20 Best Tactical Backpacks
Whether you’re looking for the perfect outdoor-ready survival bag or everyday carry pack, finding the right tactical backpack can maximize your storage space and keep you comfortable in the most demanding circumstances. Tactical backpacks are suitable for long-distance hiking, law enforcement, military deployment, and other high-activity ventures. Many come with hydration bladder compatibility and external ports for nozzles, radio antennae, or earphones. Their all-weather materials and highly structured layouts are designed to keep your gear protected and sit comfortably on the upper body, even when toting heavy items.
From afternoon hikes to 3-day treks, these multi-size tactical bags take innovative toting to the next level with highly organized compartments and convertible wear. We’ve chosen our top 20 best tactical backpacks for their customizable features, comfortable design and all-purpose ruggedness.
Mystery Ranch 2-Day Assault Pack
Mystery Ranch’s latest tactical backpack is also one of it’s lightest and most versatile options yet. At 27 liters, the 2-Day Assault Pack is large enough to stow enough gear to get you through a long weekend at the campsite, yet lightweight enough (3 pounds) to not weigh you down while in transit. A padded laptop sleeve, a durable 500D Cordura construction, and YKK zippers are just icing on the cake. – Buy It
GoRuck GR1
From cities to warzones, the GoRuck GR1 Backpack offers professional Special Forces-grade durability in a minimalist 21-liter design. Exterior features include a covert easy-access front slant drop pocket and triple-row MOLLE webbing for gear attachment. Its covert bombproof laptop compartment sits against the rear of the pack and can accommodate laptops measuring up to 15 inches or hydration pouches. Padded straps and a reinforced back panel comfortably maintain the structure of the GR1, eliminating the need for a sternum strap. Its large internal compartment contains additional MOLLE webbing, an elastic pouch, mesh catchall zipper pocket, and shallow zipper pouch near the top for easy access. – Buy It
5.11 Tactical All Hazards Prime Backpack
This low-key tactical backpack offers 1,768 cubic inches of storage and all the features of a professional-grade carrying pack. A middle shove-it pouch holds irregularly shaped items, while side-mounted lanyards and three-sided MOLLE webbing allows for customized use. The full-zip front and rear compartments contain a padded laptop sleeve and hydration-system storage. Internal webbing and tear out-mesh pouches for medical or emergency supplies offer additional organization and tactical gear arrangement. The front clamshell compartment also has high-visibility orange lining to help signal emergency responders and cohorts. – Buy It
5.11 Tactical Rush 72 Backpack
The 5.11 Rush 72 water repellant 3-day pack is suitable for military and everyday use. Its layout includes a large dual-zipper rear compartment, secondary front compartment, and interior organizer pockets. Vertical side zipper pockets each hold a 2-liter water bottle and contain additional small-item organization pouches. A pouch along the top of the rear compartment also accommodates a full-size hydration bladder. Special details, like the locking zipper pull-tabs and easy-access fleece-lined sunglasses pocket make this bag incredibly practical for travel. Its bottom lashing straps accommodate a bed roll or other materials, and adjustable waist straps have MOLLE webbing for added gear attachment. – Buy It
Maxpedition Falcon-II Backpack
The Maxpedition Falcon II boasts a modular design made with 1050 Denier nylon for water-resistant and tear-resistant durability. Its unique Y-shaped midline compression strap helps distribute weight evenly, while foam-padded shoulder, waist, and sternum straps eliminate pressure points. Quick-release side compression buckles give you access to the central compartment, which has dual-directional zippers and a full clamshell opening. An rear zipper pouch can accommodate up to two (2) 100-ounce water reservoirs, which can be integrated easily with covered port openings and tubing feeder loops along the shoulder straps. The pack’s independently structured compartments contain various organizational features to keep all of your essential gear sorted. – Buy It
Condor 3 Day Assault Pack
The Condor 3-day pack contains a total of seven compartments, including two main storage areas with internal gear compression and sorting pockets, two side packs, and various external zipper pouches. With a total of 3038 cubic inches of storage, this backpack can easily carry enough supplies to last up to a week if packed correctly. It can carry two 3-liter hydration bladders and has integrated tubing ports, as well as horizontal and vertical webbing along the shoulder straps, including D-ring attachments. A foam-cushion back panel adds ventilated support and to complement the waist strap and sternum strap. Two compression straps on each side keep your load compact and reduce your profile. This pack comes in 8 different colors. – Buy It
Spec-Ops T.H.E. EDC Pack
Designed for small-volume everyday carry, this tactical pack features front, side, and bottom MOLLE webbing, as well as 1,376 cubic inches of internal storage. It’s modular design is made with 1000-denier water resistant materials and is compatible with standard hydration systems. An MTX shoulder harness system and removable 2-inch waist belt help secure the bulk of your bag without uncomfortable shifting. Dual external ports can be used with hydration hoses, headphones, or radio antennae. This pack comes in 14 different colors for highly customizable wear. All Spec-Ops bags are made in the U.S.A. and guaranteed for life. – Buy It
Blackhawk S.T.R.I.K.E. Cyclone Pack
The 1800-cubic inch Cylcone pack is made with heavy duty water-resistant nylon and features eight rows of exterior webbing. The pack includes a 100-ounce hydration reservoir made with Microban antimicrobial technology as well as an integrated bite valve and tube system covered in weather-resistant casing for quick hydration on the go. A durable rubber lift handle and side compression straps make the Cyclone pack highly portable. Its contoured padded straps, wide reinforced waist belt, and adjustable sternum strap are built for high-volume comfortable carry while ventilated soft-shell back support helps regulate body temperature. – Buy It
TAD FAST Pack EDC
Like the smaller Litespeed model from Triple Aught Design, the 1800-cubic inch FAST pack EDC is made with MIL-SPEC materials for superior protection against rips, wear and tear. Its main compartment has a full-zip clamshell opening with sectioned storage, as well as an open-air “shove-it” pouch for bulkier items. Three-way PALS webbing allows you to attach MOLLE accessories to customize this high-capacity daypack. A removable cushioned aluminum back panel gives structure to your bag and sits comfortably beneath the gel-cushion ventilated padding. Ergonomic shoulder straps contain D-ring attachment points and the removable waist strap is extra wide for stabilized wear. – Buy It
5.11 Rush MOAB 10
This portable 1093-cubic inch daypack sets itself apart from the crowd with a single ergonomic cross-body shoulder strap. This shoulder strap can be switched for ambidextrous wear and contains a quick-access zippered shoulder coms pocket with headphone ports. Dual-compartment clamshell opening allows for easy packing and unloading while a rear TacTec pocket allows for covert storage. Additional features include the top-facing fleece-lined sunglass pouch and hydration pocket with external port. MOLLE-compatible exterior webbing allows you to build and customize your accessories. The Rush MOAB bag can also be attached to other RUSH-series bags for customizable pack integration. – Buy It
Maxpedition Vulture II 3-Day Backpack
At a generous 2100-cubic inches, the Vulture II has three large compartments and a wide abrasion-resistant bottom. Its integrated hydration compartment can hold a 100-ounce (3L) hydration bladder and contains an easy-access hose port. PALS webbing along the front, sides, and body straps are compatible with MOLLE accessories for added customization. Padded shoulder and waist straps help you manage your load comfortably, and waist straps tuck into the bag for covert storage when not in use. A front slant catch-all pouch and Y-shaped compression strap with D-ring attachment add versatility to this 3-day backpack. – Buy It
Eberlestock Halftrack Backpack
The F3 Halftrack comes in a long, lean design with 2,150 cubic inches of storage — which easily renders it a capable travel backpack for trips across town or across the country. Its front panel contains an assortment of PALS compatible webbing, Velcro badge attachment, and a tall zipper front pouch. A top modular pouch and dual hydration pouches on either side of the pack help you keep important items at your fingertips while on the move. Its side compression straps add load-bearing control and minimize your profile while a padded shoulder and waist harness system keep you comfortable. Rain cover pulls out quickly from bottom compartment to keep your items dry in inclement weather. – Buy It
Hazard 4 Evac Plan-B Sling Pack
The slim, cross-body design of the Hazard 4 sling pack comes with an ambidextrous padded shoulder strap and high-capacity compact carry potential. It offers 1080 cubic inches of gear storage, with additional MOLLE webbing on the front and sides of the pack. Its integrated port system and storage pockets are compatible with a 3-liter hydration bladder while compression straps keep your pack secure. A padded thermo-molded back offers a close, comfortable fit and a clip-on stabilizer strap keeps the pack in place during heavy activity. The pack is designed to spin forward for comfortable front-pack wear and easy-access. – Buy It
TAD FAST Pack Lightspeed
This high-capacity daypack is built for everyday compact carry at 1350 cubic inches. It’s made with integrated MIL-SPEC materials to maintain a high tensile strength, so the pack is resistant to rips, wear, and tear. It features a highly customizable 6-row MOLLE strap exterior to attach smaller pack compartments and gear. Closed-cell foam padding along the back panel and shoulder straps reduces shock while mesh ventilation ensures comfortable, breathable wear. An easy-access top pocket and hydration tube exit port simplify your on-the-go needs. The bag also includes 96 inches of removable paracord, which can be used to secure bulkier items and doubles as emergency gear. – Buy It
Blackhawk Cyane Dynamic Tactical Pack
Made with tear-resistant 500 Denier nylon, the Cyane day pack features a beaver-tail style front design for stashing irregularly shaped objects. With front zipper pouches, open-air middle storage, and a central rear compartment, this highly portable backpack easily fits bedrolls, jackets, helmets, and other gear. MOLLE webbing along the straps, front, and side allow for customized attachments. The bag carries a standard 100-ounce water pouch and has elastic-covered tube ports for the hydration hose. A removable mesh padded back piece and sternum strap keep your load secure and easy to carry. – Buy It
Sandpiper of California Long Range Bugout Backpack
This expandable tactical bag can accommodate an astounding 5,600 cubic inches of gear for multi-day expeditions. Made with 1000-denier abrasion-resistant nylon and heavy-duty compression straps, the Sandpiper Long Range Bugout bag is built for compact carrying. It comes reinforced with aluminum backstays, an optional shoulder harness, and padded waist belt for secure and comfortable toting. An expandable main compartment, hydration-system compatible pouch, and external MOLLE webbing allow you to customize your pack to suit each individual mission. Front organizer compartments accommodate smaller items and make this pack equally suitable for everyday carry. – Buy It
Spec-Ops T.H.E. Tactical Pack
Made with 1000-D high-tensile Cordura nylon, this Spec-Ops pack sits at 2550 cubic inches for portable high-capacity carrying. A heavy-duty reinforced drag handle and double-layer pack top reduce seam tension and ensure the durability of your bag. External access ports for your hydration hose or headphones come with weatherproof covering for easy use during inclement weather. Adjustable side compression straps, a removable waist strap, and a fully-covered weatherproof bag cover help you convert your pack as needed. This pack is compatible with other SPEC-OPS systems, made in the USA, and comes with a lifetime guarantee. – Buy It
Tactical Tailor Removable Operator Pack
The 1,178-cubic inch Removable Operator Pack is designed to attach directly to larger MOLLE-compatible bags or work on its own as an everyday carry bag. Made with 1000-denier Cordura nylon for high-tensile durability, this simple, no-fuss design has two main compartments and 3-liter hydration pouch compatibility. Its external panel includes additional MOLLE webbing and a bungee system for securing irregularly shaped items. Padded shoulder straps and waist belt can be tucked away for covert packing or bag attachment. This bag is made in the U.S.A. and available in 7 different colors. – Buy It
Red Rock Large Assault Pack
This tactical bag from Red Rock Outdoor Gear holds up to 2,135 cubic inches of gear and contains MOLLE webbing along the full length of the front and side panels. Its padded and ventilated rear back piece conceals a mesh zipper compartment that accommodates a 2.5-liter hydration bladder for on-the-go sipping. Its adjustable sternum, waist, and shoulder straps help stabilize your pack while four quick-release compression buckles help compress the bulk of your bag. D-ring connection points along the shoulder straps allow for additional easy-access gear attachment. This pack comes in 7 different colors. – Buy It
Mystery Ranch 3 Day Assault Pack
The Mystery Ranch 3-Day pack features an innovative Y-shaped 3-zip design for quick and easy access to all your supplies. MOLLE webbing on exterior and interior allow you to customize your gear storage. Internal compartments can accommodate up to three hydration bladders and various smaller items, including radios and exterior antennae. Side compression straps minimize bulk while contoured yoke shoulder straps allow you to comfortably carry the weight of your bag. Convertible padded waist belt straps can be covertly tucked away into the base of the pack when not in use to reduce unnecessary flapping or needless bulk. – Buy It
Vanquest Javelin 3.0 VSlinger
This innovative asymmetrical sling shoulder strap bag comes in left-shoulder and right-shoulder models. With over 30 storage compartments, including a padded laptop sleeve and two hydration pouches, this convertible pack allows you to load and access your gear from the top or side. The VSlinger is designed so that you can spin it quickly to your front for easy side access to segmented compartments, which are padded for secure toting of valuables. Its 1000-D cordura nylon, oversized s-shaped zipper tread, and heavy-duty neoprene padded handles make this bag both practical and durable. – Buy It
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