Looking for a military backpack? You’re definitely in the right place – this review features ten of the best and most rugged military packs money can buy!
I will show you backpacks in many different shapes and sizes; from lightweight 12-hour bags to massive backpacks that can get you through a week-long expedition. And they are all well made, water-resistant, and exceptionally durable.
At A Glance: Our Top 5 Military Backpacks
So, what are you waiting for? Scroll down to find the best military backpack for you!
Best Conceal Carry Backpack
| SEE ON AMAZON → | |
Best 24-Hour Backpack
| SEE ON AMAZON → | |
Most Affordable Military Backpack
| SEE ON AMAZON → | |
Best Large-Capacity Military Backpack
| SEE ON AMAZON → | |
| SEE ON AMAZON → | |
| SEE ON AMAZON → | |
| SEE ON AMAZON → | |
| SEE ON AMAZON → | |
| SEE ON AMAZON → |
If you’re looking for a conceal carry backpack, then the Explorer Tactical backpack is by far the best option for you. Not only is it exceptionally rugged and durable, but it also features two very large hip belt pockets that are designed to hold pistols.
This means that you can conceal them, but they will also be easily accessible whenever you need them. The hip belt pockets also feature MOLLE panels, meaning that you can attach whatever you want to them. This is great if you have lots of stuff that you need handy during your expeditions, but don’t usually have a place to put them.
You also get MOLLE panels on the front and sides of the tactical backpack, and there are even some attachment points on the shoulder straps. And the shoulder straps have small zippered pockets, which are great for ammo, or anything else you want to have within your hand’s reach.
In addition to that, this backpack has a very spacious main compartment, with internal sleeves and pockets for all your EDC gear. You can even carry a laptop inside the dedicated laptop sleeve, as well as all the accessories you might possibly need for it.
This backpack has a total of ten external pockets, and that’s not including the gun pockets and the large compartments. There’s also a sleeve hidden behind the backpanel, which works for either a laptop or a hydration bladder – whatever you find yourself needing the most in your expeditions.
And let’s not forget about the insanely comfortable backpanel. It features really thick padding for premium carrying comfort. But the backpanel is not covered with breathable mesh – only the harness is, and that is pretty much the only downside to the Explorer Tactical backpack I can see.
If you need a daypack, you can’t go wrong with the Rush24. This is a medium-sized military backpack designed to hold everything you could need on 24-hour expeditions. It is made from 1050D Nylon, for excellent durability and tear resistance. The backpack also features water repellent coating, for superb performance even in harsh conditions.
This bag is equipped with self-repairing YKK zippers, which have tactical glove friendly pullers. And it has a total capacity of 37 liters, which is spread over 29 different pockets and compartments. That’s a lot – if you wanted a simple military backpack, then you should probably look at some other options.
But if you wanted a bag that will have a dedicated pocket for everything, then this is an awesome bag for you. In addition to the ridiculous amount of internal and external pockets, the Rush24 pack also features front and side MOLLE panels, as well as a few attachment points on the shoulder straps.
And it is a very comfortable tactical backpack to carry for longer periods of time. The back panel and the harness both feature really thick padding and breathable mesh, for superb comfort. There’s also a sternum strap that will ensure those shoulder straps stay put so that you’re always able to stay agile.
The back panel also features a drainage point, which will keep the contents of the bag dry in case of a hydration reservoir disaster. And the side compression straps allow for load stabilization, and they let you tighten up the backpack when it’s not at full capacity.
This is great for ensuring that the items inside stay put, but also for making the backpack more firm, so it doesn’t bounce around on your body when you need to move fast.
The Dunnta military backpack is a great option for those of you that need a 3-day assault pack, but can’t afford to spend a lot of money. It retails for about $40, which is a great deal for such a rugged backpack.
This bag has two main compartments with multiple internal pockets and sleeves. The bigger compartment features a dedicated laptop sleeve, while the smaller one has an internal organizer panel with slip pockets for a phone and tablet. In addition to that, the tactical backpack also features two zippered pockets on the front panel, for easy organization of even the smallest items.
There’s also plenty of room for the bulky items that can’t fit inside the backpack, thanks to the multiple fronts and side MOLLE webbing. And the compression straps on the side allow for easy load stabilization, and they let you attach even more big and bulky items to the exterior of the bag.
The Dunnta military backpack is also very comfortable to wear, thanks to the thick padding in the backpanel and harness. The back system is also entirely covered with breathable mesh, for excellent ventilation in hot weather. And the pack is equipped with both a sternum strap and a hip belt that will make you even more comfortable, by transferring the load of the pack onto your hips.
It is also worth mentioning that this tactical backpack has a hidden sleeve behind the backpanel. It is great for hydration reservoirs, or just for any items, you want to keep easily accessible and hidden from others. This actually works as a conceal carry compartment, but also as an electronics sleeve. It’s pretty versatile, which makes the assault pack a great option for people with different needs.
If you want a massive tactical backpack for really long expeditions, then the Military ILBE pack is a great option for you. It costs an arm and a leg, but that’s a small price to pay for a tactical backpack that will most likely outlive you.
It is constructed from 1000D nylon, which is the best and most heavy-duty material you could ask for. The exterior of the pack has excellent water resistance, while tear and abrasion resistance are off the charts.
This has a total capacity of 70 liters and a load range that goes up to 100 lbs. And the best thing about it is that the back system is so well made that you won’t even feel those 100 lbs on your back.
The backpanel and shoulder straps both feature thick padding and breathable mesh for excellent carrying comfort, and everything about the harness is adjustable. Getting the pack to fit you perfectly will be very easy.
One thing I love about this military backpack is that it features a detachable daypack. This is particularly useful for long expeditions – some days you will want to go on a quick hike outside the camp, but without carrying a 70-liter backpack on your shoulders. With the detachable daypack, you can only take the essentials with you, and leave all the heavy stuff at camp.
Additionally, both the daypack and the big backpack body feature multiple MOLLE webbing panels on the front and sides, so you can have all the bulky stuff easily accessible. And there are loads of internal and external compartments on both packs, for easy organization of all your belongings.
The Sergeant military backpack is a great mid-range option. It’s not a cheap pack, but it is not very expensive either, and it performs remarkably well for the price. This tactical backpack is made from 1050D ballistic nylon, for excellent durability, tear, and water resistance.
The hardware on the bag is also top quality – it features self-repairing YKK zippers and heavy-duty UTX buckles. In addition to that, this pack also has several MOLLE webbing panels on the front and sides, all of which are triple stitched onto the bag. This pretty much guarantees that they will stay put, no matter how many ridiculously heavy items you attach to them.
This backpack has one roomy main compartment with a padded laptop sleeve and a secondary front compartment with an internal MOLLE webbing. There’s also a hidden hydration compartment behind the backpanel, as well as two smaller zippered pockets on the front.
Overall, it should be really easy to keep your gear organized in this backpack, thanks to the abundance of internal and external pockets.
The bag even features stretchy water bottle pockets on the sides, which is pretty cool. This feature is often lacking on bags that have MOLLE webbing panels on the sides, which makes the Sergeant quite a unique backpack. And a very versatile bag with a 35-liter capacity.
It is also a comfortable backpack to wear, with the internal frame and thick padding in the backpanel. The shoulder straps are covered with breathable mesh for great ventilation, and the pack features a sternum strap and a hip belt that ensure it will stay in place. The only downside is that the backpanel itself is not ventilated, but that shouldn’t be a huge problem.
If you want a backpack that military personnel actually wears, the CamelBak BFM pack is the one to get. It is a very rugged outdoor bag designed for the army, so you know to expect a lot from it. And you won’t be disappointed; this backpack is made from premium materials, it has excellent water resistance, tear-resistance and it is very durable.
It’s also a very roomy tactical backpack, with a total capacity of 51 liters. That includes both the cargo and hydration capacities; it’s also worth mentioning that this backpack was designed specifically around CamelBak’s Antidote reservoir, which is included in the purchase of the pack.
CamelBak reservoirs tend to be pretty pricey, so this actually means much better value for money than you’d initially think – especially considering that this isn’t at all a cheap bag.
The reservoir has a capacity of three liters, and it has its own dedicated compartment with a pass-through hole for the hose. It’s also important to mention that you can easily set up one-handed hydration with this pack – just secure the hose to the shoulder strap, and that’s it.
This pack features a very spacious main compartment with internal pockets, two zippered pockets on each side, and two smaller front compartments. There’s a laser-cut MOLLE webbing panel on the front of the bag, as well as a thick Velcro strip. And of course, there’s also the dedicated hydration pocket, which is hidden just behind the backpanel.
This is also a very comfortable backpack to wear, thanks to the extra thick padding in the backpanel. The shoulder straps and the hip belt are also padded, and they’re very wide – this allows for a more comfortable fit, and really ensures that you barely even feel this on your back.
The Tacticon 24BattlePack is another great mid-range option. It’s not a very expensive backpack, so it’s perfect for all of you that want something rugged and durable, but can’t afford to spend a lot of money.
This is a very versatile bag – it has quite a lot of different pockets and compartments, so it’s a great option regardless of what exactly you’re looking to carry in it. The main compartment features a 17” laptop sleeve, while the front compartment has a universal gun holster. And there’s even an insulated hydration compartment behind the backpanel, with a hole for the hose.
The backpanel is actually one of the best things about this pack – it features very thick padding, and it is entirely covered by breathable mesh, for excellent carrying comfort. The same goes for the shoulder straps, which also feature a sternum strap that will keep them in place. And with the convenient hip belt, you won’t even feel the entire weight of this bag on your shoulders!
The Tacticon tactical backpack features five compartments total, including the dedicated hydration pocket. There are the main compartment, the front compartment, and two smaller zippered pockets on the front panel. That’s more than enough space for all your EDC items, especially with all the internal pockets as well!
And the backpack is equipped with multiple MOLLE panels, for easy carrying of all those bulky items. There are attachment points on the front and sides of the backpack, while the shoulder straps also feature convenient D-rings.
The side compression straps help stabilize the load of the bag, but they also allow you to change its size. You can transform this from a rugged three-day backpack into a smaller 20-liter bag just by making those side straps as tight as possible!
The Cannae Phalanx military backpack is a great option if you’re looking for a medium-sized bag. With a total capacity of 37 liters and multiple external MOLLE panels, this can easily fit enough gear even for multi-day expeditions. And it makes an excellent EDC backpack as well!
The pack has a very spacious main compartment with a full-body opening, for easy access to all your belongings. There’s a laptop sleeve inside the main compartment, as well as a hydration compartment behind the backpanel. And the pack also has an ammo pouch that can hold four 4mm magazines – talk about versatility!
The backpanel of this bag is amazing – it features really thick and spaced-out foam, which guarantees not just great comfort, but also ventilation. All the space between the foam inserts allows the air to circulate, ensuring that the backpanel is breathable even without a mesh cover.
Additionally, this tactical backpack has a thick hip belt, for premium comfort even at really heavy loads. There are even some attachment points on the hip belt and the shoulder straps, for items you want to have handy at all times.
The backpack also features an external zippered pocket, multiple internal pockets, and it is even suitable for helmet carry. The bungee cords that hold the helmet are also great for keeping other bulky items in place, making this pocket awesome for storing spare layers of clothing as well.
And with MOLLE panels on the front, sides, and back of the backpack, there’s more than enough space for everything you might want to put in the bag.
The LAPG Atlas backpack is one of the best versatile bags you can get your hands on. It is made from 900D polyester with PVC coating for excellent water resistance. And it features one of the best and comfiest backpanels you’ll see in a tactical military backpack, with thick padding and breathable mesh everywhere.
And it’s one of the most versatile tactical backpacks because of the many different pockets and compartments that you can use however you like. The bag is even compatible with tactical chest packs – perfect for times when you need to have a lot of gear on you, but want some items extra handy.
This pack features laser-cut MOLLE panels on the front and sides, as well as extra attachment points on the shoulder straps and hip belt. The main compartment is very spacious, and it features an internal laptop/hydration sleeve, as well as four zippered pockets. The larger front compartment has an organizer panel for the small stuff, and you can also fit some items behind it.
There’s also a smaller front compartment with an internal sleeve, as well as two roomy zippered side pockets. And you even get a hidden compartment behind the backpanel – it’s primarily a hydration compartment, but it also works as a conceal carry pocket if that’s how you want to use it.
On top of all that, it’s also worth noting that this bag isn’t very expensive. It’s under $100, making it an awesome mid-range option. Especially considering the outstanding quality and versatility this military backpack has to offer.
The best backpack for you is going to be the one that you use the most. So, you should look for a tactical military backpack that’s just the right size for your needs. If you get anything that’s too small or too big you will not use it as often, which means bad value for money.
I’ve included tactical backpacks of many different shapes and sizes, from small 12-hour bags to multi-day expedition beasts that can fit 100 lbs worth of gear (except your military watch of course). And lots of bags in between, which are suitable for adventures that last anywhere from a day to a week. One of the tactical backpacks should be just right for you!
If you want to be sure that you’re getting the perfect bag for you, then you need to have an approximate idea of what you’re going to put in the backpack. Think about what you’re getting the backpack for, and all the items you usually need. When you’ve got that figured out, picking out the perfect backpack will be a piece of cake.
Additionally, you should make sure that the tactical backpack you are getting has enough different pockets for the stuff you want to put in it. Particularly if you’re looking to carry something very specific – look for hydration bladder sleeves, laptop compartment, and conceal carry pockets, depending on the exact items you plan to pack in your tactical military backpack.
There are many different shapes and sizes of military backpacks, and the easiest way to get one that’s great for you is to know exactly what you want to put in the backpack. That way you can know which features you need, and which you can live without.
If you want the backpack for various outdoor adventures like hikes, camping trips, and even climbing expeditions, then look for bags with a hydration compartment, eternal attachment points, and a really big capacity. Sure, all of the packs features here have MOLLE panels, but you would need lots of compression straps as well, for those items that you can’t really put on a carabiner.
On the other hand, if you want to be able to carry your laptop in the bag, then you need to look for a laptop sleeve. I’ve included several tactical backpacks that have this feature; just make sure that it will fit your device.
Some of the packs featured here also have dedicated gun compartments, helmet carriers, organizer panels, and detachable daypacks. One of them has got to be the right option for you, and the easiest way to find it is to know exactly what to look for.
The prices of tactical military backpacks vary depending on the quality, size, and brand. There are many great affordable packs you can get, but also some really expensive bags that are virtually indestructible. So, how much can you afford to spend on a tactical backpack?
If you have a flexible budget and want a really sturdy backpack, then it’s best to look for some more expensive tactical backpacks. While they might look exactly the same as their $40 counterparts, these bags are made from the best materials out there, and they can survive anything.
Especially packs from brands like 5.11, which specialize in making tactical outdoor gear. Or GORUCK, which offers more fashionable/travel alternatives.
The expensive military backpacks will not only last you years, but you can also be certain that nothing will malfunction while you really need the backpack.
But if you can’t afford to spend a lot of money that’s okay – I’ve included plenty of affordable options that also boast excellent quality. They might not be as rugged or as functional as the more expensive packs, but they will do their jobs just fine. Especially considering how affordable they are.
Not sure which of these packs is just right for you? It’s okay – one of our top three options is bound to be good enough for your needs, so pick up one of those!
If you want a versatile tactical backpack that you can use however you want, grab the Military Tactical Backpack. This bag is by far the most versatile option out there, thanks to the detachable compartments that are also functional as standalone bags.
And it has multiple MOLLE panels, both on the backpack itself and on all of the smaller bags. Plus, the pack features a very comfortable backpanel, extremely rugged materials and it comes with a hydration bladder.
In case you’re looking for a large-capacity bag, the MT ILBE backpack is the best option for you. This pack has a 70-liter capacity and multiple MOLLE panels, which means that it can pretty much fit all the gear you can carry. It has a comfortable and adjustable harness and backpanel, for premium carrying comfort.
And it is packed with features, the best of which include the detachable daypack, hydration bladder with a pouch, and more compression straps than we can count.
And I have something for those of you that are on a tight budget – the Dunnta Tactical backpack is a great option if you just want something for under $50. It is affordable, durable, and water-resistant, so it’s a really good pack for the money. And it has two main compartments, multiple MOLLE panels, a back system with thick padding and proper ventilation, and side and bottom compression straps.
Additionally, all of the exterior compartments have sleeves and pockets inside, for easy organization of all your EDC items.
Head over to Amazon to see the prices and even more photos of all these awesome military backpacks. And be sure to check out related posts, for ideas on other bags and items that are designed to get you through even the harshest conditions!
RELATED POSTS: