Are you searching for the best small tactical backpack ? If you’re an active individual, such as a student, paramedic, hunter or recreation enthusiast, consider investing in a high-quality versatile bag. Tactical backpacks are multifunctional daily use bags that work well in both casual and high-performance settings. These smaller sized bags are not intended for use in military deployment or multi-day backpacking adventures. Similar in size to a large school bag, their dimensions are usually small enough to qualify as carry-on luggage. However, their capacity is substantial enough to carry a wide variety of items including laptops, outdoor gear, and other equipment. Eliminate the uncomfortable, messy or burdensome feelings you feel when hauling around a heavy load of materials. You’ll find transporting your belongings much simpler with the right small tactical backpack.
Further Reading: Best Tactical Laptop Backpack Reviews 2018
How to Choose The Best Small Tactical Backpack
There are many tactical backpack options on the market. The endless options range from beefy, cargo-carrying rucksacks to elegantly designed swing packs. The best small tactical backpack for you depends on the activities in which you participate. Analyze each product’s features according to what your lifestyle.
- Durability. Do you need a rugged, waterproof pack that will be able to withstand the elements? Look for high-quality materials such as 1000-Denier Coated Nylon. Pick fabric treated with Teflon to repel dirt and mud. Polyurethane coated bags are water-resistant and will come in handy during exposure to wet weather.
- Capacity. If you need to carry voluminous items, such as outerwear or photography equipment, look for a main compartment with a large cargo capacity. However, if your load primarily consists of pens and notebooks, you’ll need to seek bags with a tidy organization system of internal compartments. What else do you need to carry? Water bottles? A laptop? Look for specially designated pockets to hold these kinds of items.
- Comfort. Heavier loads need more padding and support. If you plan on lugging around 25 pounds or more, look for sternum and waist straps in addition to amply padded shoulder straps.
- Versatility. Many brands offer customizable storage options such as removable pouches and MOLLE compatible external nylon webbing.
Recommended 5 Best Small Tactical Backpack Reviews 2018
1. 5.11 Tactical Rush 12 Back Pack
Click on The Image To Check it on Amazon The small, fleece-lined pouch is perfect for protecting eyeglasses or a cell phone. The mesh zipper pockets make identifying contents a cinch. There is a specific pocket for your hydration system, including a convenient bladder hanger. It also has a special pocket for your laptop and an “admin panel” for storing daily essential items such as wallet and pens. And if all those compartments aren’t enough storage, there is an external MOLLE compatible strap system on the front, the back and both sides. Click on the image to check it on Amazon Click on the image to check it on Amazon Take note, however, that the shoulder straps are not designed for heavy loads. At times, the adjustment buckle doesn’t grip securely to the strap, causing the straps to slip within the buckle. The good news is that the shoulder straps are completely removable, making this pack an excellent attachment for a tactical plate carrier. MOLLE straps are located mostly on the front of the pack, with a couple of small loops on either side. Click on the image to check it on Amazon The single strap puts an imbalanced strain on shoulders when carrying loads heavier than 15 pounds for long periods of time. You’ll be able to have your 15-inch laptop handy, so take the Maxpedition with you to the library or coffee shop, but not to outdoor adventures. The pack includes zippered pockets on the inside and MOLLE compatible nylon webbing on the outside. You’ll most likely only be able to strap Kleenex and flashlights to the MOLLE external loops, but, hey, they make this man-purse look tough, and sometimes that’s good enough. Click on the image to check it on Amazon The Explorer Tactical Realtree backpack follows the familiar 4 compartment format: 2 large, 1 medium, and 1 small. In addition, it also features 2 side pockets perfect for water bottles. Similar to other bags, it includes internal sections for organizing pens, keys, wallet, etc. And it comes with padded shoulder straps with an adjustable sternum strap. It does fit a 15-inch laptop, but it lacks a designated laptop pocket. What’s different about this pack, besides the graphic tree print, is the similarity to an average schoolbag. Unlike the Tactical Rush which only looks like a schoolbag, but has the durability of a true tactical pack, this bag is less intimidating. The material, 600 D Polyester, is of a substantially lower quality than some other products on this list. It does contain some amenities for active folks, for example, a hydration pocket with a convenient hole for the flexible straw. This product is more of a “beginner” tactical pack and may work well for young people. Which pack stands out in the crowd? Tactical backpacks are all about strength and versatility. They don’t carry random objects. They carry objects that help you face life’s challenges and diverse situations. Therefore, you need to be able to completely rely on your pack. The 5.11 Tactical Rush 12 Back Pack is the winner. The quality of construction, the customizable storage options, and the perfectly designed details make this product the best small tactical backpack. The Tactical Rush is adaptable and dependable. You can count on it for almost anything.
High-quality, water-resistant 1050D nylon, self-repairing YKK zippers2. Seibertron Falcon Water Repellent Backpack
3. Condor Compact Assault Pack
4. Maxpedition Sitka Gearslinger
5. Explorer Tactical Realtree 17 Inch Day Pack Backpack Hiking Camping
Final Verdict
I prefer the Seibertron backpack. You can ad additional pouches to it.
I think 5.11 Tactical Rush 12 would be good fit for me. Thanks for the guide and review Daniel.
I never though that i would find such a nice review on the internet thank-you for this work since i have found a great hunting backpack can you please suggest which is the most light backpack for my son who is 11 years old iam having plans for taking him with me during my next duck hunting trip