The Greatest Tactical Backpacks of 2023

How We Tested Tactical Backpacks

Between quick-hit weekend trips and everyday carry, the GearJunkie team is constantly testing and using tactical backpacks. We’ve used tactical backpacks as medical kits, hunting gear haulers, and travel bags. The recommended products on this list result from many years of testing.

When testing packs, we pay careful attention to ease of use, long-term durability, comfort, and overall value. Impressive-sounding features might look good on paper, but they don’t always translate to actual performance. Our testing aims to determine a pack’s true utility.

The definition of “tactical pack” is up for interpretation. When selecting packs to consider for this list, we sought out models with traditional military styling and features such as MOLLE webbing systems and concealed carry compartments.

As design updates and new products roll out across the market, we’ll make sure to keep our fingers on the pulse of the tactical backpacks and test out any new styles that have the potential to stand out. This list of recommendations is always in flux — it includes the best tactical backpacks on the market at any given time.

Buyers Guide: How to Choose a Tactical Backpack

There are many high-quality tactical backpacks on the market in 2023. These packs come in various sizes, styles, brands, and colors, and it can be difficult to figure out which one best meets your needs.

It’s important to understand which features you most need from a tactical backpack before purchasing one. Some backpacks on this list are made for specific purposes, like field medics and military personnel. Others are more versatile and would be suitable for both professional and recreational use.

If you’re looking for a compact and low-profile bag for quick day missions, you don’t want a clunky 60L bag. Likewise, if you need a large backpack to store 3 days’ worth of camping supplies, avoid packs that are made for students on the go.

The purpose of this buyer’s guide is to help you determine the different characteristics and features available in the tactical backpack market and help you make an educated purchase. The essential considerations for purchasing the best tactical backpack for your needs include materials, budget, capacity, and extra features.

Materials and Durability

Most technical backpacks have an outer material made from abrasion-resistant polyester, nylon, or oxford. These materials typically come with a denier rating, which basically rates how thick and sturdy the material is overall. While denier rating can be a clue, we don’t view the number as the end-all-be-all marker of durability. In general, shoot for a denier rating of at least 500.

Tactical backpacks are made to be more durable than “regular” backpacks. Ideally, your next pack will last a lifetime. On this list, the Mystery Ranch 2 Day Assault Pack and Kelty Redwing offer unmatched durability.

If you are concerned with waterproofing, make sure you buy a pack with a water-resistant coating. A good coating will force water to bead on the surface instead of absorbing into and soaking your bag.

Common wear points on tactical backpacks include zippers, straps, and buckles. We believe all of the packs on this list use quality components. Still, the 5.11 Tactical AMP12 stands out for its hardiness and attention to detail.

Budget

Tactical backpacks on this list range in price from around $35 to over $600. First, decide what your actual backpack budget is, and then try to find the highest-quality option within your range. If you’re seeking the best possible value for the lowest investment, we think the REEBOW Gear Tactical Backpack offers supreme bang for your buck.

Sometimes, paying more money means additional features like padded waist straps and insulated hydration sleeves. But other times, prices are simply tied to brand recognition. At the top end of our list, the $615 Mystery Ranch Mole Pouch is a specialized medical kit with tons of purpose-built compartments for field medics and wilderness medicine providers.

Capacity and MOLLE

Liters denote the volume of a pack’s carrying capacity. While every bag on this list has an efficient design that is meant to maximize the available storage, the total volume varies greatly. The greater the backpack’s volume, the more gear it can haul.

Everyday-use backpacks usually range in size from 10 to 35 L. This volume is great for day trips, school, carry-on luggage, and work. On this list, the 30 L Kelty Redwing is a stellar and versatile day pack.

Multiday packs — sometimes known as assault packs — hover around 40-60 L. This larger capacity allows you to store enough gear for a single or double overnight trip. The 5.11 Rush100 sports plenty of space and padding for carrying lots of gear for multiple days (and nights).

Assault packs are often specifically designed to store sleeping bags, cookware, water, food, weapons, and tents. Usually, packs of this size also include a built-in hydration system and a port for a drinking tube that can be accessed on the go.

In 2023, all tactical backpacks utilize hardy zippers and organizational compartments. On the outside or the front panel, many packs also have a MOLLE webbing system for custom and modular exterior storage.

MOLLE is an acronym for Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment. MOLLE backpacks have a series of fixed points sewn into the pack’s fabric. Small pouches can easily be attached to these fixed points, or you can simply attach gear directly to the MOLLE with carabiners.

In addition to the basic ability to carry gear, tactical backpacks come with a whole host of extra features. These features vary in their application and purpose, so look for features that will have actual value in your life.

Common features include hydration bladder capability, laptop storage, MOLLE, specialized compartments, integrated concealed carry holsters, and more. Need a pack for long hikes in the summer sun? Look for plentiful water storage. Packing for a military deployment? Choose a pack that suits your mission.

Some packs, like the Mystery Ranch Mole, have many features that are specifically meant for medical applications. This is great if you’re a medical professional, but fairly useless if you aren’t. Features and their layout differentiate one tactical backpack from the next.

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