What is an Assault Pack?
An assault pack is a small, tough backpack designed for short missions, usually lasting 1 to 3 days. Unlike larger rucksacks, assault packs are compact and lightweight, making them perfect for carrying essentials without slowing you down.
These packs are popular among:
- Military personnel and law enforcement who need reliable gear for tactical missions.
- Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts who need something rugged for their adventures.
- Preppers who want a bug-out bag for emergencies.
- Everyday users (EDC) who prefer durable backpacks for daily tasks.
Assault packs typically hold 20 to 40 liters of gear. They feature strong materials like 500D or 1000D nylon, MOLLE webbing for customization, and padded straps for comfort. Their versatility and durability make them useful for many different situations.
Now, let’s look at the Top 10 Assault Packs for 2024 and the scenarios where they shine.
Top 10 Assault Packs to Consider in 2024
1. Mystery Ranch 2-Day Assault Pack
Capacity: 27 liters
Best For: Everyday carry, short hikes, urban use
The Mystery Ranch 2-Day Assault Pack offers a sleek design with excellent accessibility. Its tri-zip system lets you open the pack wide for easy gear access. The durable fabric and comfortable straps make it great for daily use, commuting, or short hikes.
2. Maxpedition Falcon-II Backpack
Capacity: 23 liters
Best For: Hiking, outdoor adventures, day trips
The Maxpedition Falcon-II is water-resistant, compact, and modular. It has plenty of MOLLE webbing for adding pouches or tools. The hydration pocket makes it perfect for outdoor activities where staying hydrated is important.
3. 5.11 Tactical RUSH24 2.0
Capacity: 37 liters
Best For: Tactical missions, law enforcement, 24-48 hour operations
The 5.11 Tactical RUSH24 2.0 is known for its durability and excellent organization. Made from 1050D nylon, it can withstand tough conditions. It features MOLLE webbing, multiple compartments, and a hydration pocket. This pack is perfect for law enforcement officers or anyone needing a reliable, organized pack for short missions.
4. Condor 3-Day Assault Pack
Capacity: 50 liters
Best For: Long missions, bug-out bags, extended trips
If you need more storage, the Condor 3-Day Assault Pack is a solid choice. It features multiple compartments, MOLLE webbing, and padded shoulder straps. This pack is ideal for bug-out bags or long outdoor trips where you need to carry a lot of gear.
5. Direct Action Dragon Egg Mk II
Capacity: 25 liters
Best For: Law enforcement, tactical EDC, urban missions
This pack is compact, durable, and designed for quick access. The laser-cut MOLLE reduces weight while maintaining modularity. It's perfect for law enforcement officers or those needing a tactical EDC pack.
6. Vertx Gamut 2.0 Backpack
Capacity: 25 liters
Best For: Covert operations, urban EDC, professionals
The Vertx Gamut 2.0 looks like a regular backpack but hides tactical features. It has hidden compartments, a padded laptop sleeve, and MOLLE panels. Great for blending into urban environments while carrying tactical gear.
7. Blackhawk Cyane Dynamic Pack
Capacity: 28 liters
Best For: Short tactical missions, law enforcement
This lightweight pack features MOLLE webbing, a hydration pocket, and ergonomic straps. It's designed for mobility and quick operations, making it great for law enforcement or tactical missions.
8. Eberlestock Halftrack Pack
Capacity: 35 liters
Best For: Military operations, hunting, rugged outdoor use
The Eberlestock Halftrack is built for tough environments. It offers frame support, ample MOLLE webbing, and a hydration sleeve. Hunters and military personnel will appreciate its durability and comfort.
9. Oakley Link Pack Miltac 2.0
Capacity: 23 liters
Best For: Urban EDC, gym use, light tactical needs
The Oakley Link Pack Miltac 2.0 blends style and function. It’s great for daily use, offering compartments for a laptop, gym gear, and small tools. Ideal for urban users who want a rugged, stylish pack.
10. Kelty Redwing Tactical 30
Capacity: 30 liters
Best For: Outdoor adventures, hiking, travel
The Kelty Redwing Tactical 30 combines tactical features with outdoor functionality. It offers a comfortable fit, rugged materials, and plenty of pockets for organized storage. Perfect for hikers and travelers.
Comparison Table: Top 10 Assault Packs
| Pack Name | Capacity | Material | Best For | Special Features | Price Ranges |
| Mystery Ranch 2-Day Assault | 27L | 500D Nylon | EDC, Short Hikes | Tri-Zip System, Ergonomic Fit | Around $200 to $220 |
| Maxpedition Falcon-II | 23L | 1050D Nylon | Outdoor Adventures | MOLLE, Water-Resistant | Approximately $150 to $180 |
| 5.11 Tactical RUSH24 2.0 | 37L | 1050D Nylon | Tactical Ops, Law Enforcement | MOLLE, Hydration Pocket | Approximately $140 to $170 |
| Condor 3-Day Assault | 50L | 1000D Nylon | Long Missions, Bug-Out Bags | Large Capacity, Padded Straps | Around $80 to $100 |
| Direct Action Dragon Egg Mk II | 25L | 500D Nylon | Law Enforcement, EDC | Laser-Cut MOLLE, Compact Design | Around $180 to $200 |
| Vertx Gamut 2.0 | 25L | Nylon Blend | Covert Ops, Urban EDC | Hidden Compartments, Laptop Sleeve | Approximately $200 to $220 |
| Blackhawk Cyane Dynamic | 28L | 500D Nylon | Short Tactical Missions | Lightweight, Hydration Pocket | Around $130 to $150 |
| Eberlestock Halftrack | 35L | 1000D Nylon | Military, Hunting | Frame Support, Hydration Compatible | Approximately $300 to $350 |
| Oakley Link Pack Miltac 2.0 | 23L | 600D Polyester | Urban EDC, Gym Use | Stylish Design, Laptop Compartment | Around $150 to $170 |
| Kelty Redwing Tactical 30 | 30L | 500D Nylon | Hiking, Outdoor Travel | Comfortable Fit, Multiple Pockets | Approximately $130 to $150 |
How to Choose the Right Assault Pack
1. Identify Your Purpose
Military or Tactical Use: Choose packs with durable materials and MOLLE webbing.
Outdoor Adventures: Look for water resistance and comfort features.
Everyday Carry: Opt for compact designs with laptop compartments.
2. Consider Capacity
20-25 liters: Great for day trips and EDC.
30-40 liters: Perfect for 2-3 day missions.
50 liters: Best for extended trips or bug-out bags.
3. Look for Comfort Features
Padded straps and ventilated back panels make long carries easier.
Conclusion
Each of these top 10 assault packs offers unique features to fit different needs. Whether you need a reliable pack for tactical missions, outdoor adventures, or everyday use, there’s a perfect option for you.
At LQ ARMY, we provide high-quality tactical gear, customizable options, wholesale and dropshipping services. Explore our collection today and find the right assault pack for your needs!
FAQs About Assault Packs
1. Can I Ruck with an Assault Pack?
Yes, you can ruck with an assault pack. Look for one with padded shoulder straps, a waist belt, and durable materials like 500D or 1000D nylon. These features will help you handle the weight comfortably during long walks or hikes.
2. What is the Difference Between a Backpack and an Assault Pack?
An assault pack is a specialized backpack designed for tactical or rugged use. It’s made with heavy-duty materials, features MOLLE webbing for attaching gear, and is built to handle rough conditions. Regular backpacks are generally for school, work, or light travel and lack these tactical features.
3. What is the Difference Between a Field Pack and an Assault Pack?
A field pack is larger, typically 50 to 80 liters, and designed for extended missions or carrying heavy loads. An assault pack is smaller, usually 20 to 40 liters, and meant for short-term operations where mobility and speed are important.
4. What Size is an Assault Pack?
Assault packs usually range from 20 to 40 liters. This size is ideal for carrying essentials for 1 to 3 days. Some 3-day assault packs can go up to 50 liters to carry more gear for longer missions.
5. What is the Weight Limit for the 3-Day Assault Pack?
Most 3-day assault packs can comfortably carry between 30 to 50 pounds (14 to 23 kg). For the best experience, keep the load balanced and use compression straps to stabilize the weight.
6. What is in the 72-Hour Assault Pack?
A 72-hour assault pack (also called a 3-day pack) contains supplies to keep you going for up to 3 days. Here’s a basic list of what you might pack:
- Food: Ready-to-eat meals (MREs), energy bars.
- Water: Bottles, hydration bladder, filter.
- Clothing: Extra socks, weather-appropriate gear.
- First Aid: Bandages, antiseptic wipes, meds.
- Shelter: Tarp, emergency blanket, or small tent.
- Tools: Multi-tool, flashlight, paracord.
- Hygiene: Wet wipes, toothbrush, sanitizer.
- Navigation: Map, compass, or GPS.
This covers the basics for short-term survival.
