5.11 Tactical is one of the leading and most recognizable manufacturers of tactical gear. One of their fan favorites is their Rush series of backpacks. 5.11 currently offers their Rush backpacks in three different sizes: Rush 12, Rush 24, and Rush 72. While I don’t have any hands-on experience with the 12 or 72, I have owned the Rush 24 for a few years now and can speak to its quality. I have used this pack for a myriad of outings at the range, out in the field, and for personal excursions. The countless amount of times I have used this bag is a testament to its proven performance.

Specifications

• Hydration pocket
• Durable1050D nylon (MultiCam®: 1000D nylon)
• Stuff-it pocket with integrated drawcord
• Reinforced grab-and-go handle
• Wrap-around MOLLE/5.11 SlickStick® 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
• 20″ H x 12.5″ L x 8″ D main compartment
• 12.5” x 11” x 2” front pocket
• 18” x 12.5” 2-liter hydration pocket
• 2275 cubic inch / 37-liter total capacity
• Adjustable height sternum strap
• Two external compression straps
• Contoured yoke shoulder strap system
• Twin drainage grommets
• Self-repairing YKK® zippers
• Glove-friendly pull tabs
• Imported

Courtesy of 5.11 Tactical

My thoughts and review

The Rush 24 is true to its name. The bag is bigger than what the average person would need for a daypack, but probably too small to pack out for more than a couple days. This pack and its 37-liter capacity is an ideal size for overnight use. I would frequently see these bags being carried by soldiers while I was in the military; matter of fact, I still see fellow veterans on campus with the Rush 24.

Comfort

The Rush 24 is a comfortable backpack for long days and long distances. I have used this pack plenty of times in the field and even used it for hiking instead of my more technical daypacks. What makes this backpack so comfortable is the combination of well-designed features: a padded back panel with a plastic frame sheet, contoured shoulder straps, and a height-adjustable sternum strap. My only gripe about the pack is that it does not have a hip belt. A hip belt goes a long way when you have to carry a lot of gear, and it’s odd that 5.11 doesn’t include one despite having loops stitched on to accommodate one.

Versatility

I have a variety of different bags to pick and choose from depending on the situation. I don’t particularly like this bag when I commute because of how much attention it draws, but it does offer great versatility. The backpack is covered with MOLLE and so can be configured in countless ways by adding pouches and accessories. That isn’t always necessary though because there are more compartments and pockets than I can keep track of; I count 24 at the moment. Having so many different compartments can be a good and bad thing. Most of the pockets are all within two main compartments, so it helps me organize all my gear for the most part without having to fumble around. The Rush 24 also features a hydration bladder sleeve which is convenient for easy access to water when you’re traveling long distances.

Quality construction

My Rush 24 is still going strong after several years. Granted I may not use it every single day, but when I do use it, it holds up to serious abuse. The 1050D fabric isn’t going to rip or get worn easily. The Rush 24 has also been treated with a water-repellant coating to protect contents from rain or snow, although you should always waterproof anything in your pack that you don’t want to get wet. I have used it in pouring rain and heavy snowfall, so I can testify that this pack is definitely weather-resistant.

Easy to access

The Rush 24 was designed to be easily accessible. The larger compartments all have wide openings, and the main compartment itself opens completely flat for convenient access to all of your gear. Contrast this to top-loading packs where you would have to dig deep to reach something at the bottom of the pack or take out additional items that are on top of it. I’m also a big fan of the zippered mesh compartments on the flap of the pack. The mesh compartments help you to smaller like-items together like your fire-starting gear, cables, etc. Although I do think it’s a little redundant for these small mesh compartments to have both top and bottom openings, it doesn’t make them make any less convenient. The Rush 24 also features side compartments on both sides of the bag.

The verdict

The good
-Comfortable for long distances
-Plenty of MOLLE for additional gear
-Multiple compartments for better organization

The bad
-Hip belt is not included

The Rush 24 has a lot of perks and no real downside, but that also depends on how you choose to look at it. While it’s great to have so many pockets for organization-sake, it may be hard to keep track of where you placed something. This pack is one of the most comfortable ones I own which is why I have used it as much as I have both in the military and for personal use. The Rush 24 currently has an MSRP of $129.99 which I think it’s a fair price for the quality of this backpack. If you’re looking for other bags to compare and consider, check out our previous review of EDC bags, here.

We enjoy hearing from our readers. If you have any experience with 5.11 Tactical gear, let us know what you think in the comments below!