One of the most important tools that you can have as a marksman or solider is a fully functional tactical backpack. This bag has to be able to accommodate all of your carry needs as well as provide storage for arms and weapons.
Unfortunately, most bags of this caliber can be seen from a mile away, and you can immediately tell that it is made from tactical use. This is where the 5.11 COVRT18 Tactical Assault Rucksack comes in.
5.11 COVRT18 Tactical Assault Rucksack
This backpack is a reliable, inconspicuous bag that kind of looks like any other bag. However, with this bag, you can rest assured that there is definitely more than what meets the eye. Let’s take a look at what it offers and what wonders this bag can do for you.
Features
The COVRT18 Tactical Assault Rucksack by 5.11 is crafted to be durable and tough. It is made from a combination of 500D and 420D water-resistant nylon that ensures this bag’s longevity and survival even when exposed to harsh conditions.
Adding to this bag’s durability is a reinforced grab handle that you can use every day without any concern for wear and tear. This handle is designed to be a part of the shoulder straps and as part of the yoke-like carrier design. It helps distribute the weight of the bag across the back.
This bag also makes use of the RAC system, which stands for Roll-Down Assault Compartment. This ensures fast and easy access to the contents of the bag. What this system does is allow you to remove the outer cover of the front compartment so that you have immediate and open access to its contents.
Aside from that, this backpack also features the TacTec system, which provides a padded and concealed compartment wherein you can fit your firearm. This compartment can be accessed from either side, making it compatible with both left- and right-handed individuals.
The front exterior of the bag also features MOLLE panels and webbed pouches. These, too, promote easy and quick access to your belongings. The top exterior also boasts a fleece-lined compartment that is perfect for storing sunglasses and other types of eyewear.
This bag also features a flip-down ID panel, which you can easily access and conceal when not needed. The padded internal laptop sleeve is also a great addition, and it can fit a 15-inch laptop or tablet. Also, for your water bottles, there are exterior compartments on the side that have adjustable elastic straps to keep them secure and in place.
The front compartment is one to beat too. It has both an admin pocket as well as concealed pockets to store important documents. There is also a small compartment at the bottom of the bag that can be used to access flex cuffs or tie cuffs quickly and easily.
Pros
- Designed for patrol and survival
- Can be used in a variety of purposes
- Allows for future upgrades and compartments
- Effectively secures the contents of the bag
- Lightweight but heavy-duty
- Draws little to no attention
Cons
- Backplate located at the front compartment of the bag
- Covert nature of bag means less visible compartments on the exterior
- MOLLE panel is also partially hidden and can be difficult to use
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Summary
The 5.11 COVRT18 Tactical Assault Rucksack is a hard-wearing backpack that is designed to blend in with the crowd. This covert bag allows users to go wherever they need to go without a military-style tactical bag giving them away.
Despite its covert design, this rucksack still retains the same quality of any and all 5.11 tactical bags. This means that it is packed with amazing features that make 5.11 backpacks among the best tactical bags on the market.
This rucksack boasts everything from RAC and TacTec systems to MOLLE panels and webbed pouches. All of these combined ensures quick and easy access as well as overall functionality and versatility.
Comparison with a Similar Tactical Backpack
If you are still not set with the tactical bag from 5.11, you’ll be glad to know that the market offers a wide array of choices. Here, we compare the 5.11 COVRT18 Tactical Assault Rucksack with another covert backpack—the SOG Barrage Internal Frame Backpack.
Both bags are made to serve tactical purposes, but their exteriors are designed to look like ordinary bags. They even feature the same yoke-style handle on the shoulder straps. They also have the same compression straps that secure their contents.
The SOG Barrage has one advantage over the COVRT18, though. It provides more storage than the COVRT18 with the dimensions of its compartments. It even has additional front and side compartments for water bottles or extra pieces of equipment.
The SOG Barrage also has MOLLE webbing panels on its front and sides. While these do not necessarily mean tactical additions, they are a dead giveaway of what the bag is for and what the user could be.
Moreover, it is made from polyester, which, while sturdy, is not as durable as the material in which the COVRT18 is made of. The interior of the COVRT18 is also made from the same material, making it tougher than its counterpart both inside and outside. While the SOG Barrage looks tougher, the COVRT18 is actually better made and better designed in terms of structure and covertness.
Verdict
When it comes to tactical backpacks, going for that aggressive and intimidating look is not always the best option. Sometimes, it is better to be subtle and understated so that you can blend in with the crowd.
Despite its toned down appearance, the COVRT18 still retains what 5.11 bags are known for, which are premium quality materials and efficient features. After all, when it comes to tactical bags, it is not always about the style so much as it is about the substance.
If, in any case, you don’t need a heavy-duty tactical bag at the moment, the COVRT18 can also be used as an everyday bag that you can bring with you to work or school. It will be the most durable and tactical-ready office bag, but it will still get the job done, even if the job is to simply store daily needs and get them from your home to your place of work.