Best Tactical Backpacks for Serious Paintball Enthusiasts with TOP 8 Reviews

Material – Out in the field, you need material and craftsmanship that is up to the task. Choose the strongest materials you can afford. 1000 Denier is common in Tactical backpacks for a reason, it wears well and is tough.

While we are on the topic of material, since this pack is for paintball you might consider a camouflage pattern pack so your pack does not give up your position.

It’s also worth noting that a pack with a light or bright colored liner will help you find things FAST, like when you are under enemy fire and need to reload STAT!

Size
Measure the size of your marker, broken down and make sure that it fits the dimensions of the pack. Large packs with lots of added pouches look cool and carry ample gear, but they also weigh you down and make you less agile. If you use the pack mostly for day long games, consider a smaller, and easier to carry pack to stay light on your feet and fully mobile.

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Quality
Details like stitching that does not come undone, zippers that are self healing, grommets placed in areas meant to carry a load and other details like this all play into the overall quality of a bag. Check out the bags’ details to make sure it is high quality. The last thing you want to do is get caught messing with a cheap zipper that won’t open, or an awkwardly placed storage compartment that is hard to get to, while you are in the midst of a battle.
Terms-defined
Tactical gear, and backpacks specifically have some uncommon terminology that we will clarify here. Since many of the best tactical backpack manufacturers use similar terminology, read thorough the list first, so the pack descriptions are easier to understand.

paintball players

  • MulticamMulticam is a 7 color Multi-environment camouflage used by the US Army and developed by Crye precision and the US Army. The pattern was used in Afghanistan and was known as Operation Enduring Freedom Camouflage Pattern (OEFCP). The pattern has been used in civilian products and the British military uses a ‘Multi-Terrain Version (MTP)” of the pattern.
  • MOLLE – Pronounced like the Female name ‘Molly’ is an Acronym for Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment. You can attach modules to MOLLE equipment using PALS webbing. PALS webbing is a term sometimes used interchangeably with MOLLE.
  • PALS Webbing – An Acronym for Pouch Attachment Ladder System, is a term used interchangeably with MOLLE. PALS are straps attached to the outside of a pack where you can attach modules such as Modular pouches, hydration bladders, tactical assault panels and rucksacks.
  • Ballistic Nylon is a 1050 Denier nylon in a ballistic (2 by 2) weave, and is a strong, thick nylon designed by DuPont. 105 Denier nylon is the strongest and most durable fabric for its weight.
  • Cordura – Cordura is a brand name for a military grade fabric designed by DuPont and owned by Invista, this fabric is commonly made of nylon, but can be made of other materials. Cordura comes in several weights and colors, is tear and abrasion resistant and is commonly used in luggage and backpacks.
  • Rip-Stop Nylon- lightweight nylon fabric that has a woven raised cord that makes the distinct rip-stop cross hatch pattern. The woven cords prevent tearing and stop tears from spreading further, hence the name rip stop. If you look at rip-stop fabric up close you can see the cords that make a grid or square pattern on the surface.
  • Deiner– The number in front of Denier Nylon, e.g. 500D or 500 Denier nylon refers to the weigh of the nylon, NOT the strength.
  • Berry Compliant – Berry Amendment Compliance, aka But American Act requires the Department of Defense to purchase USA made products during times of war. A product marked berry compliant means the product and material has been produced in the USA (resource)
  • YKK #10 Self Healing Zipper – YKK is a US manufacturer of high quality, durable zippers. The self healing zipper is used by several bag manufactures. Self healing means if the zipper fails or opens, simply zip to the other side and move the zipper back again and it will re-zip.
  • EDC – Every Day Carry

TOP 8 Best Tactical Backpack Reviews 2018

Tactical Tailor Operator Removable Pack

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Review

The Tactical Tailor tactical backpack can be used as a standalone pack or has webbing on the outside to attach modular pouches and other gear. The pack is made in America, in the salty city of Tacoma, WA  with sturdy padded shoulder and sternum straps.

This pack has a simple three pouch design. The inside is lined with a bright color, making objects easily visible. This pack can be attached to another pack and there are pockets to store the straps. The main compartment is 16.1” high by 9” x 5.12”. The Front compartment is 11.8” high and 8.27” by 2.95” width times height.

List of Pros

  • 1000 Denier Nylon.
  • Bungee pockets to hold water.
  • Pack sits low on the back.
  • Easy open heavy duty zippers.

List of Cons

  • Could use an extra organization mesh or two on the inside compartment.

Conclusion

This is a simple, well built, useful pack that will stand up to the abuse of a day in the paintball field. The tactical Tailor pack is one of the best military style backpacks around.

BDS TACTICAL Survival Three Day Back Pack

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Review

The BDS Tactical Pack has a generous main compartment that is 20” high, 16” wide and 7” deep. There is a slot for a hydration pack inside, plus another zippered mesh compartment to store and organize items.

The zippered pouch on the front is 18” high, 12” wide and 3” deep. There is PALS webbing on the front to add on to the pack. The pack has one additional zippered pouch on the front. Padded shoulder and sternum strap with PALS system on the removable waist strap.

Veteran owned and operated company. Made with 1000 Denier nylon in Oceanside, California.

List of Pros

  • Made in the US.
  • PALS system on front and sides.
  • Mesh pouch inside.
  • Uses #2 grommets and # 10 zippers.
  • Heavy duty drag handle.

List of Cons

  • Limited selection available.

Conclusion

A well made bag that won’t crap out on you in the heat of the battle. One of the best military style backpacks there is.

Spec Ops T.H.E. Ultimate Assault Pack

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Review

This Spec Ops T.H.E Ultimate Assault Pack is a high quality durable pack lined with yellow fabric to easily see what is inside. The water bladder holder was moved to the center of the main compartment to improve balance and make the back pack more comfortable to wear.

The Pack features Spec Ops Battle Buckles hardware and is made from 1000 Denier Cordura Nylon and YKK self-healing zippers. The pack also has a padded zippered body panel to protect valuables, and you can attach add-ons, like an admin pouch to the outside. 19” high, 13” wide, 12” deep on bottom.

List of Pros

  • Large bag, fits a lot of gear.
  • Quality components such as YKK self healing zippers and Battle buckles sturdy hardware.
  • Extremely customizable.
  • Removable waist strap.
  • Made in the USA.

List of Cons

  • Needs some built in organization pouches.

Conclusion

This is one of the larger tactical backpacks we reviewed, and one used by many military personnel, easily one of the best military style backpacks around.

London Bridge Trading Standard 3 Day Assault Pack

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Review

This London Bridge Trading tactical backpack is made in the USA and is about 20” high, 14” wide and 8” thick. Large main compartment with hydration pouch.

MOLLE compatible pack for add on modules. Has a bottom grommet for attaching additional gear. Grommet hole for drainage. This bag has a chest and waist clip and adjusts easily. Very high quality, well made, sturdy bag.

List of Pros

  • Berry Compliant.
  • Removable waist strap.
  • Padded shoulder straps.
  • Plenty of room for ammo and hoppers.

List of Cons

  • Not many separate compartments.

Conclusion

Well made and understated tactical backpack with handy MOLLE compatible webbing.

Spec Ops T.H.E. Every Day Carry Pack

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Review

The Spec Ops Every Day Carry pack is made from 1000 Denier Cordura Nylon, with High quality US made YKK Zippers self healing zippers. Made with their own patented ‘Battle buckles’ hardware, the toughest hardware out there.

Backpack size is 18.5” tall, 9.3/4” thick and 9 ¼ inch wide. MOLLE compatible webbing all around. Two ports at the top accommodate both a hydration system and a radio. Light colored lining for easy visibility.

List of Pros

  • YKK Self Healing zippers.
  • D Ring MPX shoulder harnesses.
  • Can be used with drop in organizer, as a modular piece.

List of Cons

  • On the small side, this model is a smaller version of the predecessor model.

Conclusion

Compact, quality tactical backpack, one of the best tactical backpacks we reviewed.

Fire Force Expedition II Pack Tactical Backpack

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Review

The Fire Force Expedition II is made In the USA with 1000 denier nylon and YKK self healing zippers. It features an internal pocket and key hook in a roomy main compartment.  The pack dimensions are 2” high, 14” wide and 8” deep. Hydro bladder compatible.

Two side pockets for water bottle and personal effects storage. Zippered front pouch.

List of Pros

  • Completely Berry Compliant.
  • Padded shoulder and sternum straps.
  • Removable padded waist belt.
  • Durable drag handle, built to last.
  • Side compression straps, to modify capacity and make pack more compact.

List of Cons

  • No MOLLE system.

Conclusion

This is a versatile pack in a medium size, sufficient for standard paintball gear.

Wilson & Miller Heavy Duty Army Backpack

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Review

The Wilson & Miller pack is a quality made pack with one large compartment and 4 smaller outer compartments for easy access to your equipment. The shoulder pads and back are padded for comfort. Made from heavy duty canvas.

List of Pros

  • 4 outer compartments.
  • MOLLE compatible webbing.
  • 6 compression straps.

List of Cons

  • Waist strap not removable.

Conclusion

This is a high quality compact bag for a modest setup, plus the desert camo will keep you well hidden.

Hill People Gear Tarahumara Backpack

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Review

This Hill People Gear Tarahumara Backpack is made from 500 denier nylon with two side wand pockets for water bottles and other gear. The pack dimensions are 17” high, 14” wide and 4” deep.

It is a smaller pack, large enough to carry a days necessities securely and without fuss. Compression straps can be used on the outside of the pack to carry larger items. Features parachute cording on the bottom to carry a mat or bar, or even store an extra jacket.

List of Pros

  • Compact bag.
  • Hang tab for hydro pouch and opening for water tube.
  • Made in America.

List of Cons

  • Some may find the bag too small, but others may find it helps keep them light and agile.

Conclusion

Keeping it simple is easy with the Hill People Gear Tarahumara Backpack. Stay light and carry only what you need.

This wraps up our best tactical backpack reviews, we hope you find the best tactical bag for you.

Last update on 2024-03-29 at 03:00 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API