It is great to see more historically “tactical” companies embracing “covert” style gear. Hopefully the day of the MOLLE clad contractor, with cargo tactical pants, ball caps with cool guy patches, and backpacks that scream “I’m going to war, or maybe have lunch at a park in downtown Somalia” look is nearing it’s end… (Yeah, right, who am I kidding).

Anyway, 5.11 has a great little pack that looks more like a student’s school pack, yet still retains a number of features that still have “tactical” functionality.

Nice large opening with a nice color inside to contrast and make gear easier to find.

The 5.11 Dart Backpack is constructed of water-resistant dobby weave nylon,is slick stick compatible with internal MOLLE, and has an angled zip main compartment It has their easy to access “TacTec System” so you can easily get to your side arm, and has a zippered sunglass compartment). It is also hydration compatible.

Deep compartment for your “things”.

The Dart will accept a ballistic panel (in place of the removable laptop compartment) and also features reinforced shoulder straps. It will contain a respectable 1500 cubic inches, at 19″ tall, 13″ long, and 6″ wide (I had to estimate–it is that new, they didn’t have the specs on it).

Very good concealment

It comes in three colors, oil green, grenade, and knight watch, and will be available this fall. MSRP is $109 which is actually a pretty good price. I’m going to have to get one and see if I can break it (I have a special talent for destroying backpacks)…