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Condor 3 Day Assault Pack vs 5.11 Rush 72 Backpack: Which one to Choose?

Tactical backpack

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Whether you’re an outdoorsman, a survivalist, or just a regular camper, having a good backpack is crucial to a good outdoor experience. That being said, picking the right bag for your outdoor activities can be difficult, since there are thousands of brands and models out there.

Most backpacks seem to be designed to look like a good camping bag, but they underperform severely. In this article, we are going to compare the Condor 3 Day Assault Pack and the 5.11 Rush 72 backpack. Read on for more about these two. We’ll look into several essential features of a multipurpose pack to see which between the Condor 3 Day Assault Pack vs 5.11 Rush 72 Backpack is better suited for your needs.

Condor 3 Day Assault Pack

Black tactical backpack

Condor is a trusted brand in the world of camping and survival gear. Most people enjoy their products because they are always designed to be as functional as possible, thanks to their years of experience in designing equipment that is of a high quality.

The thought process and detail that was put into the creation of the Condor 3 Day Assault pack is outstanding.

Structure

Available in three different colorways, black, coyote brown, and olive drab, this classically designed day pack has a dimension of 22 (H) x 17 (W) x 11 (D) inches. It’s one of the most famous 3-Day Tactical Packs for outdoor enthusiasts, operators, and everyday backpack users. It’s also perfect for individuals who need a bug-out or survival backpack.

Storage

The design of an outdoor backpack is essential. The challenge comes when you want a pack that is comfortable while still being able to hold everything you want to take with you on a camping trip.

It is in this area that the Condor 3 achieves greatly. It has a maximum of 7 compartments, and it can store just about anything you put in it.

Plus, it has a 3038 cubic inches or 50-Liter capacity.

Here are the specifications of the bag’s storage compartments:

  • One Main Compartment: 22 (H) x 12 (W) x 8 (D) inches; includes gear-retention straps and two, mesh zipper pockets
  • One Secondary Compartment: 16 (H) x 12 (W) x 11 (D); includes two radio pockets, three document pockets, and pen holsters
  • Two Bottom Pockets: 6 (H) x 9 (W) x 2.5 (D); includes one zippered mesh pocket and three elastic closures
  • Two Side Pockets: 9 (H) x 5 (W) x 2.5 (D)
  • Hydration Bladder Pocket: Compatible with 22 inches or 3L bladders

You can use the D-ring on the shoulder strap to attach any items that you need quick access to for additional storage. You also have the freedom to add modular attachments to the day pack.

Usability

Although the waist belt plays a significant role in ensuring your comfort and maintaining balance, some of you might not find it comfortable. Thus, the manufacturer made sure it’s removable.

Apart from using the Condor as a backpack, you can also choose to carry it with your hands through the heavy duty carry or drag handle included.

Support

Having a great design and lots of space means nothing when you are wearing a bag that is uncomfortable. When you are camping or performing outdoor activities, carrying a bag for hours on end, comfort becomes key.

Thankfully, the straps on the Condor 3 are just under 4 inches wide and have extra padding. The extra-wide pads and additional padding stop the straps from hurting your shoulders.

There is also a sternum strap, which helps distribute weight and stop the shoulder straps from moving.

Durability

Another area that the Condor 3 excels in is its material. The bag is made with 1000-Denier nylon that is resistant to wear and water. It allows the bag to be both durable and sturdy, while still being lightweight.

Additionally, each of the storage compartments in this day pack has grommets for drainage. These drainage grommets are essential as they help remove any water that found its way into the bag. An example is a condensation from your cold bottle of water that will soon collect in the compartment.

Read full review of Condor 3 Day Assault Pack.

5.11 Rush 72 Backpack

Black tactical backpack

Established in 1992, 5.11 Inc. is a company that initially offered training pants to the FBI Training Academy. A few years later, they developed and designed other gear items for individuals in the law enforcement, first responder, and public safety industries. Then, in 2013, they included a women’s line by offering fitness apparel, covert clothing, uniforms, and more.

Thus, today, 5.11 Inc. has a wide range of products meant not just for those working in the industries mentioned above but also for individuals who need reliable items for fitness and outdoor activities.

The 5.11 includes a water-repellent PUx2 coating and is made from 1050D nylon. These things make it the sturdiest backpack in its range, and thanks to the waterproof coating, you won’t have to worry about leaks any time soon.

Structure

The 5.11 is the largest of the three models. It is for three-day use in challenging terrain. When it comes to design, it was made for survivalists, firefighters, campers, law-enforcement officers, and military personnel.

The shoulder straps have an oval design that surrounds the shoulder and neck areas. Its midsection has a curve to it and is connected to the shoulder straps. These straps spread the weight across your shoulders and back.

Storage

The main compartment of the 5.11 Rush 72 has a 47-liter capacity, so you will not run out of space pretty much ever. It also has a number of secondary compartments, which allow you to store even more equipment and gear.

It has a rear hydration-pocket with a tube opening, large pockets for carrying some more items, and mesh pockets as well. The pockets are also well-designed, and they reduce friction if your gear were to move around.

With a maximum 55-Liter capacity or 3342 cubic inches, here are the dimensions of some of the bag’s separate compartments:

  • One Main Compartment: 23 (H) x 13.5 (L) x 8.5 (D) inches
  • One Front Pocket: 15.5 (H) x 11.5 (L) x 2 (D) inches
  • One Hydration Pocket: 21 x 13.5 inches; compatible with 3L hydration bladders
  • Two Side Pockets: 16.5 (H) x 6 (L) x 1.75 (D) inches

The bag also has a small zippered pocket, located on top of the front pocket, with an internal pocket and 6×1 name tape. You’ll also find a secret CCW compartment that has a loop panel.

Additionally, the bag’s bottom panel has web-type gear set loops. There’s also a web MOLLE on the side and front of the backpack, both equipped with 3×3 loops. Likewise, the shoulder strap has a web MOLLE, giving you enough space for gear items that you need easy access to at any time.

Usability

If you want, you are able to detach one of the compartments on the 5.11 and carry it with you like a small backpack. The waist straps are also useful because you can put them away when you don’t need them, and they also help reduce pressure when your bag is at maximum capacity.

The stabilizer rod, which is made from aluminum, is found at the rear and can be detached. It also mitigates sagging and is effective when situating the bag on your back properly. Like we said earlier, the back is waterproof, so you can carry maps, papers, and more, even in rainy weather.

The best thing about this bag is its compatibility with the brand’s patented four-piece strap or Tier System. This feature lets you convert your kit into different types of backpacks, such as travel, work, and tactical backpacks.

Support

Each shoulder strap of the Rush 72 Tactical Backpack has closed-cell foam with dual density. Besides the cell foam shoulder straps, the bag also has sternum straps and a cinching waist strap for added support. What’s even better is that you can adjust all these straps to match your preferences and improve bag stability or balance.

Durability

The 5.11 includes a water-repellent PUx2 coating and is made from 1050D nylon. These things make it the sturdiest backpack in its range, and thanks to the waterproof coating, you won’t have to worry about leaks any time soon.

This Rush bag also has strong, self-healing YKK zippers for added security, so you’re assured your items are safe even when the bag gets exposed to harsh elements. Also, like the Condor bag, it has grommets where water or collected moisture can drain to keep your items dry.

Read full review of 5.11 Rush 72 Backpack.

Which Should You Choose – Condor 3 Day Assault Pack vs 5.11 Rush 72 Backpack?

As you can see, both of these backpacks are strong contenders. They’re both excellent outdoor backpack, survival backpack, and tactical backpack options for males and females alike.

These backpacks are made of quality materials, making them two of the most durable options in the market today. They also have dual-zippered front and main compartments, adjustable shoulder straps, padded shoulder straps, and pockets for hydration bladders.

These bags can also carry a heavy load and multiple things, from small essential items to large items. That’s all thanks to their multi-compartment design and webbing, loop, and more that add extra space.

However, there are some key differences that set the two apart.

If you are looking for a backpack that can hold all of your small personal belongings while still being comfortable, then the Condor 3 Day Assault pack is right for you. Another great thing about this backpack is that it comes with a lifetime warranty.

However, it isn’t waterproof like the 5.11 Rush, so you won’t be able to store any paper in there. Although it has a designated document pocket that you can use with confidence if you use the bag during good weather conditions or you’re sure you won’t encounter any bodies of water along the way.

On the other hand, the 5.11 Rush 72 is waterproof, so you can store things like papers, documents, and maps in it. You can even put a 15-inch laptop in the padded sleeve inside the bag’s main compartment. In terms of total capacity and height, it’s slightly higher and taller than the Condor, so this roomy backpack is perfect for those who need to pack more items than the usual 72-hour essential items.

However, unlike the Condor, this bag comes with a conditional warranty or a warranty that needs to meet a lot of terms and conditions.

Wrapping Up

At the end of the day, you are the only one that can choose a backpack for you to take with you one your outdoor adventures. Based on the information we have laid out above, you can choose which works best for your needs.

We highly recommend that you create a list of the most important features for you, considering where you’ll use the bag and how often you’ll use it for a particular activity. This way, it would be easy to check which between the Condor 3 Day Assault Pack vs 5.11 Rush 72 Backpack meets most of your needs.

We hope that you found this article helpful and informative – good luck with your outdoor exploration!