5.11 Rush 24 Review 2025 [37 Liter Medium Backpack]

Last Updated on September 10, 2025

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, hiker, camper, or survivalist, then you already know that a backpack is more than just storage—it’s your most important companion in the wild. A poorly made bag can rip apart when you need it most, fail to protect your gear from sudden rain, or leave you with sore shoulders after just a few hours of hiking. That’s why investing in a durable, reliable, and spacious tactical backpack is absolutely essential.

In this 5.11 Rush 24 Review 2025, I’ll share my hands-on experience with this popular tactical pack and explain why it has become my go-to choice after more than a decade of outdoor adventures. Whether you’re planning a weekend hiking trip, heading out for a hunting expedition, or preparing a bug-out bag for emergencies, the 5.11 Rush 24 Tactical Backpack continues to deliver exceptional value and performance in 2025.

So, why should you choose the 5.11 Rush 24 over countless other tactical and hiking backpacks available today? Here are a few standout reasons:

✅ 1. Rugged Durability You Can Trust

Made from high-strength 1050D nylon (1000D nylon for the Multicam version), the Rush 24 is designed to handle rough outdoor conditions without tearing or wearing down. This makes it one of the most long-lasting tactical backpacks on the market.

✅ 2. All-Weather Protection

Getting caught in the rain while hiking or camping is no longer a disaster. Thanks to its water-repellent coating and drainage grommets, the Rush 24 protects your gear and allows moisture to escape. This makes it a reliable option for unpredictable weather conditions.

✅ 3. Ideal Size for Everyday & Outdoor Use

With a 37-liter capacity, this backpack is the perfect middle ground—not too small, not too bulky. It’s spacious enough for 1–2 day trips, hunting gear, or camping essentials, yet compact enough to serve as a daily commuter or travel backpack.

✅ 4. Multiple Compartments for Organization

The 5.11 Rush 24 isn’t just a bag—it’s an organizational powerhouse. With over 20 compartments, you’ll never have to dig through your bag to find small items like keys, chargers, or maps. Its design makes packing and unpacking quick and efficient.

✅ 5. Comfort for Long Hours

Even when fully loaded, the padded shoulder straps, sternum strap, and contoured yoke harness ensure that the weight is distributed evenly across your back and shoulders. This prevents fatigue and makes it comfortable for long hikes or extended use.

Related: Similar Compatibility – 5.11 Rush 72 Review [55 Liter Large Tactical Backpack]

If you’re searching for a tactical backpack that balances durability, capacity, and comfort, the 5.11 Rush 24 is a strong contender in 2025. In the following sections of this review, we’ll break down its technical specifications, storage options, comfort features, pros & cons, and comparisons with other popular 5.11 backpacks.

Technical Specifications of the 5.11 Rush 24 Backpack

Features	5.11 Rush 24
Pockets:	Dual zipping side pockets, Zippered fleece-lined eyewear pocket, Zippered side water bottle pocket , Stuff-it pocket
Ideal for:	recreational use or as an operational bug out bag
Compatible with :	5.11 Tier System
Hydration pocket Durable:	1050D nylon (MultiCam: 1000D nylon)
Handle:	Reinforced grab-and-go handle
Wrap-around MOLLE:	/5.11 SlickStick web platform
water-resistant construction:	Yes
adjustable shoulder and sternum straps:	Yes
Front pocket :	12.5” x 11” x 2″
Main Compartment:	20″ H x 12.5″ L x 8″
Hydration pocket:	18” x 12.5”
Left and Right Side Pockets:	16.5” x 6” x 1.75”
Total Capacity:	2275 cubic inch / 37 liter
Dimensions:	14 x 5 x 14 inches
Weight:	5.5 lbs
Price:	Check Today’s Price

The 5.11 Rush 24 tactical bag may have a 37L capacity but it is still lightweight and can be as well as used as an everyday carry pack. If you’re a hunter like me, then you will love the Multicam or OD color, depending on where you live or hunt. Other colors include Black, Double-tap, DarkEarth, and Sandstone.

Construction & Durability of the 5.11 Rush 24

One of the strongest reasons the 5.11 Rush 24 backpack has remained a top choice for outdoor enthusiasts, military personnel, and travelers is its unmatched durability and construction quality. In this part of our 5.11 Rush 24 Review 2025, let’s break down exactly why this bag is built to last.

🔹 Heavy-Duty Materials

The main body of the Rush 24 is constructed with military-grade 1050D nylon, while the Multicam and Multicam Black variants use 1000D nylon. These fabrics are known for their:

High tensile strength – resists tears and abrasions from rocks, branches, or rough terrain.
Long-lasting quality – designed to withstand years of heavy outdoor use.
Enhanced protection – updated in 2025 with improved water-repellent coating, giving your gear better protection during heavy rainstorms or wet conditions.

Related: More Advanced backpacks – Best Ultralight Backpack Review

🔹 Reinforced Stitching & Stress Points

Durability isn’t just about the fabric; it’s also about construction. The 5.11 Rush 24 features bar-tacked stress points and reinforced stitching, ensuring it won’t tear when carrying heavy loads like camping gear, ammo, or survival supplies. This is especially valuable for hunters and hikers who often push their backpacks to the limit.

🔹 Rugged Zippers & Hardware

The backpack is equipped with YKK self-repairing zippers, widely considered the gold standard in outdoor gear. These zippers don’t snag easily, and even if they do, they’re designed to fix themselves with a simple pull. Alongside that, the Duraflex hardware (buckles and clips) provides extra strength without adding unnecessary weight.

🔹 Water Resistance & Drainage

Unexpected rain or water splashes are no problem for the Rush 24. The water-repellent coating helps prevent water from soaking through the fabric, while twin drainage grommets at the base allow any trapped water to flow out, protecting your gear from moisture damage.

Related: If you are in need of waterproof backpacks, check this Best Waterproof Backpack Reviews

🔹 Built to Handle Extreme Conditions

Whether you’re hiking in the mountains, camping in the wilderness, or using it as a tactical bug-out bag, the Rush 24 is designed to endure demanding conditions. It’s sturdy enough for outdoor missions, yet lightweight enough for daily commuting.

Storage & Organization – A Backpack That Adapts to Your Needs

When it comes to a tactical or outdoor backpack, storage space and organization are just as important as durability. In this part of the 5.11 Rush 24 Review 2025, let’s explore why this bag stands out as one of the best tactical backpacks for hiking, camping, hunting, and EDC use.

Unlike regular backpacks that come with just one or two large compartments, the Rush 24 is packed with 20+ pockets and compartments, making it a dream for anyone who loves keeping their gear organized. With its smart layout and modular design, you’ll never waste time digging through your bag to find essentials.

Check Today’s Price

🔹 Main Compartment (34L Capacity)

Dimensions: 20” H x 12.5” L x 8” D (approx. 2070 cubic inches).
Spacious enough for clothes, survival gear, tools, or a weekend trip’s essentials.
Includes three mesh admin pockets to store smaller items such as chargers, batteries, notebooks, and snacks.
One mesh pocket has a pull-cord closure, perfect for securing loose or valuable items like keys or small electronics.

🔹 Front “Bookend” Pockets

Size: 12.5” H x 11” L x 2” D.
Best for documents, notebooks, pens, flashlights, gloves, and first-aid supplies.
Easy-access design means you don’t have to open the main compartment for everyday items.

🔹 Side Zippered Pockets

Dimensions: 16.5” x 6” x 1.75” each.
Ideal for water bottles, compact cameras, or small tools.
Zippers keep everything secure while on the move.

🔹 Hydration Compartment

Dimensions: 18” x 12.5”, fits a 2L hydration bladder.
Essential for long hikes, outdoor training, or survival situations where water is critical.

🔹 MOLLE Webbing & Expansion Options

Comes with full wrap-around MOLLE/SlickStick webbing for modular attachments.
Compatible with the 5.11 Tier System and Rush Tier rifle sleeve, allowing you to attach extra pouches or gear.
Perfect for customizing your loadout whether you’re going on a hunting trip, tactical mission, or long travel.

Comfort, Fit & Everyday Usability

A tactical backpack should not only be strong and spacious but also comfortable to carry for hours. Many outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, and travelers avoid certain backpacks because they strain the shoulders or lack proper airflow. Luckily, the 5.11 Rush 24 Tactical Backpack is designed with comfort and usability in mind, making it one of the most reliable EDC backpacks of 2025.

🔹 Ergonomic Shoulder Straps

Dual-density closed-cell foam padding ensures that the straps remain comfortable, even when the bag is packed full.
Wide and contoured straps help distribute the load evenly across your shoulders.
Adjustable straps let you customize the fit to your height and body type.

🔹 Sternum Strap for Stability

The adjustable sternum strap keeps the shoulder straps in place.
Prevents the bag from sliding off when hiking uphill, running, or biking.
Provides extra stability when carrying heavy loads.

🔹 Compression Straps & Load Distribution

The upper and side compression straps allow you to tighten the backpack when it’s not fully loaded.
Keeps items from shifting around inside the main compartment.
Helps maintain balance and prevents shoulder strain during long treks.

🔹 Contoured Yoke Shoulder System

The Rush 24 comes with a yoke-style harness system that wraps around your shoulders and upper back.
This design spreads the weight evenly, reducing pressure points and making it more comfortable to carry for extended periods.
A reinforced grab-and-go handle allows you to carry it like a duffel when needed.

🔹 Ventilated Back Panel

The padded back panel includes ventilation channels that improve airflow.
Helps reduce sweat and overheating, which is essential for hiking and outdoor adventures in hot weather conditions.

🔹 Optional Waist Strap

While the Rush 24 doesn’t come with a waist belt by default, it has attachment points for a 5.11 waist strap (sold separately).
This helps transfer weight to your hips, making it easier to carry heavy loads on longer journeys.

✅ Pros of the 5.11 Rush 24 Backpack

Military-Grade Durability – Built with 1050D nylon (1000D for Multicam), making it abrasion- and tear-resistant.
Perfect Capacity (37L) – Large enough for 1–2 day trips, hunting, or tactical missions, yet compact enough for everyday carry.
Water-Resistant Construction – Keeps your gear dry in rain and includes drainage grommets to prevent water buildup.
20+ Compartments – Smart internal and external organization for tools, clothes, tech, and accessories.
MOLLE Webbing & 5.11 Tier System – Expandable storage options for pouches, holsters, and gear.
Padded Shoulder Straps & Yoke Harness – Comfortable for long hikes or carrying heavy loads.
Ventilated Back Panel – Reduces sweat and keeps airflow steady.
New 2025 Upgrade – A dedicated 15” padded laptop compartment, making it perfect for students and professionals.
Color Options – Multiple tactical-inspired colors including Black, Sandstone, Dark Earth, Multicam, Multicam Black, and the new Ranger Green & Kangaroo.
Great Value – The 2025 model is currently available at a huge discount ($59.99, originally $299.99).

❌ Cons of the 5.11 Rush 24 Backpack

Heavier than average – At around 5.5 lbs, it’s more rugged but slightly heavier than minimalist hiking backpacks.
No included waist belt – While attachment points exist, you’ll need to purchase the 5.11 Rush waist strap separately for maximum load support.
Overbuilt for casual users – If you’re only using it for light daily commuting, you might find it bulkier than a regular laptop backpack.

Comparison table for 5.11 Rush 12 vs 24 vs 72 based on the given source:

Feature	5.11 Rush 12	5.11 Rush 24	5.11 Rush 72
Capacity	24L	37L	55L
Dimensions	18″ x 11″ x 6.5″	20″ x 12″ x 8″	23″ x 13.5″ x 8.5″
Weight	~2.6 lbs	~3.9 lbs	~4.8 lbs
Material	1050D Nylon	1050D Nylon	1050D Nylon
Hydration Compatibility	Yes (2L)	Yes (2L)	Yes (3L)
MOLLE Webbing	Yes	Yes	Yes
No. of Compartments	16	20	23
Main Use	EDC, Short Trips	1-2 Day Trips, Tactical Use	3+ Day Trips, Military Use
Laptop Compartment	Fits Small Laptops (Up to 13″)	Fits Medium Laptops (Up to 15″)	Fits Large Laptops (Up to 17″)
Best For	Everyday Carry, Light Tactical Use	Bug-out Bag, Tactical Use, Short Trips	Extended Outdoor Missions, Survivalists
Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price

Final Verdict – 5.11 Rush 24 Review 2025

After testing and using this backpack for years, I can confidently say the 5.11 Rush 24 Tactical Backpack remains one of the best 37L tactical backpacks in 2025. It’s built with military-grade materials, offers excellent storage and organization, and now comes with a padded laptop compartment, making it more versatile than ever before.

If you’re a hiker, camper, hunter, traveler, or looking for a reliable bug-out bag, the Rush 24 delivers on every level. It might be heavier than ultralight backpacks, but that’s the trade-off for durability, comfort, and long-term reliability.

👉 Bottom line: If you want a backpack that can handle everyday use and extreme outdoor conditions while keeping your gear safe and organized, the 5.11 Rush 24 is definitely worth buying in 2025.

FAQ

Question: Who should acquire this backpack?
Answer: This is an ideal backpack for an avid hiker, camper, hunter, and outdoor enthusiast. It is built for tactical use and will defy the daily wear and tear that it is likely to face outdoors.

Question: What is the largest laptop that I can carry in this pack?
Answer: This backpack doesn’t feature a specific laptop sleeve but you can still use the hydration pocket to keep a 17-inch laptop. Even though you can use the main compartment to keep your laptop, it may not be secure in it as it may move from side-to-side as you move around.

Still, have a question after reading this 5.11 Rush 24 Review? Comment below.