10 Best Military Backpacks for Hiking in 2020

BLACKHAWK offers this solid design of an army pack as proof of its commitment to provide quality and reliability to all those who serve.  Perfect for tough hikers who love long outdoor trips, this product guarantees you the security of treading on without the sudden mishaps of easily torn hiking bags.

Its 100% Denier Nylon material makes it strong and resistant to the ‘wear and tear’ effects of nature. This mid-sized, long-lasting backpack can accommodate up to 37 liters in its main compartment and small cargo pouch and an additional 100 oz. of water in its convenient cargo pocket.  No need to worry about the weight – the aerated back panel, detachable sternum strap, and cushioned waist belt will provide you with all the comfort you’ll need to keep going for up to 72-hours. For more adjustments, sleeping bag and padded shoulder straps are also included in this simple yet versatile frameless military sack. 

Equipped to withstand the adverse conditions of the outdoors, the BLACKHAWK 3-Day Pack will become your favorite companion for years of lengthy journeys.

You’re one of those hikers who only needs a map, compass, and some sunscreen – this bag has your name written all over it.  Direct Action presents this lightweight but resilient military backpack, designed for days when your trips are neither long nor demanding.  

This sophisticated lightweight 500D Cordura bag is newly designed to include adjustable elastic side pockets and padded shoulder support that will provide comfort for up to 48-hours of use.  Originally created for advanced military personnel, Direct Actions has integrated a low profile, water-resistant MOLLE framework that can store as much as 25 liters.  The design also has a few small compartments fit to carry small items like your phone or notepad. It clearly does not have the capacity of the BLACKHAWK! but is great for shorter, less-taxing trips where you don’t need much to survive.

In spite of its simple layout, the bag offers all the prime features of any small dimension hiking military bag.  After all, you’re only bringing along the essentials for a day trip.

Whenever I’m headed for a river hike, the Falcon-II is my go to carrier to keep all my maps and trekking gear as dry as I left them.  Maxpedition is well known as one of the leading pioneers in tactical hiking.  The company presents this triple coated, water resistant military bag to protect your supplies from getting soaked up by a sudden shower of rain or even an accidental dip in a pool. 

This 1000D Nylon fabric is specially coated with three layers of polyurethane and an additional coat of DuPont Teflon to ensure total resistance to water and adverse weather conditions. The last thing you want is to be stranded without a guide in the middle of a thunderstorm. Its webbed material is strategically designed to support multiple straps that secure this pack firmly to your torso.  You can modify the waist belt and sternum and shoulder straps to your comfort with their adjustable system.  Go ahead and pack as much as you can within its 25 liter capacity then stabilize your load with the added retention straps on either side.  Unlike BLACKHAWK’s Assault Pack that is also made of tough Nylon, the Falcon-II is created with multiple pouches to accommodate all your hiking accessories – big or small.  I’m no fish, so I personally appreciate the water compartment included at the top (it also functions as a rear ccw compartment with an internal loop field). If you like doing a little hunting while on your journey, there’s also a large pistol pouch available on the side.  And if you’re a rock climber, take a look at its non-slip abrasion resistant bottom – a feature that promises long-lasting resilience.

Regardless of the climate, the Maxpedition Falcon-II assures that you will always be covered. With bullet-proof water resistance, it’s hard to think of any rain or slide that could ruin your hike.

Spec-ops promises to create “smart solutions for the everyday tactical equipment needs of the military.”  While highly accessorised bags can be fun and motivating, sometimes, you really don’t see the logic in spending money on an item that’ll get soiled within two hours of use.  This army-style backpack seems to be just the pick for sensible hikers.  Though it may not have any combat motifs, it surely does the job at keeping all your hiking gear safe.  

Made straight from the U.S., this 100% 1000D Nylon Cordura bag will serve you in all the fundamental ways that any military hiking bag should.  This pack comes with a 19”x13”x12” main compartment and large upper and lower pockets on its facing.  It also has a convenient shoulder harness system with padded straps to cushion the impact of jumping across rivers or hopping over rocks.  The simple double layered top provides protection during extended use.

The basic design of this bag tells nothing of its quality and usefulness to any hiker. This bag can hold a maximum of 41 liters, which doesn’t really sound like much.  But to be honest, half of the things that I pack along never even get used.  So why not switch to a simpler army backpack that does just the same as all the fancy others.

Hiking is one of the few recreational activities that we get to do without paying a dime; but what we often never think about is the cost to prepare in the upcoming days.  And if you’re a newbie to the hiking lifestyle, you definitely need somewhere to pack all the extra gear that you think you’ll need for emergencies.  That’s exactly why 5.11’s Tactical Rush 72 should be on the top of your list of last minute shopping expenses.  For just $150, you get this heavy-duty MOLLE military backpack – made by one of the leading tactical bag manufacturers in the market – that will have you covered throughout your entire journey!

With features like an internal hydration compartment, dual density foam shoulder straps, and an integrated drainage eyelet, this bargain is quite the eye-catcher. The bag itself is made of water repellant 1050D Nylon and can hold a total of 55 liters.  The price is pretty modest for a pack that includes at least 5 dual YKK zippered compartments.  Although it’s not as highly accessorized with straps as the other brands I’ve mentioned, it does come with an adjustable waist belt.

The high quality specs coupled by the undeniably low price makes this tactical military rucksack one of my top favorites in both categories.  If you haven’t come across your ideal pack yet, this may very well be the one!

Some trips call for huge, camp-level storage; others need strong mid-ranged packing, and then the rest – not so much.  CamelBak has designed this lightweight backpack especially for short, one-day hikes.  Best suited for leisurely mountain walks, the main purpose of this small and compact bag is to keep you hydrated as you journey on.  As its name goes in reality,  the average mule carries just about 20% of its weight.  So what are the odds that this close-packed hiking bag will hold more than 24-hours worth of gear? Think about it.

When compared to the packs that we’ve already reviewed, the CamelBak Mule Hydration Pack may seem basic – well, because it is.  CamelBak uses durable 500D double-rip Cordura to fashion this low profile, laser cut MOLLE sack.  It’s created to store 8L of outdoor gear in its upper and lower front pouches, while its main compartment contains a new 100oz Mil-Spec Cruz Reservoir that holds 25% more water per sip than its older models.  

The side release shoulder straps provide easy access to the water system and all your weightless equipment. Though the CamelBak Mule only provides minimum storage, you can rest assured that this solid army hydration pack won’t disappoint in the middle of your light, early morning hikes.

This heavy-duty hiking backpack proves Condor’s mission to “deliver innovative, quality performance-gear equipped to conquer”.  At an unbelievably affordable price,  this pack provides up to 50 liters of space to organize all your supplies for a long weekend outdoors.  You won’t have to worry about having space to fit in your extra set of clothing – this bag is enough to contain everything you could possibly need.

Condor’s spacious 3 Day Assault Pack is made to provide storage for up to 72 hours of hiking.  Its resilient design includes 7 easy-to-access Cordura pouches and a 3 liter hydration bladder compartment.  If you’re not planning to pack too heavy, the bag was originally created to carry a second water system – after all, the more hydration the better.  Note that the tubing is fed through the rear end of the pouch.  It also has a breathable foam pad back panel and moderately cushioned shoulder straps.  The removable waist belt can be adjusted to your comfort level and on either side of the bag, there is a pair of retention straps that can compress your load.  For additional versatility, Condor has included D-rings for equipment attachment and a movable sternum strap to improve cargo support.  All these features are available at an attractive price point of no greater than $150.  The cost varies based on the color you choose, starting from Olive Drab as its cheapest to Kryptek Highlander as its most expensive.

Thick fabric, multiple hydration systems, adjustable straps…need I go further?  My best advice is that if you’re looking to spend a few days outdoors, this tough quality, space efficient backpack should definitely be in the top 5 section of your list.

Tacticon is offering this multipurpose, organizer-friendly military bag to all hikers who love to micro-organize gear.  This bag is the poster-child for versatility, being made with countless pockets and pouches to order all your supplies.  Forget about all the clutter in your old hiking pack and take your hiking experience a step further with the 24Battle Pack.  

The insulated water system compartment is sure to keep you hydrated throughout your 72-hour outdoor adventure.  The bag has an expandable MOLLE framework accessorised with polymer D-rings for external gear attachment.  This cost effective sack comes with a 40 liter capacity and multiple adjustable straps to stabilize your load. Its four spacious compartments are each coated with water resistant material and supported by a breathable back mesh.  There is also an ultra-sized computer compartment that can accommodate laptops with up to 17 inches of screen size.  Apart from its compartmental advantage, this pack is made of top quality, durable fabric that is double-stitch all over.

Not only will this bag serve you for a long 3-day trip, but can also be compressed to suit your needs on lighter, less painstaking routes. There isn’t any feature that you could think of that the innovation of the 24 Battle Tactical Pack doesn’t have.

This pack is perfect for week-long camping trips.  Carry all your tactical and emergency supplies in this large, 70 liter capacity army haversack.  It also comes with a detachable day-pack for shorter journeys with less packing, and will save you the trouble of purchasing two separate backpacks for different occasions.  

The strong 1000D Nylon used to make this rucksack, coupled with its water resistant coating makes it perfect for withstanding any change in weather.  As a bonus, it also comes with a sleeping bag attachment so you can literally fit everything in one.  Both the detachable bag and the army rucksack are made to include military grade MOLLE panels.  Enjoy the convenience of a radio pouch, multiple pockets, and its provision of a hydration bladder system.  Equipped to carry up to 120 lbs, the bag comes with comfortable shoulder straps and an Air Support integrated waist belt.  What I love the most is that the shoulder straps are made to curve along the shape of the body to ensure a secure fit.

The MTILBE Assembly Rucksack is the ideal purchase for any upcoming week-long trips in the wilderness.  When you get all these features in one product, the price is definitely worth the sacrifice.

5.11 has a wide variety of strong tactical backpacks for strategic hiking.  The RUSH24 is especially tactical for hikers who love to organise in detail.  Its strong 1050D Nylon material is topped off by its 29 different compartments throughout the framework – organizer heaven!

Don’t be fooled by its mid-sized appearance; this pack is able to hold up to 37 liters of hiking gear.  Its lightweight design and MOLLE webbing makes it transformable for all your needs.  Included are 3 water-proof compartments that are adjustable by using the retention straps found on the left and right sides of the bag.  If you’re one of those hikers who can never be too prepared for emergencies, then this pack is for you.  Fill all 29 pouches with whatever tactical gear and first-aid materials you may want to bring along.  There is a 60 oz hydration bladder pocket that can be secured with its high-grade zipper closure.  The built-in drainage point avoids the possibility of getting your items soaked by any unforeseen disasters.  And if there’s anything else that you couldn’t possibly fit in, check out all the loops added onto the padded shoulder straps.  

This is hands down one of the best hiking bags for all your 24-hour day trips.  You’ll be guaranteed quality and longevity by its heavy-duty material and, not to mention, its ample means of storage.  Take your hiking up a notch with this elaborate daypack.  It is by no means simple.