5.11 Tactical Military Backpack - RUSH12 - Molle Bag Rucksack Pack, 24 Liter Small, Style 56892

I had originally been trying to get my hands on a TAD Gear Fastpack Litespeed (same capacity as Rush 12), to replace my bigger TAD EDC pack, which is a great pack but just too big for everyday needs or my typical day hike. TAD packs sell out way too fast though, and after missing the last three restocks in a row (their stuff literally sells out within an hour of going live on their website these days) I decided it just wasn't worth it to keep waiting.A coworker had purchased a rush 12 a few months ago and I was impressed enough that it stayed on my mind while waiting for another TAD restock. After missing that one, I decided to "settle" for a rush 12. Received the pack today, and I have to say, I don't think I would want the Litespeed now even if it were available.This pack has better organization features, feels just as tough, and is more configuable with addon pouches, which I've already placed an order for. It's also very comfortable even after loading it up with all my EDC gear. I like that there's no waistbelt (though I can add one if I want), and I can remove the chest support strap from the shoulder straps - good for during the work week when I only need to sling the pack over my shoulder going to and from the car, etc. and don't want extra dangling straps.Thats another thing I like about the Rush 12 - no unnecessary extra belts or straps hanging everywhere. Theres only two compression straps (all you need on a pack this size), and the extra bits on the shoulder straps, all of which were quickly cleaned up with the elastic strap keepers, leaving a very clean looking pack.Tons of webbing on this thing, leaving me plenty of options for pouches. I'm going with a mix of 5.11 and maxpedition pouches to round it out for easy adaptation between EDC and hiking.One last little bonus I love about this pack is that my iPad with leather book cover fits perfectly in the zippered hydration pocket.The only small complaint I have is that I'd like to see a couple of small loops inside the main pocket at the top for attaching key chains or other tools like ziplights etc. - something I liked about my TAD pack. But I can just rig something with paracord on the webbing at the top and feed it through one of the hydration tube holes as a work around. Not a big deal.I'm pretty big on quality gear and prefer to spend more up front to get the best rather than spending more over time and having to replace inferior products. I was a bit concerned about the low price of this pack but it really does look like a good quality item, and for half the cost of a TAD pack, I feel like I got a deal. Time will tell I guess. Will update this review if I have any problems with it.

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The 5.11 Rush12 has the design and capacity for far more than a half day excursion. In fact its compact size swallowed up the contents of my 72 hour bug out bag with no problems! The MOLLE/PALS loops on the sides along the main compartment zipper are not usable aside from tie-down or carabiner duty. Along the opposite seam they grow smaller towards the top, following the contour of the pack. I did however manage to use the second from the top loop (just below the compression strap) with a maximum width condor MOLLE tab with a little persuasion. The nicely padded shoulder straps also feature MOLLE/PALS loops, but the curved design did not allow the attachment of my Gerber LMF sheath. The sunglass pouch will fit larger framed glasses snugly. The hydration pocket does fit a 3L bladder, however snugly. I choose to use the larger bladders and simply not fill them to full capacity to give them some "squish" room. I have not popped a bladder in several years now. The hydration pocket appears more than adequate to accomodate this practice and even has a drainage hole with a large grommet should I ever pop another bladder. The loops on the bottom of the pack are spaced just how I like them to attach a poncho or the small size issue sleeping bag compression pouch. The front compartment of the pack has so many dividers and attachment points for anything imaginable, it's an admin guy's dream. The 4 larger pockets in the flap and just inside this compartment are sized just right for a steel or polymer M4 mags.To experiment, I attached a 1L bottle holder by Condor, a Gerber LMF II sheath, a small rip away EMT pouch by ATS, my strobe pouch by Emdom, a double pistol mag pouch by Condor, an Eagle M4 triple mag pouch and a 4 round 40mm ammo pouch by Tactical Tailor. I will never actually carry this bag with all of these pouches attached, but as you can see there is plenty of real estate. If I decided to fight out of this bag exclusively, I could do it! This is the little backpack that could! Before purchasing I went to the surplus store off base which happens to have the 5.11 line in stock. I inspected each bag and only needing a small versatile pack this proved perfect. I am so glad I made this purchase, I am constantly impressed with the thoughtful design and quality manufacturing of 5.11 products. I exclusively buy their polo shirts and own a few pairs of their pants to wear casually as well! As I write this I am also wearing one of their microfiber loose crew t-shirts which are cheaper and better made than Under Armor's products. If you need a "day pack" for any reason, strongly consider this pack. It's versatility, rugged construction and materials, thoughtful design and compactness set it apart from would be competitors.