The appearance of tactical backpacks is closely related to the history of hostilities and even wars as such. The military personnel, and especially the special forces of the army, during the conduct of special operations constantly have to deal with carrying something, in particular, personal belongings, ammunition, food, as well as special cargo. A classic example of the best modern tactical backpacks can be called kit bags of the XIX century, which were worn by soldiers in the Russian army during tsarist times. These bags had small volumes, but were very durable, so you could carry heavy military equipment as well as ammunition. Although by and large, the soldiers used knapsacks mainly in order to carry personal belongings into them.
The main characteristics of tactical backpacks
The name itself was due to the production of equipment and uniforms for military personnel. Tactical backpacks are different from the usual, for example, tourist, many features:
- A large number of external cartridge pouches, from which everything that is needed quickly goes without having to remove the backpack and open the main bag;
- Modular system for pouches, thanks to which their number varies;
- Several options camouflage colors to use them in different areas;
- Available instant drop system;
- Comfortable shoulder straps, with the help of which the shoulders are not rubbed even during long marches;
- The possibility of using backpacks in the form of shoulder bags;
- The presence of secret pockets inside for weapons, which is considered very popular among the special forces.
Online stores nowadays abound in the choice of such products.
Types of tactical backpacks
Tactical backpacks are mainly:
- Raid;
- Storm.
Although visually almost all backpacks do not differ from each other, and the differences between them are rather blurred, there are still differences.
Assault backpacks have small volumes and often hydraulic systems, as well as several separate compartments. The three-day assault backpacks are designed to load into them only the most necessary of 1-3 daily calculations and have small dimensions. Roadside backpacks, as opposed to three days, are designed for a longer period of use, for example, 50-60 km raids. They are large, equipped with belt supports and belts. It is thanks to the last detail that the raid backpacks differ from the previous two, in which there are only straps for attaching to body armor.
In general, tactical backpacks are called backpacks used by military personnel to solve military tasks. Backpacks have volumes of up to 60-70 liters, as well as a Molle fastening system. As already mentioned, tactical backpacks can be raid (up to 45 liters) and assault, which have small sizes (up to 30 liters). All other varieties, which are small and especially small bags and sacks, are attached to backpacks (products are medical, grenade, store, connected and others), are called pouches, they are usually used only in combination with basic tactical backpacks.
A bit about tactical backpacks
Assault or tactical backpacks are such products, which are often used when conducting short trips, short sorties, as well as during mountain climbing. At first, rock climbers and climbers used assault backpacks. These were indispensable attributes when climbing mountain peaks or throwing heavy loads. Today assault backpacks are popular among representatives of many extreme sports, such as cycling, skiing, snowboarding and, of course, the military.
In assault backpacks weight can vary between 1.2-1.7 kg. It is clear that with a decrease in the weight of backpacks, the load on travelers is relieved, especially during relatively long hikes. Due to the use of modern technologies, such products, taking into account their comparative lightness, have high strength and are able to carry significant loads. The volumes of assault backpacks are small and do not exceed 35-50 liters, such products are used when you do not need to take food and tents.
Features assault backpacks
Such products are mainly made from extremely durable fabrics to ensure their durability and durability. If tears occur, these fabrics do not crawl away, and the backpacks themselves remain intact. To create additional strength, backpacks are equipped with metal or polyurethane foam frames that can be removable. Often they are supplied with removable belts that facilitate the overall mass and, in cases of special need, simplify the ascents of the fighters.
Backpacks are distinguished by the presence of strong seams, reliable belts and buckles. The straps and straps of assault backpacks are usually S-shaped, which makes it impossible for them to jump off the shoulders. Shoulders and back in backpacks are soft so that the fighters feel as comfortable as possible during long marches.
Another important feature of such backpacks is a huge amount of hanging belts, which are designed to fasten the most diverse equipment. The equipment attachment system is regarded as an important element in the tourist attributes. This ensures the compactness and convenience of placing rock, ice or any other special equipment from the outside. Most armies in the world use assault backpacks. And with a wide variety of camouflage versions, you can easily adapt to any external environment and do not differ from military uniforms.
Characteristic features of tactical backpacks
Structurally tactical backpacks are unusually multifunctional. This is done to ensure that when conducting special operations by military personnel or when operating in the field, it is possible to quickly find the most necessary items. And this, in turn, can save a fighter's health or life.
The main thing in tactical backpacks is the fabric from which the backpacks are sewn. In most cases, tailoring is made of super-durable, waterproof materials, which are not afraid of any wear stage, as well as the presence of adverse weather conditions, such as rain, heavy rain, hail, snow or extreme heat.
Besides the fact that the materials themselves are extremely durable, the colors of fabrics can be very diverse. It can be khaki, black or olive, gray or any other and naturally camouflage. And this is very significant, based on the variety of goals and tasks that can be solved by the military.
Structurally tactical backpacks are:
- Soft;
- Tough;
- Semi-rigid
Based on the purpose of their use, tactical backpacks are also divided into many tasks, including transportation:
- Ammunition;
- Personal items and karemat;
- Medication;
- Having a CamelBack system ("Medusa" with a tank in which there is a pipe for drinking water);
- To solve universal problems.
Choosing backpacks in terms of volume, it is advisable to be guided by the tasks assigned to personnel.
In scope tactical backpacks are:
- Low-volume (20-30 liters);
- Medium volume (30-50 liters);
- Large (over 50 liters).
In addition, tactical backpacks may have many additional "bells and whistles" and characteristics inherent in such products. In particular, this may be due to volume adjustments. As a result, large, but not fully filled backpacks can be significantly reduced, which will have a positive impact on their convenient transportation.
Many have heard of the rather widespread Molle technology. This is such a modular army system to carry additional equipment using rigid mounts. This design is applicable to vests, belts and frontal parts of backpacks.
The essence of the system is that with its help additional equipment is attached to tactical backpacks, for example, things or pouches. In the case when such a need disappears, then the pouches can be easily removed. In addition, some models of backpacks have special compartments for storing stores, grenades.
The popularity of tactical backpacks among civilians
Tactical backpacks are ideal for lovers of extreme recreation, since they were designed for army special forces, which means their versatility. In general, good tactical backpacks are known for having thought through all the smallest details. They have at their disposal a system of slings and carabiners in order to attach the most diverse equipment, they can be attached to additional components, such as pouches and covers. In addition, they are distinguished by their impermeability and extreme durability.
These backpacks are very popular among the "survivors", because they can put a lot of the most necessary things, and this is not counting stocks of food, clothing, first aid kits, tents.
Choice of tactical backpacks
When choosing tactical backpacks, it is desirable to pay special attention to:
- The quality of materials.
One of the most basic differences between tactical backpacks and others is the actual materials from which they are made. Excellent materials and durable CORDURA 700 DEN nylon fabrics can serve as excellent materials. It is worth noting that originally these fabrics were intended only for the military. They are extremely resistant to abrasion and almost never wear out; - Functionality.
Today, almost all such backpacks have the MOLLE system mentioned earlier. Thanks to her, you can easily engage in combining and changing the set of necessary pouches or other accessories. Along with the system "MOLLE" there may be other systems of fastening additional equipment with the help of lightning. Actually on the quality of lightning, which must function perfectly, and we must pay special attention; - Volumes.
As already mentioned, the size of tactical backpacks range from 20-40 liters, although this is not the limit. You can also meet with 100-liter models. It is clear that large-volume backpacks are designed for longer trips; - Impermeability
In order for things not to get wet, the materials of the backpacks must have additional processing inside. It is clear that they will not save from heavy rains, but almost all backpacks have additional capes that protect against any, even very heavy rain. Consequently, when purchasing tactical backpacks, it is advisable to ensure that they are fully equipped.
The process of choosing a tactical backpack
In the process of direct selection of military tactical backpacks, it is desirable to be extremely attentive and treat these activities quite seriously, since this can be a matter of not entirely safe, and even deadly, situations in which such a product can be used.
So. When choosing backpacks:
- Conduct a thorough visual inspection of backpacks for the integrity of fabrics, seams and other things;
- Wear a backpack. To make sure that he is sitting correctly, does not create discomfort, and that the components in the backpack are not rubbed or pressed. And this is extremely important, because during long marches it is possible to receive unpleasant injuries. And with improper adjustment and landing backpack may be problems with the spine;
- Check that all locks, knobs and other elements have easy and effortless operation;
- In a backpack with special impregnation, check its uniform application.
Thus, tactical backpacks have many characteristics, but if you choose backpacks wisely, it’s still realistic to find quality products for a wide variety of tasks.
