5.11 RUSH 12 Backpack Tactical Reviews, Deals, Problems and Guides

This bag is used daily to hike with my dog. I added a MOLLE compatible water bottle holder and my knife also fits well on the side with its MOLLE compatible sheath. The admin. pouch is great for my wallet, note pad and a couple of pencils. I also keep three spare magazines in there for my 9mm side arm. The large central compartment holds a first aid kit, extra poopy bags (I always clean up after my dog) and a rain jacket. The smaller outside zippered pouch holds snacks for me and my dog and my phone goes into the fleece lined pouch on top of the bag. I may be adding a water bladder since the pack will accept one, but for now, one large water bottle is all I need for me and my dog. I have room left over with this little pack.

I've loaded it up with 6 bricks (30-35 pounds, taped together and wrapped in a towel) and ruck to and from work everyday (3 miles). It has not ripped anywhere, nor does it feel as if it's going to. Very sturdy construction. I've attached Molle pounces to it (propper 10x6 elastic dump pouch) as well as a waist band, for which this does have a buckle to thread through (fire force tactical backpack waistbelt, 1.5 inches). I'm broad (44 inch chest) and I think the yoke design of the shoulder pads is as comfortable as any other backnpack I've worn. No chaffing or anything of that nature.

Was concerned that the RUSH 12 would be too small, but with TT large MOLLE pouches attached to each side it is plenty large. With external pouches, fits Gen III rain gear, large Source bladder, spare socks, fleece, beanie, gloves, goggles, IFAK, E&E kit, stripped MRE and Admin stuff. For longer hauls, a couple of medium size TDS MOLLE pouches on the outside of the Admin Pocket given more space. Perfect for when I don't need my MALICE rucksack. Very well made (good design, great execution), but a MOLLE or Velcro panel inside would make it more versatile. Like that I can attach a name tape, but consider moving the name tape Velcro to the top of the zipper cover. Comes with elastic keepers for strap management. Comfortable shoulder straps. Option to add a waist belt. Dual ports for the bladder are nice for lefties. MOLLE on shoulder straps should be higher for strobe/compass/tourniquet pouches. RUSH 48 and 72 have zippered pockets on the sides that impede use of MOLLE pouches, which is the reason I went with the 12. Don't like the split pocket on the 48 or the "gap" between body and panel on the 72 - It's going to catch on branches in dense brush. The RUSH 12 is a better design. MHO it's better than most 3-day assault packs I looked at, but not jump approved, which does not matter unless you are doing that sort of thing.

This is a perfect small backpack to hold a 13 or 15" MACbook with even a neoprene cover! also, add in a front small pocket for HID flashlight, keys, power adapters, and inside let's go ahead and stuff in an iPad Air2 too... let's also add in my Ruger SR9C, couple of MAGs, and still have space for the water bladder. I usually bungee it laying down on my rear pillon seat on my cruiser motorcycle. but this past week left my bungee up in the office on the six floor, unclipped the cross strap, and used on my shoulders on the ride home sat perfectly on my shoulders, no strain at all blasting down the highway. You see a lot of the racing bikes riders always using a backpack, and I always thought that was too restrictive while riding, but I was really amazed at the 5.11 Rush 12 backpack. Perfect for the 6'1" 265 lb.frame... What else I can I say? I have the rush 72, but that's mostly for camping and overnight trips, plenty of room for a couple of changes of clothes, extra sneakers in the bottom, etc. I also have a couple of the smaller 5.11 small packs that are great for small trips to the store, go get a burger, extra motorcycle gloves and whatnot. So, in conclusion, I love my Rush 12 backpack, the perfect companion for motorcycle riding and hiking and commuting back and forth to work. It's now my favorite go to bag for daily commutes...Hope this review helps! Paul Bounds, Houston, TX

Just got this bag. I love the design and all the different pockets and sections to organize my things. BUT, it's very uncomfortable to me. The shoulder straps have rubbed me raw! I'm not 100% sure I could handle wearing it for a long period of time. I've tried wearing it low and wearing it high, with the sternum strap and without and each time he still rubs me raw. I'm wondering if it's just to small for me, maybe I should try the next size up or give it some time to "break in" I'm so torn on what to do because I really like the design.

Best quality made product in this category that I have purchased in years. Good design and extremely durable. Should last for many years. Will be buying more of this product in the future. Got it on sale from TacticalGear.Com at a good price and shipping was fast. A larger selection of camo patterns would be nice.

There were several things I like about two different 5.11 packs. I went with the smaller one. I wish it had some of the features of the newer/larger pack but I like the smaller pack. It is a little heavy for hiking, but really well built. I am happy with it overall.

I got this bag as an everyday carry bag. I'd been trying to modify it to my exact preferences with clips, and pouches added to the MOLLE straps, so it took me a while to get it done (damn you, shipping times!!). But once done, oh my god. This bag is well built with enough room to be a 72 hour bag. And everything is a zippered compartment. I simply could not recommend this bag enough.

My only gripe is I wish there was more Velcro because I am a patch fanatic. But that is not an issue at all. Buy this bag.

I needed a tuff pack but not full blown 3 day model. This one fits the bill perfectly. More webbing than I’ll ever use. Like the reservoir compartment, fits a 50oz CamelBak. Have trekked thru Kuwait and Afghanistan so far with no complaints.

I use a backpack everyday, I walk a mile each way to and from work, and I've had neck surgery and suffer chronic pain. This backpack's wide shoulder straps and stiff foam backing help distribute the weight of my books, ipad, etc. so it's less painful to carry a load. The number of compartments and stretch cord zipper pulls are very convenient. I went back and bought a second backpack for my friend after using mine for short time.