Tactical Backpacks

A tactical backpack carries your gear on the trail, in the field or around town, and our 15 styles range from a compact pack of about 15 liters to an 80 or 100 liter pack for long expeditions. The seven criteria below help you choose by volume, comfort, organization, MOLLE modularity, materials, activity and color.

What our 15 tactical backpacks offer

Ten of the 15 styles have MOLLE webbing for pouches and accessories, and most are described as waterproof or water-repellent. Three come with a rain cover, among them our 35L tactical backpack, three have a laptop or tablet pocket, one of them for a laptop up to 15 inches (our military green backpack), and two take a hydration bladder. For a comfortable carry, several have a chest strap and a hip belt.

Capacities run from about 15 liters, on our small tactical backpack, through 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 liters up to 80 or 100 liters, and three styles come in two sizes. For a military rucksack for one to three days away, one style, our EDC backpack, comes in 45 liters, and the largest, our large military backpack in 80 or 100 liters, is made for multi-day expeditions. Two, our EDC sling backpack and our tactical sling backpack, are sling packs with a single padded strap, for everyday carry (EDC).

Looking for tactical backpacks for men? Nine are described as unisex or for men and women. Several are made of 600D, 800D or 900D fabric, and two list their weight, 0.8 kg (1.8 lb) for a 35 x 28 x 12 cm (13.8 x 11 x 4.7 in) style and about 1 kg (2.2 lb) for a 30 liter one. Several are presented as survival or bug out bags, one, our tactical backpack for women, opens 180°, three have a hook-and-loop patch panel or a removable flag, and most come in camo colors as well as solid ones.

How to choose the right military backpack

The military backpack, or army backpack, is known for its toughness, practicality and great modularity. Whether for a trip into the great outdoors, tactical use or everyday life, this gear stands out for its many strengths. Here are the 7 key factors for picking the model that fits your needs.

1. Pick the right volume for how you use it

Measured in liters, capacity is a key criterion. A military pack of 20 to 30L is ideal for everyday use or short missions. For treks, multi-day hikes or long operations, go with a large backpack of 40 to 60L or even more. Think about the balance between a compact size and storage capacity.

2. Carrying comfort, a must on tough terrain

A good military backpack has to offer excellent comfort even when fully loaded. Make sure it comes with:

• Padded, adjustable shoulder straps
• A hip belt and a chest strap
• A padded or ventilated back to limit sweat

This comfort is essential to spread the load onto your hips and protect your back.

3. Well-designed interior organization

The main compartment must be easy to reach and practical. The best models offer:

• Several zippered pockets and side pockets
• A 180° opening for fast access to the contents
• Room for a hydration bladder or a first-aid kit

Good organization improves responsiveness and efficiency in the field.

4. Modularity with the MOLLE system

The MOLLE system lets you attach secondary carry bags, dry bags or accessories depending on the mission. This modularity turns your tactical backpack into a true multi-purpose tool for every situation.

5. Tough materials for maximum durability

The choice of materials is essential to make sure the pack is strong:

• 500D or 1000D nylon, Cordura®
• YKK zippers, sturdy Duraflex-type buckles
• A waterproof coating or a built-in rain cover

These materials resist abrasion, moisture and heavy loads.

6. Match the type of pack to your activity

Each activity calls for a specific type of pack:

• Airsoft or military tactical use: light weight, camouflage, modular pockets
• Hiking or trekking: carrying comfort, large capacity
• EDC or urban use: compact format, low-key design

A good pack must be as functional as it is versatile.

7. Color and style, between low profile and camouflage

Choose a pack that blends into your surroundings: tactical black, olive green, coyote or camouflage. Style can also reflect who you are without sacrificing performance.

The military backpack, an ally every day and on expeditions

Whether for professional use, a hike in the great outdoors or bushcraft, the military pack stands out for its reliability. With its smart compartments, tough materials and comfortable carrying system, it adapts to every situation, even the most extreme.

For multi-day hikes, also compare our hiking backpacks collection, and to head out with a large volume, our travel backpacks collection.