Traditionally associated with the military, today’s tactical backpacks offer a great range of bags for multiple uses. Some are still loyal to that traditional look, but many are so low key that look as normal urban daypacks.
All the ones listed here are sturdily made to withstand the elements and big enough to carry plenty of gear for two or three day treks.
Majority of them are designed with a MOLLE system to be able to attach additional pouches or gear when needed. Many also are hydration compatible and can fit a water bladder.
Not matter what your outdoors activity is, hiking, trekking, survival, or military deployment, these backpacks won’t disappoint you. They are all smartly designed for their purpose. It’s just a matter of choosing one based your budget, needs, and style taste.
Best MOLLE Backpacks
RUSH72 Tactical Backpack for Military
One of the most gorgeous tactical backpacks in the market, the Rush72 by 5.11 is a modern military backpack built from high strength water-repellant 1000D nylon. Its total capacity of 55L guarantees enough space to carry all your gear comfortably and well organized.
This heavy-duty large military backpack features a front pocket for your everyday essentials like notebook, pen, flashlight, keys etc. The main compartment comes with zippered mesh storage and elastic-topped compartments to keep all your gear organized and ready.
Finally, this awesome backpack comes with a hydration pocket, and left and right side pockets, as well as adjustable dual density closed-cell foam shoulder straps; cinching waist strap, and dual compression straps keeping your rucksack pack secure and comfortable.
Direct Action Dragon Egg Tactical Backpack
This simple-looking tactical backpack offers much more than what you would expect from a quick glance at it. Made of 500D Cordura water resistant material, the Dragon Egg backpack has side pockets equipped with elastics for expansion.
A lightweight and versatile 2-day backpack, it’s designed for advance military and law enforcement operators, as well as outdoors enthusiasts.
The front pocket features an internal organizer for GPS, writing utensils and other small essentials. The Egg shape allows the pack to have a smaller height and width than other packs with similar capacity (25L).
Unique laser cut MOLLE system is low profile, lightweight, snag-free and non-water absorbing, and the ventilation system provides increased comfort during prolonged usage. The low profile look and feel makes it a perfect everyday carry bag.
Gearrific Survival Backpack + Hydration Bladder
This survival backpack comes with plenty of gear. It includes a 72hr tactical military-grade survival backpack (40L), hydration bladder (2.5L), portable camp shovel, GID paracord (25’), a waterproof utility case containing 25 emergency survival items, a military style scarf (40”) and removable American flag patch.
This backpack is specifically designed to be a practical and affordable base to begin creating the ultimate survival bag. Pre-filled with custom-picked items both necessary and important if caught in an extended period in the wilderness.
Capable of handling a 72hr adventure in the wilderness fully expanded (40L) the bag can also compress down to 22L for a great commuter bag or daypack as well.
REEBOW GEAR Military Tactical Backpack
This urban-looking backpack comes in six different colors. With a capacity of 40L, its low profile design makes it ideal to be used as 3-day assault pack, bug out bag backpack, heavy duty backpack, hunting backpack, survival backpack, army backpack, school backpack or daypack for daily use.
It features MOLLE webbing throughout for attaching additional tactical pouches or gear, such as a small shovel. The backpack is made of durable and water resistant quality polyester fabric that has been double-stitched.
It also comes with heavy-duty zippers and utility-style cord pulls, side and front-load compression system, ventilated mesh padded back area and shoulder straps breathable and very comfortable. It has hydration compatible pocket for a water bladder.
Monkey Mountain Tactical 40L MOLLE
This tactical backpack from Monkey Mountain has it all. It’s a large bag of 40L capacity able to fit a 17” laptop. The front small pocket, ideal for cell phones, features elastic cross band to secure items to the outside.
The medium front pocket contains office supplies organizer. The large middle compartment has a small accessories sleeve, while the super large back pocket is fitted with a large mesh bag. There’s a huge rear pouch with hook and loop fastener, capable of holding up to a 3-liter hydration bladder.
Made of 600D Denier material with industrial strength webbing, reinforced double-stitching, and high-grade heavy-duty zippers, this tactical backpack will endure water and mud with no problem. It’s also very comfortable to carry around on long treks.
Vihir Military Tactical Backpack Assault Pack
The Vihir Military tactical is another great example of a complete MOLLE backpack. With a 40L capacity is perfect for a 3-day excursion. It has two separate main compartments, two front pockets, and two hip-belt pockets providing a wide range of storage options. It also contains an insulation compartment for a water bladder.
MOLLE webbing throughout the back is available for attaching additional pouches or gear; Velcro flag patch compatible; D-rings for sunglasses attachment; four quick-release compression straps for expansion or consolidation.
Made of 900 Denier PVC lined Polyester construction. Waterproof material protects your backpack and contents from light rain; high-density fabric can withstand tears, abrasions and scuffs. Overall, a great military backpack.
Orca Tactical Military Molle Backpack
This gorgeous looking backpack can be used as 1-2 day bug out bag or survival backpack. The two large compartments are able to hold bulkier items while the two front pockets are perfect for smaller accessories.
The main compartment features a mesh pocket and a zippered pocket for storage, as well as an elastic band to secure clothing. It also comes with a back compartment where to store up to a 1.5L water bladder, a laptop, or to use for concealed carry.
This tactical assault backpack is built tough. Made from strong 600D polyester material, it’s water resistant and scratchproof. It is double stitched at all stress points and equipped with high quality zippers with nylon pulls that are rust resistant, tough, and easy to zip
The military backpack has equipped functional side MOLLE. Fit any MOLLE accessory with 1 or 2 straps on the pack’s side. Bug out bag compression straps include an elastic band to keep straps organized and not dangling all over the place.
Waist strap ends are folded and sewn over to keep from sliding through the buckles. Great as a hiking backpack, hunting backpack, survival backpack, school backpack, or camping
GreenCity 3 Day Expandable Tactical Backpack
The GreenCity is a 3-day tactical backpack expandable from 39L to 64L. It is structured in three exterior zippered pockets, a water bottle mesh pocket, mountaineering hook and MOLLE compatibility allows customizing the backpack to your specific needs. It’s made of water and tear resistant 600D polyester material.
It comes with a pouch that fits a 17” laptop directly behind the comfy back padding area as well as with ventilated mesh padding shoulder straps. This tactical backpack can be used as 3-day military outdoor sport, for hunting, for survival, for a long hike, an overnight trip, or a weekend getaway.
ARMYCAMOUSA Military Tactical Backpack
This versatile tactical backpack has many potential uses thanks to its great design. There are plenty of compartments to store and organize your life. Its 34L of capacity will hold 3 days worth of clothes along with toiletries and other essential gear.
A solid multifunctional backpack for combat, range, survival or hunting, it is water resistant keeping everything dry in a storm.
This army assault hydration compatible backpack is small and compact enough to easily carry on your shoulders, yet spacious enough for your belongings whether you are camping, hiking, trekking or on a survival adventure.
Built in 600 Denier polyester, it’s tear resistant and equipped with great zippers and a comfortable mesh padding back area and padded shoulder straps.
LeisonTac Tactical Backpack
This modern elite military backpack of 34L capacity is a sturdy and long-lasting army bag made from durable 600D water resistant fabric. It is a compact tactical backpack smartly designed to carry all your equipment perfectly organized.
It features a spacious main compartment, MOLLE secured outside pockets and pouches, and zippered hydration compartment with the drinking tube port.
The sturdy MOLLE mesh shoulder straps ensure comfortable carrying, while the ergonomic hip strap is added for even weight distribution, all guaranteeing comfort and convenience at once.
Hikers, campers, hunters and fishermen will love this LesionTac tactical backpack.
CVLIFE Outdoor 60L Built-up Military Tactical Backpack
This spacious military backpack has one main large compartment, one front detachable bag that can be use as a tactical fanny pack separately, and two wide detachable tactical backpack accessories pouches that can be used as first aid bags.
The MOLLE system of this rucksack allows you to easily attach outdoor gear, more pouches, and a sleeping pad.
Fully adjustable and made of 600D Military Nylon, it comes with dual density ventilated mesh shoulder straps, cinching waist strap, dual compression straps, heavy duty zippers and rain diverting flaps keep your rucksack pack secure and comfortable.
This multipurpose pack can be used as a 72-hour emergency kit, bug out bag, range bag, hunting backpack, army camouflage backpack, 3-day assault pack, survival backpack, hiking trekking camping rucksack, and EDC outdoor backpack.
Meeway 42L Military Tactical Backpack
This is a classic tactical backpack that comes in a great selection of different colors. It’s a large backpack (42L capacity), made of high-density fabric, durable and water-resistant. The tactical backpack has MOLLE webbing throughout for attaching additional tactical pouches or gear.
It is double-stitched, features heavy-duty zippers, and utility-style cord pulls, as well as a side and front load compression system, ventilated mesh padded back area, and shoulder strap breathable and comfortable.
The military backpack, compatible for a hydration bladder, can be used as 3-day assault pack, a bug out bag backpack, a range bag, a hunting backpack, a survival backpack, an army backpack, a trekking backpack, or day pack for daily use.
Bworppy Military Tactical Backpack
A military tactical backpack with a 40L capacity, the Bworppy is both an extremely good looking and a practical bag. Two spacious compartments feature small pouches, and there are two front pockets to hold smaller accessories.
The padded shoulder straps and breathable mesh back area offer cushioning comfort, while also promoting air circulation along your back and shoulders. Besides, adjustable shoulder strap, chest belt and hip belt for heaving loading.
This terrific tactical assault backpack is made of water resistant and tear resistant 900D Oxford nylon. It comes with MOLLE external expansion system designed to be used in combination with other equipment, and plenty of mount points on outside backpack for add on pouches, accessory kits and other.
This practical backpack can be used as combat backpack, range bag, hunting backpack, survival backpack, army backpack or trekking backpack or daypack for daily use.
Fieldline Alpha OPS Daypack
Fieldline´s Alpha Daypack is a simple and yet functional backpack. With an extra large main compartment with zippered mesh pockets and a top front accessory pocket with zipper closure, this cool-looking backpack delivers all the basics a good tactical bag must have.
There’s a second compartment with gear organizer and a 2-liter hydration compatible pouch. The front panel comes with multiple MOLLE attachment points
The Fieldline Alpha OPS daypack was designed for concealment and the tactically minded. Given the unique requirements of modern operators, the Alpha Ops has a built-in gear organizer, digital media pouch, integrated headset port and a fleece-lined sunglass pouch.
G4Free 40L EDC Tactical Backpack
The G4Free 40L tactical backpack comes with two bags: one MOLLE pouch and one sling pack that can be separated from offering great carrying options. Crafted from 600D polyester fabric, high density and durable, it’s fully adjustable with removable chest and hip belts.
Shoulder straps are padded and adjustable and come with a breathable mesh backing for comfort.
The clever design of this backpack allows not only for MOLLE compatible extra pouches and attachments but also gives you the options of two styles: a sling bag or a shoulder backpack. Perfect for camping, hiking, traveling, trekking, vacation, and any outdoor activity.
3V Tactical Molle Backpack
At over 1600 cubic inches of storage, this backpack is perfect for missions into enemy territory. In addition, this military-style backpack is specifically designed to be super rugged and highly weather resistant. Being hydration bladder ready, you can rest assured that even a journey through the cruel desert of Arrakis will be made easier.
The zippers are self-healing which gives easy access and a large amount of durability. Containing plenty of pockets and potential of attachments, all your essentials can methodically be organized as you see fit.
Mardingtop Internal Frame Molle Backpack
This elite-level backpack is made of a water-resistant 600 D polyester. Containing plenty of side, front, and internal pockets for extra organization, expand the 50L storage even further with molle attachments. Making comfort a priority, Mardingtop put extra padding in the shoulder straps along with making it adjustable.
This allows this pack to be used with plenty of different body types. Whether you find yourself in the Himalayas or stranded on the outskirts of the frigid Winterfell, this military-style backpack will get the job done.
Explorer Tactical Gun Molle Backpack
Take your Call of Duty experience into reality with the tactical backpack! Containing an ultra-rugged 600 D polyester inside and out, this backpack is resistant to even the most extreme weather conditions.
In addition, the already massive compartment is reinforced with ten additional external pockets – six zippered front pockets and four side pockets. Able to hold hydration bladders, laptops, iPads, and weapons, the versatility of this backpack is completely unmatched.
Monkey Paks Tactical Molle Backpack
This US Army styled backpack contains everything you need to organize your survival gear. Made of the always reliable 600 D nylon, this tough backpack excels in durability and weather resistance. In addition, the heavy-duty big teeth zipper are extra quiet, and the internal cavity contains many different compartments and organizers.
Being hydration ready and coming with a complimentary three molle attachments, you can go from the highest peak to the lowest cave no problem – in your journey you might even come across the legendary Smaug treasure!
So you need a backpack that is affordable
If you are like Scrooge McDuck and you have an ocean of gold to dive into, you need not worry about money. For the rest of us, we have to perfectly balance quality with affordability. Well, look no further, for great craftsmanship does not need to be expensive.
Mardingtop Military Molle Backpack
With padded shoulder straps and ergonomic waist belt design, this Mardingtop molle backpack is as comfy as it is useful. Able to hold plenty of attachments on its molle webbing, this backpack 35-liter capacity can be pushed even further.
Having a strength on par with Iron Man’s suit, the 600 D polyester is highly tear and weather resistant. For additional support and comfort, there is are the chest straps and a compartment for a water bladder.
REEBOW TACTICAL Military Molle Backpack
Coming with a large hand-stitched American flag on the back, you can explore in a way that would make Captain America proud. Because of its 600 D polyester construction, this backpack is waterproof and durable. In addition, the molle system allows for additional attachments on the webbing.
To get a real good idea of the high degree of craftsmanship, there is the double-stitched sewing throughout, along with the heavy-duty zipper and cord pulls. With padded shoulder straps and a ventilated mesh back area, you can carry plenty without breaking a sweat.
REEBOW GEAR Assault Molle Backpack
This military-grade level pack contains a huge internal compartment perfect for holding plenty of survival essentials. The molle webbing system further expands the organizational compatibilities.
Don’t worry about losing time or becoming parched either, as this backpack is hydration bladder compatible. Coming in a sleek ultra-modern Army style, this backpack is as stylish as it is versatile.
Reebow Gear Tactical Molle Backpack
Survive even the fires of Death Mountain with this high quality, yet affordable backpack. This water-resistant backpack comes with heavy-duty zippers and cord pulls, along with a double-stitched interior. In addition, the shoulder straps are extra padded, ventilated, and adjustable for additional comfort.
With the ability to expand with the molle webbing system and being hydration bladder compatible, this molle backpack is ideal for explorers and adventurers alike!
My personal favorite
I don’t need Paul Atriedes level precognition to see what the best backpack is. The Monkey Paks Tactical Backpack comes with the proper balance of utility, quality, and affordability to get all my adventuring done. Made of a waterproof and damage resistant 600 D polyester, I can have ease of mind that my essentials will be kept safe. The already several pockets and large internal compartments are reinforced with the complimentary three molle bags.
Final thoughts on the best molle backpack
Molle style backpacks offer a high degree of ruggedness while being able to hold an impressive amount of items. These military-grade level backpacks will help you on any adventure, hike, mountain climb, or spelunking that you find yourself on. Rest assured that you are well prepared with the best molle backpack on the market!
Hi,
I’m a bit disappointed in the variaty you’ve chosen. Once you start looking for a molle pack you find yourself lost since there is such a overwhelming choice in great models and possiblities.
What I think is important is a tough material like Cordura, good quality (YKK) and covered zippers and a water reppellent treatment or a raincover. Ofcourse the sewing is also important, not only of the seams but also of the molle-straps (the rows 1 inch (2,54 cm) apart and each loop 1,5″ in width) in order to weave pouches, etc in a correct way..
If u want the best u soon come to (near) milspec quality but they have a miltec pricetag. But there are very good alterantives like Tasmanian Tiger, Direct Action, Helikon Tex, Flyye, Wisport, Maxpedition, etcetera, etc. Most of the well-known traditional producers of backpacks also have a (semi-)militairy line to chose from.
Good luck!