5.11 Tactical Rush 72 Backpack Review


5.11 Tactical is one of the best-known names in tactical equipment. All of their gear is designed with the high standards of military, law enforcement, and public safety personnel in mind. This means that their gear is naturally well suited for civilians that require tactical equipment with the same high standards. That is why we researched and wrote for you our 5.11 Tactical Rush 72 Backpack Review. (We promise you won't be disappointed!)
Among 5.11’s many offerings, the RUSH series of backpacks has always stood out. Available in three backpack sizes (as well as two shoulder bag models), the Rush line has long been the pinnacle of performance and durability in the world of tactical packs. And that’s right where the 5.11 Tactical Rush 72 backpack comes into the picture.
The Rush 72 backpack is the largest pack in 5.11 Tactical’s rush line of bags. Like the other bags in the series, the number indicates the recommended time of use for the pack. In the case of the Rush 72, that’s 72 hours. The backpack is designed to easily hold everything you need for a full three days in the bush.
Below is our in-depth review of the 5.11 Tactical Rush 72 backpack. There is no denying this is a world-class tactical pack. But is it the right one for you? Read on below for a better understanding of this pack and how it might fit in with your individual needs.
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Rush 72 Backpack Uses
As mentioned above, the Rush 72 is engineered right from the get-go to be a full-featured 72-hour pack with ample space for all the gear and accessories you need for three days of “roughing it.” Indeed, 5.11 Tactical markets the pack as the ideal “bug out” bag in their heavy lineup.
With that said, the Rush 72 is designed to be used on rugged terrain and in extremely harsh conditions. 5.11 originally constructed the bag for use by police departments, military personnel, and firefighters, groups that need equipment capable of standing up to immense wear and tear. And this is exactly what the Rush72 does best. It stands up to any and all abuse you can throw at it.
The Rush 72 backpack is designed to be used in all sorts of different surroundings. The pack comes in a variety of colors (black, sandstone, storm, multi-cam, dark earth, and olive drab) so you can choose the best fit for your surroundings. The dull green olive drab is particularly good at blending into forested areas.
It’s also worth noting here that a smaller backpack actually disconnects from the complete Rush 72 unit. This smaller pack can then be easily used on a quick walk around or scouting mission of an area.
While the Rush 72 is undeniably popular for tactical uses, it is also a solid general use bag. Though it is probably too large to use for school or work (or similar activities), it makes a near perfect travel bag for both short and long trips alike. It’s also ideal for camping, hiking, rucking, hunting, fishing, trips to the shooting range, and a whole host of other activities.
Top Features of the 5.11 tactical rush 72-hours backpack
There is no denying that the 5.11 Tactical Rush 72 backpack is a feature-laden pack. While we sometimes shy away from packs with a lot of features in favor of those that are simpler in design (fewer components to break), the Rush 72 passes every test with flying colors. Every feature has a specific use and all of the components used in the pack’s construction are of the highest quality possible.
So what’s to love about the Rush 72 when it comes to features? A few of the most important to make note of include:




• Constructed for a full 72-hours in the field
• Built from high-strength 1050-denier nylon with water-repellant PUx2 coating
• Flexible main compartment (21” high by 13.5” wide by 9” deep) with internal dividers
• Main and front compartments feature dual-zippers (YKK) with molded grip pulls
• Integrated internal organization pockets
• Outer admin pocket for maps, pens, documents, etc
• Fleece-lined sunglasses pocket
• Large hydration pocket with hangers and toggles
• MOLLE webbing platform on front and sides
• Built-in compression straps
• Integrated sternum strap
• Adjustable waistband
• Built-in hip pads
• Adjustable dual-density closed-cell foam shoulder straps
• Grab and go handle
• Integrated drainage grommet
Here is a video of 5.11 Tactical Rush 72 Backpack for more information and review
Main Compartment
If you’re in the market for a 72-hour pack, then you’re already well aware of just how important the main compartment is. Simply put, you need a sizeable main compartment if you hope to fit everything you need for three full days in the elements into your pack.
Fortunately for the Rush 72, 5.11 Tactical gave it an absolutely huge main compartment. Seriously, the first time you open the pack up, you’ll be amazed at how much space there is on the inside. And it’s not just open, empty space (although there is a lot of that). Instead, it’s a big compartment with a number of internal pockets and dividers so you can keep all of your gear organized.
Another highly useful feature of the Rush 72’s main compartment is its zipper setup. Dual zippers allow you to unzip the main compartment all the way around. This allows you to front load your gear almost like you would with a suitcase. The main compartment also comes with two drainage grommet to let out any water or moisture that find their way inside of the pack during heavy use.
Additional Compartments/Side Pouches
Another one of the most popular features of the Rush 72 backpack is its numerous additional compartments and pouches. The pack is absolutely littered with pouches and pockets so you can keep all of your gear stashed within easy reach.
Aside from the substantial main compartment, there is a large front compartment. The inside of the front compartment features a number of zippered and non-zippered compartments. In addition, the front compartment is actually attached to the main compartment with a series of straps.
This gives you several different options for use. You can detach the front compartment from the rest of the bag to use as a second, smaller backpack for short missions. Or you can wedge something in the small space between the two (while attached). An army shovel, small camping pad, or another smallish piece of equipment fits perfectly.
The Rush 72 backpack also features two large side pouches for stashing even more gear. Straps, fasteners, and mesh pockets allow for even better organization. Finally, the Rush 72 also features a fleece-lined sunglasses pocket as well as a large compartment on the back to hold a good-sized hydration bladder (up to 3 liters). A web platform on the front and sides of the bag allows you to attach even more MOLLE-compatible gear.
Shoulder Straps
The gigantic overall size of the Rush 72 means that 5.11 Tactical better have given this backpack a solid set of shoulder straps – and they did.
Simply put, the suspension system on the Rush 72 is top-notch. It very successfully distributes the pack’s weight (even when fully loaded) without cutting into your shoulders. The sternum strap and adjustable waistband further help the shoulder straps equally distribute weight across your body.
But 5.11 Tactical didn’t stop there. They added a number of other features to the shoulder straps and overall suspension system to improve the comfort of the pack. These include high-quality components (nothing plastic), two thick rubber elements on the lower part of the pack to prevent slipping, and a contoured back to allow circulation despite a tight fit.
Rush 72 Durability
If there is one thing that 5.11 Tactical is known for, it’s the outstanding durability of all their equipment. The Rush 72 is no exception.
At its heart, the Rush 72 is an extremely durable tactical backpack. It was built to withstand the rigorous working conditions that police, military, and firefighting personnel must put it through on an everyday basis.
If it can stand up to the abuse thrown at it in these fields, it can probably stand up to all the abuse you can throw at it. The Rush 72 is simply one of the toughest and most durable bags available on the consumer market.
Comparable Packs from Other Brands
Let’s be honest, few, if any, packs from other brands are comparable to the 5.11 Tactical Rush 72 backpack. With that said, there are indeed other options to look into.
For starters, maybe the Rush 72 isn’t the right size for your needs. Perhaps you want a smaller pack instead of a three-day assault pack. If that’s the case, then 5.11 has several smaller offerings in their Rush line. The Rush 24 and the Rush 12 are two good choices.
And then there is the possibility you don’t want to throw down nearly $200 on a backpack as outstanding as the Rush 72. If that’s the case, then companies like Smith and Wesson, 3V, and Tactical Tailor offer more simple, possibly not as high of quality, bags of comparable size for much less.
Overall Impression of the 5.11 Tactical Rush 72 Backpack
It really doesn’t get any better than this. If you’re looking for a three-day assault pack, a top-of-the-line bug out bag, or just an incredibly durable bacpack to use for everyday activities, the 5.11 Tactical Rush 72 backpack is for you. It’s durable, it’s well made, it’s comfortable, and it has a whole lot of features that help it stick out far above the competition.