5.11 Tactical Rush 24 Backpack Review
The Rush 24 from 5.11 is one of the most popular “Tactical” backpacks in the world, and for a few good reasons. Many first time pack enthusiasts that are branching out from the normal book bags or packs they have had for far too long end up finding the Rush 24. It is one of the most popular bags on amazon and other retailers online and has been copied countless times by knock off companies. The Rush 24 can serve as a very capable EDC bag, while excelling extremely well as an overnight pack, a bugout bag, a hunting pack, pretty much anything you can think of. I have had a few over the years and have wanted to review one for a long time.
For anyone on the fence that finds this review I will make it quick and say for $130 the Rush 24 is one of the best packs for almost any activity. It is well made, comes with a great warranty, and has plenty of organization.
FEATURES
DETAILS
Ideal for recreational use or as an operational bug out bag
Compatible with 5.11® Tier System
Dual zipping side pockets
Hydration pocket
Durable1050D nylon (MultiCam®: 1000D nylon)
Stuff-it pocket with integrated draw cord
Reinforced grab-and-go handle
Wrap-around MOLLE/5.11 SlickStick® web platform
Three mesh admin compartments
Zippered fleece-lined eyewear pocket
Zippered side water bottle pocket
Hook and loop nametape and flag patches
Water-repellent coating
Adjustable height sternum strap
Two external compression straps
Contoured yoke shoulder strap system
Twin drainage grommets
Self-repairing YKK® zippers
Imported
DIMENSIONS
Main Compartment - 20" H x 12.5" L x 8"
Front pocket - 12.5” x 11” x 2”
Hydration pocket -18” x 12.5”
Total Capacity - 2275 cubic inches / 37 liters
Weight - 4.2 lbs
ORGANIZATION
The rush 24 offers plenty of organization for 99% of people. Although there is only one main compartment on the pack it has plenty of external pockets that allow you to section your gear any way you choose. Most of the time I actually prefer having just one large compartment instead of say two smaller pockets, especially for what I end up using the 24 for. I use this bag for hunting, fishing, camping, and other outdoor activities most of the time. The one large pocket allows me to fit all of my bulky items in without any problem and the out pockets store all of my smaller items. On the inside of the main compartment there are two large zippered pockets to give you some organization on the inside. On the back side there is a non-padded laptop/document sleeve. If you decide to carry a laptop in the pocket I would suggest using a laptop sleeve with some padding as there is none in the pocket.
EXTERNAL ORGANIZATION
On the exterior of the Rush 24 there is plenty of options to store gear you need quicker access to. The admin pocket on the very front of the bag is where most of the organization is. In this pocket I normally keep all of my smaller items and EDC items, like my knife, chargers, gloves, multi tool, etc. There is tons of smaller pockets to hold your gear in this section and it works really well in conjunction with the larger main compartment. The only downside to this pocket is that with the black interior it can be hard to find some of your items if in a hurry or in low visibility. I wish 5.11 would update the Rush series with a higher-vis interior.
Above the previous pocket there are two smaller pockets on the top of the pack. These two pockets are deceivingly larger than they first appear. In these two pockets I keep all of my small items I want super quick access to like my airpods, keys, wallet, phone. They have some compartments inside and do agood job at keeping everything in place.
NOTHING FANCY
The back panel and shoulder straps on the Rush 24 are pretty basic, which I think is a good thing. There is no light-weight mesh on this bag or really anything breathable. This is not the Rush’s purpose, this bag is meant to be used and abused and will hold up to the task. The straps are just nylon with some decent padding and molle webbing for attachments. The back panel is padded as well but like I said does not breath very well. Under the back panel there is a zippered pocket for a hydration bladder with a slot to route the hose through. I typically don’t ever use a bladder however, I have in this pack before a while ago and it worked fine.
On the very top of the pack there is a fleece lined sun-glass pocket which works great for its intended use or you can just use it for extra storage for valuables if needed.
Sitting on either side of the Rush 24 there are two last pockets. These pockets run almost the length of the pack and can hold up to a 40oz hydro-flask. Normally this is where I will keep my water and on the other side hold gloves/rope. Or anything that I can’t fit into all of the other pockets.
OVERALL
All in all, the Rush 24 is one of the best “Do Everything” bags I have ever used. It can withstand a beating and keep going. It has a pocket for almost everything. The one thing that I somewhat knock it for, for myself at least is the lack of a padded laptop sleeve. However, this was not the intention of the pack. If you want to pick up a Rush 24 you can here - 5.11 Rush 24
+
Decent Price
Durable
Tons of Pockets
Multiple Colors
Molle Webbing
H20 Sleeve
Great Warranty
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Not Made in the US
Not Very Breathable