Used since antiquity, the military backpack, also known as a combat musette, is distinguished from a civilian backpack by its so-called "tactical" features (MOLLE compatibility, hydration reservoir compartment, etc.). Today, each soldier is issued at least one combat musette specifically designed to meet the various missions they will encounter. Although this type of backpack was designed for professional use, it is not uncommon for its user to want to change it, either to meet specific mission requirements or because the desired model seems better suited to their morphology.
Just like many elements that are an integral part of a combatant's individual equipment, a backpack that does not meet mission requirements will literally be a burden for its wearer and can prove catastrophic in operation. Unfortunately, choosing the right backpack can be complex given the overabundance of models available today in the military luggage field. Therefore, we have gathered in this practical guide the most common tactical options and some tips to help you find the best backpack for your missions.
To choose your tactical backpack well, you must, in order, take into account these three things:
- Its volume (measured in liters)
- Its material
- Its technical features
The different sizes of backpacks
Size is the first thing to consider when deciding to acquire a new combat bag, as it allows you to determine a theoretical duration of use of the bag on a mission. Measured most often in liters, the volume of a bag can vary between 5 and 120 liters maximum (there are, of course, exceptions with backpacks over 120 liters, but beyond a certain volume, we consider that the bag will bring more disadvantages to its wearer than advantages).
Today, there are three main categories of backpacks: 12h bags or EDC bags, 24h bags or 1 Day bags, and 72h bags or 3 Days bags.
EDC Backpack
EDC (Every Day Carry) backpacks are small tactical backpacks designed to contain only the essential items you need in an average 12-hour day. These combat bags generally have a volume between 5 and 35 liters.
1 Day Backpack
1 Day (1 day) backpacks are medium-sized backpacks ranging from 35 to 65 liters. This type of combat bag allows you to carry all the necessary equipment for a 24-hour mission.
3 Days Backpack
Also called mountaineering bags, 3 Days (3 days) backpacks are large tactical backpacks with a capacity of over 65 liters, allowing you to carry all the necessary equipment for a 72-hour mission.
The most common materials
Almost all tactical backpacks are made of rip-stop polyamide fabric, also known as rip-stop nylon. Very resistant, this fabric is almost tear-proof even when wet, and is water-repellent, so it evacuates moisture very well. What differs from one model to another is the thickness of the fabric used. It is measured in deniers, the higher the number of deniers, the thicker and therefore stronger the fabric will be, but it will also be heavier. Like SMB vests, in general, a military backpack made of 500 denier nylon (500D) will be suitable for most field missions, but if you want a more resistant bag, you will need to opt for 1000D nylon or more.
A note on the water-repellent property of nylon:
A nylon fabric backpack has water-repellent properties, but that does not mean it is waterproof. The polyamide fiber is water-repellent because it protects against moisture and water, but it is not waterproof; it is at most water-resistant. In light rain, your contents will stay dry, but if the rain persists or intensifies, your equipment will get wet. And we are only talking about the fabric that makes up your bag! If the zippers of the bag are not waterproof, then all its contents will get wet regardless of the fabric's waterproofness.
It is quite rare for a tactical backpack to be 100% waterproof, which is why it is important to have a waterproof cover that will protect your equipment from the weather and dust.
You will also find some backpacks made of polyester fibers. Mainly used in clothing, polyester does not offer the same level of resistance as nylon. However, it is remarkably light, which means that a tactical polyester backpack is more comfortable and easier to carry.
The technical features
There are dozens, even hundreds of technical features that vary from one backpack to another, and each year manufacturers compete in ingenuity by creating new technical specifications in the field of tactical luggage. To help you in your choice, we have grouped the most well-known features in the world into three sub-categories: load distribution, type of opening and access to content, and storage system.
Load distribution
While a civilian backpack is mainly designed for simple load transport, a tactical backpack is studied both for its carrying capacity and its weight distribution on its wearer, as poor load distribution will surely lead to high fatigue, potentially causing serious injuries.
Therefore, it is absolutely essential to understand how to properly carry your equipment. Here are some load distribution features on tactical backpacks and how to use them effectively.
Frames
Frames allow the load of a backpack to be distributed by transferring the weight from the shoulders to the hips, thus distributing the load evenly across the entire back to make its transport as comfortable and practical as possible.
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Internal frame: |
External frame: |
Straps and belts
Basic elements regardless of the backpack, there are nevertheless different types of straps that can affect the ergonomics of your combat bag.
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Curved straps: |
One-piece straps: |
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Waist belt: |
Chest strap: |
Types of openings
The way to access the contents of a tactical backpack is just as important as its robustness or weight distribution, as it can be a hindrance or not when you are in operation. Here are the most common types of openings.
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Flared opening: |
Clamshell access: |
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Top vertical access: |
Bottom vertical access: |
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Y-access: |
Side access: |
The storage system
Another aspect not to be overlooked on a tactical backpack: its storage system. Regardless of the model or brand, you will have many compartments and pockets offering an optimal storage system. Here are the most well-known features:
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Main compartment: |
Secondary compartment: |
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