The Best Tactical Backpack

While tactical backpacks were originally designed for military use, they’ve become popular bags for hunting, hiking, traveling, and commuting. Why? Large capacity, practical compartments, and ergonomic design give tactical backpacks widespread appeal.

Finding your next backpack online can be a tedious exercise in reading dozens of customer reviews. Fortunately, we’ve done the work for you. We’ve read hundreds of reviews and identified the best tactical backpack on the web, plus four worthy runners up.

How We Researched The Best Tactical Backpack For The Money

27 Expert Reviews Considered
7,869 Consumer Reviews Considered
11 Hours Researching
23 Products Evaluated

The Best Tactical Backpack 3 Features That Make Tactical Backpacks Special

1. MOLLE Design

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 While MOLLE was originally made for the military and law enforcement, it’s practical for everyday use thanks to its pouch attachment ladder system (PALS).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

2. Strategic Compartments

Because tactical backpacks are often used for activities that require a lot of gear, they’re designed with strategic pockets and compartments that help keep gear organized and easy to access. Many tactical backpacks have concealed carry sleeves for firearms, compartments for hydration pouches, and/or padded pockets for sunglasses.

3. Ergonomic Design

It’s important for tactical backpacks to be designed ergonomically because they’re typically used to carry heavy gear. These bags are made with cushioned straps and padded backs for maximum comfort. Some of the backpacks in this guide have two straps while others are slings with just one strap.

The Best Tactical Backpack Top 5: Best Tactical Backpack

5.11 Tactical RUSH72 Military Backpack

Product place
Our Top Pick
Product rating

According to customer reviews, 5.11 Tactical’s RUSH72 Military Backpack is the best tactical backpack on the market. This bag has an extra large capacity of 55 liters and can even fit extra gear in its expandable front pocket and on its MOLLE webbed straps. Other practical features include hydration pouch compatibility, compression straps, and a padded back.

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

Maxpedition Falcon-II Backpack

Product place
Runner Up
Product rating

The Falcon-II Backpack by Maxpedition makes the most of its 25-liter capacity thanks to its strategically designed compartments and internal pockets. The bag’s backmost compartment even has a laptop sleeve. This tactical backpack makes comfort the name of the game with its sternum and waist straps that keep heavy loads in place.

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

5.11 RUSH MOAB 10 Tactical Sling Bag

Product place
3rd Place
Product rating

The 5.11 RUSH MOAB 10 Tactical Sling Bag is a versatile one strap backpack. Customers love this bag’s practical features, including its 1.5-liter hydration pouch and padded sunglasses pocket. The backpack’s 18-liter capacity can be exceeded thanks to its MOLLE PALS straps.

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

G4Free Outdoor Tactical Backpack

Product place
4th Place
Product rating

The small-but-mighty G4Free Outdoor Tactical Backpack is a great option for those looking for a compact tactical bag for everyday use. This petite 7-liter backpack can fit a 9.7” tablet, wallet, phone, and other small necessities. Its sling strap can be worn on either shoulder.

  • Petite size good for everyday use
  • Comes in five neutral colors
  • Sling with ambidextrous strap
  • MOLLE design with webbing
  • Fits 9.7” tablet
  • Not warranty

REEBOW GEAR Military Tactical Backpack

Product place
5th Place
Product rating

You’ll never run out of room for your gear thanks to REEBOW GEAR’s Military Tactical Backpack’s extra large 40-liter capacity. PALS webbed straps enable you to attach extra equipment to the exterior of the bag. This backpack is built with comfort in mind thanks to its mesh padded straps and back.

  • Large 40 L capacity
  • Compression straps
  • MOLLE ready with PALS
  • Water resistant
  • Ventilated mesh padding on back and straps
  • Compatible with hydration pouch
  • Not waterproof

The Best Tactical Backpack Conclusion: The Best Tactical Backpack

The 5.11 Tactical RUSH72 Military Backpack is the best tactical backpack on the web. Its massive internal capacity and exterior MOLLE straps mean that this bag can carry a lot of gear. The backpack’s ample volume and strategic compartments make it a perfect companion for camping and hunting trips.

There is a tactical backpack for everyone on this list, so even if the RUSH72 isn’t for you, we’re certain that you’ll find another bag in this guide that is.