Just over five years ago I purchased a Multicam 5.11 Rush 72 backpack.  I was tired of carrying awkward pistol bags up multiple flights of stairs, and regular backpacks weren’t cutting it for hard use.  So I bit the bullet and purchased a bag that would prove to be almost indestructible.

5.11 Tactical @ TFB:

 

TFB Review: 5.11 Rush 72 Backpack 5 Years Later

It was the final day of SHOT Show 2023 when I walked past the 5.11 booth and heard a question I never expected to hear.  “Is that a Gen 1 Rush 72?”  Unknown to me, apparently my backpack was now retro and there was a new even cooler version.  While my bag has certainly seen better days, 5.11 was kind enough to send over a replacement.  I’ll show you why, but first, let’s look at all the features packed into the new Rush 72 2.0 as provided by 5.11.

The RUSH® 72 2.0 Backpack 55L is designed for individuals who need a reliable, extended-range bag for tactical missions, long-range deployments, multi-day outdoor excursions, or emergency bug-outs. This top-tier backpack offers an impressive 55 liters of space, allowing you to load up all your essential gear and keep it organized with a wide range of compartments. These designated compartments are perfect for storing electronics, survival gear, eyewear, hydration, clothing, camping equipment, firearms, pens, and documents. Constructed to withstand the most brutal environments, the RUSH® 72 2.0 is an ideal choice for anyone who needs their critical gear to be easily accessible and secure on their back. The RUSH® 72 2.0 Backpack features 5.11®’s signature Center Line™ design, a hidden CCW compartment with a loop panel, and a padded laptop sleeve that can accommodate up to a 15″ laptop. The backpack also includes three zippered pockets in the main compartment, a rear hydration compartment, a front lower pocket with internal slip and zippered pockets, an admin org, and a top zippered pocket with a 6×1 name tape and internal pocket. Built with 1050D Nylon, the RUSH® 72 2.0 offers external front and side web MOLLE with 3×3 loops, making it compatible with 5.11®’s Tier System. Additional features include a fleece-lined eyewear/media pocket, dual external side zippered pockets, a contoured yoke shoulder strap system with web MOLLE, a reinforced back panel with an aluminum stay bar, a waist strap, and bottom panel web gear loops. Customize your RUSH® 72 2.0 Backpack with purpose-built pouches to suit your specific needs and enjoy the exceptional organization, durability, and convenience it provides.

Put plainly there are about a million ways to run this bag.  It also comes in plenty of colors if you’re not wanting to join the Multicam fam or just want to save a few bucks.  Personally, I like Multicam as it never really looks dirty.  I live in a dry dusty climate where black backpacks don’t stay that way for long.

There are benefits to having a smaller bag.  For me, the pros outweigh the cons of having something a little bit larger.  You can tweak the bag using the straps on the sides to make it as large or small as you’d like.  Just because it can be big, doesn’t mean it always has to be.

I’ve found for best results, pack smaller lighter items in the smaller outward-facing pouch (pens, notepad, etc.).  Heavier items like laptops, cameras, or firearms go in the larger center pouch.  And then drinks, snacks, or tools in the side compartments for easy access.  That’s just me, and that’s the joy of this setup.  It can be set up to make it a great travel bag for your laptop or SIG Rattler depending on where your travels lead you.  Both will fit easily and securely.

Over the past five years, this has been my go-to bag for everything.  As a result, I’ve put it in some very hard-use situations.  My personal favorite was using the Rush 72 as a bipod rest atop a Bearcat during a class I took with TacFlow Academy.  The rifle was a suppressed 50BMG and the bag was sitting on top of the roughest rhino-lined paint job imaginable.  With 30+ lbs of rifle sitting on it and being rapidly dragged over the rough paint I thought the bag was a goner.

Boy was I wrong.  As it turns out, all it did was scuff the coating on the pockets where I had the waist strap stored.  Color me impressed 5.11.

Pros and Cons

The Rush 72 is fantastic and the 2.0 version is even better with new features like a hidden CCW pocket and reinforced laptop sleeve.  If you want a one size that does all backpack that you can fit almost everything in, this is the bag for you.  Anything bigger and you’re going to need something with a metal frame that you won’t be able to jam underneath airline seats (if needed).

My only issue with the Rush 72 seems to have been addressed by the 2.0 version.  The original bag had way too many internal pockets.  If you’re someone who likes to shoot and also occasionally fly, you know the nightmare of really double-checking to make sure there isn’t a loose round somewhere in your bag.  Additionally, these bags are slightly stiff at first and seem to take a few days to break in.

The Verdict

The MSRP on the Rush 72 2.0 55L Multicam Backpack is $280.  However, if you prefer a more subtle look, non-Multicam colors of the Rush 72 are only $185.  Sure there are plenty of bags that’re cheaper on the market.  Honestly, I have yet to find another that’s as durable and customizable.  If you want a do-all travel, range, or bugout bag, I’d seriously consider something from 5.11’s Rush lineup. More information on the Rush 72 can be found on the product page linked here.

Product Specs

MSRP: $185 (Non-Multicam), $280 (Multicam)

Dimensions

• Main Compartment – 23” H x 13.5” L x 8.5” D
• Front pocket -15.5” x 11.5” x 2”
• 3L Hydration pocket – 21” x 13.5”
• Left and Right Side Pockets – 16.5” x 6” x 1.75”
• Total Capacity – 3342 cubic inch / 55 liter
• Weight -2.4kgs

Features

• 5.11’s signature Center Line™ design
• Hidden CCW compartment with loop panel
• Padded laptop sleeve (up to 15″) and three zippered pockets in main compartment
• Rear hydration compartment
• Front lower pocket with internal slip and zippered pockets, admin org
• Top zippered pocket with 6×1 name tape and internal pocket
• 1050D Nylon
• Shove-It compartment with side gussets
• External front and side web MOLLE with 3×3 loop
• RUSH® Tier System compatible integrates with other RUSH® bags (Sold Separately)
• Fleece-lined eyewear/media pocket
• Dual external side zippered pockets
• Contoured yoke shoulder strap system with web MOLLE
• Reinforced back panel with aluminum stay bar, waist strap
• Bottom panel web gear loops
• Customize your bag with purpose-built pouches

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