Best Tactical Backpack For The Money

You don’t have to be a soldier or law enforcement officer to use a tactical backpack. These bags are great for hunting, hiking, and camping thanks to their large capacity, practical compartments, and ergonomic design. While these activities often require lots of expensive gear, you shouldn’t have to spend a fortune on a tactical backpack.

We’ve read thousands of customer reviews to find bags that will give you the best bang for your buck. You can get the best tactical backpack for the money for just $200. We even have an option that will set you back less than $20!

How We Researched The Best Tactical Backpack For The Money

61 Expert Reviews Considered
6,914 Consumer Reviews Considered
6 Hours Researching
19 Products Evaluated

Best Tactical Backpack For The Money 3 Features That Make Tactical Backpacks Special

1. Strategic Compartments

Tactical backpacks are typically used for activities that require a lot of gear, so they’re designed with strategic compartments and pockets that make gear easy to access and keep it organized. Many tactical bags have pockets for hydration pouches, concealed carry sleeves for firearms, and/or cushioned compartments for sunglasses.

2. Ergonomics

Tactical backpacks are designed ergonomically because they’re used to transport heavy gear. These bags are made with padded backs and cushioned straps for maximum comfort. Some of the backpacks on this list have two straps while others are slings with just one strap.

3. MOLLE Design

Tactical bags are designed using Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE) standards. While MOLLE was originally made for the military, it’s practical for everyday use thanks to its pouch attachment ladder system (PALS). These straps cover tactical backpacks and let the wearer attach accessories to them.

Best Tactical Backpack For The Money Top 5: Best Tactical Backpack For The Money

5.11 Tactical RUSH72 Military Backpack

Product place
Our Top Pick
Product rating

5.11 Tactical’s RUSH72 Military Backpack is the best tactical backpack on the market. With a capacity of 55 liters and a price point of less than $200, this backpack has tremendous value for the money. If its extra large capacity isn’t enough, this bag can fit extra gear in its expandable front pocket and on its PALS straps.

  • Extra large 55 L capacity
  • MOLLE design with webbed straps
  • Hydration pouch compatible
  • Compression straps
  • Padded back, straps, and waistband
  • Water-repellent
  • <$200
  • Not waterproof

Condor 3 Day Assault Pack

Product place
Runner Up
Product rating

Condor’s 3 Day Assault Pack is a fan favorite. This 50-liter tactical backpack can be yours for less than $100, making it an incredible bargain. The bag’s seven compartments make storing and organizing gear a breeze. A sternum strap, removable waist belt, and padded back and straps make this bag comfortable for carrying even when it’s filled to the brim.

  • Extra large 50 L capacity
  • 7 compartments/pockets
  • Ergonomic design
  • Compatible with hydration pouches
  • Compression straps
  • <$100
  • Not waterproof

Maxpedition Falcon-II Backpack

Product place
3rd Place
Product rating

This tactical backpack brings comfort to the forefront with its sternum and waist straps, which help keep heavy loads in place. Wearers can maximize the Falcon-II Backpack’s 25-liter capacity by using the strategically designed internal pockets. The bag’s laptop sleeve is a nice bonus that makes this bag suitable for school or work. This durable backpack will only set you back less than $150.

  • 25 L capacity
  • MOLLE design with webbed straps
  • Hydration pouch compatible
  • Compression straps
  • Sternum and waist straps
  • Laptop sleeve
  • <$150
  • Not waterproof

5.11 RUSH MOAB 10 Tactical Sling Bag

Product place
4th Place
Product rating

The versatile 5.11 RUSH MOAB 10 Tactical Sling Bag can be yours for less than $100. Customers love this backpack’s practical features, including its padded sunglasses pocket and 1.5-liter hydration pouch. The backpack’s 18-liter capacity can be exceeded thanks to its MOLLE webbed straps.

  • MOLLE design with PALS
  • Cushioned strap and back
  • Many internal pockets
  • Protective sunglasses pocket
  • Built-in 1.5 L hydration bladder
  • <$100
  • Not waterproof

G4Free Outdoor Tactical Backpack

Product place
5th Place
Product rating

The small-but-mighty Outdoor Tactical Backpack by G4Free is great for people who want a compact tactical bag for everyday use. This petite 7-liter backpack can fit a wallet, phone, and even a 9.7” tablet. The best part about this bag is it’s price; it costs less than $20!

  • Petite size good for everyday use
  • Comes in five neutral colors
  • Sling with ambidextrous strap
  • MOLLE design with webbing
  • Fits 9.7” tablet
  • <$20
  • No warranty

Best Tactical Backpack For The Money Conclusion: The Best Tactical Backpack For The Money

According to our research, 5.11 Tactical’s RUSH72 Military Backpack is the best tactical backpack for the money. This $200 bag gives wearers the most bang for their buck thanks to its spacious internal capacity, exterior webbed straps, and strategic compartments.

If this backpack isn’t for you, we’re sure that you’ll find another bag on this list that is. At the end of the day, they’re all terrific, affordable options.