Military backpack

Military and tactical backpack, from £9.90 to £119.90

A military backpack is recognised by its thick canvas, its Molle straps for attaching pouches and accessories, and its compartments designed for quick packing. This selection runs from the 25-litre tactical bag to the large 80-litre bag, with a few travel bags in the same spirit and a rain cover. Capacities, materials and dimensions mentioned are those of each product page.

Compact military backpacks, for the day

For a day outing, airsoft or everyday use, the most compact bags are enough. The 26L multisport tactical backpack (£48.90), in 800D Oxford nylon, is also used for cycling or climbing. The MOLLE 25L military tactical backpack (£84.90), in tough polyester, comes in black, khaki, green, red and several camouflages. There is no 20-litre military backpack in the selection: these two bags are the closest.

Military backpacks of 40 to 45 litres, for the weekend

Between 40 and 45 litres, the military bag carries enough for camping one or two nights. The 40L Molle tactical backpack in Oxford (£59.90) is aimed at hiking, camping and fishing. The Phantom 45L (£79.90), in tough nylon, plays the military design card, and the MOLLE 45L military tactical bag, in polyester, offers the same uses in black, red or USA. The expandable tactical bag goes from 39 to 64 litres depending on the load.

Large tactical bags, for long outings

The tactical bag BattlePack Pro (£99.90), 80 litres in ultra-tough nylon, comes in size L (60 × 30 × 25 cm) and XL (68 × 35 × 30 cm). For travel, the 55L tactical duffel travel bag can also be worn as a backpack, and the 130L nylon hiking travel bag is made for long journeys.

Accessories

The waterproof cover for 35L/60L hiking backpack (£9.90) protects the bag and its contents from the rain. The 7L Molle tactical shoulder bag, in 600D Oxford, can be worn as a chest bag or shoulder bag to keep essentials within reach.

How to choose a military backpack?

• Capacity: 25 to 30 litres for the day, 40 to 50 litres for a weekend, more for a long trek or a trip.
• Material: thick Oxford or nylon for toughness; check the density stated on the product page (600D, 800D).
• The Molle system: it lets you add pockets and accessories without changing bags.
• Comfort: padded straps and a hip belt make the difference beyond a few kilos.

Frequently asked questions about the military backpack

What is the best military backpack?

The one whose capacity matches your outing. A bag that is too big encourages overloading; one that is too small forces you to hang gear on the outside. Compare the capacity, material and empty weight before choosing.

What is the military bag called?

It is called a tactical bag, a Molle bag (after the strap system covering the fabric) or a kitbag for large capacities. Bags sold to the general public take up this design for hiking, camping or airsoft, without being regulation bags.

What is the price of a military backpack?

In this selection, the lowest price among the backpacks is the 26L multisport, at £48.90. At the top end, the XL size of the BattlePack Pro is £119.90. The price follows mainly capacity, material and the protection offered, and professionals and amateurs alike find a bag without frills.

What gift can you give someone in the military?

Equipment that is genuinely useful: a compact bag for outings, a rain cover or a tactical shoulder bag for the essentials. All these ideas are on this page.

To complete your kit

For walking, see the Hiking bag and men's hiking backpack; for a smaller format, the Men's small backpack; against the rain, the men's waterproof backpack and the whole range of waterproof backpack. For flying, the cabin travel backpack; to carry the essentials, the Crossbody bag. And for other needs: Cat carrier backpack, changing bag backpacks.