The best rucking backpack is one that can be used in any environment and it must be durable and comfortable to wear. It should stand up to rain, mud, and any other type of environmental conditions.
The design should also be sleek enough for use in urban environments when not on a long-distance hike or military exercise. Finding the best rucking backpack takes time but it is worth the search.
In this article, we are going to take a look at the top 5 best backpacks for rucking and provide you with the information on what to look for when buying one!
5 Best Rucking Backpacks
 TLO Outdoors TacPack40L | 40L Storage, Padded Laptop or Ruck Plate Weight Sleeve, Water Bottle Pocket | |
 SOG Opord Tactical Day Pack | Tactical features include MOLLE webbing for attaching a variety of optional accessories; left/right tubing ports for accessing hydration bladder pocket | |
 5.11 Tactical Backpack | Made from durable 1050D nylon, this military backpack is water-resistant and features self-repairing YKK zippers. Equipped with an adjustable height sternum strap. | |
 Direct Action Dragon Egg Mk II Tactical Backpack | Durable, water resistant coated Codura 500D fabric with multiple color/camo options for versatility. PenCott, MulitCam are NIR(Near-infrared) treated; Helps prevent detection with night vision | |
 MAXPEDITION Falcon-II Backpack | Featuring padded shoulder straps, a sternum strap, and an adjustable waist belt, the Falcon-II ensures weight is evenly distributed for maximum comfort during extended use. |
When hitting the trails, it is vital to have a reliable pack, one that can handle everything from water and food to your rucking weights.
Moreover, you’ll need a pack that offers an array of compartments for your gear, with some that are waterproofed and most with side access zippers to make getting out items without having to take the pack off much easier.
Another important thing to consider when looking for the best rucking backpack is how many pounds it can carry.
Let’s have a closer look at the list of the best rucking backpacks!
TLO Outdoors TacPack 40L
(Best Rucking Backpack Overall)
PROS
- MOLLE webbing
- Easy access hydration compartment
- 40L of storage
- Ruck Plate Weight Sleeve
- Water-resistant
CONS
- The sternum strap cannot be moved up or down
The TacPack40L is a high-performance tactical backpack that was completely redesigned in 2021. This update is a replacement for the previous TacPack24 bag.
The backpack contains all the accessories for your journey, hiking, hunting, shooting, or rucking trip. TACO’s TacPack series of travel bags are similar to the military rucks, bugout backpacks.
The large main compartment has a lot of STORAGE as well as a PADDED FLAT SURFACE, which is perfect for a weight plate. You will find a water bottle pocket added to the side of the rucksack and the heavy-duty “grab and go carry handle” was wrapped in a 550-rated survival paracord.
The TLO Outdoor TacPack Tactical Backpack Series are made of Water-Resistant, Durable 600D Oxford Fabric and Include Durable Laser Etching on Front and MOLLE Strap Areas.
This backpack also features an easy-to-access hydration sleeve on the backside that allows you to install a hydration pack.
Shoulder straps have extra padding to keep them securely in place and absorb vibrations, along with a sternum strap that can be adjusted to a number of different positions. Extra padding on the back panel promotes ventilation and strengthens the pack while you’re in motion.
SOG Opord Tactical Day Pack
(Best Rucking Backpack on Budget)
PROS
- Great value for the money
- Versatile storage options
- Good airflow for the back
- MOLLE webbing
CONS
- The drain holes at the bottom of the backpack will allow water to get inside
The SOG Opord backpack is a great budget option for rucking. The backpack features a large interior compartment with a mesh pocket, hydration reservoir sleeve, and hook.
On the outside, you’ll find two side pockets, a front organizer pocket, a compressible stash pocket, and side compression straps to help your load stay stabilized.
If you need to carry more gear, the Opord Daypack is the ideal option for you, as side compression straps, D-ring attachments on the shoulder straps, and heavy-duty MOLLE webbing make it possible to attach many different add-ons and modular tactical gear.
The base of the pack includes dual grommet drain holes, two compression straps with D-rings that will allow you to attach a sleeping bag or a roll, and yoked shoulder straps with an adjustable sternum slider and mesh back to offer superior comfort.
Tactical Backpack 5.11 – Rush 12
PROS
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Plenty of storage compartments
- Thick straps
CONS
- No waist strap but you can add your own.
This tactical backpack contains 16 separate inner and outer compartments, the main storage area, a hydration pocket, a laptop compartment padded with foam material, a large sunglass pouch compartment, and a concealed carry weapon compartment (CCW).
Made with sturdy 1050D nylon, this water-resistant military backpack features self-repairing YKK zippers. It also features a sternum strap that is height adjustable and two external compression straps.
It’s an effective tool for survival, emergency shelter, or military use. This assault pack can deal with any adventure or rescue situation making it one of the best rucking backpacks in the market.
Direct Action Dragon Egg Tactical Backpack
PROS
- Low profile
- Comfortable
- High-quality padding
- Lots of compartments
CONS
- No sunglasses pocket
The Dragon Egg II is one of the best rucking backpacks because it is great as either a tactical assault pack or a standard EDC pack. The shape also enables it to be comfortable when wearing belt kits or ballistic vests.
It has new side pockets with elastic for extra space and shows off the new Direct Action logo. It uses a special laser-cut MOLLE/PALS system that is slim, light, and doesn’t catch on things or soak up water.
Made from tough, water-resistant Codura 500D fabric, it comes in different colors and camo patterns. Some options like PenCott and MultiCam are treated to be less visible with night vision. Accessories are sold separately.
This is a lightweight and versatile backpack designed for advanced Military & Law Enforcement use but it can work as a great rucking backpack.
The patented Combat Vent System provides a greater level of comfort while wearing it, which additionally makes them ideal for outdoor activities and long journeys.
Maxpedition Falcon-II Backpack
PROS
- Sturdy
- Compact
- Multiple compartments with many internal pockets and organizers
CONS
- Shoulder straps can be uncomfortable if you ruck with too much weight (30+lbs)
Maxpedition Falcon-II tactical backpack has a roomy 1400 cubic inches (23 liters) of space, perfect for carrying all your essentials. It includes a hidden pocket for secure storage and comes in five different colours. The outside features PALS webbing for adding extra gear, and the inside has pockets and loop fields that you can arrange to fit your needs.
The pack features a three-layer, polyurethane-insulated coat for water resistance. Additionally, it has a Dupont Teflon Fabric Protector coat to repel the elements.
Overall, this lightweight yet rugged pack is made out of 1050-Denier water-resistant nylon fabric; yet its ergonomic shape, padded shoulder straps, and sturdy chest & waist support help keep it comfortable even when transporting heavy gear! Definitely one of the best rucking backpacks out there!
How to Pick the Best Rucking Backpack
The best rucking backpack should not only be comfortable, but it should also hold items securely, have a good load capacity, and have a waist strap that helps to take the weight off of the shoulders. If you are new to the world of rucking, there are many things to consider.
Durability
For those who love to be active and enjoy rucking, the search for the perfect backpack is never-ending.
The most common thing to snap off on most backpacks will be the straps, especially when carrying a bit more weight. Reinforced straps will extend the life of your backpack greatly.
A popular fabric that is used to manufacture backpacks and other luggage is Cordura. It is measured in Denier. An average of high-quality, large backpacks often have a denier range of 330 – 1,000.
Comfort
One of the most important things to consider when choosing the best rucking backpack is comfort.
In order to find a comfortable backpack, there are a few things you need to look for.
First straps that are wider around much of the shoulder distribute weight more evenly, as opposed to putting stress or pressure on just one area.
For safety and comfort, you want the ruck packed so that the weight doesn’t shift as you move and remains secure on your back. Compression straps make it simple to tighten down the weight.
Thick padding enables a wide variety of weights to be used and remains comfortable with its deep cushioning distributing pressure across your back.
The chest straps allow you to adjust how your load rests on your shoulders by locking the shoulder straps together. After walking for a while, you’ll appreciate this feature.
MOLLE
A MOLLE backpack has multiple rows and columns of webbing. This allows you to customize it to your preferences.
This feature allows you to attach external pouches and accessories to your backpack.
High-quality Zippers
Rucking occurs outside, where dirt and grime thrive. Big, durable zippers offer more protection and will not be ruined by dirt and other elements.
Water Storage Options
At the very least you will want a water bottle pocket so you can stay hydrated while rucking. MOLLE webbing will allow you to attach a water bottle pocket.
The best option will be a hydration pocket. This way you don’t have to stop to get your water bottle.
Storage Capacity
Knowing you’ll use this pack solely outside at rucking events, 20L to 30L will most likely be enough. It’s large enough to be convenient for a day.
Can You Use Any Backpack for Rucking?
When it comes to rucking, the choice of backpack plays an important role in ensuring a successful and comfortable experience. Any backpack will work but you have to keep in mind you are putting weight inside your backpack and that will make low-quality ones break quite fast.
Rucking involves carrying substantial loads, and this constant stress can quickly take a toll on low-quality backpacks, leading to straps snapping, zippers breaking, or seams tearing apart. Investing in a military-grade backpack that has all the features you need and provides comfort is a great idea in the long run.
While it is true that any backpack can technically be used for rucking, there are factors to consider that can greatly impact your performance and the longevity of the backpack itself.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we recommend purchasing a backpack that is both comfortable and durable to ensure optimal performance during rucking. The best rucking backpack should not only provide ample support and weight distribution but also allow for freedom of movement, helping you to maintain a natural stride and posture while rucking.
By investing in a high-quality backpack designed specifically for rucking, you can improve your overall experience, minimize the risk of discomfort or injuries, and make the most out of your training. We hope you enjoyed our article on the best backpacks for rucking!
