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5.11 Tactical Rush 24 Backpack Review

Brown tactical backpack on the ground

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Quick overview

Pros:

  • Storage for seven-day trips
  • Extremely durable materials
  • Useful MOLLE system
  • Smooth zippers

Cons:

  • Easy to overpack
  • Lumpy seams on straps

Military personnel, LEOs, adventurers, and even everyday commuters need a trusty backpack they can bring anywhere.

Among the best options would be tactical bags.

There are several impressive features we’ll explore in this 5.11 Tactical Rush 24 Backpack review.

From its integrated MOLLE storage system to its sleek yet rugged looks, there’s plenty to appreciate in this bag.

Black tactical backpack

5.11 Tactical Rush 24 Backpack Review

This backpack helps take a traditional bag to the next level.

For one, it offers comprehensive and well-thought-out storage solutions for specialty items and everyday gear.

Whether you’re heading out on a trail for a weekend hike or getting ready for PT, it’s an essential tool to have.

Instead of relying on traditional backpacks with limited storage, you’ll find that this design accommodates your every need.

The exterior MOLLE system is iconic, allowing you to add a multitude of attachments with ease.

The main compartment holds 37 liters’ worth of items for an ample amount of storage for your gear.

There’s a Velcro patch on the front of the bag where you can attach your tabs as an added benefit.

It boasts self-repairing zippers, a water-repellent outer shell, and a fleece-lined valuables pocket.

Black tactical backpack

Who Is This Backpack Meant For?

If you’ve begun to notice your old backpack shows signs of wear and tear, you’ll know it’s time for an upgrade.

The 5.11 Tactical Rush 24 is a substantial improvement from your existing gear.

As you can tell, it helps bring an added number of storage solutions for your essentials.

It also maintains a sleek and easy-to-carry style, regardless of how much you keep in the main compartment.

People who enjoy traveling will find several convenient features, including the hook-and-loop closure for a nameplate.

Alternatively, it’s ideal for outdoor adventures, especially as it has a water-repellent coating.

Individuals who have always found backpacks uncomfortable to carry will love this model.

You’ll have dual compression straps, which help add extra padding to the shoulders.

There’s also a contoured yoke shoulder strap system that is very easy to adjust for a custom fit.

There are several purposes for this backpack, ranging from a bug-out bag to an army rucksack.

Its highly versatile design can be ideal for everyday use. You can use the backpack to bring all of your work essentials to and from the office.

You’ll have several zippered pockets, a water bottle holder, and everything else required for commuting.

With the addition of the grab-and-go handle, you can easily carry the bag on public transportation.

Also, it’s a fantastic option for winter commuting, as all of the fixtures are glove-friendly and easy to use.

What’s Included?

Everything you need is included in the backpack’s design.

There are a couple of additional accessories we recommend to help boost its versatility.

D-Ring carabiners are a good investment, especially if you intend to use the MOLLE system.

Also, if you want to keep specific items separate in the main compartment, consider purchasing pouches.

Individual pouches, such as a medical pouch, can keep your first-aid kit comfortable to grab when needed.

Brown tactical backpack diagram

Overview of the Features

The 5.11 Tactical Rush 24 is likely one of the most intuitively designed military bags we’ve tested, especially for tactical situations.

You’ll be able to use it as a patrol bag, an everyday commuter bag, or for camping.

Several key features help to set this design apart from others:

  • Wraparound MOLLE System

One of the main features that make this backpack different from the rest is its MOLLE system.

Instead of featuring the extra storage on one side, it’s around the entirety of the backpack.

With this, you can quickly attach your carabiners for easy access to your tactical gear.

The MOLLE system is also essential for organizing your gear effectively on the exterior.

You can easily position your items in key places so that they’re always ready to use without having to open your bag.

  • Hydration Pocket

With the help of the hydration pocket, you can store a water bladder or a water bottle that’s quick to grab.

Whether you’re hiking or in a tactical situation, you can ensure you can quickly hydrate.

It’s a convenient feature to have for commuting, especially as you can keep your hands free.

  • Storage

The amount of storage built into this backpack is one of its most impressive features.

You’ll have the main compartment, which has up to 37L worth of storage and 29 total pockets.

On the exterior, you’ll find a front compartment that also features an internal admin panel.

At the top of the backpack, there’s another zippered pocket with internal organization for smaller items.

Another added luxury is a fleece-lined valuables pocket ideal for storing your phone or sunglasses.

Along with the hydration pocket, there’s an additional zippered water bottle pocket on the side.

  • Innovative Strap System

The type of straps your backpack has will determine how comfortable it is to carry.

Fortunately, the 5.11 Tactical Rush 24 has an intuitively designed strap system.

With contoured yokes, the backpack rests comfortably over the shoulders and can quickly adjust.

You’ll also appreciate the highly adjustable sternum strap, which can be customized to your height.

As for the straps themselves, they feature compression padding that eliminates shoulder soreness.

Regardless of how heavy your bag is, you’ll find that it takes most of the pressure off your body’s sensitive points.

  • Self-Draining System

You never know what type of weather you’ll encounter while you’re outdoors.

It’s easier to keep your belongings safe with the integrated drain holes at the bottom of the bag.

There are also lashing points, which are essential for ensuring that rain doesn’t enter the backpack.

  • Water-Repellent Coating

The added water-repellent coating on the bag’s exterior is another luxury you’ll love.

You’ll be able to travel through torrential weather without worrying about significant water damage.

After several months, you’ll likely have to redo the coating to maintain its water-resistance.

  • Durable Materials

The overall quality of the backpack is rugged, which is ideal for adventurers and military personnel.

It’s constructed from 1050D nylon, helping prevent excessive wear and tear.

Open brown tactical backpack

How to Get the Most Out of It

The user-friendly design of the 5.11 Tactical Rush 24 is what makes it incredibly easy to use.

Still, it’s important to note that it’s a larger-sized backpack, which means it’s easy to overpack and make too heavy.

Your best bet is to make a list of your essentials before packing to ensure you’re carrying a fair number of items.

Be sure to take advantage of the smaller compartments for better organization of your everyday things.

For example, the bottom and top exterior pockets feature integrated admin storage.

Also, it would help if you considered using smaller pouches on the inside of the bag to keep your belongings organized.

As mentioned, over time, the water-repellent coating will wear down, especially if you wash the backpack.

It’s best to have an extra can of water-repellent spray to maintain the material’s water resistance.

Alternative

Black tactical backpack

A great alternative to this backpack is the Hannibal Tactical MOLLE Assault Pack.

It’s far less expensive and has plenty of storage for your tactical and everyday needs.

Several of our favorite features of this alternative include:

Storage

The storage in the Hannibal Assault Pack is impressive as it features:

  • Two main compartments
  • Two small front-facing compartments
  • Hidden rear compartment
  • Hydration bladder pocket

Another benefit of its storage is the internal laptop strap that helps you secure your electronics.

Strap Padding

The integrated strap padding is exceptional for reducing stress on your shoulders and back.

Each of the shoulder straps has thick padding with mesh covering to help keep the straps breathable.

You’ll also find a fully adjustable waist belt that helps to encourage ergonomic carrying.

Back Padding

Another feature that speaks to the comfort of this bag is its removable back panel.

With this, users will have an extra layer of padded protection against their back.

This feature is ideal if you are carrying sharp objects so that they don’t poke through the bag.

Included D-Rings

Instead of having to purchase accessories separately, this backpack arrives ready to use.

You’ll have two added D-rings you can immediately affix to the integrated MOLLE system.

Laptop Compartment

The Hannibal Assault Pack also has a laptop pocket combined with the laptop strap in the main compartment.

Thanks to this, you can keep your valuable electronics separate from the other items stored inside your bag.

Waterproof Zippers

All of the zippers in this backpack are uniquely designed to be waterproof, as is the bag’s exterior.

It’s the optimal choice for venturing outdoors into unexpected weather conditions.

Y-Compression Strap

Compression straps are essential for people who tend to overpack their backpacks.

Instead of carrying a big and bulky bag, you can use the compression strap to lessen its size.

This feature is ideal for overseas travel and makes you more agile while traveling

Is the 5.11 Tactical Rush 24 Backpack Worth It?

There are plenty of impressive benefits you’ll find in this 5.11 Tactical Rush 24 Backpack review.

It’s designed with the everyday commuter in mind but also has essentials for tactical situations.

All in all, you’ll find that it is perfectly sized to carry all of your most essential items for any excursion.