Choosing the Perfect 5.11 Tactical Backpack: Features and Options

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Choosing the right 5.11 tactical backpack to accompany you on your critical missions is a decision that must be made with as much information about the prospective backpack as possible.

5.11 tactical is a highly respected name in the tactical gear industry and among military personnel and anyone who has ever strapped on tactical gear. In this article, we discuss some of the factors to consider when choosing a 5.11 tactical backpack.

Not that you can ever go wrong with any 5.11 gear, but choosing a backpack that works for your specific needs will go a long way in ensuring you use your backpack to its fullest potential.

Meet 5.11 Tactical

According to 5.11 Tactical’s About Us page, 5.11 makes gear for those who demand more of themselves for the greater good.

Anyone who has ever used any 5.11 Tactical gear would tell you that the company makes tactical gear that is durable, strong, and reliable regardless of the weather, time, or place it is used.

This thoroughbred American apparel company is regarded by a lot of people as the best in the market, as every product made pushes durability and functionality to their limits and then some.
Read more about the history of 5.11 Tactical to learn more about the company.

Just like everything 5.11 Tactical makes, 5.11 tactical backpacks are highly sought-after pieces of tactical gear that most people dream of having.

And, of course, 5.11 Tactical has tactical bags with Molle webbing etched into them.

Choosing the Perfect 5.11 Tactical Backpack to Suit Your Needs

Even among the 5.11 tactical gear set, not every tactical backpack is built the same. Some backpacks are better suited for certain weather conditions, gear, wear duration, and lots more.

Below are some of the factors to consider when choosing a 5.11 Tactical Backpack:

Determine the Primary Reason You Need a Tactical Backpack

Knowing the primary reason you need a 5.11 tactical backpack is perhaps the most important aspect of choosing any tactical bag. This is because different tactical backpacks are designed to meet very specific needs and travel situations.

Below are some of the common use cases of a tactical backpack:

Military missions
Outdoor adventures
Traveling/backpacking
Fitness training
Rescue missions
Typical everyday use case

Compact, lightweight tactical backpacks with a minimalist design may be better suited for everyday use than a fully fitted Molle webbed tactical backpack.

Measure Your Torso

Before opting for a 5.11 Tactical backpack, measure the length from the top of your back to the halfway point of your stomach to determine where the waist straps and shoulder straps would stay on your body.

This will help you choose the correct size of a 5.11 Tactical backpack.

Common size ranges are:

Extra small – Any torso length that is less than 15”
Small – Torso lengths between 15” and 17”
Medium – Torso lengths between 17” and 19”
Large – Torso lengths between 19” and 21’
Tall – Torso lengths that are 21” and above

Take Into Account the Right Capacity for Your Tactical Bag Needs

Enhanced capacity is one of the many reasons people opt for tactical backpacks. So, while going for low-capacity tactical backpacks will earn you a lighter backpack, it won’t be able to carry much weight.

If you prefer to have your bag switch between performing heavy-duty carry missions and light-duty carry missions, then opt for a Molle-compatible tactical backpack, as they allow you to add and remove as many attachments as you want to increase or reduce your backpack carrying capacity.

Other options you can consider include:

Tactical duffle bags
Range bags
Tactical luggage

Fabric and Appearance

When choosing a tactical backpack for your tactical needs, it is important to pick backpacks with fabrics that suit your needs.

You typically want to go for a backpack made from waterproof or ripstop fabrics to ensure moisture or water does not get into your backpack during your adventure or mission.

However, if you choose a tactical backpack made from polyester or nylon, which are water absorbent, then ensure that the backpack you choose has a waterproof liner.

Other factors to look out for when choosing tactical backpacks based on fabrics include:

Regulatory Compliance: For military personnel, your tactical duffle bag or backpack needs to comply with the regulations of your branch.
Concealment: Consider the environment in which you intend to use your tactical backpack and choose a fabric that suits that environment. Camouflage works well for the woods and desert, but perhaps a tactical backpack with a plain color might work better in an urban environment.
Safety: If you intend to keep sensitive items like guns, tactical gear, and medical supplies in your bag, ensure that your military backpack has special compartments for these. If not, you may need to opt for a hard case rather than a backpack.

What Special Features Are Important to You?

Below are some of the special features your 5.11 tactical backpack should come with:

External pockets to allow for more gear
Web molle compatibility allows you to add extra packs and pouches for expanded storage options
Internal compartments with hook and pile fasteners to ensure the security of items
Durable zippers that can withstand heavy loads and jerking
In-built hydration kit or systems
Internal support frame

Top 5.11 Tactical Backpacks – Editor’s Pick

Below are some of our highly requested 5.11 Tactical backpacks:

A Solid Collection of 5.11 Tactical Backpacks – All Security Equipment

5.11 tactical backpacks are known for their toughness and durability, as well as the numerous storage options that they offer, along with segmented sections with lots of room for your tactical gear.

We hope that after reading this article, you have a better idea of what to look for when shopping for your next 5.11 tactical backpack.

Regardless of the 5.11 tactical backpack you eventually decide to go with, chances are we have it in our collection of tactical backpacks. All Security Equipment is a premier supplier of all things related to security and tactical gear, all sourced from industry-leading manufacturers from all around the world.

Still not sure which 5.11 tactical backpack to choose? Talk to a member of our team for an expert-guided decision.