![]() When it comes to cool, it’s hard to beat Italian style. On the downside, for $129, we’d like to see yoked shoulder straps like the RUSH models. The designers at 5.11 also built in internal zippered mesh pockets in the main compartment and a flex cuff channel, which is actually kinda creepy if you’re not law enforcement. We dig this weight-saving design and appreciate a 32L pack that only weighs 2.64 pounds. It is well-built out of 500 denier nylon for most of the pack and a reinforced 840 denier bottom for greater abrasion resistance where it counts. It has 5.11’s signature Center Line design, a hydration system or laptop compartment, a dual access CCW compartment with an internal loop panel to keep things in place, and dual side water bottle pockets. The 32-liter COVRT18 has all the bells and whistles of a tactical backpack while downplaying the wannabe SOF guy or gal look. We like that this pack looks more like a college kid’s bookbag and eschews tacticool vibes. After all, the whole point of carrying concealed is to do so unnoticed. We like tactical backpacks on the down-low. It is an adequate and serviceable EDC bag. While we like its $40 affordability, the Wakizashi isn’t a true operational backpack as it lacks the durability and features required for tactical applications. The Wakizashi also doesn’t have a true clamshell design and it lacks a laptop sleeve. Its carry handle is thicker than the RUSH 12 and the sternum strap can be adjusted to the left and right. Like all of the packs we reviewed, it also lacks a hip belt. The plastic buckles and clips are also of lower quality. While the Wakizashi is made of some tough nylon, the denier is thinner and the shoulder padding isn’t as cushy. It, too, has a hydration reservoir compartment, a ventilated back panel and side compression straps. The abundant MOLLE webbing, overall layout, and features like the quick-release shoulder straps mimic the RUSH 12. At first blush, it could easily be confused with the 5.11 RUSH 12, and its similarities are undeniable. While the 5.11 RUSH series sets the bar for tactical backpacks, Samurai Tactical headed the other direction looking to go after the budget conscious market. ![]() Honorable Mention: Direct Action Dragon Egg MK II Backpack.Most Mysterious: Mystery Ranch 2 Day Assault Pack. ![]() Best Range Bag: GPS Tactical Range Backpack.Best Compact: 5.11 Tactical RUSH 12 2.0.Editor’s Choice: 5.11 Tactical COVRT18 2.0.Best Overall: 5.11 Tactical RUSH 24 2.0.What did we learn through our hands-on testing? Read on to find out. To that end, our trusty team of gear reviewers took a look at the range of tactical backpacks on the market to help you decide which are the best for your needs. members, and in the basements of apocalyptic preppers. Yet tactical backpacks have their place - typically on the backs of soldiers and infantry Marines, in the squad car trunks of S.W.A.T. Of the gear reviewers here at Task & Purpose who carry concealed, we sure as hell don’t do it wearing 5.11 cargo pants and a concealed carry vest while wearing an obviously tactical backpack. We get the folks who use them for military, law enforcement, or first responder purposes, where they’re appropriate tools for the job. But we’re also curious about the people who get them for show - especially in the concealed carry crowd - because the morphology of many tactical backpacks is so obviously military and the whole point of carrying a weapon in public is to do so without anyone knowing you are doing so. The tactical backpack community is interesting.
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