The Best Backpacks for Tactical Gear Enthusiasts

A high-quality backpack plays a crucial role in ensuring preparedness and efficiency whether you're a professional or someone who likes to be ready in case of an alien invasion – or a regular geardo – the right backpack can make all the difference.

This article aims to guide you in choosing the best backpack tailored to your needs. We'll explore various options designed with tactical features that offer both quality and design benefits. By understanding what makes a good tactical backpack, you'll be better equipped to find one that suits your specific requirements.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Backpack

The right backpack enhances functionality and convenience. A well-designed pack allows you to carry your gear efficiently, keeping everything organized and accessible. On the other hand, an inadequate backpack can lead to discomfort and disorganization.

Using a low-quality backpack in tactical scenarios can have serious consequences. It might fail when you need it most, causing frustration or jeopardizing your mission or even life. Durability is very important in this case; a sturdy bag constructed from resilient materials ensures it can endure challenging conditions.

Military personnel often rely on their rucksacks for extended periods. Considering reliability and durability is crucial when making a purchase decision. While a high-quality pack may come with a higher price tag initially, it is important to think about the long-term value it can provide. A durable backpack is not just money out of your pocket; it's an investment in your preparedness and efficiency over time.

When choosing a tactical backpack, focus on quality materials that offer both functionality and convenience. Remember that this decision impacts not only how well you perform but also how comfortable you'll be during missions or outdoor activities.

Criteria for Choosing the Best Tactical Backpack

Material and Durability

It is important to prioritize high-quality materials when selecting a tactical backpack. Seek out options crafted from either 500D or 1000D nylon, as these sturdy materials provide exceptional durability and are capable of enduring tough environments.

Reinforced stitching at high-stress points adds to the build quality of the backpack. Double-stitched seams provide extra strength, ensuring that your bag doesn't fall apart under heavy loads.

Having reliable zippers is crucial for backpacks intended for the battlefield. YKK and Kroko zippers are known all over the world for their top-notch quality and consistently smooth operation. Both Savotta and Varusteleka use these zippers in their gear.

By focusing on these aspects, you ensure that your investment will last longer and perform better in demanding situations.

Capacity and Size

Choosing the right capacity for your tactical backpack depends on how you plan to use it. For everyday carry (EDC), a smaller pack with around 20-30 liters of cargo space might be sufficient. This size is perfect for carrying essentials without being too bulky.

For one to three day trips, consider a medium-sized backpack with 30-50 liters of capacity. It offers more room for additional gear like food, water, and extra clothing while still being manageable in size.

Extended missions require larger backpacks that can hold 50 liters or more. These packs provide ample space for all necessary equipment, including heavier sleeping bags and other overnight gear.

Modularity and expandability are also factors to think about. The MOLLE system and PALS webbing allow you to attach extra pouches or compartments as needed, making your backpack adaptable to different situations. Having a scalable capacity is advantageous as it allows for customization based on the specific mission at hand. When selecting a backpack, consider features such as compression straps that aid in effectively managing loads of different sizes. Varusteleka has another great article on how to choose the right rucksack for each mission.

Comfort and Ergonomics

Comfort should be at the top of the totem pole when selecting a tactical backpack. You probably don’t want to be assaulting positions feeling like a bag of rocks swinging on your shoulders? The inclusion of padded shoulder straps, back panels, and a hip belt is important for increasing comfort, especially during extended missions. These elements are vital in evenly dispersing weight which helps reduce the pressure on your shoulders and back.

Adjustable straps are another key element. They allow you to customize the fit of the backpack to your body size and shape. Load-bearing belts and sternum straps also play an important role in distributing weight more effectively across your hips rather than just your shoulders.

Ventilation is an often-overlooked element. A well-ventilated back panel helps reduce sweat buildup, keeping you cooler during intense activities and reducing your need for hydration.

Fatigue can be minimized with ergonomic designs that include hip belts and harness systems. These elements work together to ensure that the load remains stable, even when you're moving quickly or over rough terrain.

Best Backpacks for Tactical Situations

For the Assault

Särmä TST CP15 Combat Pack and Särmä TST CP10 Mini Combat Pack are the choice for single assault mission backpacks. The CP15 has the carrying capacity of 15 liters and the CP10 has 10 liters. Both feature excellent options for customization and organization. Removable straps for different missions, D-ring attachment points allow straight to Plate Carrier options for the DIY minded. Inside you’ll find a plethora of attachment loops and mesh pockets for organization. They are nearly indestructible and of course NIR compliant.

Särmä TST Assaulter Back Panel is another great versatile option that attaches right into your plate carrier. Do you carry your breaching tools, smoke and frag grenades, and extra magazines in your pockets or with a DIY zip-tie setup on your plate carrier? Upgrade to modular Assaulter Back Panel to solve all your assaulting problems! This back panel secures mission-critical items, keeping them organized and accessible even during rough insertions like riding a snowmobile, boat, or rappelling from a helicopter. Once you're in position, your battle buddy can easily access the contents from the back panel pocket while you move through buildings or indoors in stack formation.

Short Missions and Day Trips - Särmä TST DP10 Roll-Top Day Pack

The DP10 (Day Pack, 10 liters) is a compact, roll-top pack that’s incredibly versatile and simple to use, featuring generous PALS webbing for attaching extra pouches and gear. Made from durable 1000D Cordura, it can be integrated into a larger rucksack or worn as a combat pack. Despite looking like a dry sack, it’s not waterproof, so don’t expect it to keep your gear dry if submerged. Think of it as a dependable companion for short missions or hikes, providing a little storage without the fuss.

Extended Expeditions - Savotta Jääkäri L Rucksack

Say hello to the big brother of the Savotta backpack range — Savotta Jääkäri L rucksack.

The Jääkäri L is a large, multi-day pack, updated from the 1980s Finnish Border Guard patrol pack. It is versatile, durable, and equipped with ample PALS webbing for attaching extra pouches. The main compartment is slim yet spacious, featuring a waterproof roll top closure with a floating lid for adjustable overpacking. Inside, a divider allows for two sections, with a pocket for an aluminum support frame and an exit for a bladder hose or cables.

The sturdy internal frame and redesigned shoulder straps and hip belt ensure comfortable load distribution, while compression straps keep the pack stable. Additionally, the pack includes a spacious zippered pocket for valuables and a removable lid that extends for extra volume. Designed for demanding users, the Jääkäri L maintains the robustness of its predecessor while offering significant improvements in functionality. Needless to say it fulfills all NATO requirements and tougher FDF requirements for NIR compliance and other certification.

A week in hell – Savotta Jääkäri XL Rucksack

Savotta Jääkäri XL rucksack is the mother of all military rucksacks. The Jääkäri XL is an exceptional, multi-day carrying device for rangers and special border guard units, far more than just an ordinary rucksack. This versatile, modular pack features extensive MOLLE webbing, making it adaptable to various user needs, and its slim shape is ideal for skiing or hiking in challenging terrains. With dimensions of approximately 84-112 x 32 x 23 cm and a volume of 80-100 liters, this pack offers ample space for all your gear, including up to 20 liters of overpacking capacity.

The main compartment, designed for long hikes or missions, closes with a waterproof rolltop and quick-release fastener, secured by a flap with generous straps for extra supplies. Inside, a divider can split the bag into two sections, with a pocket for a hydration bladder and a protected exit for a hose, cable, or antenna. The bottom section provides quick access through a zippered opening, with elastic bands and mesh pockets for additional storage.

Compression straps ensure a snug fit even when the pack isn't full, and can also be used to hang items externally. The bottom of the pack includes MOLLE rows for securing gear like sleeping mats, and the sides have elasticized pockets for smaller items or tools. The carrying system is robust, featuring a DUR aluminum frame and a fully adjustable setup that distributes weight to your hips, preventing strain even with heavy loads.

The rucksack includes ergonomic shoulder straps with adjustable distance settings and a detachable hip belt with padding for added comfort. Made from durable MIL-SPEC 1000D Cordura, the pack uses military-grade hardware and meets Mil-Spec NIR reflectance properties to avoid detection with night-vision goggles. With a 5-year warranty, the Jääkäri XL guarantees reliability against material and manufacturing defects.

Casual Daily Commutes - Särmä Assault Pack

The Särmä Assault Pack is a top choice for daily use and urban environments when there is a lower danger of engagement. It features multiple organization compartments that make it easy to keep your gear in order.

One of the key aspects of this pack is its ease of access. The design includes quick-release buckles and side access panels, allowing you to retrieve items swiftly without hassle.

In terms of comfort, the Särmä Assault Pack doesn't disappoint. Padded shoulder straps and an ergonomic back panel provide support during long commutes or busy days in the city. These features help reduce fatigue even when carrying heavier loads.

Overall, this backpack offers a blend of functionality and user-friendly design elements tailored for everyday urban use. Whether you're heading to work or navigating through crowded streets, the Särmä Assault Pack ensures your items are organized and easily accessible throughout your day.

Conclusion

Tactical gear has gained popularity among enthusiasts for its durability and functionality, with a high-quality backpack playing a crucial role in preparedness and efficiency. Whether you're a soldier or someone who likes to be ready for anything, choosing the right backpack can make all the difference.

This article has guided you in selecting the best backpack tailored to your needs, exploring various options designed with tactical features that offer both quality and design benefits. By understanding what makes a good tactical backpack, you are better equipped to find one that suits your specific requirements.

The Särmä Assault Pack is ideal for daily commutes and urban environments, offering durability, ease of access, and comfort. For short missions and day trips, the Savotta Jääkäri S Backpack provides compact size, robust construction, and tactical features. For extended missions and expeditions, the Savotta Jääkäri M Backpack offers increased capacity, ergonomic design, and exceptional durability.

Investing in a high-quality tactical backpack ensures that you are prepared for any situation, with a reliable and durable pack that meets your needs efficiently and comfortably.

For the best Särmä, Savotta backpacks, and much more, visit Varusteleka.com to find the right tactical gear for you!

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