Whether you’re going tactical, tacticool, or just plain going out for a day hike, the 5.11 Tactical RUSH24 backpack has a little something for everybody. 

SOFREP was recently contacted by the fine folks at 5.11 who sent us one of their new highspeed backpacks, the RUSH24, to review. And we have taken our time to put it through its paces. 

Just like everything else made by 5.11, RUSH24’s construction is heavy-duty: 1000D abrasion and water-resistant nylon, YKK zippers, Duraflex buckles. It provides easy and great organization.

RUSH24’s Dimensions

Main Compartment – 20″ H x 12.5″ L x 8″
Front pocket – 12.5” x 11” x 2”
Hydration pocket -17” x 12.5”
Total Capacity – 2275 cubic inches / 37 liters (more to this below)
Weight – 3.84 lbs
Fits up to a 15″ laptop

I opted for the mid-size 37L as I thought the 12 was a tad too small and the 72 a bit too big. When you get to be FOG (F***ing Old Guy), you forget about packing the Alice Pack to the point that it looks like it is going to burst with over 100-pounds of lightweight crap that was “mission essential.” 

If I am carrying a larger backpack these days, I’m going to fill it with stuff I don’t really need. However, if you’re still a “real action guy” (RAG), the larger one would do quite well as an assault pack. It also works really well for the weekend backpacker to carry a good amount of gear. 

Heavy-duty padded laptop sleeve accommodates up to a 15-inch laptop. (Photo courtesy of author)

5.11 Tactical RUSH24’s Features

Nevertheless, the 37 liter is perfect and has plenty of room for day hikes. It also offers some nice features like a hydration port that bends your straw where it is supposed to go. If you need to pack a change of clothes or wet-weather jackets for you and the family, (since Dad gets to carry all of the gear). 

The 5.11 Tactical RUSH24 is a great bug-out or weekend bag. I’m currently packing it with three days worth of clothes, neatly rolled. And it handles that with ease. Some of the neat features of the new RUSH backpack line include: 

  •  5.11’s signature Center Line™ design
  • Front lower pocket with internal slip and zippered pockets, admin org
  • Dual top zippered pockets with 6×1 name tape and internal pockets
  • External front and side web MOLLE with 3×3 loop
  • Fleece-lined eyewear/media pocket
  • Built from high strength, water-repellant 1000D nylon
  • Dual external side zippered pockets
  • Padded laptop sleeve and dual mesh pockets in the main compartment
  • Hidden CCW compartment with loop panel
  • Rear hydration compartment
  • Contoured yoke shoulder strap system with web MOLLE
  • Bottom panel web gear loops

5.11 Tactical RUSH24’s Compartments and Straps

The laptop compartment is padded and elevated one inch above the bottom of the backpack. So it can be set down without worrying about damaging your computer.

There is a nice concealed carry compartment. For those who carry a CCW, there is also a hook and loop closure on the interior face of the pack for easy access if you want to keep your weapon close by but out of sight. With just a slight tug at the hook and loops, your weapon is easily accessible. 

Another nice feature was that 5.11 redesigned the large eyewear/tech compartment. Located on the top of the pack near the grab handle, the tech compartment has been redesigned and fleece-lined to accommodate more eyewear or techie gadgets. I use it for Oakleys and my voice recorder so I can grab it quickly if need be. 

The RUSH24 admin pocket has plenty of storage pockets. (Photo courtesy of 5.11)

The shoulder straps are thicker, densely padded, and much more comfortable than anything that Uncle Sam ever issued you. The backpack is designed so that the straps attach to the bag in such a way that they pull it close to your back. This is quite handy when going rucking in the morning with some plates and a hydration system. 

The admin panel has a plethora of compartments for charging cables, iPods, notebooks, pens, etc. that you might need when traveling. And they can easily fit all in there. 

In Conclusion

SOFREP has been able to use the backpack to use for several weeks and in a variety of scenarios. From rucking, day hikes, and weekend getaway go-bags, it is more than sturdy enough to handle all that for years to come.

For the tactical guys, 5.11’s workmanship, durability, and overall quality have always spoken for themselves. 

If there is one negative thing, (and I’m being nitpicky here) is that I still don’t get (and probably never will) the entire liter thing when it comes to storage space. But if you’re looking for an outstanding backpack that is versatile enough to handle anything you can throw at it, check out the 5.11 RUSH24 Series. It is highly recommended.

If you are interested in purchasing the backpack you can do so here.