Last Updated: July 19, 2023
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Best Concealed Carry Backpack in 2023

If you’re a gun owner then you’ll know that most people carry their gun in a holster but is that the best way? If you don’t need instant access to your gun then maybe a holster isn’t the best way to go and perhaps a concealed carry backpack might suit you better. Holsters are quite visible to people around you and the feel of metal touching your skin isn’t very nice either. It can actually rub you so hard that it forms a wound.

A concealed carry backpack will not only be useful just as a survival backpack but also as a comfortable way to store your weapon safely, securely, and secretly while still having quick access to it. Concealed carry backpacks allow you to move quickly and normally without any rubbing plus you’ll no longer receive any odd looks from people around you who aren’t gun enthusiasts.

Our Top Picks

There are a lot of backpacks with a handgun compartment on the market and it can be a little hard to find one that suits your everyday needs. We have taken a broad range of some of the best concealed carry backpacks around and compared them in this review, we hope you find it useful.

 

Top Product Overview

3VGEAR Outlaw II Gear Slinger Urban Sling Pack - 24L MOLLE Tactical Sling Bag Backpack with Hidden Pocket, Laptop Sleeve, and Hydration Compatibility - Rugged 600D Polyester - Foliage Grey
  • Durable
  • Velcro field for attaching velcro holster
SEE ON AMAZON →
5.11 COVRT18 Tactical Covert Military Backpack, Large Assault Rucksack Pack, Style 56961
  • TacTec System
  • Roll-down assault compartment
SEE ON AMAZON →
Explorer Tactical Backpack, 20-Inch
  • Durable
  • Lots of pockets
SEE ON AMAZON →
Condor 3 Day Assault Pack (Black, 3038-Cubic Inch)
  • Water-resistant
  • Lots of pockets
SEE ON AMAZON →
Entity 27 CCW-Enabled Laptop Backpack 27L (Charcoal)
Best Of The Best
  • Durable
  • Attractive
SEE ON AMAZON →
Red Rock Outdoor Gear Rover Sling Pack (Coyote)
  • Light
  • Compact
SEE ON AMAZON →
M-Tac Sling Bag for Men & Women - EDC Shoulder Bag Tactical - Crossbody Bag - Mens Chest Pack (Grey)
Best Range Backpack
  • Not tactical looking
  • Attractive
SEE ON AMAZON →
G.P.S Tactical Range Backpack, Black, Large
  • ID storage system
  • Rain cover included
SEE ON AMAZON →
Maxpedition Sitka Gearslinger, Black
  • Quick access
  • Durable
SEE ON AMAZON →
Condor Ambidextrous Sling Bag (Black)
  • MOLLE
  • Comfortable
SEE ON AMAZON →

Best Concealed Carry Backpacks


3V Gear Outlaw Gear Slinger

3VGEAR Outlaw II Gear Slinger Urban Sling Pack - 24L MOLLE Tactical Sling Bag Backpack with Hidden Pocket, Laptop Sleeve, and Hydration Compatibility - Rugged 600D Polyester - Foliage Grey

The 3V Gear Outlaw Gear Slinger is a multi-purpose bag that’s great for just about anything, whether it’s hiking through the mountains or your commute to work.

The backpack is made from 600D PVC-backed polyester which is pretty heavy duty. The seams are double-stitched and the zippers have an anti-rust coating. These materials combined to make this bag water-resistant, tear-resistant, and therefore very durable, you should expect this bag to last a long time.

In terms of organization, this backpack has it nailed. With 4 pockets and two water bottle holders, you’ll struggle not to keep things where they ought to be. The main compartment has a laptop sleeve plus numerous other zipper pockets inside.

The two front pockets also open up to give you specific slots for your phone, Ipad, pens, and more. The outside is also covered in MOLLE webbing so you can attach any extra in the field.

The concealed carry compartment is along the back of the bag, making for quick access and also doubles up as a hydration pack compartment for when you’re not carrying. There’s a velcro field inside the pocket too so you can attach a velcro holster.

The bag is a sling pack, so it only has one strap but it’s still comfortable. The strap is well padded and the sling design makes it easy to turn the bag around and access things quickly. It’s designed for right-handers more than lefties but a lefty would get used to it.

Overall a very functional backpack with a handgun compartment that’s been well thought out.

Pros

  • Durable
  • Velcro field for attaching velcro holster
  • Water-resistant
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Good size
  • A good amount of pockets
  • Comfortable

Cons

  • Tricky for left-handers

Product Information

  • 15L
  • Laptop sleeve
  • Water-resistant
  • Lifetime warranty
SEE ON AMAZON

Best Allrounder

5.11 Tactical Military Backpack

5.11 COVRT18 Tactical Covert Military Backpack, Large Assault Rucksack Pack, Style 56961

The 511 Tactical Military Backpack is probably one of the most organized backpacks with a gun compartment you can find. It has a well-thought-out storage area for most things you could think out while having an easy access gun compartment.

The bag is made from durable and water-resistant 500D nylon to keep your things safe and dry. It’ll bode well against any environment you choose to take it into. There are 6 compartments to store everything it and the size of 30L is perfect for short camping trips and days in the outdoors.

There are a TacTec System compatible hidden pistol pocket and a roll-down assault compartment to help you carry your gun and ammo in a concealed manner while also being able to access it very quickly.

The main compart has a built-in padded laptop sleeve, secure hydration bladder slot plus two spacious compartments for storing clothes. At the top, you’ll find a soft, microfiber-lined sunglasses compartment and there is also an admin pocket plus two smaller pockets for all those little extras.

If you’re looking for a top-end, concealed carry backpack that can do it all, this might be it.

Pros

  • TacTec System
  • Roll-down assault compartment
  • Very durable
  • Drainage
  • Versatile
  • Nice size
  • Comfortable straps
  • Lots of pockets

Cons

  • The zippers may not be the best
  • Expensive

Product Information

  • 30L
  • Laptop sleeve
  • Water-resistant
  • No warranty info
SEE ON AMAZON

Explorer Tactical Backpack

Explorer Tactical Backpack, 20-Inch

At a size of 40L, the Explorer Tactical Backpack is a little big for commuting but perfect for anyone who likes to spend a lot of time in the outdoors camping, hunting, fishing, or hiking.

The first thing you’ll notice is the camo print the backpack comes in, ideal for tactical or hunting days where you need to stay out of sight. The next thing you’ll spot is the huge number of pockets this backpack has.

The backpack features 6 front pockets, 4 side pockets, the main compartment, and two small pockets on the straps. The main compartment has ample space and is fitted with a laptop and tablet sleeve plus an organizational panel for pens and the like.

There are three concealed carry compartments, two sit on the waist straps for quick access and one doubles up as the laptop sleeve/hydration pack compartment, I guess the manufacturer thought if you’re out in the field, you might not bring your laptop with you, and fair enough. It’s accessible from the top of the main compartment and from a zipper on the side for quick access.

Being made from 600D polyester, the backpack is also water-resistant and durable. If you’re into the outdoors and having multiple compartments for a handgun, then this is a backpack to seriously consider.

Pros

  • Durable
  • Lots of pockets
  • Comfortable to carry
  • Perfect camping size
  • Versatile

Cons

  • Rides low
  • Looks very tactical

Product Information

  • 40L
  • Laptop sleeve
  • Water-resistant
  • No warranty info
SEE ON AMAZON

Condor 3 Day Assault Pack

Condor 3 Day Assault Pack (Black, 3038-Cubic Inch)

The Condor 3 Day Assault Pack is exactly what it sounds like. With a volume of 50L, this backpack can take you on long adventures into the unknown.

It’s made for high-density polyester to resist rips, scuffs and make it water-resistant. If there are some light showers around, you can be sure your stuff isn’t going to get wet. Adding to this, there is a built-in grommet that helps channel any water that might get in the bag away, to avoid it touching any important items.

The main compartment is very spacious and has numerous pockets and tie-downs to keep everything organized and together. The long front pocket has a triple-slot pouch to carry your laptop, iPad, and any documents all at once while making them easily accessible too.

The gun compartment is located along the back and is accessed with a two-way zipper. This keeps your gun safe, secure, hidden, and quickly accessible in a time of need.

The backpack is covered in MOLLE webbing and velcro to attach any extras you may need. And the padded back, shoulder straps, and hip straps make it easy to carry. The only real downside is that the zippers aren’t the best and can fail easily.

Pros

  • Water-resistant
  • Lots of pockets
  • Looks good
  • Attractive design
  • Durable product
  • Drainage

Cons

  • Zippers can fail
  • Looks tactical

Product Information

  • 50L
  • Laptop sleeve
  • Water-resistant
  • No warranty info
SEE ON AMAZON

Best Of The Best

Maxpedition Entity 27

Entity 27 CCW-Enabled Laptop Backpack 27L (Charcoal)

The Maxpedition Entity 27 is one of the best looking backpacks in the review. The sleek look and design make this an ideal commuting backpack that couldn’t look further from being thought of as tactical.

The smooth look makes the fact that it’s a backpack with a gun compartment very unobvious and will ensure that no one knows you’re carrying it.

The backpack is made from 100% nylon making it durable but not water-resistant. There are a lot of storage options inside the 4 pockets, each one having an array of slots and mesh zippered pockets.

The gun compartment is located along the back and can be accessed from both sides. This means whether you’re right or left-handed, you can get to it with your strong hand. It also features a Security Lockout Strip to keep your weapon secure.

The main compartment is also lockable and tuckable magnetic wings for quick temporary opening and closing. Inside the main compartment, you’ll find a laptop sleeve, two mesh zippers, two side pockets, and ample space for a few days worth of clothes.

The side zipper pockets are great for, pens, cards, chargers, and the like while the two water bottle pockets are big enough for most bottles to fit snuggly inside.

Overall this is an awesome concealed carry backpack without looking like one. It’s perfect for everyday commutes and weekends away.

Pros

  • Durable
  • Attractive
  • Great price
  • A good number of compartments
  • Comfortable
  • Doesn't look tactical

Cons

  • Slim side pockets
  • Expensive
  • Not water-resistant

Product Information

  • 27L
  • Laptop sleeve
  • Not water-resistant
  • No warranty info
SEE ON AMAZON

Best Day Pack

Red Rock Outdoor Gear Rover Sling Pack

Red Rock Outdoor Gear Rover Sling Pack (Coyote)

The Red Rock Outdoor Gear Rover Sling Pack is the smallest concealed carry backpack in the review. At 9L it’s ideal for short day trips where you want to carry your gun.

It’s also the first waterproof backpack in the review thanks to the combined use of PVC and 600D polyester. You’ll find this bag very durable and it’ll keep up with the wear and tear of everyday life.

The concealed gun compartment is found along the back and is accessed through a button clip. There is a velcro pad built-in, making it perfect for attaching a velcro holster. While the button access makes it quick to get in there, it doesn’t keep it too secure.

The main compartment has a laptop and an iPad sleeve while the 3 outer pockets are great for organizing all those little extras. The bag is ambidextrous so you can swap the strap from shoulder to shoulder to keep you comfortable while on the move.

The outside is covered in MOLLE so you can add any extras you need but the MOLLE webbing has been known to come off after a while.

Overall this is an awesome day concealed carry backpack.

Pros

  • Light
  • Compact
  • Ambidextrous strap
  • Waterproof
  • Comfy to carry
  • Good compartments
  • Durable

Cons

  • Small
  • Molle can come off

Product Information

  • 9L
  • Tablet sleeve
  • Waterproof
  • No warranty info
SEE ON AMAZON

Best Range Backpack

M-Tac Tactical Bag

M-Tac Sling Bag for Men & Women - EDC Shoulder Bag Tactical - Crossbody Bag - Mens Chest Pack (Grey)

The most inviting feature about the M-Tac Tactical Bag is that it doesn’t look tactical at all. You’ll blend right into any environment and no one will be the wiser that you’re actually wearing a concealed carry backpack.

The backpack is very small. The main compartment is the gun compartment while the small extra pockets are great for an extra mag, a few bullets, and storing cards, keys, and phones.

While it’s not the best bag for a trip to most places, it’s pretty ideal as a range bag or an extra bag to carry along with your main bag.

The bag is made from 600D polyester and covered with PVC to ensure that it is water-repellent to keep your gun safe. It’s also exceptionally durable thanks to the high D count.

Overall an awesome range bag but it’s too small to be of much use elsewhere.

Pros

  • Not tactical looking
  • Attractive
  • Light & compact
  • Durable
  • Great price

Cons

  • Conceal carry only
  • Strap isn't padded

Product Information

  • 5L
  • No laptop sleeve
  • Water-resistant
  • No warranty info
SEE ON AMAZON

G.P.S. Tactical Range Backpack

G.P.S Tactical Range Backpack, Black, Large

If you’re looking for a concealed carry backpack that’s sole purpose is carrying and organizing multiple weapons, then the G.P.S. Tactical Range Backpack is it.

The base features 3 separate removable pistol storage cases each with space for 1 pistol and 4 magazines. This makes carrying multiple weapons safely, securely, and undercover as easy as pie. To top this, there are labeled pockets for earplugs, shooting safety glasses, shooting targets, ear muffs, tools, and more. You’ll be able to find a locate all your gear quickly and easily.

The backpack has a honeycomb structure to keep it rigid, YKK lockable zippers, and is made from Teflon coated 1000D polyester, about as durable and water-resistant as it gets.

There are two pockets on the front for any extras, one. of which folds out to make a work surface. There is also some space for normal things like a change of clothes in the top main compartment.

Overall it’s the perfect multi-weapon concealed carry backpack but it’s not much use if you just want to go trekking with your gun.

Pros

  • ID storage system
  • Rain cover included
  • MOLLE webbing
  • Comfortable
  • Durable
  • Good size
  • Great compartmentalization

Cons

  • Color fades
  • Bulky
  • Expensive

Product Information

  • 50L
  • No laptop sleeve
  • Water-resistant
  • No warranty info
SEE ON AMAZON

Maxpedition Sitka Gearslinger

Maxpedition Sitka Gearslinger, Black

The Maxpedition Sitka Gearslinger concealed carry backpack is a great day pack for venturing into the outdoors with your weapon. It could also be used for commutes to the office but it does look a little too tactical for that.

The single sling design makes for quick access to every part of this durable, water-resistant bag. It has been made to wear over your left shoulder for quick access for right-handers so if you’re a lefty, bear this in mind.

The bag has an easy access gun compartment at the back while the main compartment has a laptop sleeve and enough space for lunch and a change of clothes. There are two front pockets to store smaller items plus a handy water bottle pocket on the side.

The outside is covered in MOLLE for any extras and the single strap design is padded, supportive, and made to keep you comfortable, even on long hikes.

Overall a very rugged and durable backpack with a gun compartment but for its size, it’s a little expensive.

Pros

  • Quick access
  • Durable
  • Good storage options
  • MOLLE webbing
  • Hydration compatible

Cons

  • Small
  • Not the best for left-handed people
  • Very tactical looking
  • Expensive

Product Information

  • 15L
  • Laptop sleeve
  • Water-resistant
  • No warranty info
SEE ON AMAZON

Condor Ambidextrous Sling Bag

Condor Ambidextrous Sling Bag (Black)

The Condor Ambidextrous Sling Bag is a simple concealed carry backpack that isn’t trying to be anything else.

The bag features a large main compartment with a hydration slot, spacious enough for all your daily outdoor needs. There is no laptop sleeve, as this is a true outdoor bag, but one would fit inside easily. There are two more pockets on the front, one with an organization panel for your phone, keys, and cards.

The gun compartment is located behind the back panel and is easily accessed from one side. This keeps it out of sight, safe, and secure.

The backpack is made from nylon, making it less durable than most in the review and it may wear out quite quickly with heavy use. It is also not water-resistant.

It’s comfortable to carry, has a great price, and would be good as a day bag with a size of 26L, but it’s not the best quality out there.

Pros

  • MOLLE
  • Comfortable
  • Ambidextrous
  • Good price

Cons

  • Straps and zippers not the best
  • Not very durable

Product Information

  • 26L
  • No Laptop sleeve (one would fit fine though)
  • Not water-resistant
  • No warranty info
SEE ON AMAZON

What To Look For

Weapon Size

The whole idea behind a concealed carry backpack is that it can hold your weapon secretly and securely. Having a backpack with a gun compartment that your weapon doesn’t inside would be a bit of a tragedy. Make sure you measure your gun and then check the dimensions of the gun compartment on the backpack you choose.

All the backpacks in the review are made for carrying handguns, but if you have a long magnum, it might not fit.

It’s also a backpack

Although it can hold your gun, the backpack you choose should still be of value in other ways. There is a range of backpacks in the review that suits commuting to work, day trips, urban walks, and long camping trips. Make sure the backpack fits what you do most with your gun, whether is just carrying it for security, going to the range, or hunt in the mountains.

Blending In

Some of the backpacks in the review are very tactical and when worn, you may as well say, ‘I’m holding a gun’. This is totally fine in the outdoors but when walking around the city, it doesn’t go down so well. Choose your camouflage wisely for the environment you’ll be carrying your gun in most.

Material

The material your bag is made from will determine its durability and level of water resistance. The backpacks in the review are all made from quality nylon and polyester but not all are water-resistant or as durable as each other. Ensure you pick a bag that has the right quality material for your everyday use.

Compartments

A good range of compartments helps you keep things organized and this key in any emergency/self-defense situation. When reacting quickly, you’re often not as composed as usual, and having everything you need in its proper place will help massively.

Our Favorites

Here are our top choices from the review.

The best of the best is the Maxpedition Entity 27  This concealed carry backpack has an awesome style combined with the perfect amount of space and storage options. It’s well laid out, durably made, and will be an asset to everyday living with a handgun.

Entity 27 CCW-Enabled Laptop Backpack 27L (Charcoal)
  • The overall size is 20 (L) x 12 (w) x 9 (H) inches (50.8 x 30.5 x 22.9 cm). the overall Volume of the pack is 1648 cubic inches (27 liters)
  • Ergonomic backpack with a low profile subdued exterior. Padded shoulder straps, quick release buckles, & an adjustable sternum strap. Removable waist belt with quick release buckles

The best day pack is the Red Rock Outdoor Gear Rover Sling Pack. This small, nifty sling pack is perfect for trips to the range of days out where you’ll want to carry your gun. It has slots for your laptop, iPad, and more plus its ambidextrous design will keep you comfortable all day.

The best range backpack is the M-Tac Tactical Bag. It’s the perfect size to carry everything you need for the range discretely plus your wallet, keys, and phone.

M-Tac Sling Bag for Men & Women - EDC Shoulder Bag Tactical - Crossbody Bag - Mens Chest Pack (Grey)
  • EDC Shoulder Bag for Men: This M-Tac tactical sling pack is a compact and durable EDC solution (dimensions of 7.48" x 2.75" x 10.24"). Perfect cross body chest pack for carrying essential accessories every day.
  • This sling bag is equipped with a built-in hook panel and a universal insert secured by hook-and-loop fasteners, designed for quick access to your essentials. Perfect for organizing small items, the bag provides secure and easy storage for all your daily necessities.

The best allrounder from the review is the 511 Tactical Military Backpack. It’s exceptionally well made, has a compartment for everything, and it’s the perfect size for a camping trip, day out, or commute.

5.11 COVRT18 Tactical Covert Military Backpack, Large Assault Rucksack Pack, Style 56961
  • Tactical Backpack COVRT18 is a full-featured covert military tactical backpack with roomy main and secondary storage areas including an ambidextrous side-entry Back-Up Belt System compartment
  • This Military Style Bag assault bug out backpack also has R.A.C. (Roll-down Assault Compartment) that can house a full sized firearm and QuickTact accessory straps at the shoulder integrate with other 5.11 tactical gear