The 10 Best Tactical Backpacks

Forget everything you know about shopping for a regular backpack. Tactical backpacks are a species to themselves. Originally designed for military and police use, tac-packs are made to withstand the most challenging situations. This is why the finer points like fabrics, zippers, and straps are so important—they can be the difference between success and failure. When it comes to finding the best tactical backpack, you have to look beyond the obvious and pay attention to the details. 

That’s not to say that tactical backpacks can’t be casual or stylish. Today’s tac-packs can compete with the most eye-catching luggage on the market. With the proliferation of military surplus and recreational tactical backpacks, you can easily find one that stands up to the most rigorous conditions while still looking and feeling good enough to flaunt on campus, in the airport, or on the trails. 

The trick is finding a pack that combines the best of both worlds. A good tac-pack must balance utility and style. The smallest details matter as much as the overall appearance. In short, finding the right tactical backpack takes some knowledge and research. 

We’re here to make it easy for you. Read on for a list of the 10 best tactical backpacks that offer everything you need to embark on your journey with a confident gait, a well-prepared pack, and yes, a stylish look.  

1. TacProGear Multicam Elite Day Pack
2. Kelty Redwing 50 Tactical
3. 5.11 Tactical Military RUSH100 60L Deployment Backpack
4. Goruck GR2
5. Fox Stryker Transport Pack
6. Eberlestock Jacknife
7. Sitka Drifter
8. Hazard 4 Evac Plan-B Sling Pack
9. Prometheus S.H.A.D.O Pack
10. Hill People Gear Tarahumara Pack

TacProGear’s Elite Day Pack perfectly toes the line between military industriousness and everyday flexibility, making it our top choice for a tac-pack that measures up to whatever mission you embark on. 

Take, for instance, the high-grade leather accents: the Elite Day Pack seamlessly blends functionality and style with leather front-top, bottom, and zipper pulls. This is an impressive feature that adds more than just a look of luxury—it inspires confidence in the field. The workmanship serves the mission without compromising on either performance or style. Simply put, you'll feel the sturdiness of this bag with every use, which will give you a lighter step and less hesitation when operating under tough conditions.  

The Elite comes equipped with modular accouterments that are flexible enough to accompany all types of excursions. With three removable packing cubes of varying sizes, you'll have the freedom to customize your pack to your daily needs. Factor in the generous array of lashes, and a double-sided MOLLE spine, and you’ll be able to attach all your essential gear and hit the field fully prepared. 

The Elite’s back panel and shoulder straps are both constructed with padded airmesh, which makes it one of the more comfortable bags as well. This balance between functionality and durability is evident in the smallest details, including the cushioned laptop sleeve, ample interior pockets, and clear windows on the packing cubes that allow you to view your contents without having to go digging. 

In short, the Elite Day Pack is a durable and versatile backpack that will appeal to almost every kind of use case, and that’s why it gets our vote for the best tactical backpack on the market.  

Capacity: 30L

Materials: Heavy-duty nylon with leather accents

Feature we love: Removable modular packing cubes with individual viewing windows

Kelty’s backpacks have a sleek, modern look that seems to make any endeavor seem achievable–and the Redwing 50 is no exception. Slim, stylish, and well-contained, this is a pack that will keep you together whether you’re traversing a crowded train of commuters or a narrow rock canyon. 

The Redwing seems to have been designed for tight spaces. Take, for instance, the lack of mesh side pockets, which can be prone to snagging on unexpected obstacles. Or the terse-but-lightweight 500D nylon material. True, this isn’t the bag you want if you’re going into battle. But for hikers, students, and commuters, Kelty offers a smart and lightweight option that will endure the elements, protect your contents, and keep you light on your feet.

Capacity: 50L

Materials: Nylon

Feature we love: Zipper stash pocket 

For a bag of its size and weight, 5.11's RUSH100 proves surprisingly manageable. Granted, this isn’t a bag for everyday use—this is a military backpack made for deployment.  But if you’re looking for a larger tactical backpack, the 5.11 is more than worthy of consideration. 

The 60L size makes this a great choice for deployment or international travel. The 500D & 1050D nylon construction offers durability without the added weight of heavier materials. The RUSH100 balances the heft with a load-bearing waist belt that adds comfort and weight distribution. Add to that a custom aluminum and fiberglass frame, and you get a large deployment pack that does a phenomenal job of balancing size and comfort. 

Capacity: 60L

Materials: Heavy-duty nylon 

Feature we love: Aluminum and fiberglass frame 

Don’t let the simple design fool you. Goruck is known for making some of the toughest, most durable tactical packs around. The fact that they come in such elegant designs is a testament to how the company manages to wed functionality to design without compromising its mission of creating packs that will conform to any of your needs. 

For starters, Goruck’s GR2 is made from a sturdy 210D cordura nylon material, which has undergone extensive durability testing. Also impressive is Goruck’s Scars Lifetime Guarantee, which promises lifetime repairs free of charge. A company that stands behind its products to such an extent is worth taking seriously, especially when it comes to tactical gear that’s guaranteed to undergo some serious wear and tear. 

As for the details, Goruck’s GR2 checks all the necessary boxes: padded shoulder straps that can be worn shirtless without abrasion, YKK zippers with zipper pulls made from 550 parachute cord, ample storage space with thoughtful organization, and 4 rows of external and internal MOLLE webbing so you can attach all the bells and whistles you need. 

Capacity: 26L or 34L

Materials: Cordura nylon 

Feature we love: YKK zippers reinforced with 550 parachute cord

The Stryker has the look and feel of a genuine military backpack, but at a price point that makes it worthy of consideration for civilians and everyday users. 

A large outer compartment provides ample room for clothes, gear, and larger personal effects. Interior organizer pockets, two front outer pockets, and another mesh organizer give you the room and distribution variability necessary to transport and manage smaller items. The pockets are designed for easy access, making this a great active bag that keeps everything within reach while you’re on the go. 

The Stryker offers maximum comfort with a breathable mesh back panel, which also has room for a hydration pack. The shoulder straps are fully adjustable and the zippers are self-repairing, a unique feature that ensures durability on one of the most important but often overlooked parts of a pack. 

Capacity: 48L

Materials: 600 Denier with PVC backing

Feature we love: Lower gear straps for attaching a sleeping bag

Erberlestock’s Jacknife offers a few unique features that alone earned it a place on this list. For one, it has a CCW (concealed carry weapon) pocket. The hidden, magnetic-open, quick-access compartment makes this a great tac-pack for those who carry. 

Survivalists in particular will find plenty to appreciate about the Jacknife. Interior velcro loop webbing and MOLLE 10 webbing provide ample room for carrying field gear. There’s also a detachable harness that makes this one of the more versatile bags for every kind of operation. 

Capacity: 22.9L

Materials: Clamshell and nylon 

Feature we love: Adjustable and detachable harness

Snug and spacious at the same time, the Sitka Drifter is a perfect fit for today’s modern traveler. You can pack for a business trip or weekend excursion without worrying about getting bogged down in airport lines or trail heads. 

The Drifter boasts an internal, stretch lycra-bound storage compartment that will keep your items from getting tossed around during your travels. The padded and zip-secured laptop sleeve provides all the room you need for your media. And the padded handles on both the top and sides make this an effortlessly easy bag to travel with. 

The exterior is composed of water-resistant 450-denier nylon ripstop. The TPU-laminated face and water repellent exterior and interior is sure to keep your clothes, laptops, and gear dry and protected as you’re darting between airports, hotels, and attractions. 

Capacity: N/A

Materials: Denier nylon ripstop

Feature we love: Water-repellant interior and exterior 

The slim, ambidextrous sling pack by Hazard 4 is designed for navigating confined spaces. Pilots, photographers, and commuters rave about Plan-B’s versatility and ability to balance storage volume with mobility. 

The interior feels larger than its 11.8 L size would suggest, and that’s without counting the modular MOLLE expansion loops that increase the load range. The https://hazard4.com/products/plan-b is made of a Cordura nylon construction that will weather rough terrain, and the finer details, such as YKK paracord zippers and stabilizer straps, further ensure that you can toss this bag in the backseat, charge the field, and carry it with you wherever you go with confidence. 

Capacity: 11.8L

Materials: Cordura nylon 

Feature we love: Accommodates hydration bladders up to 67 oz.

A quick study of the name should give you an idea of what this bag aspires to. S.H.A.D.O stands for Suspension, Haul, Access, Durability, and Organized—which just about covers the essentials of a good tactical backpack. 

The SHADO lives up to its promise. Everything from the Invista Cordura 500D construction to the multiple density closed cell foam speak to the thoughtfulness put into this bag. 

But the main appeal is its versatility, which is due to multiple modular configurations. The SHADO features a removable gear trap, removable EDCO panel, and 3-stage modular ToF belt that almost guarantees you’ll be able to customize this bag to fit your needs. 

Capacity: 24L

Materials: Cordura and ripstop nylon 

Feature we love: Removable and reversible gear trap with MOLLE compatible array

The Tarahumara is named after a tribe in Mexico famous for running, but we’d recommend it no matter what speed you’re going. Limber, minimalistic, and at the same time constructed to optimize its lean shape, the Tarahumara is a phenomenal everyday carry pack that will never trip you up or weigh you down. 

At 16L, this is one of the best options for a day hike or a portable bug-out bag. It’s comfortable and well-constructed, and has plenty of options for overflow capacity, including dual horizontal compression straps. You can even attach it to a larger bag if you’re venturing out on a longer excursion. 

Capacity: 16L

Materials: 500D nylon

Feature we love: Can be attached as a back pocket on larger packs 

You can buy the most expensive tactical backpack on the market, but if it doesn’t suit your particular needs, you’ll be back to browsing in no time. To make the smartest buying decision, it’s important to first consider your needs. What will you be using your bag for? Where are you going? What are you bringing? What are your strengths and limitations?

Asking yourself these questions will help you find a bag that adapts to your unique situation. Here are some things to consider:

Tactical bags come in many sizes. Deployment bags have ample storage space and are typically designed to carry enough gear and clothes to last for a long duration. Sling bags and compact tactical bags, meanwhile, are better for day trips and everyday use. In general, around 30L is an average size that will carry you through a weekend. Assess your needs, your purpose, and your gear, and make sure you choose a bag with room for everything that’s vital, and a little extra for the unexpected. 

Material and construction are two of the most important features of a good tac-bag. The best tactical bags are constructed of heavy-duty nylon, usually Cordura. Some military surplus backpacks may also include rip-stop fabric. As a general rule, avoid canvas, cotton, or unfamiliar synthetics, as they can wear down too quickly.

Military and police personnel aren’t the only ones using tactical bags. Today, everyone from photographers to hikers, college students, and business travelers have found tactical bags that suit their needs. The market is filled with tac-bags with features that accommodate different lifestyles. 

Are you going on long hikes? Look for hydration-pack-compatible bags. Are you carrying? Easy-access CCW pockets may be what you’re looking for. Students and travelers will want to pay attention to media storage such as a padded laptop sleeve, while survivalists and extreme outdoors enthusiasts should look for MOLLE configurations that allow them to attach carabiners, radios, navigation devices, and whatever other gear they need within reach. 

So maybe you’ve got a smaller frame. Or sensitive skin. Are ergonomics important? How’s your posture? These are all important factors that you want to consider when choosing a tactical backpack. 

First, the basics. As a rule, any tac-pack you consider should have padded shoulders and a comfortable back panel. Look for a padded hip belt as well. You’ll want a pack that distributes weight evenly so that it rides high and tight. These are basic features that will keep you comfortable no matter what you’re using your pack for. 

There are also some specifics to pay attention to that will accommodate the specifics of your body type. Many tac-packs are designed ergonomically, which could be important if you suffer from back pain or bad posture. If perspiration is an issue, look for materials like mesh that can absorb sweat and keep a steady airflow. Tac-pac manufacturers also offer specialty materials for those with sensitive skin, which can be worn against bare skin without abrasion or irritation. 

As with everything else, choosing the right tactical backpack means first assessing your specific needs and finding a pack that caters to them. 

Tactical backpacks were originally developed for those in the armed forces. Unlike regular backpacks, they’re made with higher-quality materials that can withstand extreme conditions. They’re often equipped with specialized features such as MOLLE webbing or modular compartments, which make them more accommodating for high-pressure situations.

Though every person is different and the right tactical pack depends on their specific needs, there are some general features that you should look for:

• Heavy-duty nylon or cordura nylon fabric
• Ample storage space and multiple pockets
• Well-padded shoulder straps
• Well-organized main compartment
• Adjustable waist strap and sternum straps

You can find a tactical backpack for just about every professional and recreational need. Peruse today's market and you may find an assault pack, EDC (everyday carry) pack, military backpack, hunting backpack, as well as packs designed specifically for outdoor adventures, camping, travel, and more. In short, there are tactical packs for virtually every type of lifestyle.  

Military surplus backpacks are typically known for being the best around: extremely durable, professional, and strategically designed. But not all tactical backpacks on the market are military backpacks, and plenty of companies today manufacture tac-packs exclusively for civilians and casual users. 

Tactical backpacks are essential for those who undergo difficult conditions and need a durable, dependable pack that can withstand rugged outdoor conditions while accommodating their gear and keeping them limber.

But everyone, not just police or military personnel, can benefit from a tactical backpack. They provide a sturdy alternative to regular backpacks that makes them attractive to students, hikers, travelers, recreationalists, and all types of people. Anybody who wants a bag that can accommodate their needs and withstand wear and tear will benefit from a tactical backpack.