Finding the right travel bag to haul your tactical gear can be a daunting task. The NBT Duffel LIMA from 5.11 Tactical is an inexpensive yet very well though out option for those still searching. Comprised of 1050D tear resistant nylon, this spacious 51 liter duffel is well suited for 2-3 day travel. D shaped YKK self-healing zippers allow quick, reliable access to the large main compartment. Additionally, a separate zippered see-through mesh pouch, great for storing toiletries, is removable from the interior of the duffel.
With dimensions that meet FAA carry-on requirements, you will appreciate the amply padded removable shoulder strap. Two reinforced grab handles located on either end allow easy access from overhead compartments as well as vehicle trunks. Even the main grab handle has additional padding to help ease the pain of hauling a heavy load. All stress areas are reinforced and feature bartacking for increased strength. Attaching a name tape or moral patch is made possible with a loop panel located on the front of the NBT Duffel LIMA.
If your loadout doesn’t quite fill the NBT Duffel LIMA to capacity, 4 compression straps will help cinch the duffel both reducing the volume as well as securing the load. Additionally, 5.11 Tactical was kind enough to apply a durable waterproofing treatment to the outer material helping shed rain in the event you get caught out in an unexpected shower. The Duraflex hardware found on the LIMA is more than robust enough to handle any load you can pack. Finally, a pair of smaller zippered organizer pockets can be found both inside and outside the bag.
NBT Duffel LIMA Specs courtesy of 511tactical.com
- Removable shoulder strap with mesh padding
- Three sets of grab handles for multiple carry options
- Multipurpose removable pocket bag
- Exterior laser-cut web platform for customizable attachments
- Internal compression straps for securing cargo
- Waterproofing treatment
- Self-healing YKK® zippers throughout
- Durable Duraflex® hardware
- 1050D tear-resistant nylon blend
- 12” H x 24” L x 12” D main compartment
- 3,114 cubic inch / 51 liter total capacity
- Hypoallergenic foam padded interior
- Loop patch for flag or ID
- Web platform back-tacked for carrying strength
- Bartacking at key stress points
- MSRP $84.99
Final thoughts: At $84.99, the NBT Duffel LIMA is a hard value to beat. Although built with quality materials and well stitched, there isn’t much structure to this bag. Which is both good and bad. Stuffing this thing full is the only way for it to hold its shape. A reinforced floor wouldn’t be a bad idea to help alleviate its floppiness. However, it’s also the lack of structure that allows this duffel to be folded up and packed inside another bag. 5.11 offers the NBT Duffel in 3 sizes and named from the phonetic alphabet (Mike 27L, Lima 51L & Xray 98L). Take a look at 5.11 Tactical and pick the duffel size that best suits your cargo requirements.
Pictured Loadout Gear: NBT Duffel LIMA, Blackhawk gloves, Crye Shooters Cap, Scarpa Approach shoes, Tru-Spec Multicam Soft-shell, MTC Pullover, MTM Airstryk II Watch, 5.11 Single Pistol Case, 5.11 Double Duty Pen, ZT 0350, Glock 19, 5.11 Defender Flex Pants & Jeans, Howard Leight Earmuffs, Sig MPX-SBR with SIG Romeo Red Dot. Trunk: Vertx Pro Rifle Garment Bag
