5.11 RUSH 72 Backpack Tactical Reviews, Deals, Problems and Guides

This is second to the last of a series of purchases whose goal is to provide organization to the "grab and go" problem. The last step will be the new NRA bug out duffels.

I started this process with the Tru Spec Trek Sling pack which has extra CCW features. That was originally intended as an EDC pack, which it does well. However, it quickly led me to want something a bit bigger, hence the MOAB 10. Both will be equipped with the same baseline stuff. It's still possible that I'll get a MOAB 6 and decide which will become my wife's EDC. Currently, her purse could carry her. TBD.

I settled on the RUSH 72 pack for trips that carry some risk of getting stuck somewhere. After reviewing a zillion (OK, half a zillion) YouTube and other reviews of this class of packs, this was my choice. So far, I'm not disappointed.

Weighing heavily on the decision was already having purchased the 5.11 Tactical MOAB 10 for extended EDC. I haven't stacked the two yet, but it appears to be pretty straightforward.

Per its reputation, the materials and construction of the 5.11 packs are stellar.

I particularly like the built-in side pouches on the RUSH 72.

My one reservation was the flop-open mid separation. I plan to carry waterproof covers for all of my packs, so it should just be a convenience feature. I'm sure that 'stuff-sack' convenience is what they had in mind. The current strap arrangement keeps it all together nicely. Time will tell, but so far so good.

I chose the Black color, mostly for security reasons. Probably doesn't matter, but I figured it needed to be said. It does tend to show dust. That's good and bad, but I knew it going in.

Again, so far, so good.
PS I almost certainly will be taking advantage of all of the MOLLE/PALS loops on the MOAB 10 and RUSH 72. Too much fun!

I bought this bag because my previous bag (Assault III) was not adequate. It was too small and uncomfortable to wear, especially when full. The 5.11 Rush 72 solved all of that and then some! The 5.11 is comfortable no matter how full and is nicely constructed. It oozes with quality construction. It's got the yolk harness, plenty of space, a metal spline for rigidity, a nice compartment for a water bladder, and is comfortable on the back even when full. Certainly, a lot of thought went into the design of this bag. There is also a great easy access space between the two main compartments where you can stuff a jacket, poncho, or other on/off garment. There are also plenty of smaller zippered compartments where you can store things whilst still keeping them organized, plus you can add (separately) a detachable day-pack if you don't want to haul the whole thing around with you everywhere all the time. The molle attachment points are also important for flexibility. I have a substantial tear-away 1st aid kit that I keep on the outside of my pack.
The hip belt (which can be tucked away and not used) is also great and includes molle attachment points for water bottle bags, knife sheaths, or even magazine holders. The one Achilles heel of the bag is that the hip belt is not adjustable for people of varying heights. I'm about 5'10" and it fits me perfectly, but anyone 6'0" or more might not like that the belt fits them at lower stomach level (weight should ride on the hips, not the back/shoulders).
I'm very impressed with this bag and would highly recommend it for anyone about 5'10 or under. Persons taller than that might not like the fit, Maybe they'll fix the belt problem in the next version? Anyway, great bag!

I absolutely like this bag. I bought it with the purpose of traveling with it to my deployments and avoiding check luggage. So far I have been able to fit more than 3 days of clothing in the main compartment (folded right). I fit 3 work pants, 3 shorts, 8 tshirts, socks and underwear for 5 days and probably there was still space for a few more pieces. I can put a laptop on the outside retractable pocket for ease of taking out at security checks. All of this and I haven't even touched the big side pockets which can fit anything you want from a big water bottle, vitamin jar, personal effects such as toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc... I find that on the pocket for the hydration bladder you can easily and safely store a tablet (if youre not going to use a hyd bladder) and it will be protected between the clothes and the plastic plate on the back.this pocket is also big and wide enough to fit a legal size envelope with paperwork and be somewhat "hidden" since one would not notice the compartment unless you move out of the way the back straps.
This bag definitelly fits a lot of stuff and being able to attach my MOAB 10 to this bag makes it even more versatile.

Construction seems solid and the back straps are wide and thick. The yoke support system works very good in my opinion. I tested the bag full of clothing and with the Moab 10 attached withlaptop, tablet etc.. probably around 30-35 pounds and it did not feel like I was going to be dragging while walking at the airport.. I shall report about that once I complete my 26 hr journey back home through 3 different airports.

I have heard excellent things about 5.11 products so the standard was set high when I received the product in the mail. For suck a compact bag, it seems to have endless space and though it's designed as a 3 day pack, I'm fairly certain a hardy soul like me or someone else could get atleast 5 days out of its storage capacity if packed right. For me, the angle at which the tube for my camelbak passes through makes it a little difficult to store stuff in the "optics compartment" but that doesn't mean this compartment isn't good as I have found significant use of it. I wish the pockets for stuffing and stowing the waist belt were a little bigger and that it did not pinch the belt so awkwardly but it's still functional.
Over all, this backpack is an A+ product.

This pack has almost unlimited space! It took me a long time to transfer my stuff from my old pack to this new one simply because I couldn't decide where to put the stuff because I had so many options! One flaw I'm seeing in this pack that I have noticed when wearing it is that the straps are a little too close together and slightly rub the back sides of your neck. It was an easy fix, I just loosened the straps and it sits perfect now and doesn't rub my neck raw! The support rod in this pack keeps it from doing that bendy thing on your back that is uncomfortable and all the pockets are well organized and easy to access. One thing that is not shown on the description is the bottom of the pack had additional MOLLE spots for you to tie gear on the bottom, making it great for putting a sleeping bag or tent on the bottom for camping!

Was in the need for a bag that can handle some field gear along with admin. After watching the video I decided to go with this. I haven't used everything but I'll go about what I have so far. It's like 2 bags in one. They are connected at the bottom with side mesh to create a pocket. Also has 2 tie downs on each side to help with compacting and keep more stable. The smaller bag fits a helmet nicely. Gortex pants can fit on one of the side pockets. Clip boards and everything else went into the main. Some other zip pockets inside the main have the gloves and pens. Haven't bought a hydration system for it or used the sunglass pocket. It feels comfortable on the back while wearing. Haven't tested it in rain or snow. This was one of the bigger bags I saw that wasn't an actual ruck. So far so good.

This is exactly what I was looking for. I had been using a hiking bag in my vehicle as my 'go' bag in the case of break downs and emergencies. But given my small build the bag was always just so heavy, so while hiking, it would become more uncomfortable to do longer distances. The way the rush 72 hour distributes weight makes it feel like everything is lighter over all. There is SO much empty space in there now because there are so many well organized pockets. So that now I'm able to carry a second change of clothes etc. Very impressed with this bag and so thankful I put the money into it!

This bag is great thus far. I'd love to have this sent to me for review five years from now. The zippers slide so smoothly, there is plenty of room, MOLLIE great for contingencies, not loud and obnoxious and very light weight. I was not 100% sure on the stuff sack part of the bag, but it is good thus far. I would have preferred a zipper at the bottom so I could detach this part of the bag and use it as a stuff sack. Outside of designing and making my own backpack, this one hits the mark! Nice work 5.11, thank you for your hard work and dedication.
-John

I just recently purchased my 3rd one of these. I have been using these as my main get home bag of choice in my vehicles. We also use these for hiking and camping. This is one of the few bags that my wife has actually enjoyed using too. Although she doesn't like the colors. They are really well made and even though mine have had some serious use over the years they still look almost new. I did learn the hard way to make sure that your muzzle is clear of the bag when using as a rest. The bags are not fire proof, so now I have some good burn marks.

This bag is simply on another level. It arrived today, and I've been drooling over it for the past few hours. It's literally ten times more helpful than the standard issue pack I received from the Navy. The ENTIRE bag can be used for storage in one way or another. It is incredibly durable and has 29...TWENTY NINE... pockets/compartments in which you can store your gear. (I literally sat and counted, and those were just the ones I could find so far.) And not only that, but the entire bag has webbing on the outside where you can store additional bags and gear. The back has very comfortable padding that protects your back and pressure points from the very sturdy support frame, and the webbing I was talking about is even on the shoulder and waist straps, allowing you to store your most essential gear and small packs close at hand.

If it sounds like I'm a little too enthusiastic about this bag, it's because I probably am. I have never had a more useful piece of luggage in my life.