Why Get a Tactical Pack
Withall of the other backpack options that are lighter, cheaper, and prettierthan your classic tan, Hummer of a Cordura nylon rucksack, why would anyone optfor a military styled ruck? Because what you get for the price, and how longyou can expect it to last through heavy abuse, is pretty awesome.
Price to value & Bang for buck
$200 will get you an excellent tactical backpack that checks all of the boxes of a good pack and will last you at least a decade of hard use, likely longer.
Proven Durability
The best tactical backpacks have been being abused since around 2003, and are still beloved by their owners. I still have my Spec Ops Brand T.H.E
“Buy It For Life” Quality
See above. The ALICE pack, the granddaddy of all tactical backpacks, is still for sale as a surplus item, even though it hasn’t been in service for years. Kind of impressive. That is the standard that tactical backpacks.
Heavy Load Capacity
Though the GORUCK line is the only line that touts testing to hold 450lbs, I’ve run and exercised with plenty of iron plates in
Modular, Easily Expandable Storage:
Need more space? The ubiquitous MOLLE webbing makes it easy to add anything from a water bottle
Weknow the benefits of the besttactical backpack candidates, but how can we tell the best from themediocre posers when we’re sifting through options?
Look for these traits in a good tactical backpack
- High denier nylon materials, ideally 1000D Cordura Nylon
- Repurposed, heavy duty strap used throughoutin webbing, compression straps, and shoulder straps – such as straps used for cargo operations, climbing, and rescue operations.
- Over-padded shoulder straps reinforced with heavy-duty straps,
- Large, durable zippers from a proven manufacturer (such as YKK #10) that’ll work in sandy, grimy conditions
- High tensile nylon thread in all stitching
- Military-grade, heavy-duty plastic hardware for buckles and clasps
- History of use by hard users (military, hunters, rescue, tactical law enforcement, etc.) with good reviews
Look for these Signs of a Low Quality Tactical Backpack
- Polyester cloth in anything external
- Low denier cloth materials (less than 500D)
- Overly “
tacticool ” looking bags with buzzword filled landing pages - No tactical track record or tactical use focused design
The Tradeoffs of Using a Tactical Backpack
The combat ready durability of tactical backpacksabsolutely comes with a few sacrifices that you need to understand beforeaiming for a tactical backpack
- Generally higher weight compared to other backpacks. (If you need to level up on strength, check out our articles “the only bodyweight fitness routine you need ” and “An acrobat’s guide to a bulletproof upper body“). A good tactical pack is a great addition to these workouts.
- Generally higher price tag compared to other packs as reasonable tactical backpacks can be twice the price of their “civilian” counterparts – but you get more than twice the backpack lifetime in return
- “Tacticool” look created by MOLLE webbing and abrasion resistant nylon that looks a little less than fashionable. More in some packs than others, but it is undeniably there
- You can have any color you want…as long as its black (or tan…or green)
If any of these traits are a non-starter for you in backpacks, then I’ll save you some time…do
On the other hand, if those tradeoffs are worth it for a bag that will last a lifetime (literally…you can still buy surplus bags from the Vietnam War era. Think on that.) and can hold your bodyweight, read on for some great options
The Best Tactical Backpacks for Travel and Everyday Carry
The Best Small Tactical Backpacks: Everday Carry Tactical (10L to 25L)
- Spec Ops Brand T.H.E. – E.D.C. Pack (22L)
- Greenroom136 Rainmaker (22L, 27L)
- Maxpedition
Condor II (23L) - Camelbak HAWG (22L)
- 5.11 Rush 12 (24L)
- Tactical Tailor M5 Medic Bag (17L)
- TAD FAST Litespeed (22L)
- GORUCK GR1 (21L, 26L)
Best Minimalist Tactical Backpacks:
- Blackhawk 3 Day Assault Pack (37L)
- 5.11 Rush 24 (37L)
- Erbelstock Little Brother (29L)
- Maxpedition
Vulture II 3 Day Pack (37L) - Triple Aught Design Spectre (34L)
- Blackhawk Special Operations Medic Pack (36L)
- Mystery Ranch 3 Day Assault (30L)
- Hazard 4 Patrol (36L)
- GORUCK GR2 (40L)
Best Tactical Backpacks for Long Term Travel (40L+)
- Spec Ops Brand T.H.E. Pack (41L)
- 5.11 Rush 72 (55L)
- Spec Ops Brand Recon Ruck Ultra (37L)
- Spec Ops Brand T.H.E. UAP (41L)
- Condor Outdoor 3 Day Assault Pack (50L)
- GORUCK GR3 (45L)
Daypacks (10L to 25L)
Great for everyday use and weekend trips (for minimalist packers)
Spec Ops Brand T.H.E. EDC Pack Pack (TacticalHold Everything Pack) – (22L, $127)
1000D Cordura Nylon outer material, heavily padded straps, and
100% made in the US and guaranteed for life. If you’re looking for a lower priced GORUCKGR1 alternative, the Spec Ops Brand T.H.E. Everyday carry backpack is it.
- Price: $169 on Spec Ops Brand Site, $127 on Amazon.com with free shipping
- Materials: 1050D Nylon, #10 YKK Zippers
- Size: 22 Liters (1376 Cu. In.)
- Design: 3 Pocket setup: Main, front bottom, and front top; MOLLE webbing all around for you to add storage as you wish
DetailsoftheSpecOps“TacticalHoldEverything”Pack
- Tough as nails for the price
Proven brand that delivers solid gear without the hype- Extra Padded shoulder straps support heavy well, making it a great,
low cost replacement to the GORUCK - Reinforced drag handle (so you can drag someone wearing the pack)
- 100% Made in the USA
- Guaranteed for Life
Cons
- All around MOLLE webbing gives a bit of a“tacticool” look
5.11 Rush 12 (24L, $99)
A trusted and reliable Everyday Carry bag for the price. Durable. Comfortable. Functional.
5.11 Tactical.A proven tactical brand that started in the law enforcement market andcrept into combat zones thanks to word of mouth and a good reputation. Their most popular daypack, the 24 liter 5.11Rush 12, delivers ample storage, tons of organization, and a quality buildgreat materials for a close to unbeatable price
- Price: $99 on the 5.11.com site, $99 with free shipping on Amazon.com
- Material: 1050D Nylon, YKK® zippers
- Size: 24 Liters | ~1500 Cu. In.
- 2 compartment design with plenty of pockets
- Contoured, heavily padded yoke style shoulder straps
- 16 individual compartments to keep quick access gear organized
Greenroom 136 Rainmaker ($125-$138)
Insanely well-constructed bags with tough materials and obsessive organization. Perfect for daily carry and weekend trips. 27L and 22L
Greenroom136 is a small manufacturer out of Malaysia with an almost intimate approach to producing durable bags. The Greenroom136 Rainmaker isn’t actually intended for tactical use, but the materials, build quality, durability, and reviews make it a bag worth considering.
Abrasaion resistant Cordura on the outer portions, strapsreinforced with car seat belt webbing, and simple, practical organization makethis bag a steal at its price
If this manufacturer interests you, also consider the Greenroom 136 Genesis
- Price:Medium-$125.00;Large: $137.50,Worldwide shipping: $150
- Material: 1000D Cordura Nylon shell, 420D Ripstop Interior. YKK zippers. Straps and handles reinforced with 2″ and 1.5″ nylon safety belts (yup, car seatbelts)
- Size: Large: 27L | Medium: 22L
- Open flat design with 2 compartments: main, and TSA friendly laptop compartment (closest to back)
- Large (27L) carries most 15″ laptops
- Medium (22L) carries most 13″ laptops
- Load lifters
Or click here read our full review on the GreenRoom136 Rainmaker
Tactical Tailor – M5Medic Bag (17L, $207)
A compact, durable AF bag from a trusted tactical gear manufacturer
A classic and simple pack design from WWII, updatedby the Tactical Tailor – a company started by an Army Scout that got his startsewing use specific military gear in his barracks room.
The M5 Medic Pack is the basis for modern militarymedic packs, which were the basis for the GORUCK line. With the same DNA, durable materials, anddedication to construction, the M5 Medic pack is another great alternative tothe GORUCK GR1 as an everyday carry tactical backpack.
- Price: $207 at TacticalTailor.com
- Size: 1008 Cu. In., 16.4 Liters
- Heavily padded shoulder straps
- Open flat design
- Made in the USA
- Great GORUCK Alternative
Maxpedition Condor II (23L, $115)
A tested, comfortable, and extremely compact daypack
A time tested and thoroughly abused small tacticalbackpack that excels in comfort, keeping the load stabilized, anddurability. 1000D Cordura, mil-specwebbing, and reinforced abrasion points make this an everyday carry backpackthat will last for years.
- Price: $166 on Maxpedition.com, $115 on Amazon.com
- Materials: Teflon coated 1000D ballistic nylon fabric (water and abrasion resistant), YKK zippers,
duraflex plastic hardware, high tensile nylon thread stitching, - Size: 1400 Cu. In., 23L
- Weight: 3.4lbs
ALSO CHECK OUT
The 23L Maxpedition Falcon II, $180 on Maxpedition.com, $121 on Amazon.com
The 23L Maxpedition Riftcore, $219 onMaxpedition.com, $145 on Amazon.com
TAD FASTLitespeed (22L, $225)
A tough workhorse of a tactical backpack with minimalist, low profile design
An impressively designed and ruggedly built bag thathas a streamlined form but is big on MOLLE enabled modularity. Talk to anyone who has owned one and you’llhear nothing but praise.
- Price: $255 on Triple Aught Design website
- Material: 1000D Cordura Nylon
- Size: 22L, 1350 Cu. In
- Weight: 3.7lbs,1.7 Kg
Comfortable, tough, affordable
Camelbak MilTac HAWG (22L, $130)
A lightweight tactical backpack from a reliable manufacturer for “medium use” tactical bags. Don’t expect the HAWG to last forever in tactical environments, but expect a long life under normal conditions.
- Price: $180 on Camelbak site, $130 on Amazon.com
- Material: 500D Cordura Nylon
- Size: 22L
- Weight: 1.15 Kg, 2lbs 8 oz.
- Cons:500D Outer instead of 1000D Cordura outer translates to a shorter lifetime
Condor Outdoor Convoy Pack (22L, $60)
Great valuable, gets the job done
A budget, tactical pack for users that aren’t as rough on their gear but still want most of the benefits of a tactical backpack. Condor Outdoor produces mostly unbranded packs that duplicate the most popular tactical pack designs and incorporate materials that are “close enough”. The result is a pack free of marketing that is arguably worth the money.
Condor Convoy pack is a simple, scaled down version of the company’s poplar 3 day pack and designed for “everyday carry”.
- Price: $52 on Amazon.com
- Material: Nylon
- Size: 22L
Also Consider the Condor Outdoor Backpacks:
GORUCK GR1 (21L | 26L, $395)
Insanely well built, ready for anything, perfect for everyday carry
A made in the US, damn bulletproof pack built tocarry 400lbs minimum and built,tested, and refined in GORUCK’s adventure events that mirror the hellaciousArmy Special Forces Selection process. Therequisite 1000D Cordura throughout, amply padded straps for heavy loads, and agenerally slick, not too tactical look, make this an excellent option…if you can stomach the pricetag…
GORUCK recently hiked up prices on all of their backpacks
- Price: $395 on GORUCK.com, $300 with GORUCK’s earned service discount
- Size: 21L, 26L
- Use: Daypack
- Materials: 1000D Nylon, YKK Zippers
- Weight: 3.2lbs | 1.5kg
- Open flat “clamshell” design
- Zippered “bombproof laptop compartment” in back panel with false bottom, to prevent laptop contact with ground
- Tested to 400lbs at all stress points
ALSO CHECK OUT
- GORUCK Echo (16L): $295 at GORUCK.com
- GORUCK Rucker (20L): $265 at GORUCK.com
- GORUCK Alternative Backpacks and an Overview of the GORUCK Line
3 Day & Weekender Packs (26L to 40L)
Suitable for travel lengths of a few days to a few weeks
Blackhawk 3 Day Assault Pack (37L, $89)
A tough, minimalist, sleek classic at a great price
A simple, less tactical looking backpack with ampledurability and a great reputation. Simple,straightforward, and a low key legend with combat veterans. Google pictures from Iraq and Afghanistan,and you’ll no doubt see this pack on countless dirty, grimy Marines andsoldiers…and many of them still have this pack today.
The Blackhawk 3 Day assault checks all of the boxesof a good multi day use tactical pack: 1000D outer, simple design, heavy dutyplastic hardware, heavy duty construction with reinforced drag handle andstress points, and a solid reputation.The pack’s slick look and lack of MOLLE webbing has a much less tacticallook than the clickbait backpacks on Amazon.
For $89, this is another solid, reliable, greatvalue tactical backpack option.
- Price: $144 on Blackhawk website, $89 on Amazon.com
- Materials: 1000D Nylon, YKK Zippers
- Size: 37 Liters | 2000 Cu. In.
- Straight forward design has a main compartment and front compartment, and quick access slant pocket
- Lack of MOLLE webbing gives a much less tactical look
- Padded waistbelt and sternum strap included
Blackhawk Special Operations Medical Backpack (36L, $150)
Spacious and organized yet minimalist. Great for EDC or travel
For the crowd interested in the GORUCK GR2 (but notthe pricetag), the Blackhawk – Special Operations Medical Backpack is anothergreat option – as the GORUCK line is inspired by military medic packs, which isexactly what this pack is, and comes at an extremely reasonable price.
This pack maintains the simple, space maximizing boxystyle with an open flat (“clamshell”) design that makes all of the cargo accessible. Three internal panel pockets help you keepthings organized without needing packing cubes.A separation panel adds one more layer of organization. Finally, heavily padded shoulder straps,1000D nylon, and heavy duty stitching backup the functionality with durabilitymake this pack hard to beat at a priceof $150
DetailsoftheBlackhawkSpecialOperationsMedicalPack
- Price: $205 on Blackhawk website, $150 on Amazon.com
- Materials: 1000D Cordura Nylon, YKK Zippers
- Size: 36L | 2225 Cu. In.
- Open flat style, compartmentalized medic bag
- 3 Internal Panel Pockets
- Divider panel
- MOLLE on all panels
5.11 Rush 24 (37L, $121)
Tough, comfortable, functional, proven. A great “extended use” pack for the price.
A straight forward, heavy duty 3 day bag withextensive organization: pockets, slots, and compartments galore from a trustedbrand that provides reliable tactical gear aimed at the law enforcementcommunity. Though this bag is dipped inMOLLE webbing, it is understated for daily wear without too much issue. As longas the design suits you, a great bag for the price.
Detailsofthe5.11Rush24
- Price: $129 on the 5.11 site, $121 on Amazon.com
- Material: 1050D Nylon with Durable Water Repellent Coating, Self-repairing YKK® zippers
- Size: 37L | 2275 Cu. In.
- Zippered side water bottle pockets
- “5.11 Tiered system” allows you to attach a daypack, like the Rush 12, easily to this ruck.
Mystery Ranch 3-Day Assault (30L, $375)
One of the best packs on the market. Tough, insanely comfortable, ready for anything
Another tough as nails and well-reviewed backpackfrom a brand rooted in hunting – another hard use, no BS activity (and customergroup) – that naturally selects great gear for functionality and value. Though the packs are pricier than many you’veseen, the quality is nearly unmatched.
The Mystery Ranch 3 Day Assault has a veryfunctional design that’s subdued enough to pass for a “normal” pack in civilianlife. The unique 3 zip setup makesaccessing anywhere in the pack easy. While MOLLE webbing for adding extrastorage and daisy chain webbing are added in the areas that are practicalwithout being overdone.
Details of the MysteryRanch3DayAssaultPack
- Price: $375 on the Mystery Ranch Website
- Materials: 500D Cordura Fabric, YKK Zippers
- Size: 30L | 1800 Cu. In.
- Weight: 4.6lbs
- 3 Zip design makes accessing anywhere in the pack easy
- Conservative yet practical use of daisy chain (for lashing) and MOLLE webbing for storage expansion
- Collapsible Waist Belt – stores under water bottle pocket
- Waistbelt
- Warrantied for material and workmanship for the practical life of the product
- Made in the USA
Eberlstock Little Brother Pack (29L, $189)
A very functional and capable small tacticalbackpack for the price. Front and toploading design. Boxy style maximizes useof space. Internal organization isminimalist yet functional. If 29L is toosmall for you, MOLLE webbing covers (nearly) the entire pack, making theaddition of tailored storage easy.
DetailsoftheEberlstockLittleBrotherPack
- Price: $189 on Amazon.com with free shipping
- Materials: 500D Cordura Nylon
- Size: 29L, 1800 Cu. In.
- Weight: ~4lbs
- Front loading and top loading design
- MOLLE lining top, bottom, and side panels
- 6 internal pockets and 2 external (water bottle) pockets to keep things organized
- Load lifters
- Breathable back panel
- The lifetime warranty of materials and workmanship defects (but not wear & tear or abuse).
ALSO CHECK OUT
Hazard 4 -Patrol (36L, $115)
A tough, urban and travel ready daily carry and weekender backpack
A 3 day sized pack with ample pockets and storagecompartments in a design. Avoid theScorpion and Grayman models, or at least go in knowing that they’re built withlighter materials.
Mythoughts on the Hazard 4 Brand: Hazard 4 is a younger company whose roots lieoutside of the areas I would normally consider for tactical backpacks (e.g.,military, law enforcement, hunting, fire, rescue, etc.) but their designs showpromise as do the materials used. Beforepurchasing a backpack from this company, I heavily suggest checking the reviewsfor the specific pack and weighing those against your intended use.
DetailsoftheHazard4Patrol
- Price: $115
- Material: 1000D Cordura
- Size: 36L, 2200 Cu. In.
- Weight: 4lbs
- Large main compartment with open flat design and two front pockets
- Easy access (side zip) laptop compartment in back panel
Cons
- Hit the checkmarks but brand lacks validation from law enforcement, rescue, and tactical use
- Lack of tactical track record, so this is listed as a potential option but the recommendation is “TBD”
Maxpedition Vulture II – 3 Day Pack(37L, $119)
A tough, weekend and adventure ready bag
A classically simple 3 day pack design made withdurable tested materials and updated over the years. The Vulture II is differentiated by itscompression system design, which keeps loads from shifting when you’re on themove, and well reinforced stress points
- Price: $119
- Material: Teflon coated 1000D ballistic nylon fabric (water and abrasion resistant). high tensile nylon thread (stitching), YKK zippers & Duraflex plastic hardware
- Size: 37L | 2100 Cu. In.
- Weight: 3.7lbs
- Simple 3 Day Assault pack design with main compartment, front compartment, and slant front pocket
- Inner zippered mesh pocket for quick access items and document storage
- Non-slip, abrasion resistant bottom (not nylon) ensures a much longer pack life
Triple AughtDesign Spectre (34L, $275)
High tech design and styling make this backpack as urban ready as it is tactical
A low-key pack with a great design and a slew ofsatisfied users. The external look issomewhere between tactical and backcountry (likely because this isn’t intendedto be a tactical pack) which makes it more palatable. Owners praise its comfort, functional design,and simplicity while still allowing modular expansion via conservativeplacement of MOLLE/PALS webbing. The single (potential) downside is the use of“sailcloth”, a cloth touted for durability but has only recently started to beused in packs (like the Tortuga Outbreaker).Sailcloth’s durability in hard use packs is unproven so there is stillquestion as to its suitability for hard use, tactical use, and buy it for lifegear.
- Price: $275 Triple Aught Design website
- Material: Sailcloth
- Size: 37L | 2550 Cu. In.
- Weight: 3.5lbs | 1.6 kg
ALSO CONSIDER
GORUCK GR2 (26L | 34L | 40L, $495)
GORUCK GR2: A well-known member of the tacticalbackpack market. Beloved (before the recentprice hike) by anyone who didn’t mind the weight and the price tag. As long as you don’t mind the $495 price, anextra pound or two for a pack that’s guaranteed to last a lifetime, you’ll lovethe GR2.
The GORUCK GR2’s selling point is durability and hard use, as it is tested to carry a minimum of 450lbs and is covered by GORUCK’s SCARS Guarantee just in case you decide to exceed a quarter-ton of cargo.
Compared to the predecessors in the GORUCK line, theGR1 (21L, 27L) and others, the GR2 is more geared for travel. The military medic bag inspired open flat designalong with the split compartment and mesh panel pockets make it easy to storeyour gear and keep it organized. Fortravels of a few days to a few weeks, the GORUCK GR2 has you covered and willlikely last a lifetime.
- Price: $495 on GORUCK.com
- Materials: 1000D Nylon, YKK Zippers, Mil-spec plastic hardware
- Size: 26L, 34L, and 40L
- Weight: 4.75lbs
- “Bombproof laptop compartment” easy, zippered access and stored behind back panel
- Panel of main compartment has two, large, zippered mesh pockets
- Panel of outer compartment has two, large, zippered mesh pockets and 1 Cordura nylon “field pouch”
Pros:
- GORUCK’s SCARS guarantee
- Great yet simple organization is perfect for travel
Cons:
- Price: $495 is a steep price for any bag
Notes: For more info read GORUCK Alternative Backpacks and A Brother Abroad’s GORUCK GR2 Review for Travel
Extended Use & Long Range Packs – Carry on Sized (40L+)
Suitable for long term travelsofafewweeksorlonger
Some of my favorite adventures didn’t happen until months into my travels. If you’re going to last that long (comfortably) you’ll need a little more space. These carry on sized tactical backpacks are small enough to fit on a plane, big enough to fit your adventures, and durable enough last it all.
Spec Ops Brand T.H.E. Pack (Tactical HoldEverything Pack) (41L, $140)
A tough, proven, and roomy pack worthy of daily carry or minimalist, long term travel
An unsung hero of the tactical backpack market. At $140 (on Amazon), this pack – that is guaranteed for life, made in the US, and durably constructed from 1000D Cordura, fat #10 YKK zippers, and
I’veowned this pack for roughly 15 years…I think? Its been to war a couple times,tons of climbing trips, lots of flights, and several runs with iron plates init. Through it all not a single stitchhas popped, and not a single hole has abraded through. The Spec Ops Brand T.H.E. has a lifetimeguarantee, but I bet you won’t need it.
- Price: $140 on Amazon.com
- Material: 1000D Cordura Nylon, #10 YKK Zippers
- Size: 41L | 2500 Cu. In.
- Front and side MOLLE webbing
Removable rigid back panel- Top opening
- Single Inner Mesh
Pokcet - Double Layer Pack Top eliminates stress failure associated with excessive use of
carry /drag handle. - Extra Padded shoulder straps support heavy weight well, making it a great,
low cost GORUCK alternative - 100% Made in the USA
- Guaranteed for Life
- Over 250,000 packs and not a single pack returned with harness failure
Spec Ops Brand T.H.E. Pack (TacticalHold Everything Pack) UAP (45L, $210)
An upgrade on my personal favorite, the T.H.E pack by Spec OPs. Equally tough and more functional
A 2013 updated versionof the near bulletproof original Spec Ops Brand T.H.E pack. This update adds a zippered laptop pocketintegrated into the back panel and moves the main compartment zipper forward,to create a more clamshell like design.
- Price: $210 on Spec Ops Brand website
- Material: 1000D Cordura Nylon
- Size: 41L
- Open Flat Design
- Zippered back Panel for Laptop storage
5.11 Rush 72 (55L, $170)
An amazingly comfortable, tough, and reliable tactical backpack perfect for long term adventure travel
A sturdy tactical backpack with tons of storage at agreat price. Though the “Rush 72” ismarketed as a 3 day bag, the 55L of storage and plethora of pockets. If you want a tough with ample storage andorganization at a great price, the Rush 72 is it
- Price: $170
- Material: Water repellent 1050D Nylon
- Size: 55L | 3342 Cu. In.
- Front compartment with several storage pockets for electronics, documents, etc.
- Main compartment
- Two side storage compartments and front top compartment hold quick-access items
- MOLLE webbing for modular expansion and customization
- Padded waistbelt
Condor Outdoor- 3 Day Assault Pack(50L, $83)
A cheaper alternative to the 5.11 Rush 72, with less durability but still a great value
An oddly simple yet functional alternative to allthe high priced tactical backpacks on the market. For years, Condor Outdoor has been making nearly unbranded duplicates of the mostpopular backpacks and pieces of tactical gear.What’s the win for you? You get atactical backpack that’s just as good as the big name alternative (or closeenough) for about 1/3 of the price.
The Condor Outdoor 3 Day may (or may not) make itto hell and back, but from I’ve seen it will definitely make it all of the wayinto the depths of hell until the mission is completed. You can dump the tattered bag there and justleave with a good story…then buy the same pack on Amazon for peanuts when youreturn.
- Price: $83 on Amazon.com
- Size: 50L
Also Consider fromCondorOutdoor:
Spec Ops Brand Recon Ruck Ultra(37L, $185)
Okay…the name’s a little much, but we’ll give this pack a pass as its based on (possibly) the most intensely tested pack of all time. In the Recon Ruck Ultra, Spec Ops brand took the loved and hated (but mostly loved) ALICE pack and updated it with 1000D Nylon and durable plastic hardware. If you require a little more rigidity with the heavy loads, this pack is easily compatible with the old ALICE pack external frames.
Oneof the best features is that this pack’s classic roots give it a much morecivilian friendly design these days, considering most modern tactical packs arepainted in MOLLE and this one isn’t.This pack merely appears to be a remake of something from Vietnam (whichit is) updated to be more durable and comfortable. If you’ve considered buying a surplus ALICEpack, consider picking up the Recon Ruck Ultra instead.
- Price: $170 to $185 on Amazon.com
- Material: 1000D Cordura Nylon
- Size: 37L, 2285 Cu. In.
- Based completely on the legendary ALICE pack
GORUCK GR3 (45L, $545)
An insanely tough rucksack designed to be a full sized carry on and perfect for long term travel
The GORUCK GR3. A 45L travel pack built to carry a minimum of 450lbs and backed by a lifetime warranty through the SCARS program. If you’re traveling around the world and need a pack that won’t break…this is the pack for you.
As a full sized carry on backpack, the GR3 maximizesuse of space by taking up every allowable inch based on airline carryon bagrestrictions. The packs wraparoundzipper and clamshell, open flat design let you access anything, anywhere in thepack easily, without unpacking everything.The minimalist design of the GR3 is its strong suit – just add packing cubes and you have a great travel pack (I know, I’ve used in 20 countries overthe last 9 months).
- Price: $545 on GORUCK.com. $415 with earned service discount
- Materials: 1000D Nylon with reinforced stitching, YKK Zippers
- Size: 45L
- Weight: ~5.15lbs
- Single maincompartment maximizes use of space
- 3 zippered pocketson inside of front panel – 2 mesh and 1 Cordura nylon
- External frontslant pocket
- Zippered “bombprooflaptop pocket” in back panel of backpack
- Covered by GORUCK’sSCARS guarantee for life
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