Best Tactical Backpacks [Under $110]

You can turn anything tactical. Throw some MOLLE and velcro on it, put it on a tough-guy model, and release it at SHOT Show.

Okay, I joke a bit, but there can be some clear advantages to tactical things, like tactical backpacks.

“Tactical backpack” encompasses a wide variety of different designs. It can range from massive packs meant for infantry troops to live on their feet to micro-sized minimalist backpacks.

What is also true is that sticking “tactical” on anything often adds the “tactical tax.” Advanced materials, innovative designs, and things like IR signatures are all considerations, and all raise the price.

With that in mind, let’s look at tactical backpacks and focus on ones that cost around $100. I realize this is a tight budget for a decent backpack, but when picking out these packs, I consulted multiple retailers to find various price points.

THE QUICK LIST

1. Editor’s Pick

   Vertx Long Walk 15L

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2. Best Organization

   5.11 Tactical Rush 12 2.0

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3. Best Lightweight Pack

   Grey Ghost Gear Lightweight Assault Pack

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4. Best Everyday Backpack

   Under Armour Triumph

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5. Best Budget Backpack

   SOG Ninja Tactical Daypack

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6. Best Backpack for Women

   Elite Survival Systems CCW Mini Backpack

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What Makes a Backpack Tactical?

What turns a regular backpack into a tactical one? Great question. To me, a tactical backpack has three distinct features.

• Modularity: MOLLE/PALS or hook-and-loop that allows you to convert elements of the pack for mission-specific duties.
• Organization: Internal dividers, multiple pockets, and mission-specific areas (CCW pouches or hydration bladder pouches) that offer a greater level of organization than a standard backpack. Durability: Anything with “tactical” in the name better be tough as nails. It should resist water, take a beating, and keep going. This is probably one of the most critical components of a tactical backpack.

Best Tactical Backpacks [Under $100]

1. Vertx Long Walk 15L – Editor’s Pick Tactical Backpack

Vertx has been one of my main go-to bags for soft gear for a long time.

Their backpacks are hidden treats, but most won’t fall into the under $100 budget. However, the Long Walk 15L does…just barely.

The Vertx Long Walk 15L bag is a compact day pack meant for everyday carry. s It’s incredibly lightweight at 1.3 pounds and doesn’t have the typical tactical look. I’d describe it more as sleek than tactical, but it packs a ton of tactical features.

Internally, nearly every compartment is full of hook-and-loop. This allows you to add a ton of pouches, PALS panels, and more for extra organization. Even better, Vertx has an exhaustive lineup of hook-and-loop accessories.

The Long Walk has two compartments secured by zippers and one external compartment designed for holding jackets, an umbrella, or whatever else on the fly.

The Long Walk features contoured straps with quick-access pockets on the side. It’s quite convenient for someone looking to store a light or pepper spray.

There’s also the option for a chest strap and even a removable belt. Heck, you can even add an armored panel!

Premier Armor and Vertx often team up to make panels that fit a variety of backpacks, so adding a 3A panel isn’t tough.

2. 5.11 Tactical Rush 12 2.0 – Best Tactical Backpack for Organization

In the world of tactical backpacks, 5.11 Tactical’s Rush series sits in the hall of fame.

This bag is an affordable mix of tactical capacity and comfortable design. If low-profile is the goal, look elsewhere.

The 5.11 Tactical Rush 12 2.0 is the smallest of the Rush series and, from top to bottom, is covered in PALS webbing. It screams tactical; however, the webbing allows just about anything to be attached. (A little Velcro here and there gives you plenty of room for nametapes and morale patches.)

The Rush 12 is a 24-liter backpack with plenty of EDC storage. It’s a day pack with enough room for a full 24 hours(maybe a little more if you pack right)

Organizationally, it features a massive, internal main pocket with an internal laptop sleeve. Outside, it offers a front pouch, glasses pocket, hook-and-loop CCW area, and more.

While the sides lack handy water bottle holders, the PALS webbing makes it easy to attach a water bottle pouch if you need one.

The organizational capabilities don’t stop there. Inside the pockets are plenty of other tools to keep things in place and at the ready. There are mesh pouches, micro-sized pockets, and more to include your OCD.

My Rush pack has lasted for years and has become a favorite when I hit the camping trails.

What do you think of the Rush? Rate it below!

3. Grey Ghost Gear Lightweight Assault Pack – Best Lightweight Tactical Backpack

Grey Ghost Gear’s Lightweight Assault Pack is designed to be lighter than most other medium-sized backpacks. This is accomplished via the use of proprietary materials. (What those are, we don’t know.)

Either way, it’s an ultralight but still fairly large bag. The weight is somewhere between 19 and 21 ounces – light for a pack this size.

The Lightweight Assault Pack has a front pouch with a side-loading design. That front pouch is hook-and-loop lined.

Meanwhile, the main pouch has a long zipper pull that allows for easy access from the top to the bottom of your backpack. Its final pouch can hold a hydration bladder or any flat-like item.

The Lightweight Assault Pack uses high-quality YKK zippers and super-strong external materials, which are downright invincible.

This pack provides all-day comfort via a set of wide shoulder straps complete with a chest clip. It might not be ready for a hike up a mountain, but for daily carry, it will keep your shoulders plenty comfy.

Because it is so light and thin, the bag can fold up nicely for storage or be tossed in a larger pack. It is a niche feature, but one I’ve used.

4. Under Armour Triumph – Best Everyday Tactical Backpack

Under Armour is traditionally a sports brand, but like a lot of sports brands, it expanded into the tactical world. While I’m a big fan of their socks, the day pack was new to me.

The Triumph mixes traditional style with tactical perks, including external webbing for accessory mounting.

At this stage in my life, it’s the snack-pack point for my kids, but it would also work great for an IFAK.

Those perks  The outside of the pack offers a small pocket for small-stuff organization and easy access.

Additional features include a large main pocket with a laptop sleeve, a pair of water bottle pouches on each side, and massive shoulder straps. These wide straps provide a ton of support to the pack — more than you need, but would you ever want less?

The shoulder strap adjustment straps are even numbered to help you provide an even adjustment to the pack. All in all, the Triump is comfortable, holds a fair bit of stuff, and is affordable. On top of that, it just looks good.

 It’s not overly tactical, comes in muted colors, and has that sleek and modern look you expect from Under Armour.

5. SOG Ninja Tactical Daypack – Best Budget Tactical Backpack

Putting Ninja in your name is a sure way to get attention, but it’s also a fun meta-commentary on the all-too-tactical community.

The SOG Ninja is slathered in PALS webbing. You can’t escape the webbing! The upside to this is that you can expand the pack as you see fit.

A little loop gives you optional slots for pouches, patches, and more. For those Marie Kondos in the audience, you’ll love the ability to organize the pack.

With two pockets up front, a main pouch, and a hydration bladder pouch, there’s plenty of opportunity for internal organization. Water bottle pouches line the sides to keep you hydrated or at least caffeinated, while the back pads are mesh and allow air to pass between your back and the pack for superior comfort.

The Ninja is good for daily EDC at school, work, and in the field.

6. Elite Survival Systems CCW Mini Backpack – Best Tactical Backpack for Women

So far, every backpack on this list has been quite large and tactical-looking, but something doesn’t need to look tactical to be tactical, right?

If you don’t want a giant backpack covered in MOLLE and dark colors, then ESS has you covered with the CCW Mini Backpack.

This pack features an ambidextrous rear concealed carry pouch complete with a hook-and-loop holster. It separates your gun from the rest of your gear while making it easy to access.

The CCW Mini comes in black and grey and a more fashionable brown-and-white pattern. The non-tactical brown-and-white is perfect for when you want something that dresses up nicely without sacrificing the ability to carry.

Proper setup, training, and retention measures are needed to use the bag correctly, but if you are willing to train, you don’t have to ruin a sundress with a black or FDE pack to keep your necessary daily gear going.

The CCW Mini Backpack gives you the aforementioned CCW pouch, large main pouch, and a small upfront pouch perfectly sized for a cell phone.

The ESS CCW Mini Backpack is downright cute but capable, built with size savings and discretion in mind.

7. Savotta Hatka 12L Day Pack – Best Minimalist Tactical Backpack

My last pick is my wildcard because most Americans have never heard of Savotta, and getting one can be a little tricky. (It seems like eBay or Varusteleka is the way to go.) 

Savotta is a Finnish company that makes packs for the Finnish military. It’s Hatka is a 12-liter day pack that is minimalist with its own vibe.

It features a variety of color options, including M05 woodland with some limited PALS webbing and a little velcro to add your morale patch of choice. (A Pew Pew Tactical patch would look great!)

The Hatka offers you an extremely lightweight pack at 1.06 pounds and comes with a roll-top closure. This, to me, is a great way to protect from water ingress. The rear of the bag has an external pouch that fits a hydration bladder.

Internally, it is super easy to pack, but don’t expect a ton of different pouches or pockets for organization. It is plain, but in a good way. This simplicity provides a durable, easy-to-pack-and-unpack backpack.

The pack’s straps are very minimalist, and some may not care for their thinness. They are removable, so they could be replaced, but you can’t load this pack down that heavy anyway.

Final Thoughts

A tactical backpack is perfect for people who want more organization with a few extra perks like a CCW pocket or webbing.

While there are a ton to choose from with various levels of comfort, features, and tacticoolness, in this economy, I tried to keep it low-key and budget-friendly.

What is your pick for the best tactical backpack? Let us know in the comments below! Need a bag for the range? We have you covered with the Best Range Bags!