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Tactical backpacks are an essential piece of tactical and survival gear. They are one of the most critical pieces of gear a soldier or adventurer has with them at all times.

Before a soldier heads out over the wire, they must meticulously pack everything they’ll need into their backpack. It is because the backpack is such a vital piece of kit that you can not skimp on one and go with the knock of woodland camouflaged one from your local Walmart.

To truly be prepared, you need a solid tactical backpack.

THE BEST 3-DAY TACTICAL BACKPACKS

5.11 RUSH72

5.11’s Rush72 pack is hands down one of the most popular bags in the military! This bag is impressive in just about every facet. I myself have owned my Rush72 now, going on 9 years. I have put my pack through hell and high water and after all that abuse, I still do NOT HAVE A SINGLE TEAR on my bag!

Made entirely of 1050D Ballistic Cordura Nylon, the Rush72 pack is not just as tough as nails but far tougher. With an impressive 3342 c.i. or 55L of space, the RUSH72 is the ultimate extended-range bag for tactical missions, long-range deployments, staying a few days in the great outdoors, or bugging out during an emergency. Any tactical or survival situation you can think of, this pack will get you through it.

Load it up with all your essential gear and keep it organized with an unrivaled amount of compartments designated for everything from electronics, survival gear, eyewear, hydration, clothing, camping equipment, firearms, pens, documents, and CCW.

The Rush72 has a large main pocket, a front pocket, two large side pockets, and a gusseted shove it compartment. There is also a small easy access front pocket and a velvet eye wear pocket on the very top. Inside each of these pockets are numerous more compartments and pouches. You will be hard pressed to ever fill each storage space.

The Rush72 has Molle out the wazoo! The front of the pack, the sides of the pack, the top of the pack, the waist straps, and the shoulder straps all have Molle on them. This makes for an absolutely incredibly versatile backpack. You can attach pretty much anything you want, any where you.

EBERLESTOCK FAC TRACK

The Eberlestock FAC Track was designed and created specifically for forward air controllers (FAC) in the military. FAC’s are extremely tough, extremely smart, and have to be extremely precise as these frontline soldiers job is to call and guide in close air support for their fellow troops. Their gear just like them has to be tough, smart, and precisely made. Eberlestocks backpacks are known for their absolutely incredible quality.

With 2250 c.i. or 37L of space in the main pouch, the FAC Track comes in on the lower end of volume for 3 day packs, but still has plenty of space to pack everything you’ll need for a few days in the field. There are five external pockets and pouches allowing for greater storage outside of the main pocket.

Five of these pockets are water protected and good for keeping your hydration bladders and water bottles in. This makes sure that in a rush when you toss your water bottle into a pocket if there’s any spillage, it won’t soak into your back pack and the other gear you’re carrying.

All serious tactical backpacks have Molle and the FAC Track doesn’t disappoint. It has Molle on both out side main pockets, both side pouches, and both waist bands. This makes the FAC Track an extremely customizable pack, allowing everyone to set up their pack a little differently to suit their needs. Eberlestock sells, small and large padded pouches, pack mounted shooting pads and pillows, butt pockets, and multipack pouches all that attach onto your packs Molle system however you want.

The FAC Track has a gossamer polycarbonate frame. The frame is made of polycarbonate with vertical-axis stiffening channels, the gossamer gives an ideal mix of vertical support and torsional flex. It is quite tough and is superior to polyethylene frame-sheets which form the core structure of most internal frame packs.

Complete comfort is build into all the areas that will be against your body. Given the potential to be wearing and using this pack for days on end, comfort is an absolute must. The thick padding on the shoulder straps, waist straps, back, and lumbar area make sure that this pack will never give you blisters. All the padding is covered in 3D mesh for great breathability preventing you from over heating and sweating too much after long periods of use.

The FAC Track is made to be used by some of the toughest dudes, in some of the toughest environments. It’q quality, precision, and toughness are as unwavering as your comment to get the mission done.

GORUCK GR2

GORUCK is a company formed and run by hard men! Ex special forces operators that know better than just about anyone what it takes to go into a hostile environment, complete your mission, and exfil. They know what gear works and will help bring you home and what gear is a complete waste of time and will ultimately aid in getting you killed. These are the men that made the GORUCK GR2.

Coming into the 3 day pack category with a volume of 2441 c.i. or 40L, the GR2 sits right in that mid tier section for volume. With two large main pockets and one front small pocket the GR2 is more than enough to get you through a few days with everything you need stowed away inside.

The GR2 is made using two different nylons. You have the Ranger Green, Steel, and Wolf Grey made out of 1000D Codura Nylon and the Black, Coyote Brown, Black Multicam, Tropic Multicam made out of 500D Codura Nylon. The packs made using the 1000D will be tougher, and more resistant to wear and tear as the nylon is stronger and thicker, they will also be slightly heavier. The packs made using 500D will be slightly less resistant to wear and tear, but will be slightly lighter due to the thinner fabric used.

The GORUCK GR2 even boast’s an out of this world laptop compartment that they say is BOMB PROOF! (I would have loved to be there for that testing). So with the GR2 you can feel safe putting any of your electronics in it knowing they are completely protected.

The Molle system can be found both on the outside and inside of the GR2. On the outside the Molle can be found on the front sides and shoulder straps, thus giving the user a superior ability to customize their pack with extra pouches, knives, etc.

By far one of the most out standing features offered by GORUCK is their “Scars Lifetime Guarantee“. Their motto “You break it, we fix it“, and they take this seriously. So if you actually manage to wear through something of theirs, have no fear, they’ll take care of it. I’ve seen first hand how good their customer service is

EBERLESTOCK HALFTRACK

Eberlestock’s Halftrack is another amazing 3 day size assault pack. All though originally made for operators, hunters, and soldiers alike, this is one pack that crosses all operational boundaries. Whether you function in one of those specified roles or are just an adventurer and regular civilian looking for an amazing pack, the Halftrack will meet all your needs and desires.

Hitting that 3 day size category with a volume of 2150 c.i. or 35L, the Halftrack even though it’s on the smaller size will accomplish everything you need it to while over the wire. The Halftrack has two small side pouches on top of two full size side pockets, as well as an upper pocket on top of the pack. Behind the full length side pockets are two full size stash pouches (Don’t want to carry your rifle, that’s a good spot).

Eberlestock takes the comfort their packs offer seriously. They know their back packs will be worn for hours and possibly days on end and the last thing anyone needs to be worrying about is chafe and pain from an uncomfortable pack.

The Halftrack has soft padding every where it needs it, shoulder and waist straps, all along your back, and a very large bit of cushion right in your lower back. All the padding is covered in 3D mesh allowing for great breathability and preventing needless sweating.

You can customize the Halftrack to your hearts content. Molle is almost every where on this pack, the sides, waist and shoulder straps and the entire front which actually has laser cut Molle. Eberlestock provides large, and small add on pouches specifically for their packs. Have a favorite knife, that can strap on too for easy access.

Made from a lighter nylon, probably 500D Codura Nylon to 750D Codura Nylon, the Halftrack is light and yet still very durable! You won’t have to fear dragging this pack to anywhere in the world. If you can handle it, so can the Halftrack!

CONDOR 3-DAY ASSAULT PACK

Condor has made out door products since the 1980’s. As the world evolved, following the tragic and horrific 9/11 attacks, a demand for function-focused tactical gear became more prevalent. Condor was one of the first companies to enter into the tactical gear sector, in order to meet the needs of an ever-changing and growing market. In 2002, Condor’s first showcased item, the 3-day Assault Pack, became an instant hit with their client base and spearheaded the evolution of its product line.

Condors 3 day pack comes in at the top end of volume in this size category with 3051 c.i. or 50L. The pack also contains five outer storage pockets, three more on the front and two on the sides. This pack gives you everything you need to head into the field and be comfortable for more than a few days. The one thing you won’t get with it is the ability to use the excuse that your pack is full.

The Condor 3 day assault pack is made entirely of 1050D Codura Ballistic Nylon. This pack could be death rolled by a salt water croc and come out of that fight with out a scratch on it. Condor spared no expenses in making this pack one of the toughest on the market.

Molle webbing has been placed on the sides and front of the pouch to allow for some great customizing options. You can attach extra pouches, knives, gear where ever it best suits you for mission readiness.

Condor has made the comfort of their 3 day assault pack a vital issue. They know when you buy this pack that you intend to be wearing it for days at a time. The lower back padding has been created extra thick to provide superior support and comfort. Padding has been strategically placed along the length of the back of the backpack for maximum comfort. The shoulder straps and waist straps as well have been heavily padded for added comfort.

The Condor 3 day assault pack provides all this at the LOWEST PRICE POINT of all the packs on the list. Condor is dedicated to providing quality gear at a price everyone can afford.

MYSTERY RANCH 3-DAY ASSAULT PACK

(Canadian Sniper Approved)

In this world, there are people who live the strenuous life—long, hard days outside in punishing conditions—and there are companies that make their gear. From the battlefield to the backcountry, from the edge of a raging wildfire to the top of a 15,000-foot peak, MYSTERY RANCH supplies these stalwart souls with backpacks to match their boldness.

Conceived in the Rocky Mountains and used all over the world, MYSTERY RANCH packs have always had a single purpose: to minimize the burden on your back. Which in turn maximizes your strength, speed, and overall performance—as a soldier, firefighter, hunter, skier, climber, or whatever bold and strenuous activity you call your own.

This 3 day assault pack comes with a volume of 2065 c.i. or 34L which puts it on the smaller side of this list, but believe me when I say this pack is still enough for any mission. There is also a top pocket and two side pouches for extra storage.

Molle webbing is all over this pack. From the outer front, to the sides, to the inside of the back pack. You can add to and customize this pack as much as you like as well, truly making it unique to you. Anything from extra pockets to knives to carabiners and ropes and everything in between can be attached to and carried by this 3 day assault beauty.

Mystery Ranch knows that those who use their packs can’t be worried about uncomfortable and painful gear. Their special internal frame allows for flexibility and movement with your body and yet rigidity for strength. The pack easily allows for micro adjustments to the torso length offering the proper amount of stand-off between the back and frame.

Made from 500D Codura Nylon, this 3 day assault pack is tough, light and ready for a fight. Mystery Ranch has coated the entire pack in a polyurethane layer which greatly increases its durability. It also offers the pack greater protection from UV light and environmental weather conditions.

Mystery Ranch customers are the rough and rugged ones of this Earth, those ambitious men and women with a drive for adventure and an affinity for struggle – be it occupation or recreation, perilous profession or ardent pastime, daily duty or weekend escape. They’re discriminating people in demanding conditions; they must haul more and hurt less; they cannot—and will not—fail. And, if they have anything to say about it, neither will their gear.

EBERLESTOCK TOMAHAWK

The Eberlestock F53 Tomahawk is a pack that’s stripped of non-essential features, resulting in a clean and efficient all-purpose load hauler weighing in at 8 lbs. 2 oz. Like all packs that Eberlestock makes, the Tomahawk is an out standing, go anywhere, take on anything kind of pack. Made for our elite soldiers, this pack is perfect for hikers, adventurers, and thrill seekers of all kinds.

The Tomahawk has a volume of 3100 c.i or 51L putting it near the top of our 3 day back range. It has a singular large main pouch to hold your main gear. On the sides are two lower small pouches and behind that are two full length pockets.

Between those full length pockets and the main pouch are two more full length stash pouches. It’s no joke when it’s said that the Tomahawk is real load hauler. On the very top is floating lid that has another decent sized pocket in it, this top lid can also be taken off and used as a fanny pack, when you need to go a little lighter.

The front of the Tomahawk is covered in laser cut Molle webbing for maximum storage. The sides, top, waist straps and shoulder straps also contain Molle webbing allowing you to store and gain easy access to your most used pieces of field gear. The should strap Molle is an excellent spot to store a nice fixed blade for easy access.

Eberlestock takes comfort extremely serious. They have added thick plush cushion to the should and waist straps and all up the back of the Tomahawk. Right in the lower back, they have put and extra thick plush padding to provide extra support. All this padding come with 3D mesh to allow for maximum air flow, keeping you cool in the most arid environments.

The Tomahawk is made out of 500D Codura Nylon, making this a very tough and durable pack. Eberlestock has also gone and coated the whole pack in polyurethane giving the Tomahawk even greater durability. This coating also helps protect it from the harsh elements you will inevitably find yourself in as you use this pack.

Eberlestock offers a life time manufacturers warranty with the Tomahawk. They are supremely confident in the products they create and so should you be! There are many disappointments in life, but purchasing an Eberlestock pack is not one of them!

1-DAY VS 3-DAY VS LONG RANGE BACKPACK

Backpacks can be classified in a few different ways. They can have a day pack classification which can include both 1 day and 3 day size backpacks. The day pack is the most commonly used type of back as they can be smaller for more single day use and slightly larger for up to a week long use. Anything larger would then fit into your long range pack classification, with these you can head out for a week and much more and have everything you need.

Backpacks can also be classified into short rang, mid range, and long range backpacks. Short range are your 1 day packs, mid range are your 3 day packs, and then long range again are your big ruck sacks meant for a week plus in the field.

1 day (short range) backpacks generally range in size from about 600 c.i. (cubic inches) to around 2000 c.i. 1 day packs are great for day outings, and provide just enough space for the essentials. They’re not big and bulky and won’t get in your way or weigh you down allowing you to maintain maximum manoeuvrability. In tactical situations the ability to move quick at a moments notice is vital. If your preforming urban operations or going out for purely a day hunt a 1 day pack is perfect. Many also come with CCW (concealed weapons) pockets as well, which allows for quick access to your gun should the need arise.

3 day (mid range) backpacks generally range in size from about 2000 c.i. to around 3500 c.i. 3 day packs are the most commonly used size of back pack for military personnel and for personnel in the tactical community. It is also the most commonly used size of pack for adventurers going out for a few days. 3 day packs provide a great amount of storage space and are generally very customizable allowing you to set your pack up pretty much however you want.

They quite often come with tightening straps which allow you to compress the depth of your pack. This is a great feature as on days your carrying less you can compress the pack so its smaller and fits tighter or open it on days you may need to pack more kit. 3 day packs are very versatile and make for great EDC’s in any situation.

Long Range back packs generally range in size from around 3500 c.i. all the way up to 6500 c.i., with the bulk of long rang packs being in the higher end of that range. Long rang packs are your ruck sacks, your big tall packs that you’re packing for a minimum of a week out in the field.

You’re carrying multiple changes of clothes, food, possibly ammo, radios, you name it. Its not uncommon for me to have 150lbs+ when I head out with my long rang pack. Whether a soldier, hunter, or adventurer when your heading out for any real amount of time a solid long rang tactical pack is what you need.

WHAT SHOULD A BACKPACK OFFER YOU

STORAGE

Storage and comfort are by far the most important things to pay attention to when you looking at what actual features a back pack offers you. Storage touches on two different aspects the first one being the actual size of the bag and the second is what additional pouches can be added on to it.

All packs have volume given in either liters or cubic inches (c.i.). The longer you’ll be out in the field for any given time the larger volume you want your pack to have. What you plan on carrying will also help to determine the size of pack you need.

Generally your length of stay in the field will determine whether you need a 1 day, 3 day, or long range pack. While your intended cargo will help to determine with in those three categories the size of pack you’re looking for.

You also want to see if the company offers extra attachable pouches to the outside of the pack

MOLLE

Molle are the nylon loops you see on mostly on the outside, but can also be on the inside of a pack (like the GORUCK G2 for example) designed to allow for additional carrying. Molle stands for Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment and was originally created by and for the US military.

Any tactical pack worth its weight contains the Molle system. Molle is the most advanced and effective system there is at allowing a pack to securely hold extra pouches and gear. It is extremely strong as Molle is made from nylon and anything attached to it will attach through multiple rungs of the Molly system.

HYDRATION

Hydration pouches are an essential part of a good tactical back pack. A specific pocket that is generally lined with a layer of plastic in order to hold a water bladder. The plastic saves the rest of the pack and your gear from getting soaked if for some reason your bladder should ever be punctured. These hydration pouches made for carrying bladders is a much more efficient manner of carrying water than a bulky water bottle as the bladder will squish flat against your back.

COMFORT

Next to storage the comfort a back pack offers is of the highest priority. Whether a soldier or an adventurer your pack will be on your back for hours if not days on end. It inherently will start to feel heavy at some point causing your back and shoulder to feel sore, a pack does not need to add to this by being poorly padded and uncomfortable.

A top tier tactical backpack will have cushion for your whole back and some very thick cushion right at the middle of your back. Some companies will place their cushion differently, but every pack will have solid cushion.

The shoulder and waist straps must also have solid cushion in order to provide comfort for your shoulders, traps, and hips. The heavier the pack the more weight will sit on your hips in order to help your back. A poor quality pack with out good padding will rub on your hips eventually taking of the skin and making it quite painful to wear. Solid cushion any where a pack touches you is a must.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A QUALITY PACK

MATERIAL

Solid tactical back packs will always be made out of thick strong Cordura nylon (until we invent a better material). Codura Nylon is one of the absolute top materials we have in the areas of weight and strength and for these reasons is a very popular material used in tactical gear. It is extremely abrasion resistant, tear resistant, and light weight.

Codura nylon ranges from 350D nylon all the way up to 1050D ballistic nylon. The “D” in those numbers means Denier and is a weight unit for fiber, which also generally reflects the thickness of the fibers. The higher the number, the thicker fiber, the heavier stronger and more water resistant it is. Tactical gear most commonly uses between 500D nylon and 1050D nylon, anything less than that just isn’t strong enough to handle the stress put on the gear.

The environments you will be operating in with your pack and the kind of tasks you will be doing with your pack should be the main factors determining which pack you get as you will want to match the strength of your pack to those variables. For example the 5.11 RUSH72 pack is made completely from 1050D Codura nylon, it is extremely extremely tough, but will be slightly heavier where as the Mystery ranch 3 Day Assault pack uses mainly 500D Cordura nylon making it quite a bit lighter and slightly less tough.

Know your objectives and know your environment to make sure you get the pack made from the best material for you.

ZIPPERS

Zippers are a weak spot on any pack, so you need to make sure your pack has big, strong, beefy zippers. The last thing any of us need is to be operating in the field and have a zipper brake leaving the pocket wide open and rending the pack completely useless.

Make sure the physical size of the zippers are actually as I said big and thick so you can be sure they won’t brake on you. Make sure the length of the zipper has a polymer coating on it or covering it as you can see in the FAC TRACK, HALFTRACK, and the Mystery Ranch packs. This strengthens the zipper but also water proofs it to greatly help prevent any water entering through the entire length of the zipper.

If there isn’t a polymer coating on or covering the zipper then it should at have a zipper nylon covering as you can see in the Rush72 and Condor packs.

BUCKLES

Buckles on backpacks just like the zippers are a possible weak point and you want to make sure they won’t break. There unfortunately isn’t really a wide variation in material used for buckles. The main thing you will be looking for is simply the physical thickness of the buckle and to make sure they function well.

It is generally the thickness of the buckle that will determine its overall strength. Cheap and weak buckles are made from very thin plastic and therefore break easy. Good tactical packs will come with moderate too thick buckles to give you that added assurance of strength.

CONCLUSION

Backpacks are one of the most essential pieces of gear anyone can have. They carry all your other life saving and essential gear. The rest of the gear you and your loved ones need to survive while on the move.

Keep a go bag packed and in your closet, in the trunk of your car, or in a garage or shed. Where ever you keep it, just have a good backpack that you can grab on a moments notice because it’s filled and ready to go.

Whether it’s a back I recommend here (which I promise you wont regret) or from some where else, don’t skimp and get your self good pack.

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