Mil Sack: Tactical Backpacks for the Weathered Trail

There are quite a few ways you can go when picking out a backpack to use for your trail and camping gear. Lightweight hiking- and backpacking-style packs that have built-in frames and attached hip belts are popular choices. Such styles of backpacks are great for their lightweight and loadbearing support. Then, there are packs of a more tactical nature—which type you chose depends on your needs and personal preferences. After all, when it comes to backpacks, we say there isn’t a wrong answer, just a more suitable application.

Tactical packs are mostly designed with military applications in mind. They are, by definition, made to withstand the toughest of punishment, and can be deployed in the roughest of environments. They often times employ a modular system that allows for the attachment of utility pouches and other specialized gear. In this guide, we showcase ten tactical-style packs that will fit as comfortably in the back of an armored personnel carrier or your off-road adventure rig.

Allen Company Pagosa Daypack

Dimensions: 11.0 x 21.0 x 7.8 inches
Capacity: 1,800 cubic inches
Material: 240g Brushed Tricot
Molle Compatible: Yes
Hydration Compatible: Yes
Frame: None
Colors: Mossy Oak Country
MSRP: $60

Cannae Legion Day Pack

Dimensions: 19.5 x 11.5 x 6.0 inches
Capacity: 1,281 cubic inches
Material: Cordura, Nylon
Molle Compatible: Yes
Hydration Compatible: No
Frame: None
Colors: Intense Black, Fierce Coyote
MSRP: $120

Condor Outdoor Convoy pack

Dimensions: 14.0 x 18.0 x 9.0 inches
Capacity: 1,362 cubic inches
Material: 1000 Denier Nylon
Molle Compatible: Yes
Hydration Compatible: Yes
Frame: None
Colors: Olive Drab, Black, Tan
MSRP: $72

Drago Gear Tracker

Dimensions: 18.0 x 11.0 x 11.0 inches
Capacity: 1,860 cubic inches
Material: 600 Denier Nylon
Molle Compatible: Yes
Hydration Compatible: Yes
Frame: None
Colors: Black, SEAL Gray, Green, Tan
MSRP: $55

Eberlestock F3F FAC Track

Dimensions: 24.0 x 10.0 x 7.0 inches
Capacity: 1,900 cubic inches
Material: 1000 Denier Nylon
Molle Compatible: Yes
Hydration Compatible: Yes
Frame: Internal Gossamer
Colors: Dry Earth, Military Green, Coyote Brown, Multicam, Unicam II
MSRP: $289

Hazard 4 Patrol

Dimensions: 20.9 x 14.2 x 9.1 inches
Capacity: 2,701 cubic inches
Material: Invista 1000 Denier Cordura
Molle Compatible: Yes
Hydration Compatible: Yes
Frame: None
Colors: Black, Coyote, Multicam
MSRP: $210

Mystery Ranch 3-Day Assault

Dimensions: 18.0 x 11.5 x 8.5 inches
Capacity: 2,000 cubic inches
Material: 500 Denier Cordura
Molle Compatible: Yes
Hydration Compatible: Yes
Frame: Internal Futura frame (Hybrid of a MOLLE and an ALICE frame)
Colors: Black, Coyote, Foliage, Multicam
MSRP: $325

Tactical Tailor Urban Operator

Dimensions: 18.5 x 12.0 x 6.3 inches
Capacity: 1,837 cubic inches
Material: 1000 Denier Cordura Nylon
Molle Compatible: Yes
Hydration Compatible: No
Frame: None
Colors: Black, Coyote Brown, Multicam, Ranger Green
MSRP: $151

Vertx EDC Gamut Plus

Dimensions: 24.0 x 16.0 x 9.0 inches
Capacity: 2,139 cubic inches
Material: Nylon
Molle Compatible: No
Hydration Compatible: No
Frame: None
Colors: Black, Smoke Gray
MRSP $220

Vanquest IBEX-30

Dimensions: 20.0 x 11.5 x 10.0 inches
Capacity: 1,220 cubic inches
Material: 1000 Denier Cordura
Molle Compatible: Yes
Hydration Compatible: Yes
Frame: None
Colors: Black, Coyote Tan, Wolf Gray, Multicam, Multicam-Black
MSRP: $190 ($200 for Multicam)

Editor’s Note: A version of this article first appeared in the winter 2016 print issue of Tread Magazine.