Over the years I have owned and used many packs for travel, EDC, work, and outdoors activities. My most recent use for packs over the past few years has been for business/ personal travel usually by air and EDC of work-related items for remote work sites. I had previously had a 5.11 RUSH 24 pack but had let it go to make room for another pack. Recently I had been thinking about how good the organization was in the RUSH 24 and decided that I wanted to give it another go around. I had some credit with an online store and they were having a 20% off sale so I ordered one in black and had it in my hands in a couple of days.
The specs for the RUSH 24 are as follows from the 5.11 website:
DIMENSIONS:
- Main Compartment – 20″ H x 12.5″ L x 8″
- Front Pocket – 12.5” x 11” x 2”
- Hydration pocket -18” x 12.5”
- Total Capacity – 2275 cubic inch / 37 liter
FEATURES DETAILS:
- Ideal for recreational use or as an operational bug out bag
- Compatible with 5.11® Tier System
- Dual zipping side pockets
- Hydration Pocket
- Durable1050D nylon (MultiCam®: 1000D nylon)
- Stuff-it pocket with integrated draw cord
- Reinforced grab-and-go handle
- Wrap-around MOLLE/5.11 Slick Stick® web platform
- Three mesh admin compartments
- Zippered fleece-lined eyewear pocket
- Zippered side water bottle pocket
- Hook and loop nametape and flag patches
- Water-repellent coating
- Adjustable height sternum strap
- Two external compression straps
- Contoured yoke shoulder strap system
- Twin drainage grommets
- Self-repairing YKK® zippers
- Imported
My impressions of the RUSH 24 are that it’s a solid, well built, and thought out piece of kit. Although the current thoughts are to go grey I see RUSH 24’s frequently when traveling in the airport and transportation centers. I would say that the vast majority of people don’t care or notice a molle covered pack anymore, at least not in CONUS. Personally, I don’t run any pouches on the outside of my packs preferring to have the exterior slick so as not get hooked on anything.
In the rear hydration/computer pocket I carry my ballistic panel. On the top, there is a zippered pocket with a soft lining that is good for placing glasses, smartphones, or other items which need protection. I like it for storing my cables for my headphones or smartphone for quick access. On the upper part of the front panel are two side by side zipper pockets. Inside of these pockets are a small mesh zipper pocket that I like for storing battery carriers or for my challenge coin when going through airport security, there is also a soft pocket which is good for small sensitive items or a business card holder, the main body of the pocket is perfect for putting my wallet and other pocket items in when passing through security for quick retrieval. The main outside pocket on the front panel contained administrative slots for pens, notebooks, key hooks, pockets for AR magazines or other similar sized items, there is also a good size zippered pocket for storing items that are valuable and you don’t want to rummage through the pocket for. On both sides of the body of the pack, there are zippered pockets that will work for a water bottle or other gear. I used these pockets to store my solar charger for my phone, a LifeStraw, small pocket survival kit, and EMT shears.
The main internal area of the pack is spacious enough for just about anything you wish to carry, extra clothes, rain jacket, IFAK, iPad, GORUCK Wire Dopp kit with cables, extra phone, etc… On the back wall of the main compartment there is a storage pocket that I used for holding my IPad in place along with a pair of flip-flops, and a change of undergarments in case my checked bag gets lost, prescription medicines, and some basic hygiene items, Along the front internal wall, are three zippered pockets two are mesh (one of which has zipper access from the top and bottom), and a solid zipper pocket. Again these are great for storing items you want quick access to extra glasses, quart size zip lock bag of carry on liquids, passport, and anything else you can think of.
The pack carries well and comfortably for me. There isn’t a waist belt which I prefer for my use of the pack but does have a sternum strap which I do like. It fits without any issue into the overhead on planes (I can’t comment on under the seat as I didn’t give it a try, but would guess that it would if not filled to capacity.). I love the organization in this pack and can live with the molle on it. At $129.00 list price I think that it’s a good buy.
Author – Art Dorst is the owner of A. Dorst Consulting & Training Services and is a Senior Consultant for LaSorsa & Associates. He served in the U.S. Navy and Army National Guard, and is a retired municipal Police Officer, NRA Instructor, and is currently a security provider/trainer.