Best Tactical Backpacks – 2020 Reviews

Last updated Mar 19, 2020

A tactical backpack is much different than a backpack that a person would grab and take with them to school. In fact, a tactical backpack, or military backpack, has multiple features that are quite different than any other backpack. These backpacks have something added to them to keep them protected from the weather, loops to attach things to the outside, a place to add a hydration bladder, and it should be large enough to fit the basic necessities of life. That might sound easy enough, but in truth, there are not many packs out there that feature all those items, let alone are made from quality materials that will last in even the most extreme conditions.

Table of Contents

Tactical RUSH72 Backpack

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This tactical backpack is made from high strength and water repellent nylon and features a dual zippered main and front compartment. There is also a smaller pocket for maps, pens, and other documents. The foam shoulder straps, cinching waist strap, and compression straps aid in comfort. There is space for enough items that a person can be out for 72 hours and have enough gear with them.

What We Like about It

We like the fact that we could have enough gear for 72 hours without needing to worry about running out of something. The foam shoulder straps ensured that the tactical backpack wasn’t digging into our shoulders the entire time we were wearing it. We appreciated the smaller pocket, because that meant we didn’t need to dig for a pen whenever we needed to use one.

Pros

Multiple pockets
Foam shoulder straps, cinching waist strap, compression straps
72-hour capacity for items
Durable and waterproof nylon

Cons

Straps can break if tightened too much

CVLIFE Outdoor Tactical Backpack Military Rucksacks

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This durable military backpack is made from waterproof nylon material and it has two spacious compartments with two small pockets inside and two front pockets. There is a one-and-a-half-inch waist belt and a one-inch sternum strap plus padded and adjustable shoulder straps. The back is also padded to ensure comfort when wearing.

What We Like about It

We like the roominess in this tactical backpack, as well as the multiple pockets and compartments. The extra padding is nice too, especially as we get older. We like how we can fit everything in here when we venture out for a couple of days, whether we are hiking, camping, or doing some other outdoor adventure.

Pros

Multiple straps to keep pack secure
Extra padding
Roomy
Waterproof nylon

Cons

No frame

Mil-Tec Military Army Patrol Molle Backpack

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The material on this tactical backpack is polyester and it is PVC coated. It has two main compartments and two front pockets. Inside the two main compartments, there are various zip and mesh inner pockets for storing smaller items. A built-in Velcro pocket is the perfect spot for a hydro-pack. There are numerous MOLLE attachment points plus loops and d-rings on shoulder straps.

What We Like about It

We like the room that this military backpack offers with the numerous pockets. The additional area for the hydro pack is perfect as we are always in need of a place to put a drink when we are out. We also love the multiple attachment points, as we find that we can never have too many places to put things on our packs.

Pros

Multiple compartments and pockets
Waterproof
Place for hydro pack
Attachment points plus loops and d-rings

Cons

While waterproof, shouldn’t be left out in heavy rain for extended periods of time

Tactical RUSH24 Backpack

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This tactical backpack has been made with a durable nylon and coated with a water repellent coating. It has a reinforced grab and go handle, hydration pocket, zippered fleece-lined eyewear pocket, two compression straps, and a shoulder strap system. There is a main storage area, plus dual zipper side pockets, a stuff it pocket, three mesh pockets, a side water bottle pocket that zips, and a hook and loop area.

What We Like about It

This best tactical backpack offers a lot of flexibility with its numerous compartments, and it would actually be easy to forget where you put things when you are out in the middle of nowhere if you are not careful. We loved how we could put smaller items into the smaller pockets, so that we didn’t lose them. We also liked that we had space for a hydro pack and a water bottle. That allowed us to grab the water bottle and use it when the pack wasn’t on our back.

Pros

Water repellent coating on nylon material
Multiple compartments with numerous smaller pockets
Space for hydro pack and water bottle
Compression straps
Reinforced grab and go handle
Dedicated place for eyewear

Cons

No waist straps

P.S. Tactical Range Backpack

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This military backpack has an internal frame that keeps the back rigid as well as quality, heavy duty fabric. Every stitch has been tripled stitched, so that it will not tear or rip with use. The padded waist strap ensures that there is load stability when worn. The outside has four zippered compartments for holding items.

What We Like about It

We liked how this bag is large, but not too bulky. We can fit what we need for a day in this bag and keep it all organized. The internal frame keeps everything in its place without falling over.

Pros

Internal frame helps bag keep its shape and keeps things in place
Four zippered pockets on outside
Padded waist straps
Not too bulky

Cons

Zippers difficult to maneuver

Direct Action Dragon Egg Tactical Backpack

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This tactical backpack was originally designed specifically for military and law enforcement officers. It is made from 100% Cordura fabric and then coated with a water-resistant material. This material is durable and will last for years. This pack is lightweight and quite versatile and can hold two days’ worth of items. The patented combat vent system ensures that the user is comfortable if they need to wear if for longer periods of time. It is also snag free and will not absorb water if someone needs to wear it in the rain.

What We Like about It

We love that we can wear this in the rain and not worry about getting bogged down by an even heavier bag. The vent system is appreciated as well, because our backs can get quite toasty in other military backpacks without this feature. The elastic on the side pockets is also a wonderful feature, because it allows us to fit more in those pockets when we need to.

Pros

Elastic on side pockets for more space
Patented combat vent system
Designed for military and law enforcement officials
Water resistant and durable fabric
Lightweight
Snag free
Will not absorb water

Cons

Plastic buckles can break easily

Z ZTDM 40L/50L Outdoor Tactical Molle Backpack

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This could be one of the best tactical backpacks made as it is made from sturdy oxford fabric and is waterproof. It is quite sturdy and strong, and the main compartment has a specialty layer of stitching that includes a layer of waterproof cloth. That cloth prevents everything inside from getting wet. The waist and shoulder straps are adjustable, so no one will need to worry about the pack fitting improperly. The straps are also soft and comfortable. The entire MOLLE system of the back has been attached so that a person can attach other items to the pack when it is being worn. This large bag can hold enough stuff that a person can be out and away from home for three days at a time.

What We Like about It

We love the size of this bag and the amount of stuff that we can fit inside it, plus what we can attach to it. The fact that our stuff can stay dry too is amazing. We were a little weary of how comfortable the fit would be with the straps, but we were pleasantly surprised at how good the bag felt once we got everything adjusted for our body.

Pros

Large capacity
Soft and adjustable straps
Waterproof
Sturdy fabric

Cons

While there is a spot for a hydro pack, there is no spot for the straw to come out of the bag

WIDEWAY Military Tactical Backpack

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This tactical backpack has been made using highly durable polyester material with double stitching, plus utility style cord pulls. There are four compartments with an outer pouch, zipper pockets, internal dividers, and a padded back panel. This pack can hold quite a bit and it is water resistant. The shoulder, waist, and sternum straps are all adjustable, which aids in a person’s comfort level when wearing this military backpack. The MOLLE system allows people to attach any other type of bag or gear easily.

What We Like about It

We love the flexibility of this best tactical backpack. It is very durable, and can be used for many different types of activities. The numerous compartments mean that we can pack just about anything we need for wherever we are going. As long as we can carry it, we can take it! We also love the fact that the pack makes it easy to attach other items that will not fit inside the pack.

Pros

MOLLE system that makes attaching other items easy
Large capacity
Multiple compartments
Adjustable straps
Durable polyester material that is water resistant

Cons

No internal frame

45L Large Military Tactical MOLLE Backpack

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This tactical backpack has been made from heavy duty waterproof material that will last for a long time. There are five different compartments plus multiple interior pockets that make it easy to stay organized. The paracord zipper pulls make it easy to open each part of this pack without making a sound. Included with this pack is a 2.5-liter BPA free water bladder. This will easily fit in the pack to help everyone stay hydrated when they are out using this pack, no matter where they are.

What We Like about It

We love the free bladder pack with this tactical pack, as it is usually something that we are used to purchasing separately. We love that this manufacturer has decided to make it easier for us without making us have to purchase anything extra.

Pros

A free bladder pack with purchase
Heavy duty waterproof material
Five different compartments plus interior pockets
Paracord zipper pulls that open soundlessly
Breathable mesh on back

Cons

No frame

Vbiger 35L Military Tactical Backpack

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Oxford fabric that is tear and abrasion resistant is what makes this tactical backpack so durable. It has a large capacity with multiple exterior pockets, interior pouches, and ergonomic design. The thick shoulder straps make it easy and comfortable to carry.

What We Like about It

We love how comfortable this tactical backpack is when we have it on and how much we can fit inside it. It is perfect, no matter what we are using it for, and we almost forget that we are carrying it.

Pros

Ergonomic design
Oxford fabric is durable and tear and abrasion resistant
Numerous exterior pockets and interior pockets
Thick shoulder straps offer the ultimate in comfort

Cons

There isn’t one main large interior pocket for larger items

We enjoyed testing out numerous backpacks for these tactical backpack reviews, and couldn’t believe how unique each tactical backpack was. They all have features that others do not have, yet they are still the same. The goal of all these packs is to offer a person a way to carry multiple items safely for long periods of time, and they all do that. However, depending on a person’s needs or wants, they may prefer one military backpack over another. Everyone will want to check out the pros and cons for themselves and see which one will work best for them. We know that it is possible to find the perfect tactical backpack, it just takes a little bit of time and effort. However, once a person finds the one that they need, they should be able to use it for quite some time.