As law enforcement officers, having the right gear is essential for carrying out their duties effectively and safely.
A good backpack can enhance the performance and safety of law enforcement officers on duty by providing durability, comfort, organization, and tactical features.
This article will discuss the factors to consider when choosing the best backpacks for law enforcement officers and provide top picks for tactical and everyday carry backpacks.
Top Picks for Law Enforcement Officers
Tactical Backpacks – 5.11 Tactical Rush 24 Backpack
The 5.11 Tactical Rush 24 Backpack is popular among law enforcement officers due to its durability, functionality, and versatility. It is made from high-quality 1050D nylon and features a water-repellent coating, making it highly durable and water-resistant.
With a capacity of 37 liters, it offers ample storage space for gear and equipment. The Rush 24 Backpack is designed for comfort with padded shoulder straps, a back panel with ventilation, and a waist belt for weight distribution.
It also features a well-organized interior with multiple compartments, pockets, and MOLLE webbing for efficient organization and easy accessibility.
The backpack also has tactical features such as a concealed carry pocket, a hydration pocket, and attachment points for additional gear.
The concealed carry pocket allows law enforcement officers to securely carry their firearms, while the hydration pocket is compatible with a hydration bladder for staying hydrated on the go.
The MOLLE webbing on the front, sides, and shoulder straps provide ample options for attaching gear, making this backpack highly versatile.
The 5.11 Tactical Rush 24 Backpack also comes in various subdued colors, such as black, coyote, and olive drab, which can easily blend into different environments.
It also has a durable, water-resistant coating that helps keep the backpack’s contents dry in wet conditions. The price range for the 5.11 Tactical Rush 24 Backpack is moderate to high, reflecting its durability and features.
Everyday Carry Backpacks – Vertx EDC Gamut 2.0 Backpack
The Vertx EDC Gamut 2.0 Backpack is popular among law enforcement officers for its durability, comfort, and organization combination. Made from 500 deniers, Cordura nylon offers excellent durability and water resistance.
The backpack features a spacious main compartment with a laptop sleeve and a tablet pocket, along with multiple pockets and compartments for efficient organization.
It also has a dedicated concealed carry compartment that is accessible from both the right and left sides, allowing quick and discreet access to firearms.
The backpack has padded shoulder straps, a back panel with ventilation, and a removable waist belt for added comfort during prolonged wear.
In terms of concealment and camouflage options, the Vertx EDC Gamut 2.0 Backpack comes in various subdued colors, such as black, smoke grey, and navy blue, which can easily blend into different environments.
It also has a low-profile design with minimal external branding, making it suitable for professional settings. The backpack also has MOLLE webbing on the front and sides for attaching additional gear.
The price range for the Vertx EDC Gamut 2.0 Backpack is moderate to high, reflecting its durability and organization features.
5.11 Tactical Covrt 18 Backpack
The 5.11 Tactical Covrt 18 Backpack is a compact and versatile option for law enforcement officers needing a smaller backpack for everyday carry. Made from durable 500-denier nylon, it offers good durability and water resistance.
The 5.11 Tactical Covrt 18 Backpack features a main compartment with a laptop sleeve, a concealed carry pocket, and multiple pockets and compartments for organization.
It also has a hidden grab handle and a padded shoulder strap for easy carrying. The backpack has a low-profile design with minimal external branding, making it suitable for discreet carry in professional settings.
The 5.11 Tactical Covrt 18 Backpack comes in various subdued colors, such as black, dark navy, and asphalt, which can easily blend into different environments. It also has a hidden pocket on the back panel for concealing important documents or valuables.
The backpack also has MOLLE webbing on the front and sides for attaching additional gear, making it versatile for different carry needs. The price range for the 5.11 Tactical Covrt 18 Backpack is moderate, making it a budget-friendly option for law enforcement officers.
Blackhawk Advanced Tactical Briefcase
The Blackhawk Advanced Tactical Briefcase is a unique backpack that is designed like a briefcase, making it a discreet and practical option for law enforcement officers who need to carry their gear in a professional setting. Made from durable 1000 denier nylon, it offers exceptional durability and ruggedness.
The Blackhawk Advanced Tactical Briefcase features a spacious main compartment with padded dividers for organization and multiple external pockets for easy accessibility.
It also has a laptop compartment and a hidden concealed carry pocket for securely carrying firearms. The backpack has a padded shoulder strap and a removable waist belt for added comfort during extended wear.
The Blackhawk Advanced Tactical Briefcase has a hook-and-loop panel and MOLLE webbing for attaching gear, making it highly versatile. It also has a luggage handle pass-through that allows it to attach to rolling luggage for convenient travel securely.
The briefcase-style design and subdued colors, such as black and coyote, make it suitable for professional settings where concealment may be necessary.
The price range for the Blackhawk Advanced Tactical Briefcase is moderate to high, reflecting its durability and unique design.
Factor of Choosing a Backpack for Law Enforcement
Durability and Ruggedness
Law enforcement officers need a backpack that can withstand the rigors of their job. Look for backpacks made from high-quality materials such as nylon or polyester that are water-resistant or even waterproof.
Reinforced stitching, heavy-duty zippers, and durable hardware are also important features.
Size and Capacity
The size and capacity of the backpack should be appropriate for the needs of law enforcement officers. It should be large enough to carry all the necessary gear, but not bulky or cumbersome.
Consider the backpack’s dimensions, volume, and compartments to ensure it can accommodate all the essential items without being too heavy or unwieldy.
Comfort and Ergonomics
Law enforcement officers may need to wear backpacks for long periods, so comfort and ergonomics are crucial. Look for backpacks with padded shoulder straps, back panels, and waist belts that distribute the weight evenly across the body.
Adjustable straps and ergonomic designs can also help prevent strain or discomfort during prolonged wear.
Organization and Accessibility
Being able to quickly and easily access gear and equipment is essential for law enforcement officers. For efficient organization, look for backpacks with multiple compartments, pockets, and MOLLE webbing.
Accessibility features such as external pockets or quick-release buckles can also be helpful in high-pressure situations.
Tactical Features and Versatility
Tactical backpacks are designed with specific features to cater to the needs of law enforcement officers. Look for tactical backpacks with hidden compartments, reinforced handles, hydration bladder compatibility, and attachment points for additional gear.
Versatility is also important, as law enforcement officers may need to carry different types of gear for different situations.
Concealment and Camouflage Options
Depending on the nature of the job, law enforcement officers may require backpacks with concealment or camouflage options.
Look for backpacks with subdued colors or camouflage patterns that blend into the environment or match the uniform. Concealed compartments or pockets can also provide added security for sensitive items.
Budget Considerations
Budget is an important factor to consider when choosing a backpack for law enforcement officers. While investing in a high-quality and durable backpack is essential, it’s also important to stay within budget constraints.
Determine a budget range beforehand and look for backpacks that offer the best value for money without compromising on quality and features.
Conclusion
Choosing the right backpack is crucial for law enforcement officers to carry out their duties efficiently. The best backpacks for law enforcement officers are those that are durable, comfortable, and designed with specific features to meet the unique needs of their profession.
These backpacks should offer ample storage space, convenient access to gear and equipment, and be able to withstand the rigors of daily use in the field.
Additionally, the backpacks should also prioritize officer safety and security, with features such as reinforced straps, hidden pockets, and anti-theft measures.
By investing in a high-quality backpack designed for law enforcement officers, officers can ensure they are equipped with a reliable and functional piece of gear to support them in their day-to-day operations.
