The Best Tactical Backpacks: Efficiently Organize Your Gear

This rugged, durable backpack is designed to be used as a three-day assault pack, range bag, and trekking backpack. It measures 13 x 20 x 11 inches and has a capacity of 40 liters. The bag’s exterior is made with high-density fabric that’s water-resistant, and the inside features a polyester lining. Along the outside of this tactical backpack is a MOLLE webbing system that lets you attach tactical pouches or gear. It also has double-stitched, heavy-duty zippers; utility-style cord pulls; a side and front load compression system; and ventilated mesh back and shoulder straps padded for comfort.

One drawback is that the compression straps are long, causing them to get caught on things, which can be annoying. You can address this by cutting them or looping them through the MOLLE system. You may also find that the waist belt can come loose over time.

Made of a polyester canvas blend that’s water repellent and durable, this backpack measures 13 x 18 x 3.5 inches and has a 24.2-liter capacity. It features a modular storage design with a large interior compartment, a front zippered pocket, and MOLLE webbing for attaching additional accessories. You can also use this bag with hydration systems. Thanks to the adjustable padded straps and sternum slider it’s also comfortable to wear, and it has a contoured foam padded back. 

Unfortunately, the zippers aren’t particularly durable on this bag and can burst open. However, the bag comes with a lifetime warranty, so if your zippers burst, you can get a replacement. This also applies to any manufacturing defects that you discover in your bag.

This backpack includes an array of accessories and features that cover every one of your needs, from a hydration pouch to cord to hooks and D-rings. The backpack is made with high-density double-stitched 900D oxford and nylon fabric, which is tough and water-resistant. There are three rows of MOLLE Velcro on the front of the pack, multiple MOLLE attachment straps and wedding on the sides and bottom of the pack, and MOLLE webbing on the shoulder straps, so you can easily attach additional tactical pouches or gear. Measuring 11.81 x 19.68 x 11.81 inches, this tactical backpack also includes 10 accessories like a MOLLE 500 ml water bottle pouch, patches, a paracord lanyard, Grimlock locking, and a stainless steel saber card.

Unfortunately, this bag lacks firm structural support through the back panel. However, if you adjust the bag correctly, this shouldn’t deter from the bag's comfort level.

This tactical backpack is tougher, more durable, and more military-ready than many of its competitors. It measures 10 x 13 x 19 inches and can carry gear for one to three days in its expandable 20 to 40 liters of storage space. It’s collapsible with proprietary compression straps that allow you to shrink or expand the pack. It’s waterproof inside and out, and it features a built-in concealed carry holster, a laptop storage area, and an insulated compartment for a hydration bladder. You can carry up to 100 pounds of gear in this efficient, tough tactical backpack.

One drawback of this backpack is that the straps tend to be short. This isn’t a problem if they are long enough to fit you. The holster isn’t very big either, but if you only plan on carrying a smaller concealed weapon, this shouldn’t be an issue either.

This backpack is a strong and sturdy tactical backpack for hunting or trekking, but it’s also comfortable and roomy enough to use on your daily commute. It measures 12 x 20 x 13 inches, and it can hold up to 36 liters of gear and items. It’s made with water-resistant 600D fabric, and the interior of the backpack features two compartments. There are an additional two small compartments at the front of the pack, and a back compartment can hold a hydration bladder. You’ll be organized and able to protect what’s inside in any weather. It’s comfortable to wear with padded adjustable shoulder straps, an adjustable waist belt, and thick mesh padding across the back. 

You may find this bag to be smaller than other tactical backpacks. However, this shouldn’t be a problem if you’re using it for its intended purposes as a commuter bag.

This backpack takes the qualities of a tactical backpack and applies them to a standard backpack. What you end up with is a tactical-style backpack that’s perfect for school or work. It comes in three colors: black, camo, and black with red accents. The bag measures 20 x 14 x 8 inches and is large enough to hold a 17-inch laptop. The front of the backpack features an organizer pocket and mesh optics panel. For comfort, it has a compression-molded back panel and adjustable shoulder straps. 

One drawback of this bag is that some clips are plastic and not metal, making them less durable. You may also find it quite large and bulky; however, that’s perfect if you have a lot of stuff to carry.

This 45-liter tactical bag is made of high-density 900 denier nylon fabric and comes in khaki, black, and green. The bag measures 11.8 x 11.8 x 19.6 inches. Despite its large size, the material helps to make the backpack lightweight. The bag features several nice features, including utility-style cord pulls, heavy-duty zippers, and ventilated mesh on the back pad and shoulder straps. The front and sides of the bag have a MOLLE system for expandability. The bag is water-resistant and can be used for everything from hiking to going to the range. 

One drawback is that this backpack doesn’t come with a small medical bag. However, if you don’t need to carry medical supplies, then this isn’t an issue. 

This tactical backpack is styled to closely resemble a more traditional backpack style. It’s made of polyester fabric and has zipper closures. The bag measures 17.1 x 11.1 x 6.1 inches and has a capacity of 24 liters. One standout feature is the amount of MOLLE webbing throughout the entire backpack, giving you the most versatility and flexibility in how you use the bag. It’s also compatible with a hydration bladder, and there are a bladder pocket and hydration hose port. The shoulder straps and back panel have ventilated mesh padding. 

Unfortunately, this back isn’t as durable as other bags on this list. However, it isn’t meant for heavy-duty use as its ideal as a commuter bag. You may also find that there are too many compartments.

This tactical backpack is designed for wearing while hiking. It comes in eight color options and measures 14.5 x 21 x 8 inches. It can expand up to 13 inches thick and has a maximum capacity of 64 liters. The construction of the backpack uses 600D nylon material for durability. The backpack is treated with a PVC waterproof coating on the outside and a tear-resistant liner. There are sternum and waist straps for increased support and comfort when the bag is fully loaded. 

One drawback is that while it has a MOLLE system, it's blocked by a bungee cord strap. However, you could always cut the strap off if you'd rather use the MOLLE system. It also doesn't have nearly as many MOLLE straps as other tactical backpacks.

This 35-liter tactical backpack comes in five colors and measures 11.81 x 10.24 x 17.72 inches. It has an adjustable and removable chest and waist belts, which gives you more flexibility in how you use the backpack. The construction of the backpack uses polyester 900 denier Oxford fabric. The shoulder straps and back panels have padding for increased comfort. It also has a Y-shaped buckle strap to reduce pressure on your shoulders.

The downside of this backpack is that it has less MOLLE straps than other bags. They are also only located on the front of the bag. The bag does have several smaller independent compartments to make up for this. It also has several large compartments but lacks smaller internal organizational pockets.