511 RUSH Backpacks

I was asked recently by a colleague for a recommendation on packs; he wanted to buy a couple, one for gear hauling and one to use day to day and it was easy for me to send him in the right direction as I’ve been using the RUSH series of packs from 5:11 Tactical for the past few years now and they’ve stood up to all the abuse I’ve put them through, whatever I’ve thrown at them.

The RUSH 72 is my personal hauler of choice. With an overall 47.5 litre capacity it’s engineered to be a fully featured multi day bag that provides ample space for gear and accessories while remaining rugged and reliable enough for extended trips or deployments.

Highly resilient, water repellent 1000D nylon construction keeps your gear safe and dry in any environment, while a generous MOLLE /Backup Belt System compatible web platform keeps all your gear within easy reach. When it comes to storage, the RUSH 72 delivers; dual zippered front and main compartments, an admin organiser pocket, an internal hydration compartment, an easily accessible shove-it pocket, and a fleece-lined sunglass pocket keep your loadout organised, stable, and secure over rough terrain.

Coming down in capacity slightly to a very usable 34 litres, the RUSH 24 is designed to provide superior storage capacity and organisation without slowing you down. The roomy main compartment offers three interior mesh organiser pockets to keep small accessories tidied away, a padded hydration pocket keeps you moving, and a fleece-lined sunglass pocket keeps your eyewear within easy reach. Dual side storage compartments offer double-zip access, a large stuff-it pocket with an integrated draw cord provides expandable storage when you need it, and contoured compression straps ensure a stable, comfortable carry. A wrap-around web platform is MOLLE/SlickStick System compatible, allowing you to customise your storage options as you see fit. This is a superb tactical backpack offering choice for a wide range of applications; the RUSH 24 combines superior mobility and enhanced storage with customisable functionality that excels in any environment.

And if you’re in need of a really solid day pack then the RUSH 12, at 22 litres, is a high performance multipurpose bag that fills multiple roles, from a tactical range pack to a hunting backpack to an emergency go-bag. 16 total compartments provide a wide range of storage options, each one sized for a specific use. Additional features on the RUSH 12 backpack include an internal admin panel for organizing small accessories, a hydration pocket that keeps you on the move, and a fleece-lined sunglasses pocket that protects your eyewear. An extensive wrap-around web platform is again MOLLE and SlickStick System compatible. The RUSH 12 pack offers external compression straps, adjustable shoulder straps, and a centered sternum strap to ensure stability, and water resistant construction to keep your gear dry and secure in any climate.

It’s been my great pleasure to own all three of these excellent bags over the years, and they really do come with my thorough recommendation. They are available in multiple colours and camouflage patterns, ideal for everyday or tactical use.

My RUSH packs came from Tactical Kit (www.tactical-kit.co.uk), and prices range from £79.99 for the RUSH 12 in plain colours up to £175.00 for the RUSH 72 in Multicam.