tactical backpack

5.11 Covert 18 Backpack: Subtle and Inconspicuous

As much as I like the size and organization of the 5.11 RUSH 24 there are times that I prefer a pack that is less tactical in appearance, for those times one of my go-to packs is the 5.11 Covert 18. The Covert 18 is slightly smaller at 30 liters compared to the RUSH 24’s 37 liters. The Covert 18 has a smooth non-tactical appearance which allows it to melt into the scenery blending with other day and business style packs.

The Covert 18 has a bladder compartment that lays against your back that will accommodate a water bladder, laptop, tablet, or a ballistic panel (my usual choice for this compartment). On the top of the pack is a pocket that’s made of a soft fleece like material which is perfect for storing your glasses or smartphone. On both sides of the pack are mesh pockets for water bottles or anything else that you’d care to have fast access to.

The front exterior panel has upper and lower pockets. The upper pocket has two flat sections with a small admin area that will hold pens, a small flashlight, business cards, notepads, and a small phone charger with cables. The lower and larger pocket has a daisy chain of webbing on the outside common on many daypacks that are useful for attaching a carabiner or something similar. The interior of the lower pocket has a Velcro panel at the top for patches or Velcro attachable accessories, the lower portion has molle for attaching pouches. On the front of the lower pocket there is a pair of slash pockets with horizontal zippers for small items and behind those pockets is another pocket which is accessible through the right or left side, this pocket has a Velcro panel in it that allows the attachment of a Velcro backed holster for concealing a pistol or other Velcro backed accessories.

The main compartment of the pack has a padded pocket with a strap on the back wall that can be used for storing a laptop or tablet. On the wall of the front flap are zippered mesh pockets for quick and easy retrieval of smaller items. The rest of the main compartment is perfect for holding gear and or enough clothing for a two or three-day getaway. The back and straps have mesh covering to enhance airflow, there is a sternum strap, compression straps on the sides, it is comfortable to carry. This is one of my lower profile packs that I use for work or travel when a tactical looking pack is not appropriate to the situation, I like the organization that allows me to place gear for quick retrieval without having to search through the entire bag or use multiple small loose organization pockets or pouches. Cost is: $129.00 and if you subscribe to the 5.11 emails you can catch a good sale every couple months.

FEATURES DETAILS:

Ambidextrous side-entry TacTec System™ compartment
R.A.C.™ conceals a full-sized firearm
Roomy main and secondary storage areas
Durable, water-resistant 500D nylon
Reinforced grab handle
QuickTact accessory straps
Sunglass pocket
Flip-down ID panel
Padded internal laptop sleeve
Comfortable compression straps
Adjustable sternum strap
Yoke-style shoulder straps
YKK® zippers
Duraflex® hardware
Imported

DIMENSIONS:

Main Compartment – 19” x 12.25” x 6.5”
Front pocket – 11.5” x 9.5” x 3”
Hydration pocket -19” x 12.25” 1.5 liter
Total Capacity – 1841 cubic inch / 30 liters

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, is a retired municipal Police Officer, and is currently a security provider/trainer.

The 5.11 RUSH 24 Revisited

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.

5.11 Tactical AMP24 | A Breacher’s Best friend

Before we start this review, I will be completely honest with all of you, 5.11 Tactical is not one of my favorite brands. It’s nothing against 5.11, they make a great product, but I just don’t want to be that “wannabe operator airsoft dude” that wears nothing but 5.11 gear. I like being discreet in everything I do and I definitely don’t want to act like an “Operator” when I’ve never been one. 5.11 tends to stand out even in their civilian clothing and that’s the big problem that I have with 5.11. Already having a super biased opinion about 5.11, the editor here at the Loadout Room, Scott, told me about a quality pack by 5.11 and I told him I’d give it a shot. I also told him that if I didn’t like it, I was sending it back to him. That pack was the 5.11 Tactical AMP24. AMP stands for All Missions Pack. Long story short, I never sent it back…

5.11’s All Mission Pack (AMP)24 is built for 12 hours of fun in the sun and 12 hours of fun with no sun… (It comes in 3 sizes, each with a play on how many hours its ideal for, 12, 24 and 72). It’s an ideal 24-hour pack, but I personally think that its one of those packs where if you are good at tactical tetris packing you could push the limits to 2 maybe 3 days. There is a lot of room for activities in this pack! So what about this pack made me keep it? It’s narrow, it’s comfortable, it’s dynamic and versatile, and lastly it is a breachers friend. Now I’m not a breacher (I’m in the process of becoming breacher certified) but this pack is set up to be a breachers best friend because it is narrow and spacious. Another great quality to add to the breacher aspect is that it features the hex platform that 5.11 runs. Now I had never ran anything with that platform hooked up to it, but I love it now. It’s crazy and the possibilities are endless.

5.11 Tactical AMP 24 | A Breacher's Best friend — On “over sight” during a training operation off the coast of Virginia. My gear features the AAC Frog by First Spear, AMP24 pack by 5.11, Gatorz Eyewear, and Altama Maritime Assault Boots

The AMP24 was introduced at SHOT show 2018 along with a slew of other products. It’s one of those packs that I take into work every day, on just about every operation I am on and its just all around super durable and comfortable. I wear it with the First Spear AAC Frog and I have no complaints. I have had a lot of problems wearing packs on top of my plate carrier, but with the AMP24, I really haven’t had any. The AMP24 features lots of compartments – most notable the CCW pocket with loop panel and webbing strap for holster attachment for “off the grid, civilian life concealed carry”. I also like the quick release shoulder straps that come off in the blink of an eye – perfect for getting yourself out of it if need be as well as a fleece lined pocket that I put either my Clear Lens Gatorz in or my Gatorz Magnums in. I also love the back padding for if you’re carrying a heavy pack. The biggest compartment that I like is the Laptop or hydration compartment. While having a frozen camelback defrost in that compartment, my gear in the main compartment stayed dry and that’s huge to me as I freeze my camelback 99% of the time before operations. When getting the pack completely soaked in saltwater, I had no issues with the zippers or with my gear getting wet and in the maritime world, that’s one of the biggest things I like in my gear.

All in all, I’m not completely sold on 5.11, but I am sold on their amp24. It’s solid, rugged, durable, and all around my day to day pack whether at home or on operations. You can pick up the AMP24 for $189 and it’s well worth the money. Do yourself a favor and pick up this pack!

5.11 Ignitor Backpack | Initial Impression

For the past couple of years, I’ve searched for a sleek, functional backpack that I can strap my long range rifle to. A pack that will carry the load I need into the wood-line for hunting or a day at the range. I recently got my hands on a 5.11 Ignitor Backpack that on paper, meets all of my criteria. I had been using a 5.11 Rush 72 for my long range loadout so I’m very familiar with the quality of pack 5.11 produces. The Rush 72 is almost too big for what I needed and at the time of purchase, didn’t offer a way to strap my rifle to it.

With about half the volume of the Rush 72, the 5.11 Ignitor Backpack displaces 26.5 liters. There was no issue fitting my 20-60x spotting scope, Bushnell rangefinder, data book, ammo, Kestrel, magazines, bipod, water, gloves, hat and soft-shell with room for more essentials. An AR-15 used for mid range shooting was also strapped onto the Ignitor Backpack. The description on the 5.11 website eluded to the pack having the capacity to mount a long gun…I was wrong. You’ll need to spend another $50 for the Rush Tier Rifle Sleeve. This accessory is designed to carry a rifle while mounted to the outside of a Rush backpack. For use with the Ignitor Backpack, you will only need the extension for the muzzle. Which begs the question, why wasn’t this small part included in the first place?

Once loaded with about 25lbs of gear and a 10lb rifle, I took off on the maiden voyage. Not long into the trek, I found that more time adjusting the pack was necessary. It was obvious right away that the pack was riding high and not carrying the load on my hips. Additionally, the sternum strap was higher than I’m used to despite being on the lowest adjustment. The ergonomic shoulder straps were well padded and comfortable as was the hip belt. You’ll find a generous amount of molle webbing on the exterior as well as hook-loop for attaching name tapes or morale patches. Finally, there are enough internal and external pockets to organize items such as rifle magazines, radio, phone, first aid items, etc.

5.11 Ignitor Backpack specs courtesy of 511tactical.com

Overall Dimension: 21”H x 11”L x 9.5”W
Volume: ~ 1617 cubic inches and 26.5 litres
300D ripstop polyester body
840D nylon base
Zephyr suspension system
Compression straps
Dual side storage compartments
Stuff-it pocket
Hydration compartment
Adjustable belt panels
Wrap-around MOLLE- and SlickStick-compatible web platform
MSRP $174.99
Rush Tier Rifle Sleeve MSRP $49.99

From the layout of the pockets and zippers to the various lightweight materials used to save weight, my impression of the Ignitor Backpack is top notch. There is so much I like about the 5.11 Ignitor Backpack that I’m going to make every effort to fine tune the fit of this tactical pack. I want to make this pack work so badly due to its perfect volume and features. Over the next month and before the snow starts flying here in Northern Michigan, I plan to use and abuse this pack and get the final verdict out to our readers. Stay tuned…

London Bridge Trading (LBT) Standard Three Day Assault Pack (Slick)

I’ve been a customer of London Bridge Trading Company’s gear for many years. They are located in Virginia Beach, Virginia and supply many of the area military units based out of the Norfolk and Little Creek, Virginia area as well as military and police units everywhere. LBT gear is bomb proof and made to take hard use under the most extreme conditions.

Recently I was looking to add a couple of packs to my line up to be used as a ready bag and another for outdoor adventures. I decided that I wanted a slick pack, as packs covered with molle webbing usually turn into gypsy camps with a bunch of pouches and junk hanging off of them getting caught on everything or not fitting under a seat on a plane or train when traveling.

The pack itself is a very simple design with four pockets, the main compartment, in the main compartment there is also a sleeve for a water bladder or frame board (also available on the website for about $20.00. I personally use the pack frame board in mine for extra stability.) an exterior pocket with a slash pocket on the outside of it. All packs come with a detachable waist belt and sternum strap, compression straps on the sides for cinching down the load, a drain hole in the bottom, a strip of webbing on the bottom for attaching a bedroll, all zippers are YYK and they are available in a number of colors and camo patterns. The standard price for an LBT Standard Three Day Assault pack is $213.00 but if you get on their email list or check the website around just about any holiday you can catch them on sale for right around $100.00.

Below are the features of the pack from the website:

General Features:

Mid-sized patrol pack, capable of carrying three plus day’s worth of gear, MRE’s,

cleaning utilities etc.

Adjustable padded shoulder straps
Front accessory pocket
Back padding provided by 3/8” closed cell inner core
Removable waist strap, used for equalizing the load across the combatants hips
Interior pocket for hydration pouch or internal frame for structural rigidity (Not included)
Heavy duty reinforced carry handle
Two adjustable cinch straps on each side pack; good for spare barrels, sleeping mats, SMAW rockets etc.
Overall dimensions approx: 14” L x 8” W x 20” H

I’m really pleased with these packs they carry comfortably and hold everything you need for a few days in the woods or traveling. If you grab one during a sale they are probably about the best pack you can get for the money (just a note they can go pretty fast during the sales).

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. He is also a retired municipal Police Officer, NRA Instructor, and is currently a security provider/trainer.

Blue Force Gear Jedburgh tactical backpack

I have always heard of the great reputation that Blue Force Gear had with their world-class equipment. However, I have had very little experience with any of their products other than slings. Upon receiving their Jedburgh Tactical Backpack and a few of the Dapper pouches I was immediately impressed. The build quality is exceptional as well as the practicality of the pack.

The Jedburgh Tactical Backpack is designed to be used in conjunction with the dapper accessory pouches which are also made by Blue Force Gear. Although the pack can be used solo, its features are greatly enhanced by the use of the dapper pouches. The main body of the pack is constructed of INVISTA solution dyed condura fabric, with the bottom of the back being a unique ULTRAcomp high performance laminate. The ULTRAComp Material is abrasion and water-resistant which will help protect the bag in contents from rough and/or wet ground. The two-inch wide padded shoulder straps are very comfortable and feel very similar to the padded Vickers Sling made by Blue Force Gear. There are no sternum or waste straps on this pack. I’m glad Blue Force Gear didn’t put those straps on this pack, as I feel they would just get in the way.

There are two slits on the top of the pack to allow for hydration, comm wires or headphones. The zippers on both the main compartment and the smaller outer compartment feel very solid and feature 550 cord zipper pulls. There is a small patch of loop material on the exterior of the pack above the smaller outer compartment. There are also two rows of MOLLE on the exterior of the smaller compartment, but it doesn’t look too “military” to the average onlooker.

The interior of the main compartment of the pack is lined with loop material for attaching the dapper pouches. The smaller compartment also features a field of loop material but only on the side closest to the main compartment. There are numerous dapper pouches that can be purchased separately to fit your exact needs. I have the admin pouch, the vertical utility pouch and the large utility pouch. The pouches of are the same quality as the bag and are a useful size. Even the interior of the pouched feature loop material for the addition of other compatible accessories.

Overall this is a great pack with great versatility thanks to the dapper pouch system. The Jedburgh Tactical Backpack is offered in black, coyote brown, OD green, wolf gray, and multi cam. It has an MSRP of $140. The dapper accessories range from $11.00 to $45.00. You can view all of the products at www.blueforcegear.com.

Author – Cameron Paidousis is a former Police Officer and is a current member in the Air National Guard where he serves in Security Forces. For his civilian job he works as security contractor for the U.S. Government. When not working he enjoys spending time with his family along with kayaking, hiking, and traveling.