12 Best Tactical Backpacks (Review) In 2021

Finding the Best Choice product for this list wasn’t an easy task. There are so many high-quality tactical backpacks out there, it was almost impossible to pick a favorite. In the end, we settled on the REEBOW GEAR Military Tactical Backpack. It gives you everything you need in terms of space, comfort, and durability, without costing the earth.

Made from high-density fabric, it’s waterproof and won’t snag or tear easily, which is important when you’re hiking through thick forest. It has a total of 40 liters of space, split into two main compartments and two front zippered pockets. It also has Molle webbing (like official Army or Nato packs) so you can attach other tactical pouches to the outside of the pack. The bottom line is that this is one of the closest replicas of military tactical backpacks, so you know it’s going to be up to the job. For more quality bags like this, check out our selection American made backpacks.

If money isn’t a problem for you, the 5.11 Tactical RUSH72 Military Backpack is our Premium Pick. At nearly $200, it’s a lot of money compared to the other tactical backpacks on this list. So, what do you get for your money? Well for starters it’s made from 1050D nylon, the material used to make flak jackets in WW2. If it can stop shrapnel from reaching your body, it’s strong enough to make a backpack.

The backpack has a total of 30 compartments that offer 55 liters of space. That makes it easy to keep yourself organized. It’s designed as a 72-hour pack, so you should have enough space for three days on the road. It’s also compatible with Molle and web pouches and even has a hydration compartment built-in. You may also like some of the best Patagonia backpacks from our list, so be sure to check them out.

Next up, we’ve got the MEWAY 42L Military Tactical Backpack. It looks remarkably similar to the REEBOW pack we featured as our Best Choice product. It features the same compartment layout and has approximately the same amount of space (in fact, this one is two liters bigger). It’s also got a USA flag velcroed to the front in the same space.

It’s designed as a 72-hour assault pack, although we guess most of you will be using it for hiking/camping. Luckily, it’s just as suited to non-military activities. It has a Molle webbing system, so you can attach other tactical packs and carry them as one. Plus, it has space for a hydration pack, complete with attachment points. It’s almost impossible to choose between this and the REEBOW pack, so just go for whichever one is cheaper at the time. Our guide to the best leather backpacks features more amazing bags you may like, so check them out.

Sometimes you don’t need a huge 72-hour pack. If you’re heading out on a day trip, the REEBOW Tactical Sling Bag should have plenty of space. Just sling it over your shoulder and head out. Be warned though, this is a really small pack – it’s only 12 inches tall, so you can’t fit anything you don’t need in.

It’s made from tough 600D polyester and has Molle webbing on the outside to attach other tactical packs on. Inside the pack, there’s a velcro pad and multiple zippered compartments to keep your items separated. Judging the product description on Amazon, this sling bag was designed as a pistol range bag. You can easily fit a couple of handguns and plenty of ammo inside. Alternatively, it works perfectly for one-day hikes.

5.11 has made clothing and tactical gear for multiple branches of the military and law enforcement. So, it’s safe to say that they know what they’re doing when it comes to making tactical backpacks. 5.11 Tactical Military Backpack is around half the size of the 5.11 pack (24 liters), so it’s not suitable for multiple-day hikes. But, it’s one of the best tactical backpacks for EDC (everyday carry) on the market.

It’s more expensive than other brands mainly because it’s made from 1050D nylon, which is much tougher than 600D materials. It’s also nearly water-proof, so you don’t have to worry about the contents of your pack when the heavens open. It has a total of 16 compartments, including a hydration pocket and 5.11’s Rush Tier Rifle Sleeve. Plus, like all the best tactical backpacks, it’s covered in a web platform that’s compatible with Molle webbing and SlickStick. For more durable bags like this, check out our selection of the best Under Armour backpacks.

Our Best Value product was a pretty easy choice. The G4Free Outdoor Tactical Backpack is both high-quality and amazing value at just $15.96 (the last time we checked). You’d expect a pack this cheap to be made from a low-quality material, but it’s made from 600D polyester, which is both super durable and waterproof.

It’s a sling pack that can hold approximately 7 liters of stuff. It’s perfect for day trips, hiking, and short missions. Part of the pack is covered in webbing, so it can be attached to other bags or carry another bag itself. We love the fact that you adjust the sling strap onto either side, depending on which shoulder you feel is more comfortable. You can even remove it entirely and carry it in your hand. Be sure to also check out our guide to the best backpacking backpacks for more amazing bags for outdoor adventures.

If you want a sling tactical pack that’s got more space, the Gowara Gear Tactical Sling Bag is perfect. It has one thick and padded strap, perfect for quickly slinging it over one shoulder and making a move. Gowara Gear doesn’t advertise the exact capacity, but it’s 14 inches tall making it one of the best tactical backpacks for laptops and tablets.

One of the things we love about this backpack is the low-key design. Whether you choose to have it in black or tan, it’s one solid color. It doesn’t have any prominent logos or badges, like an official military backpack. It’s made from 600D polyester, so it’s durable and waterproof. Plus, it has a Molle webbing and velcro to allow for exterior attachments. Like the REEBOW Tactical Sling Bag, this bag has been designed to transport handguns to the range. The velcro in the back compartment is designed to hold a gun for quick access and you can fit more in the main compartments. Don’t worry though, it works just as well for hiking, camping, and day-trips. Our guide to the best external frame backpacks features more durable bags like this, so check them out.

Mardingtop makes a range of tactical backpacks, available in three sizes and a variety of colors and designs. Made from 600D polyester and covered in Molle webbing, they’re pretty similar to the other backpacks on this list. The product pictures are slightly deceiving – it looks like they have a solid shell like a motorbike backpack, but Mardingtop 28L Tactical Backpacks are soft like most tactical backpacks. On the plus side, that means you can stuff more into the seven compartments.

Inside the pack, there’s a compartment fit for a hydration bladder. It’s even got a clip to stop it from falling when it’s empty. One of the best features this pack has to offer is the breathable carrying system. It’s designed like a hiking backpack in that it has a waist belt and sponge padding that allows air to reach your back. If you are also looking for a perfect backpack for work, be sure to check out our selection of the best ones on the market and pick your favorite.

The SOG Ninja Tactical Day Pack is one of our favorite mid-sized tactical backpacks. It has a capacity of 24.2 liters making it perfect for one-day trips. A lot of the customers on Amazon use it as a workbag, including some that work in the military and law enforcement. Like a lot of tactical backpacks, it’s made from a blend of polyester and canvas. They don’t say what denier the polyester is but from all reports, it’s just as tough as the other bags we’ve featured. Either way, it’s protected by a lifetime warranty, so you don’t need to worry about the quality.

The front of the pack has Molle webbing integrated into the design. This allows you to attach accessories and packs for extra space. It’s also got space for a small reservoir and a tubing port for accessibility. For all the frequent travelers out there, we have prepared our selection of the best travel backpacks, so check them out.

The Samurai Tactical Wakizashi Tactical Backpack is another, very capable day pack. It has a 24-liter capacity, which puts it in direct competition with the SOG Ninja Tactical Day Pack. They cost around the same, have a lot of the same features, and are both great products. The bottom line is that if you buy either of these day packs, you’ll be happy with your purchase.

One thing that stands out on this backpack is the front compartment. It has a ton of compartments that are perfect for traveling. You can fit your passport, boarding card, keys, money, and more. We’d go so far to say that this is the best tactical backpack for going on the road. It’s set up to facilitate a hydration bladder, has Molle webbing around the exterior, and is protected by a lifetime warranty. You may also be interested in some of the best hydration packs from our list, so check them out.

When we were researching tactical backpacks, we were looking for products that could offer a little more. The Monoki Military Tactical Backpack comes with a 10-piece accessory set including a water bottle pouch, two USA patches, a lanyard keychain, four D-ring Grimlock locks, a drawstring bag, and a stainless-steel multitool. That adds so much value to this purchase.

The bag itself is pretty impressive too. It has two large main compartments and then three compartments on the front and back. There’s a huge amount of space in this pack, making it perfect for a three-day assault. It’s also got one of the most comprehensive Molle webbing systems – it covers the whole of the front of the pack, meaning you can fit multiple extra packs when you need the space. If you’re looking for a tactical backpack for hiking or camping, this is one of the best. It’s super high-quality, has plenty of space, and looks great.

The last tactical backpack on our list is made by Hannibal Tactical. With its 36-liter capacity, Hannibal Tactical 36L MOLLE Assault Pack is a little bigger than the day packs we’ve looked at. That makes it perfect for hikes or camping trips that last for a couple of days. It comes with all of the accessories that you need for outdoor activities – a tube and compartment for hydration bladders, a ventilated strap system, and a waist belt.

This black tactical backpack is covered in Molle webbing and attachment points. Plus, it’s strong enough to hold a lot of additional weight, thanks to the 600D polyester construction. Another reason we like this pack so much is the two-year warranty that protects your purchase. For more durable options like this, check out our selection of the best waterproof backpacks and pick your favorite.