Ultimate Guide to Buying a Military Backpack or Tactical Backpack, Everything You Need to Know to Choose Well

The military backpack is an essential tool to ensure that your experience is both pleasant and comfortable when you want to go hiking in the mountains, an eco-trip in the forest or an expedition to explore natural landscapes.

What is the origin of the military backpack?

As its name suggests, this backpack was created for military use. Indeed, for a long time, the tactical backpack was used only by army soldiers during their wilderness expeditions, thanks to its large storage capacity, its multiple pockets and the ease of its transport, the backpack Military backpack is the perfect tool for carrying your equipment during a military mission in the great outdoors. At the time, it was nicknamed the knapsack .

As for the name "backpack", it only appeared at the end of the ^20th century, when it began to be introduced into civilian life.

Today, the military bag also called tactical backpack has become a tool in high demand among athletes. Whether for a simple jog or for an expedition lasting several weeks, the tactical bag is an essential tool for keeping your hands free while carrying your belongings.

How to Choose a Military Backpack?

There are a wide variety of military backpacks, their difference depends on their properties. So, before opting for a purchase, here are the criteria to take into consideration to make your choice:

The Capacity of a Military Bag

The capacity of a military bag is defined in liters and indicates the storage volume of the backpack. This volume differs depending on the bag models.

Basically, the capacity of a tactical backpack can range from 15 liters up to 120 liters.

To define the ideal capacity for your future military backpack , you must first evaluate the set of equipment that you are going to put in it, that is to say that you are going to put all of your equipment and accessory on a table or on a bed, in order to assess the approximate volume you need to transport them.

How to Choose the Capacity of a Military Bag Based on Its Use?

However, if you are still confused about the ideal capacity for your activity. Please note that in general, the volume of a tactical bag can vary from one use to another. So, here is the estimated volume for each use:

* A capacity of 25 to 30 liters will be ideal for jogging or cycling. In fact, this volume is perfect for carrying your keys, your papers, a towel, a bottle of water, and even other accessories such as a small rug.

* If you are going hiking, then a 40 liter tactical backpack will be perfect for you, it will carry all of your equipment while keeping a moderate weight, so that you fully enjoy your climbing.

* A backpack with a volume of 60 liters is the ideal tool for hiking with camping, this bag is spacious enough to carry all of your equipment, everything having a suitable weight. With this bag you will be able to spend a pleasant and comfortable time embracing the beauty of nature.

* The 88 liter military bag is spacious enough for an expedition lasting several days, weeks or even months. It's roomy enough to hold all your gear.

* 120 liter backpacks are not made for sports use, because they are too heavy to be carried on your back for a long time. However, it remains the perfect choice if you plan to stay in the same place throughout your outing.

The Adjustment Straps of the Tactical Backpack

The second point to take into consideration is the adjustment straps, know that a good tactical bag must have at least 3 straps, in order to allow you to adjust the most important belts of your bag, these straps are defined as follows :

1. The first strap is located at torso level, its purpose is to prevent the shoulder straps from moving away so that it is adjusted to an ergonomic position.

2. The second strap is located on the carrying belt, it allows you to adjust it to allow the belt to support part of the weight of the bag.

3. The third strap is located at the shoulder straps, it allows you to adjust the distance between the bag and the back.

The last two straps allow you to change the point which supports the weight of the bag, that is to say that the weight of the Tactical backpack will be supported by the back if the straps of the shoulder straps are tight and that of the carrying belt doesn't have it. However, the opposite of this maneuver allows you to relieve the weight of the bag on your back and place it on your pelvis.

The carrying belt of the tactical backpack

The carrying belt is the band located at the level of the pelvis, this is necessary in a large bag, because it allows the pelvis to support up to 70% of the weight of the backpack. To do this, this belt must be durable enough so that it does not fail you in the middle of a hike.

A good military backpack has a wide, waterproof and well-shaped carrying belt. And for it to be very practical, it is important that it has a strap that adjusts easily.

The storage compartments of a tactical bag:

A good tactical backpack should have a lot of pockets, in order to have several storage spaces. This allows you to find the place for each of your belongings.

And for a military backpack to be quite practical, opt for a bag that has a pocket in the lower part to put the heaviest things.

The pockets on the carrying belt are very practical for storing an object that you will use often, such as your wallet or phone.

The Tactical Backpack Molle System:

The Molle system is a set of flat attachment loops found in a tactical bag, they allow you to attach accessories or an additional detachable pocket.

This standardized pocket system gives you the possibility of having additional storage volume.

The comfort of the military backpack:

In order for a tactical backpack to be comfortable, it must have good weight distribution when full. For this, it must also have a back that is both rigid and waterproof, and also good straps, these must be flexible, strong and waterproof to give you more comfort when you carry your backpack.

The manufacturing material of the military backpack:

The material from which a military backpack is made is a criterion that directly influences its longevity. So, if you want to have a backpack that will last a long time, opt for a backpack made from a durable, waterproof fabric like plastic.

What are the mistakes to avoid when choosing a cheap backpack?

To avoid any mistakes when making your choice, here are some tips to take into consideration when purchasing your future military backpack:

* Don't buy a larger tactical backpack, thinking you won't fill it, because for a backpack to be comfortable, it needs to be relatively full.

* Never rely on design to buy a military backpack. Indeed, it is unlikely that you will find a very nice bag, because aesthetics are not the strong point of tactical bags.

* Never buy a military backpack that does not have a carrying belt, or that it is small, thin or flexible, as it will not be very comfortable.

* Never buy a bag with a soft military back, as it will not be comfortable either.

* And most importantly, never buy a tactical backpack without trying it on. To do this, take something heavy to test your future military backpack before buying it. Indeed, the lack of comfort of a tactical backpack is revealed when they are full.

How to use a military backpack?

Using a military backpack starts with storing it. Indeed, for your tactical backpack to be both comfortable and practical, you should store it correctly, that is to say, put the heaviest things in the lower part of the backpack, as for the lighter ones. you have to put them in the upper part of the bag, this tip allows you to balance the weight of the tactical backpack by sharing it over two points, the back and the pelvis, so that it is more ergonomic.

Also be sure to always put your electronic equipment in a waterproof pocket; if your tactical backpack does not have this compartment, you can put them in a bag then in an individual pocket of the backpack.

And to make your backpack practical, always keep the items you use often on hand, for example put your papers, your wallet and your phone in the pockets of the carrying belt.

Don't forget to put your water bottle in an easily accessible pocket, because hydration is essential for athletes.

Once your bag is properly stored, you would have all the equipment at your disposal. So, all you have to do is carry it on your back to start your adventure.

Please note that to keep your military backpack comfortable, you can change the point that supports the weight of the backpack, that is to say that you will wear it sometimes on your back and sometimes on your pelvis.

The military backpack and today's fashion

The tactical backpack is now one of the creations of major fashion brands. Indeed, the creators demonstrate innovation so that the models are more suitable for our current lives while maintaining a beautiful design. Indeed, black and khaki are no longer the only colors available, there are trendy military backpacks in several models and colors to please all tastes.

Types of tactical backpack:

There are several types of tactical backpack, including the following:

The frameless tactical backpack

It is a simple, light and inexpensive backpack, this type is ideal for jogging, cycling or even running errands.

The external frame tactical backpack

This backpack has a frame in its external part, which creates a rigid vertical structure, it offers more comfort when carrying heavy equipment, it is ideal for short hikes.

The internal frame tactical backpack

This type of backpack allows you to carry heavy equipment during a hiking trip with camping, however, there are backpacks with an adjustable size to make the choice easier.

The tactical hydration backpack

These tactical backpacks are specially designed for sports use. It is generally small, but very agronomic. It also has adjustment straps which give it more stability, so that it does not move during sporting activity. These backpacks allow the athlete to comfortably transport their equipment, it is also equipped with a tube which allows them to hydrate without opening the backpack.

Convenient, practical and spacious, a tactical backpack is a backpack designed to provide accessibility to the equipment you carry. It has several storage compartments to make it easier for you to use.