If you just need to carry a conservative handful of school books, any standard backpack or bag should do just fine. If you’re looking to lug a whole array of essentials ranging from specialty equipment, books, tools, supplies, and whatever miscellaneous things that you need, you need a dedicated tactical backpack with roomy compartments and rugged construction.

We chose our favorite tactical backpacks based on their function, how much they are able to carry, how durable the design is when run through the wringer, and, of course, how stylish we found them. After all, what good is superior functionality if the backpack doesn’t look fantastic too?

Your Go-To for the Long Haul

The design here just oozes durability, functionality, and ruggedness, from the double-stitching to the compartments on compactors to the embroidered emblem of the United States flag to flaunt your patriotism.

It’s generously sized and includes a number of straps that, beyond simply wearing the pack, allow you to secure it, so it is snug against your body and not bouncing as you walk. It’s an overall excellent tactical backpack.

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Channel Your Inner Samurai

The samurai design lets you know this thing is tough. Beyond the spacious compartments and rugged construction, you also have the MOLLE system which allows for attaching objects, pouches, or gear.

Available in black or tan, the backpack looks great on top of being a superior functional item.

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An Assault Pack That’s Stacked

A great tactical backpack is basically the Swiss Army knife of carry-ons. This one has double zippers for each enclosure, superior materials adding to its overall ruggedness, and it’s available in 4 different colors.

It’s the epitome of style and function combined and stacks numerous thoughtful features like the MOLLE webbing, D-rings, and buckles to boot.

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Customize Your Pack

While your standard pack is a boxy rectangle, this bag has an elegant design with side pouches, buckles, belts, straps, and all the fixings to make for a competitively arranged pack in eight different color choices.

t’s a durable polyester construction and has compartments and pouches for days. Everything and anything you need will fit. Scout’s honor!

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Holy MOLLE!

Available in seven different color choices, this bag is built to last and features a number of smart features from multiple compartments, MOLLE webbing, and flexible outer pouches for water bottles and similar items.

The exterior is water resistant as well, so you can cart it along whether it’s rain or shine!

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Regular backpacks sometimes prioritize functionality and capacity, but not to the degree that a tactical backpack will. In addition, the design and aesthetics of regular backpacks frequently takes precedence, so we are left with pretty packs that don’t hold up for outdoor excursions or abuse at the hands of the elements. 

Tactical backpacks are built to last and incorporate design features that maximize their usefulness, including rugged materials, D-rings, buckles, belts, straps, and MOLLE webbing systems for hanging loose items.

Absolutely not. Anyone can wear a tactical backpack. In fact, tactical backpacks are great for outdoor activities like camping, hiking, hunting, and fishing. You can contain all the essentials for long day trips, weekend excursions, and anything you can’t fit inside can be dangled, draped, or otherwise fastened to the exterior add-ons like the buckles, belts, and MOLLE webbing system.

If you’re in the market for a great tactical backpack or just a great pack that fits a lot of stuff and holds up to a lot of use and abuse, then look no further. These tactical backpacks will give you great use for the long haul. Keep the following factors in mind when making your pick for the best tactical backpack: