I recently received the 5.11 Mission Ready Document Bag (MRDB) for evaluation. Being a long time user of 5.11 gear and clothing I was really looking forward to the opportunity. When I opened the box I was surprised at what I saw. The first thought I had was is this piece of 5.11 gear or was I shipped the wrong item. As opposed to my previous pieces of molle covered, military/tactical gear this bag has a smooth and clean appearance that I felt would allow it to blend in a business environment. With the exception of the small 5.11 logo on the side, this bag has a clean look that does not attract any attention to it.
This model is a grey color listed on the 5.11 website as Coin (It’s also available in black) is made from Oxford canvas with genuine leather handles and accents along the bottom edges, there is also a shoulder strap attached by antique brass hardware; the zipper pulls are leather too. This gives the bag a very professional look. On the outside of the bag on one side are three slash packets which are good for storing small flat items you would want quick access to like notepads, passports, some over the counter medications, etc… I used them for storing a notebook, small first aid kit, and protective masks. The smaller flat pocket is perfect for storing your phone; I can see these pockets being very handy for storing travel documents, passports, wallet, and my phone while passing through security while traveling. The other side of the bag on the exterior is a zipper pocket with a compartment lined for the attachment of hook and loop accessories or holsters. There is also another flat pocket for storing items.
The interior has a sleeve that will fit up to a 15” laptop, tablets, books or similar items. On the interior side across from the laptop sleeve there three pockets, two have a Velcro closure flat and the other is an open top. I used these for storing cables, chargers, and other device related items. I used the open top pocket for storing my extra pair of glasses. There is still plenty of room in the interior for holding a padfolio, files, a bottle of water, headphones, etc…
Features and dimensions for the Mission Ready Document Bag are as follows from the 5.11 website:
Features:
- 15″ laptop compartment with closure strap
- CCW compartment with loop panel for Tactec™ Holster
- Multiple exterior pockets for accessories and gear
- Interior admin panel
- Removable adjustable shoulder strap
- Luggage handle pass-through
- Water-resistant polyester canvas oxford (main) Water-resistant 1680D Nylon (base)
- Genuine leather handles and trims
Dimensions:
Main Compartment – 11.75” H x 15.75” L x 5” D
Total Capacity – 976 cubic inch / 16 liter
I recently carried the bag for a business meeting on a college campus where a tactical look can set off alarms with people, that didn’t happen carrying the Mission Ready Document Bag. I like this bag for carrying in places where the tactical look will raise eyebrows and trigger a lockdown. If you’re looking for a low profile bag for a business or professional setting this is a viable option.
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.
