Military backpacks offer a very versatile and practical alternative to standard hiking backpacks for a wide range of activities, whether it be hunting, fishing, bugging out, hiking, or simply as an everyday carry. Over the years, these packs have won the favor of countless civilian users on account of several distinguishing design characteristics and features, most notably their superior ruggedness, durability, and outstanding organizational capacities. Given that there are literally thousands of different military backpacks on the market with varying attributes and intended uses, in this article we aim to help you out with the selection process by introducing you to our top 25 picks for 2020.
We reviewed dozens of military backpacks to identify the best of the best. We examined a range of factors, including material, capacity, water resistance, convenience, MOLLE compatibility, cost, and average customer reviews.
Having considered a large number of Military backpacks, we chose the 5.11 Tactical RUSH24 37-Liter Military Backpack as our top pick. This pack is one that excels in many factors, placing most of its competitors firmly in the shade owing to its exceptional high-quality construction, all-day comfort, well thought-out interior compartmentalization, and incredibly robust, hard-wearing fabrics. With a 37-liter capacity and multiple exterior attachment points, this pack is ideal as an everyday carry but also offers enough storage to become your go-to bag for day hikes or overnight trips in the backcountry.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Military Backpacks
| Editor’s Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Military Backpack Overall | 5.11 Tactical RUSH24 37-Liter Military Backpack | 4.8 |
| Best Small Military Backpack | 5.11 COVRT18 Military Backpack | 4.5 |
| Best Budget Buy | DIGBUG 3-Day Military Backpack | 4.8 |
| Best Tactical Laptop Backpack | Tocode 17-Inch Laptop Backpack | 4.6 |
| Best Military Hiking Backpack | Mardingtop 75-Liter Molle Hiking Backpack | 4.5 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Best Military Backpack Overall: 5.11 Tactical RUSH24 37-Liter Military Backpack
Having considered a vast array of options, the military backpack that wins our vote as best model currently on the market is the 5.11 Tactical RUSH24 37-Liter Military Backpack.
Over the past decade or so, the 5.11 brand name has become virtually synonymous with quality, and in the Tactical Rush24 that tradition is continued and exemplified in a product that is all but flawless as regards construction, materials, features, and design characteristics.
This pack has a capacity of 37 liters, which makes it the ideal size for both day trips and overnight trips. Its wealth of MOLLE attachment points and external pockets, moreover, could feasibly make it big enough for weekend trips if you happen be a minimalist-style packer as opposed to an everything-but-the-kitchen-sink-style packer!
The Tactical Rush24’s superbly rugged 1050D Nylon fabrics also mean that whatever you put inside it for those trips will be well looked after and make it one of the toughest, most hard-wearing military backpacks on the market. It also uses a water-repellent coating that can easily cope with light to moderate showers if you happen to get caught out in the rain without the need for an additional rain cover.
What we love most about this pack is that it boasts all the comfort and convenience of a standard hiking pack but adds the durability, ruggedness, and additional storage options of a military pack. Weighing in at 5.5 pounds, this isn’t the lightest military pack you’ll ever come across but it’s also far from being the heaviest. And that added poundage goes into a wealth of features that make it possibly the most convenient and practical backpack out there, including MOLLE webbing galore, interior mesh pockets, four exterior pockets, hydration-bladder compatibility, and a total of 29 separate compartments.
All in all, the ideal pack for trips of three days and less and one that’s sure to last you a lifetime.
5.11 Tactical RUSH24 37-Liter Military Backpack Key Features:
- 37-liter capacity
- Tough, 1050D Nylon fabric
- Dual zipping side pockets
- Stuff pocket with integrated draw cord
- Hydration compatible
- MOLLE compatible
- Three mesh admin compartments
- Fleece-lined eyewear pocket
- Water-repellent coating
Best Small Military Backpack: 5.11 COVRT18 Military Backpack
The 5.11 COVRT18 Military Backpack is our top pick of military backpacks for day hikes or day trips when moving light and fast is more of a priority than gear storage.
This very functional, neat, and superbly well-made backpack boasts 18 liters of storage capacity that’s divvied up between a large interior well with a built-in padded laptop sleeve, and roomy primary and secondary storage zones that help you keep your gear organized and readily accessible when need be. On the outside, the pack boasts two mesh pockets on either side for carrying water bottles, a zippered and fleece-lined accessory pocket, an R.A.C. (Roll-down Assault Compartment) that can accommodate a full-sized firearm, and two strips of MOLLE attachment points.
The COVRT18 is made with a combination of 500D and 420D Nylon that is both water-resistant and very hard-wearing but still weighs in at a very back-friendly 3 pounds. Also very kind on your back is a suspended mesh back panel with molded foam padding and cushioned shoulder straps, all of which combine to make this one of the most comfortable day packs out there.
All in all, this pack is a clear winner for anyone looking for a military daypack that’s as comfortable and lightweight as they come without compromising on ruggedness and durability.
5.11 COVRT18 Military Backpack Key Features:
- 18-liter capacity
- Weighs only 3 lbs.
- MOLLE straps
- Laptop sleeve
- Water-resistant
- Tough, 500D and 420D Nylon fabric
Best Budget Military Backpack: DIGBUG 3-Day Military Backpack
For prospective buyers in the market for a military backpack that’s high on quality and features but low on cost, there are few models on the market that come close to matching the DIGBUG 3-Day Military Backpack.
This 40-liter backpack is made with heavy-duty, 600D Nylon fabric that’s both water-resistant and rugged enough to deal with a little bit of rough treatment while out on your wanders in the backcountry. It also uses double-stitched, heavy-duty zippers, utility-style cord pulls, and has side and front compression straps that allow you to consolidate your load for better balance and to prevent gear shifting around inside while you’re on the move.
What we love most about this backpack, however, are the wealth of storage options it offers both inside and out. The interior of the pack features a large central well with a divider and sleeve to let you organize your gear more efficiently and the exterior features two large zippered pockets, MOLLE attachment points on just about every square inch of fabric, and a large Y-strap on the top of the pack that can hold a sleeping bag or sleeping mat.
This pack is also somewhat unique among models in its price range on account of one feature in particular. While many budget military packs skimp on support and cushioning to cut down on cost, the DIGBUG uses ventilated mesh and thick, breathable foam padding in the back panel and shoulder straps that offer more than enough cushioning for all-day comfort, even with heavier loads.
DIGBUG 3-Day Military Backpack Key Features:
- 40-liter capacity
- MOLLE attachment points throughout exterior
- Hydration compatible
- Ventilating mesh on back panel
- 600D Nylon fabric
- 2 large exterior pockets
- Y-strap for securing larger gear items to exterior of pack
Best Tactical Laptop Backpack: Tocode 17-Inch Laptop Backpack
The Tocode 17-Inch Laptop Backpack is the ideal pick for buyers who want a military pack that’s sleek and stylish enough for use in an office environment but adequately rugged, comfortable, and robust for outings in the backcountry.
This pack has a 35-liter capacity that’s nicely divided up between eight exterior and interior pockets and a large central well with a padded sleeve that can accommodate laptops up to 17 inches in size. All of this storage space is protected, moreover, by heavy-duty and water-resistant polyester fabric, giving you a little peace of mind should you happen to be out and about with your laptop when a rain shower strikes.
What we really love about the Tocode Laptop Backpack, however, is just how comfortable it is to wear for such a reasonably priced backpack. It uses plush padding on the shoulder straps and the back panel is kitted out with highly breathable honeycomb mesh panels that permit airflow between your back and the pack.
Other nice touches in this pack include lockable zippers to help you keep your kit safe, a USB charging port that lets you charge your devices from a powerbank inside the pack while you use them, reinforced stitching, adjustable mesh pockets on both sides, a robust carry handle, and a handful of MOLLE attachment points for external gear storage.
Tocode 17-Inch Laptop Backpack Key Features:
- 35-liter capacity
- Water-resistant
- Lockable zippers
- USB charging port
- Padded 17″ laptop sleeve
- Breathable cushioning in back panel
Best Military Hiking Backpack: Mardingtop 75-Liter Molle Hiking Backpack
The Mardingtop 75-Liter Molle Hiking Backpack is a backpack that combines the best of a high-capacity, standard hiking backpack with the best of a military, tactical pack.
The Mardingtop’s 75-liter capacity makes it a great choice for multi-day trips in the backcountry when you’ll be carrying all of your sleeping and cooking kit with you. That storage capacity is split between a huge central well, a 10-liter bottom compartment, and two large, detachable side pockets, and on the outside the pack boasts an absolute abundance of additional storage options in the form of MOLLE webbing, lashing loops, D-rings, and zippered hip-belt pockets, all of which make this one of the most convenient and versatile tactical hiking packs out there.
Weighing in at 5.2 pounds, this pack isn’t the lightest 75-liter backpack you’re likely to come across. However, that extra pound or so of weight seems a small price to pay in return for the pack’s superbly robust, rugged, water-resistant 600D fabric and the plush cushioning used in the back panel, shoulder straps, and hip belt.
Other endearing features found in this pack are an 8-stage torso height adjuster for precision fitting, a sternum strap the helps to prevent the shoulder straps from sliding around, reinforced stitching in stress points, and a lid-style opening for easy access.
All told, this one would be a winner even without all the tactical features included on its exterior—with them, it’s just about the most practical, functional, and convenient multi-day hiking pack we’ve ever come across!
Mardingtop 75-Liter Molle Hiking Backpack Key Features:
- 65 + 10-liter capacity
- Water-resistant 600D polyester
- Rain cover included
- MOLLE webbing
- Weighs 5.2 lbs.
- External straps for lashing sleeping pad
If this one doesn’t do it for you and you’re looking for an out-and-out hiking pack, check out our guide, The Best Hiking Backpacks.
Who Should Buy a Military Backpack
Those looking to buy a backpack for hiking, fishing, hunting, or as an everyday carry are typically faced with a choice between hiking backpacks, standard EDC (everyday carry) packs, or military backpacks. While usually heavier per liter of storage offered than hiking and EDC packs, military backpacks offer a lot in return, most notably a compartmentalized design that allows for superior organization, tougher and more durable materials, and a wealth of external storage attachment points, usually in the from of MOLLE webbing, D-rings, and suspension straps. As such, military packs are a great choice for anyone keen to keep their gear neat, tidy, and easily accessible at all times, and who also prioritize ruggedness and durability over a lighter weight of pack.
Important Features to Consider
- Material and Construction. The material and construction of any military pack has a direct bearing on the pack’s ruggedness, durability, and water-resistance. When buying your pack, look for tough, thicker denier* fabrics in the 600-denier (600D) to 1000-denier (1000D) range for superior abrasion resistance in the body of the pack. Ideally, the base of the pack should be reinforced with stronger material than that used in the body to provide added resistance in this area of increased susceptibility to wear and tear. Another feature conducive to longevity in any pack is double-stitched seaming, which prevents the seams from bursting when the pack is full or the seams are otherwise placed under stress. Note: Denier is the unit of measurement used to designate the thickness of the thread used in textiles and fabrics. Fabrics with a higher denier count are usually thick, rugged, and durable, while those with a low denier count tend to be soft and flimsy.
- Water resistance. As with traditional hiking packs, very few military or tactical backpacks can be considered fully waterproof, mainly owing to their use of multiple openings. That said, many models are highly water-resistant, which means they will fend off varying degrees of precipitation without the need for a separate rain cover. If water resistance is high on your list of priorities, looked for heat-sealed seams and either a polyurethane coating or materials such as DuPont Teflon Fabric, both of which will keep your kit dry in all but a torrential downpour. If none of these are featured, a pull-out raincover will do the trick! If a backpack with superior waterproofing is what you’re looking for, check out our guide to the The Best Waterproof Backpacks!
- Capacity. The capacity of military backpacks ranges from as little as 12 liters to as much as 90 liters. The storage capacity that will be best for your backcountry adventures will ultimately depend on what you plan on doing and how long you plan on doing it for. When choosing the size of your pack, it’s worth bearing in mind that most tactical packs boasts multiple features allowing for external storage (webbing, loops, straps), thereby letting you carry almost as much gear on the pack’s exterior as inside it. The following list offers a rough guide to what size of pack you’ll need for trips of varying durations (excepting any specialized kit):
- Day trips: 18 to 30-liters
- Overnight trip: 30 to 45 liters
- Multi-day trips: Over 45 liters
- Comfort. The features that contribute most to a backpack’s comfort are ample padding in the shoulder straps, back panel, and around the hipbelt. Although comfort is less of an issue if you’re likely to be carrying the pack only short distances with lighter loads, if you plan on using it for longer trips with heavier loads, comfort should be high on your priority list. Another important factor that impacts on a pack’s comfort is ventilation. Many standard hiking packs use a mesh or molded foam back panel which permits airflow between your back and the material of the pack, which reduces the buildup of sweat. While less common in military packs, if you plan on carrying heavier loads or using the pack in warmer temperatures, this is a feature well worth having.
- Compartmentalization. One of the main differences between military backpacks and standard hiking backpacks is the way in which each type of pack utilizes its interior storage space. While standard hiking packs usually concentrate storage in one large central “well” or compartment, military backpacks typically divide their overall capacity into a number of smaller pockets and compartments to improve organizational efficiency. This lets you store different parts of your gear separately—sharps and items liable to tear, wet and dry, food and clothing, breakables and non-breakables—and also makes it much easier to locate gear when need be without having to unload your pack entirely.
- MOLLE Compatibility. MOLLE-compatible (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) military backpacks are those that use webbing or mesh on the pack’s exterior that lets you attach compatible pouches and accessories. This feature is especially handy if you plan on carrying gear that you’d like to access quickly and can allow you to expand the storage capacity of your pack significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a military backpack?
The simplest way to illustrate what a military backpack is is by comparison with standard hiking backpacks, identifying and contrasting the features typically found in both types of pack and the situations in which each is best used.
Compared to regular hiking backpacks, military backpacks offer a variety of benefits, most notably superior ruggedness and durability, a compartmentalized design for improved storage, versatility, and MOLLE compatibility.
Perhaps the most significant of these distinguishing features are military backpacks’ interior compartmentalization and use of external storage options through MOLLE webbing and external pockets. Military packs typically use “zonal” storage, meaning that the pack’s interior storage space is divided into multiple sections that allow you to separate your gear and keep things much tidier and more easily accessible than with a standard hiking pack.
Because intended for use in situations when rips and tears are a frequent possibility, most military backpacks are also made with far more hard-wearing materials than standard hiking backpacks, which usually prioritize a lightweight design and long-term portability over durability and ruggedness.
How do you pack a tactical backpack?
The best way to pack a tactical backpack is to put heavier items at the bottom of the pack, medium-weight items in the middle, and the lightest items on top. This will concentrate the bulk of the weight in your pack lower on your back and lower your center of gravity, thereby making your load much easier to carry and improving your balance.
Things are complicated slightly by the second element upon which the successful packing of a military backpack hinges—namely, keeping items you’ll need most frequently at the top and those you’ll need less frequently or only at the end of the day at the bottom. Ideally, your pack will have a suitcase-style opening that allows you to access gear at the top and bottom of the pack simultaneously and without having to unpack some items in order to reach others. If not, we recommend trying to find a balance between keeping heavier items at the bottom of the pack whilst ensuring those you’ll need before the end of the day easily accessible when need be.
Finally, the outside storage features on a military backpack (external pockets, MOLLE attachment points) should be used to carry gear you’re likely to need most frequently, such as flashlights, multitools or knives, GPS devices, and radios or walky-talkies.
Are military backpacks waterproof?
As a general rule, most military backpacks offer less water resistance than comparably priced hiking backpacks. That said, there are various models on the market that use DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coatings or an integrated raincover to help keep your kit dry. If you plan on using your pack in all weathers, look for either of these features (or both!) when buying.
How big is an army rucksack?
The standard military rucksack used by the US Military has a capacity of 82 liters (5,000 cubic inches) and weighs 8.5 pounds.
Other Military Backpacks We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other military backpacks. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best military backpacks list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option for your outdoor adventures or everyday carry needs. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
Budget Military Backpacks
Upgrade Tactical Waterproof Backpack
Upgrade by name, upgrade by nature! This 40-liter pack might well be low on cost but it’s high on practicality, features, and just about every other desirable characteristic a military backpack might have, including rugged, waterproof fabric, storage options galore, and all-day comfort.
Key Features:
- 40-liter capacity
- Water-resistant
- 600D polyester fabric
- MOLLE compatible
Cost: $39.99
Armycamo Outdoor 3-Day Expandable Backpack
This tidy little pack weighs only 3.6 pounds, can be expanded from 40-liter to 64-liter capacity, and boasts a plethora of interior and exterior storage compartments.
Key Features:
- Expandable capacity (40-64 liters)
- Weighs only 3.6 lbs.
- 600D polyester fabric
Cost: $37.99
This stylish little pack looks great and is outstandingly practical to boot, boasting a large enough capacity for day hikes or weekend trips, multiple exterior and interior storage compartments, and a nicely padded back panels and shoulder straps.
Key Features:
- 39.1-liter capacity
- Lifetime warranty
- Weighs 4 lbs.
- MOLLE compatible
- Padded mesh back panel
Cost: $35
A tough, hard-wearing pack with a total of five storage compartments, plenty of MOLLE-compatible webbing, 40-liter capacity, and rugged, 600D Oxford fabric. Ideal for day hikes, overnight trips, or as an everyday carry.
Key Features:
- 40-liter capacity
- 600D Oxford material
- 5 compartments
- Side opening
Cost: $32.99
Hannibal Tactical 36L MOLLE Assault Pack
This might not be the biggest backpack in our review, but it packs a lot of features into its 36-liter capacity, including multiple MOLLE attachment points, two main compartments, two zippered front compartments, a hydration bladder compartment on the rear, a Y-strap buckle for carrying bulkier items outside the pack, detachable D-rings, and a suitcase-style opening.
Key Features:
- 36-liter capacity
- Suitcase-style opening
- 600D Oxford fabric
Cost: $37.99
This very nicely priced pack uses tough, tear-resistant and water-resistant fabrics, 3 large storage compartments, MOLLE attachment points, and plenty of padding on the back panel and shoulder straps, all of which makes it a great option as an everyday carry or for overnight trips in the backcountry.
Key Features:
- 34-liter capacity
- Water-resistant
- MOLLE compatible
- Y-strap for securing larger gear items to top of pack
Cost: $31.99
Made with 1000D, water-resistant polyester fabric and using a suitcase style opening that allows you to access all of your gear without unpacking, this is one of the most practical and well-made budget military backpacks out there and a great choice for use as an everyday carry bag or for overnight trips in the backcountry.
Key Features:
- 30-liter capacity
- Extensive MOLLE attachment points
- Suitcase-style opening
- Water resistant
Tactical Laptop Backpacks
Tacticon 24 BattlePack Tactical Backpack
This backpack is one of the most well-made budget models on the market and uses a waterproof lining and padded sleeve to ensure your laptop stays safe even in the rain or if the pack’s exterior takes the odd bump and/or bang while you’re on the move.
Key Features:
- 40-liter capacity
- Waterproof lining
- Padded 17-inch laptop storage sleeve
- Lifetime warranty
Cost: $39.95
WolfWarriorX Tactical Laptop Backpack
This 24-liter backpack uses a water-resistant coating to keep your kit dry and boasts a wealth of storage options, including MOLLE attachment points on the exterior, an admin compartment, a duo of mesh side pockets, and a trio of internal compartments.
Key Features:
- 24-liter capacity
- MOLLE compatible
- Water-resistant polyester fabric
Cost: $26.99
Solo Altitude Tactical Laptop Backpack
This isn’t the most rugged pack in our review but will appeal to many buyers on account of its light weight, outstanding compartmentalization, superior water-resistance, and a robust haul handle for added convenience.
Key Features:
- Roughly 24-liter capacity
- Weighs only 2.2 lbs.
- Padded interior laptop compartment
Cost: $49.95
WindTook MOLLE Laptop Backpack
This sleek, stylish little pack is made with 600D, water-resistant polyester fabric and boasts enough storage for a day at the office, on the range, or on the trails. Weighing in at just 1.9 pounds, this is one of the lightest packs in our review but boasts enough padding in the back and shoulder straps to carry even heavier loads comfortably.
- Roughly 16-liter capacity
- Padded laptop sleeve
- Weighs 1.9 lbs.
- Water-resistant
DBTAC Military Tactical Backpack
This neat little pack doesn’t boast as many external storage pockets as other backpacks in our review but makes up for this minor drawback with a highly convenient drop-front, suitcase-style opening that provides immediate access to over 20 interior storage compartments.
Key Features:
- 25-liter capacity
- Drop-front, suitcase-style opening
- Padded laptop sleeve
- 600D polyester fabric
Cost: $29.99
This pack is the ideal choice for anyone who happens to be particularly keen to ensure their laptop stays safe and dry, using highly water-resistant, heavy-duty materials and a padded side-access sleeve that can accommodate a 17″ laptop.
Key Features:
- 34-liter capacity
- Shoe compartment
- Padded laptop sleeve
- Water-resistant
Cost: $128
XMILPAX Military Laptop Backpack
This slim, streamlined pack uses wonderfully robust, confidence-inspiring materials and offers plenty of storage options for all of your gear, most importantly in the form of a padded sleeve that can accommodate laptops up to 15 inches in size.
Key Features:
- 18-liter capacity
- 1000D Cordura Nylon fabric
- Padded laptop sleeve
Military Hiking Backpacks
This high-capacity pack is made with hard-wearing, water-resistant materials and weighs in at a very friendly 2.86 lbs. It also features multiple exterior pockets and MOLLE attachment points to let you carry all the kit you could possibly need for up to a week in the backcounty.
Key Features:
- 70-liter capacity
- 600D Oxford fabric
- Water-resistant
- Weighs only 2.86 lbs.
Cost: $43.99
This 40-liter backpack is made with tough, 900D fabric and boasts a wealth of MOLLE attachment points, interior storage compartments, and an impact-resistant hood. It also uses very comfortable, ventilating padding on the back panel and cushioned shoulder straps, making it ideal for hiking with heavier loads.
Key Features:
- 40-liter capacity
- 900D polyester fabric
- Ergonomic, 3D curved back panel
- MOLLE compatible
Cost: $48.99
Mardingtop 50L Internal Frame Hiking Backpack
This smaller sibling of our winner of the best hiking backpack in 2020 is made with the same abrasion-resistant, water-resistant, durable materials and boasts enough storage space for 3-day outings in the backcounty.
Key Features:
- 50-liter capacity
- Rain cover included
- Internal frame
- 600D polyester fabric
Cost: $69.99
TianYaOutDoor 70-Liter Hiking Backpack
This very reasonably priced hiking backpack combines a large central compartment with four zippered exterior pockets and plenty of MOLLE attachment points to provide all the storage you need for multi-day hiking trips.
Key Features:
- 70-liter capacity
- 900D Oxford fabric
- MOLLE compatible
- Water-resistant
Cost: $43.99
ArcEnCiel Tactical Hiking Backpack
This well-made, affordable pack boasts a huge capacity and features an abundance of MOLLE attachment points just in case its 85 liters of internal storage space isn’t quite enough. It also comes with four external zippered pockets and plenty of comfortable padding on the back panel and shoulder straps.
Key Features:
- Expandable capacity (70-85L)
- Rain cover included
- MOLLE compatible
Cost: $59.98
MARCHWAY Tactical Molle Hydration Backpack
This pack may be shorter on storage than other models in our review but it’s the ideal pick for day hikers looking to move fast and light on the trail. It’s also just about as burly as they come, using 1000D fabric, YKK zippers, and military-grade webbing.
Key Features:
- 8-liter capacity
- MOLLE compatible
- Hydration compatible
- 1000D, water-resistant fabric
Cost: $37.99
