Traditionally affiliated with the military, molle backpacks deliver a broad variety of multifunctional features. Some are still true to the classic style, but others are so low key they look like regular daypacks in urban areas. Many of those mentioned here are built robustly to endure the weather and wide enough to hold a ton of equipment for two or three-day treks. Many of them are equipped with a MOLLE system such that additional pouches or gear can be added as appropriate. Some are still compatible with hydration and may fit into a water bladder. Such backpacks won’t fail you, no matter what your outdoor hobby is, hiking, trekking, camping, or any other recreational activities.
Most backpacks break inside a year these days. Either the bottom separates, or the zip falls and is trapped. You’re left with a pointless piece of canvas and have to purchase a new bag for yourself, so which one to choose, how about using a MOLLE system? As with a lot of products the army has led the way out there with the safest, reliable, long-lasting, and high-quality bags. They have also developed a basic yet powerful webbing system that helps you to attach additional modules to the pack. Our favorite and best MOLLE backpacks appear to fit more easily than most cases, they’re made to last, plus they have plenty of convenient individual pockets plus hideaways to hold your equipment organized.
In a Hurry? The test winners after 12 hrs of research
5.11 Tactical RUSH72 Military Backpack – Premium Pick
Why is it better?
- The waist belt works great
- MOLLE straps everywhere
- Main zippers go nearly down to the bottom of the bag, allowing for clamshell opening
- Separate hydration bladder compartment great for a small laptop
Orca Tactical Backpack – Best Value
Why is it better?
- All zips are double zippers
- The hip belt webbing is thick enough that even without padding it is pretty comfortable to wear
- The large storage compartment can unzip completely like a suitcase
- It has an easy to access bladder compartment with exit hole
Best Molle Backpacks – Overview
MOLLE style backpacks provide a high degree of ruggedness while holding a lot of items. These military-grade designed backpacks will help you find yourself on any adventure whether it be a hike, mountain climb, or spelunking. With too many molle backpack choices available on the market, even after hours of online research, finding the one that fits your needs is a difficult, frustrating, and repetitive job. Well, we plan to make this your last stop in your search for an exceptional bag. Listed below are the top 10 best molle backpacks available in the market as well as a buying guide on how to pick the best one.
Molle Backpacks Reviews
1. 5.11 Tactical RUSH72 Military Backpack – Premium Pick
This MOLLE 5.11 Tactical RUSH72 Military Backpack is ready for patrol. Ideal for recreational use or as an operational bug out bag with Dual-zippered front and main compartments with molded grip pulls. Rugged, self-healing YKK zipper hardware and 5.11’s signature Centerline design to customize your bag with purpose-built pouches.
The RUSH72 is engineered to be a full-featured 72-hour bag that provides ample space for gear and accessories while remaining rugged and reliable enough for extended excursions or tactical deployments. Compatible with 5.11 Tier System, and the Rush Tier Rifle Sleeve, the pack features unmatched storage capability, a wrap-around MOLLE and SlickStick-compatible web platform, adjustable shoulder and sternum straps, a 60-oz. hydration pocket, and durable, water-resistant construction. Our handy guide to the best tactical backpacks features more great products like this.
Key Features:
- Fleece-lined sunglass pocket
- Integrated drainage grommet
- Multiple integrated organization pockets
- Internal hydration compartment
Specifications:
- Brand: 5.11
- Capacity: 55L
- Dimensions: 23″ H x 13.5″ W x 8.5″ D
- Weight: 5.5 lbs
- The waist belt works great
- MOLLE straps everywhere
- Main zippers go nearly down to the bottom of the bag, allowing for clamshell opening
- Separate hydration bladder compartment great for a small laptop
- A bit heavy
2. Direct Action Dragon Egg Tactical Backpack
Direct Action Dragon Egg Tactical Backpack is a versatile 25+ liter platform suitable for the role of a basic assault backpack or larger EDC pack. The Egg shape allows the pack to have a smaller height and width than other packs with similar capacity. It also makes it more comfortable with belt kits or ballistic vests.
Designed for Military and Law Enforcement operators, however, the camo/solid color selection also makes it a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts. The low profile look and feel makes it a perfect everyday carry bag. Front pocket features an internal organizer for GPS, writing utensils and other small essentials. There is also daisy chain webbing that runs along the front panel seam for attaching carabineers.
Key Features:
- Cordura 500 D laminate construction
- Daisy chain webbing
- Laser-cut MOLLE/PALS system
- Side pockets
Specifications:
- Brand: Direct Action
- Capacity: 25L
- Dimensions: 18.9″ H x 10.6″ W x 7″ D
- Weight: 3.5 lbs
- Laser Molle makes it possible for adaptations
- Lots of storage space
- Designed to provide easy access throughout the compartments
- Really great straps and padding
- The shape makes the bag always roll forward when set on a flat surface
3. Orca Tactical Backpack – Best Value
Massive storage in a small package is what this Orca Tactical Backpack is all about. 2 padded larger compartments and 2 smaller compartments on the front. The padded main compartment contains a mesh pouch and a separate zipper pouch for extra storage. It also includes an elastic band to secure clothing or other larger items. The 2nd compartment contains 2 mesh pouches and a 3rd larger pouch for holding smaller accessories.
The ORCA tactical assault backpack is reinforced and double stitched at all stress points. The closures are secured by high-quality zippers with nylon pulls that are rust-resistant and tough and our Special coating makes our backpack for men both water-resistant and scratch proof. Made from 600D polyester material. Molle backpack webbing system on front and sides ensures you can add tactical MOLLE gear and pouches as needed for any mission. Love backpacks? Check out our review of the best 3-day backpacks for our top picks.
Key Features:
- Padded backing
- Breathable, mesh padded, contoured shoulder harnesses
- Opening for a water bladder hose
- Comfortable waist and chest straps
Specifications:
- Brand: Orca Tactical
- Capacity: 34L
- Dimensions: 18″ H x 12″ W x 11″ D
- Weight: 2 lbs
- All zips are double zippers
- The hip belt webbing is thick enough that even without padding it is pretty comfortable to wear
- The large storage compartment can unzip completely like a suitcase
- It has an easy to access bladder compartment with exit hole
- The backs of these have little or no structure to them, just some of the foam padding, similar to that used in the shoulder straps
4. LeisonTac Tactical MOLLE Backpack
The LeisonTac Tactical MOLLE Backpack is the perfect bag for anyone looking for high quality, and stylish solution to carry essential items. Constructed of durable and water-resistant high-density fabric, wear-resisting. The top of the bag features a heavy-duty reinforced carry handle when wearing the pack is not an option. With a generous amount of standard PALS MOLLE on the pack you can customize your extra storage needs by adding extra pouches where you need them.
The bag is light yet sturdy, with 4 main storage compartments with paracord zipper pulls that eliminate noise while on the go. Featuring a plethora of internal storage organizers that keep everything where you need it and easy to find. For those needing to carry their laptop, it accommodates most models up to 17 inches. An internal hydration bladder compartment (Bladder not included – will accept a 2.5L bladder) with a drinking tube access port allow you to stay hydrated while on the move without needing to pull a drink out of the pack.
Key Features:
- MOLLE system
- Smooth and sturdy zipper system
- Nylon stitching and webbing
- 4 zippered compartments with internal organizers
Specifications:
- Brand: LeisonTac
- Capacity: 42L
- Dimensions: 18.5″ H x 12.2″ W x 11.4″ D
- Weight: 2.8 lbs
- No lint hanging anywhere
- Zippers are high quality with smooth buttery zipping while opening and closing
- High quality stitching
- Thick durable material
- The straps tend to not hold up threw out the day
5. REEBOW GEAR Military Tactical Backpack
REEBOW GEAR Military Tactical Backpack has a molle system, Molle webbing throughout for attaching additional tactical pouches. Comes with double-stitched, heavy-duty zippers and utility-style cord pulls, Side and front load compression system, ventilated mesh padded back area & shoulder strap, breathable and comfortable.
This backpack also has hydration compatible that works great for a hydration bladder. This bag can be used as a 3-day assault pack, bug bag backpack, range bag, hunting backpack, survival backpack, army backpack, trekking backpack, or daypack for daily use.
Key Features:
- 600×600 density fabric
- Utility-style cord pulls
- Side and front load compression system
- Ventilated mesh padded back area
Specifications:
- Brand: REEBOW GEAR
- Capacity: 40L
- Dimensions: 20″ H x 13″ W x 11″ D
- Weight: 2.8 lbs
- The shoulder straps are perfectly built and angled to help the pack ride perfect
- The zippers are top quality and sewn in place very well
- The waist and chest belts work great
- It is large with plenty of room for everything you need
- The only down side is the large elastic band for a laptop in the main compartment. It is rather floppy, and hangs up on other items
6. Roaring Fire Military Tactical Assault Backpack
The Roaring Fire Military Tactical Assault Backpack combines with a number of pockets, purpose-built pouches, and accessories. can protect your laptop, hold your workout gear. keep your gear organized and accessible. It’s perfect for hiking, traveling, and other uses. Uses high-quality 900D Oxford waterproof fabric, so water will not damage or enter the pack.
The backpack is made of nylon mesh cloth, lined with close foam padding, fitted with a breathable waist belt that has an adjustable length and can be removed according to your own needs. Also has an independent water bladder compartment, four large storage sections, built-in multiple separate pockets, seven sets of adjustable straps, and Molle compatible attachments above and below on both sides. The belt can be removed and adjusted
Key Features:
- Durable 900D Oxford waterproof fabric material
- Contoured shoulder straps
- Interior zip pocket and mesh pocket
- Hydration compatible
Specifications:
- Brand: Roaring Fire
- Capacity: 30L
- Dimensions: 17″ H x 8.6″ W x 8″ D
- Weight: 2.5 lbs
- All the straps are fully adjustable
- For the price, this is an amazing value
- Made from pretty durable materials and the stitching is really good
- The rubberized inner lining makes this pack water resistant which is a huge plus
- It doesn’t have a designated compartment for a hydration bladder
7. Monkey Mountain Tactical MOLLE Backpack
The Monkey Mountain Tactical MOLLE Backpack is made with 600D denier material with industrial-strength webbing, reinforced double-stitching at all stress points & high-grade zippers, waterproof treated material with internal gussets that keep your gear high and dry.
Quilted extra-wide shoulder straps and back spine pad provide passive are flow through all contact areas for maximum comfort. Other features include two carabiner molle-ready d-rings with push-button quick-release, two molle-ready elastic gear clips perfect for tactical flashlights.
Key Features:
- 600D Waterproof Fabric
- Heavy Duty SBS Zippers
- MIL-STD PAL Compliant MOLLE webbing
- Padded-Pillowed Adjustable Shoulder Straps
- Padded-Pillowed Spine Pad
Specifications:
- Brand: Monkey Mountain Tactical
- Dimensions: 17″ H x 11″ W x 3″ D
- Weight: 2.5 lbs
- The waist strap is quite nice because it helps distribute the weight of the bag evenly
- All of the attachment points are sturdy
- The paracord bracelet that came with the bag was a nice bonus that is both practical and well-made
- Plenty of places for attaching accessories
- May be small for some
8. Vihir Military Tactical Backpack
Vihir Military Tactical Backpack is crafted from 900D polyester with water-repellent PVC coating on the main body and 400D water-repellent PVC coating on inside pocket flaps and pocket bags. Waterproof material protects the tactical backpack and contents from light rain. The exclusive 2-in-1 thermal insulation material is used in the back compartment to keep the water or food heat preservation.
Molle webbing throughout for attaching additional pouches or gear; Velcro flag patch compatible; D-rings for sunglasses attachment; 4 quick-release compression straps for expansion or consolidation. Mesh ventilated back panel, fully adjustable contoured padded shoulder straps, padded waist belt, and adjustable waist and sternum strap together fit your body shape and distribute the weight of the load
Key Features:
- 900 Denier PVC lined Polyester construction
- Foam padded back panel
- Adjustable Strap
- Padded hip belt
Specifications:
- Brand: Vihir
- Dimensions: 18″ H x 12″ W x 11″ D
- Weight: 2.9 lbs
- Lots of zippers
- Theres also a pouch for your hydration bladder
- The foaming pads are comfortable
- Straps are sturdy, clips are fit for rucking
- The divider in between the two main pockets takes up valuable space
9. HDE Tactical Military Backpack
This HDE Tactical Military Backpack comes with multiple spacious compartments great for storing your various supplies and secures to your back via adjustable chest and hip belts. The padded shoulder straps and breathable mesh backing ensures that you stay comfortable even in the harshest conditions.
This bag also features heavy-duty 600D Nylon construction with quiet Paracord pulls and adjustable chest and waist belts, 4 zippered compartments, 1 padded velcro rear pouch, and a top carry handle. Great for students, hiking enthusiasts, military, first-responder personnel, or anyone with a passion for the outdoors, everyday use!
Key Features:
- 600D nylon construction
- Adjustable chest and waist belts
- MOLLE style webbing
- Fast-release buckles
Specifications:
- Brand: HDE
- Capacity: 20L
- Dimensions: 17″ H x 9″ W x 9″ D
- Weight: 2.5 lbs
- Tons of pockets and options for carrying all sorts of things
- Zippers seem to be durable and of good quality
- Good straps to secure it to your body
- Not bulky
- The only downside is that you will probably need to replace the zipper tags sooner than you should have to, as they kind of snap off easily
10. Mil-Tec Military Army Patrol Molle Backpack
This heavy-duty and water-resistant Mil-Tec Military Army Patrol Molle Backpack features 2 large compartments with various zip and mesh inner pockets and 2 small front pockets (one with organizer), as well as a built-in Velcro pocket for a hydro pack. All compartments are closed with sturdy 2-way zippers. Ergonomically designed shoulder straps are padded, about 5cm wide and adjustable in length.
Moreover, the pack goes with a padded back and an adjustable waist strap opened with a clip. The pack allows for volume control and baggage fixation thanks to a number of lateral compression straps and gives a possibility to attached additional equipment through a number of robust nylon MOLLE straps all-round, and loops and D-rings on shoulder straps.
Key Features:
- Various MOLLE attachment points
- Loops and D-rings on shoulder straps
- Lateral compression straps
- Adjustable hip belt
Specifications:
- Brand: HDE
- Capacity: 36L
- Dimensions: 20.1″ H x 11.4″ W x 11.1″ D
- Weight: 2.5 lbs
- 4 straps to tighten or expand the bag so nothing jumbles loose
- Durable fabric that is water repellent
- Straps at the bottom
- Thick zippers that don’t snag
- Buckles are plastic
Buying Guide
Organization
What are you going to carry on yourself? Because of various items you are toting, will you need small compartments or is a backpack with a central pocket for books/clothing/laptop going to be fine? Travelers want to have a number of pockets so they can position their toiletries in one section, clothes in another, and treats in another section. Whereas, for tiny things such as calculators/mobile phones/snacks, students may only want a spot to put their books, plus an extra pocket.
Comfort
Comfort is one of the most critical items to remember when you’re purchasing a backpack. Although a MOLLE backpack is durable and tough, that doesn’t mean it can’t be comfortable. The chances are you’ll end up carrying this backpack with some heavy load for extended periods of time. A secure carry in that situation will make all the difference. Using extra wide straps will distribute the weight more evenly. Consider checking if it also has a sternum and a lumbar strap for even more comfort.
Capacity
A further essential factor is capacity. The larger the size of your bag, the more items you can bring. If you’re doing an extended trip, you may need a larger backpack. The bigger backpacks on the flip side are strong. Thus it is important to choose the right size. You wouldn’t want to end up with a bulky backpack when you don’t need a huge amount of space or, if you need a lot of gear, with too small a backpack. So it is important to determine what items will you put in your MOLLE backpack before purchasing one.
Materials
When you’re on the MOLLE backpack market you want one that’s very durable. Material choice is important. This should assess how durable the backpack is, which can also evaluate the bags’ comfort and weight at the same time. A lot of materials are used with this type of tactical backpacks such as nylon, polyester, rip-stop nylon, canvas, and ballistic nylon. The material of the bag depends solely on individual taste. Though we recommend MOLLE backpacks sticking to nylon.
Budget
Decide what budget you have before purchasing it. We cover both affordable and premium options on our list. Though It’s crucial to note that while there are more pricey than other backpacks, they ‘re going to last a bit, so you’re not going to have to find another after a month or so. Decide how much you can afford and go from there – you don’t have to break your budget with a great pack.
Conclusion
We hope this guide was helpful for finding the best molle backpacks as well as our guide on features to look for in a molle backpack. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this guide, feel free to let us know in the comments section.