Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Fashion & Style

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

The 10 Best Tactical Backpacks You Need for a Rugged Commute or Adventure

By
A tactical backpack beside a flashlight and rope on sand.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Whether you’re headed out for a rugged multi-day adventure or just need a tough-as-nails bag for your daily commute, the best tactical backpacks will bring durability and functionality to your life. Made from Cordura nylon, these bags can stand up to serious abuse. No wonder they’re the prime choice of the military. MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-Carrying Equipment) compatibility allows for customization and that military-grade look. Most of these bags have a sleeve for a hydration bladder or laptop, multiple pockets, and enough space to carry the gear you’ll need.

Whatever your use, embracing the suck just got a little less sucky. If tactical packs aren’t exactly what you’re looking for, check out our roundup of the best backpacks to broaden your search and find the right pack for your needs. Otherwise, read on for our list of the best tactical backpack brands.

Recommended Videos

Mystery Ranch 3-Day Assault Pack

A camouflage Mystery Ranch 3-Day Assault Pack.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The 3DAP from Mystery Ranch delivers on all fronts: Durability, functionality, and comfort. The first thing you’ll notice is the 3-zip design of this pack. The top opens quickly for easy access and a full-length zipper provides access to those items that always tend to slide to the bottom of your pack. If organization is a priority, you’ll enjoy this pack’s interior webbing, zipper pockets, and multiple sleeves for hydration reservoirs. Built for the mission and made in the USA, this pack will rise to meet any occasion.

Related

5.11 Tactical Rush 72 2.0 Backpack

A black 511 Tactical Rush 72 2.0 tactical backpack.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

5.11 designed the Rush series of packs for use at work, the range, or the wilderness. Design details include 511’s signature centerline design, laptop sleeve, fleece-lined eyewear pocket, and plenty of webbing to customize this pack however you like. Built from water-repellent 1050D nylon, this pack will last through even the toughest adventures.

Read more: Best Laptop Bags

Monoki Tactical Sling Backpack

A black Monoki Tactical Sling Backpack.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

For hunting and fishing trips, or commutes that don’t require a full backpack, the Monoko Tactical Sling is perfect to throw over your shoulder and go. With a bunch of different compartments and pockets, your gear will stay organized and its ventilated mesh shoulder straps will keep you cool during hot days. No matter what you’re carrying this versatile bag will hold it.

Condor 3 Day Assault Pack

A green Condor 3 Day Assault Pack displayed on white background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

With 50 liters of storage, the 3 Day Assault is in the same size range as the 3DAP and the Rush 72. This pack gives you enough room for a multi-day adventure and if you fill the inside, the exterior has plenty of webbing for attaching the MOLLE-compatible gear you need to get to quickly. Padded shoulder straps, a waist belt, and a ventilating back panel bring comfort to the pack and help keep you cool.

GoRuck GR1

A black GoRuck GR1 tactical backpack.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The GR1 is the perfect blend of the tactical aesthetic with city style. Made from 1000D Cordura nylon with YKK zippers and a padded laptop sleeve, this pack is sure to hold up day in and day out. With a fill zip, the GR1 opens flat, making it easier for you to pack and find your stuff. Plenty of pockets and three rows of webbing make organizing your stuff a breeze.

Read more: Best Travel Backpacks

Samurai Tactical Wakizashi Tactical Backpack

A black Samurai Tactical Wakizashi Tactical Backpack on white background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Samurai designs packs for the professional warrior. The Wakizashi has it all: An internal laptop compartment, back and side webbing, a soft pocket for glasses, side compression straps, and a water bottle holder. Perfect for your daily commute or bigger adventures, the Wakizashi will keep you comfortable and your gear safe.

Maxpedition Falcon 2 Backpack

A khaki Maxpedition Falcon 2 on white background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Falcon II is built from 1050-Denier water and abrasion-resistant nylon, meaning this pack will hold up through even the toughest trips. Dual direction YKK zippers open clamshell-style to give you full access to the interior of this bag. With an ergonomic shape, padded shoulder straps, and waist support this pack will feel comfortable with even the heaviest loads. Plenty of compartments, pockets, patches, and webbing for your MOLLE-compatible gear will keep things organized and increase the carrying capacity of the Falcon II.

Drakon Outdoors 40L Waterproof Dry Bag

Image used with permission by copyright holder

If you’re looking for a waterproof tactical backpack, look no further than the Drakon 40L Waterproof Dry Bag. 500D PVC, welded seams, and a roll top closure mean no water is getting in. This pack is fully customizable, with six removable exterior pouches, and plenty of webbing to keep essential items at-the-ready. Ready for river trips or rainy days, the Drakon 40 has you covered.

Eberlestock Halftrack Pack

An Eberlestock Halftrack Pack displayed on white background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Halftrack is in the three-day category and has plenty of room to carry all your gear. What we love about the Halftrack is the organizational possibilities. The main compartment can be divided into upper and lower containers and the Halftrack has sleeves to carry two 3-liter hydration bladders, a radio rack, and plenty of exterior webbing for whatever you can’t fit inside. With a gossamer polycarbonate frame and padded, deep-cut air mesh foam, this pack will also remain comfortable no matter how much you load into it.

SOG Ninja Tactical Day Pack

A black SOG Ninja Tactical Day Pack.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

If you’re looking for an everyday carry, workhorse of a pack, the SOG Ninja is the pack for you. A large main compartment is paired with smaller zipper pockets and plenty of webbing to clip or attach gear to. An internal sleeve will hold your laptop or reservoir in place, and side water bottle pouches carry even more water or gear. Overall the ninja is a durable, functional pack at a great price.

Editors’ Recommendations

Benjamin Buckingham
Benjamin Buckingham
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Ben lives in Portland, Oregon where he works as a freelance writer and outdoor guide.
The best luxury lighters from St. Dupont, Cartier, and more
Close-up of someone lighting a cigar with a lighter.

I'm a cigar man. Some people aren't, and that's cool, but to me, there's nothing better than kicking back with a great stogie for some rest, relaxation, and good times. I like boutique brands, such as Plasencia, E.P. Carillo, Warped, Crowned Heads, Black Label Trading Company, and just about anything Aganorsa, you name it. When you're lighting cigars like that, you want something that looks good to do it. It might seem like a strange juxtaposition, but I assure you it's not. Lighting cigars is an art, and while you certainly want to do it in style, you also want something that will get the job done right. Hence, luxury lighters. They're designed to look fantastic but also made with premium materials to be reliable and true.

Luxury lighters from brands like S.T. Dupont, Davidoff, Dunhill, Cartier, and others are expensive. But after using one, you'll never return to your average lighter again.
The best luxury lighters

Read more
When you need the very best EDC knife, these 8 knives make the cut – The James Brand, 5.11 Tactical, and more
From slicing open Amazon packages to processing firewood, the right EDC blade can do it all
Emerson TKF-1

Everyday carry, or EDC, is a concept that is intended to keep you prepared for any eventuality. As far as tools that you need in your everyday carry kit, nothing is more important than getting the best EDC knife you can find. Of course, there are hundreds of options, some better than others. Like we always do, we have compiled a list to narrow down your options so you can pick up the best knife you can to keep you safe and prepared no matter where life takes you.

You aren't a ninja, so you don't need a sword. What you are looking for is something that finds the balance between a tool and a weapon. You will likely not need a weapon in your life, but if you are one of the unfortunate few who do, you'll be happy you grabbed the right one. Lucky for you, we have put together this buying guide to help you figure out what you are looking for before you start looking for the right one.

Read more
These are the best tactical pants for all of your outdoor adventures
Your adventurous lifestyle is made better with the best tactical pants on the market
Prometheus Design Werx Man Bouldering

Few styles of pants have a more functional combination of features than tactical pants. Many of them are designed specifically for law enforcement officers and military personnel, meaning they have to be durable for the most demanding environments in the world. The best way to keep them in that arena and on the top of the list of options for the soldiers and officers that wear them is a combination of durable workwear and movable hiking gear.

Of course, you don't have to wear a badge or join the military to find uses for these pants. Wilderness survival experts, photographers, explorers, hikers, and many others find these pants the best combination to support their lifestyle. Forget jeans or cargo pants; tactical pants for men are the way to go. While there are countless options for you to choose from, we have done what we do and put together a list of the best of the best for you to choose from.

Read more