Top 5 Best Small Tactical Backpacks – [Ultimate 2024 Reviews]

In today’s world, you can never be too prepared. Personally, I began using an EDC backpack many moons ago. Nowadays, they’re catching on like wildfire. In this guide, we show you how to select the best small tactical backpack. Plus, we share our current top picks and reviews to give you an idea of your top options. Additionally, this guide is specifically for people who want a smaller tactical pack as a range pack or EDC pack. Because after all, we don’t always need a ton of room.

Key features you’ll find on a good tactical backpack are handgun storage, generous MOLLE, heavy-duty materials, organizational pockets, and a low-profile design. Of course, there are more features to consider, and like most things in life, finding the perfect bag for you comes down to your preferences.

We’re confident that the tactical bags in this guide will meet your needs, and we provide reviews that clearly explain what to expect from each backpack. Once you have the chance to quickly go over the key features and pros & cons of each pack, your final decision will be easy-peasy.

Now, it’s time to check out the packs!

Best Small Tactical Backpack Reviews

All of the bags featured in our guide are under 30 liters with the smallest being 21 liters. With this in mind, we feel that any tactical backpack under 20 liters won’t give you enough room to properly store your firearms & accessories.

#1) 5.11 Tactical All Hazards Nitro Backpack 21L

When it comes to constructing a tactical backpack, 5.11 doesn’t mess around. For this reason, you’ll find not one but two 5.11 models in this guide. First things first, the All Hazards Nitro model is our top pick for several reasons. Firstly, at just 21L, this is as small as we’d personally go with a tactical backpack. Secondly, 5.11 managed to pack in all the necessary features found in a good EDC pack in this tight package.

Next, because of its size, this pack makes a perfect carry-on tactical backpack, EDC pack, or even a good daypack for hiking. Built with heavy-duty 1050-denier nylon, this bag is ready to tackle any obstacle in its way, unlike cheap knockoffs that skimp on materials. As for organization, there are two main compartments, interior/exterior Molle, orange lining to quickly ID your items, and one feature we like the most is the 180º opening. Is anyone else tired of digging to the bottom of bags that don’t open all the way?

Several final highlights are the pass-through openings for securing longer items, a sleeve for up to 13″ laptops, an all-purpose shove-it pocket, and we’re fans of the adjustable sternum strap to suit all heights. All in all, this is a top-notch small EDC backpack, though, obviously not the best option in our guide for use as a CCW backpack.

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#2) Eberlestock F5 Switchblade 24.5L

Personally, this is my favorite EDC pack in this guide. At 24 liters, it’s not too much larger than the Nitro pack, and it actually weighs a bit less at 3 lbs 10 oz. Comparatively, the Nitro weighs 3 lbs 12.8 oz. Next, the Switchblade is the perfect EDC bag and concealed carry pack with all the tactical features you’d expect from a bag in this class. Also, if you’re not familiar with Eberlestock, the company’s bags are widely used by military personnel around the world. In other words, this is as legit as it gets.

First, the feature that sets this backpack apart from most is the dual handgun pouches with rare-earth magnetic openings. As you probably already know, this setup allows for quick access to your firearm without the need to unbuckle anything. Yet, it provides a very secure compartment for enhanced safety. Next, there are two magazine pouches just below the flip-top opening, a protective side zip pocket for optics, and the main compartment divider that allows for laptop storage or short-barrel rifle storage.

Regarding internal organization, you’ll like the versatile interior loop-velcro PALS webbing, small-item organization, and a place to plant a hydration bladder. Lastly, the hidden side pocket for handguns and 180º front opening are both nice touches on this bag. Plus, you get the added comfort of Eberlestock’s lifetime warranty. Folks, it’s hard to wrong here.

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#3) First Tactical Specialist Half-Day Backpack 25L

Now, if you want the best small tactical backpack for a rifle, this is the one. At first glance, the Specialist appears to be a normal backpack, but it’s what’s inside that counts, right? The new Hook & Hang Thru System by First Tactical makes the Specialist pack fully compatible with the company’s oversized rifle sleeve. However, the biggest drawback is that the rifle sleeve must be purchased separately.

First, we like that this bag is more lightweight than our first two picks at 2.95 lbs, yet it features durable 1000-denier water-resistant nylon, which is only a notch below the 1050D on 5.11’s Nitro. Second, the organization is good with five external pockets, two interior, and a MOLLE/PALS external web platform that’s more discreet than other bags.

Beyond those features, the removable compressions straps are a unique feature in case you’re like us and get annoyed by dangling straps when not in use. Plus, there’s a removable backboard, fleece-lined sunglass pocket, and you might prefer the single main compartment over the dual compartment featured in 5.11’s Nitro.

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#4) G.P.S. Tactical Range Backpack

Landing at a strong #4 on our list is the best small tactical range backpack in our guide. Compared to the previous picks, this pack brings more features to the table specifically designed for the range. For instance, the freestanding rigid design means you don’t have to worry about the bag tipping over for truly hands-free use. Plus, the front zip compartment folds down to create a working surface while at the range.

Next, the bag includes three separate padded handgun storage cases with enough room to fit four magazines in each. Then, the bag offers a unique visual I.D. system for additional accessories including hearing protection, eye protection, and tools. As for the handgun storage, we really dig the side pocket slide-out access design that eliminates the need to reach down into the bag.

As for the outside of the bag, there’s ample webbing on both front panels as well as the side panels. Additionally, you get a side zip pocket and additional storage in the main compartment above the handgun cases. Finally, the suspension is solid on this bag with both sternum and hip straps for even weight distribution when you have the bag loaded at max capacity.

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#5) 5.11 Tactical RUSH12 2.0 Backpack 24L

If the Nitro pack left you desiring a bit more room, then the RUSH12 pack is your perfect alternative. Similar to the Nitro pack, 5.11 built this pack with heavy-duty 1050D nylon. However, one interesting spec to consider is that the RUSH12 weighs just over 1/2 lb less than the Nitro despite having more capacity.

Next, another clear advantage of choosing the RUSH12 over the Nitro is the addition of a CCW compartment. Plus, the 2.0 model sports a larger fleece-lined eyewear pocket, a padded laptop sleeve, and a better hydration system with the ports now moved to the rear of the bag. Additionally, another key difference between this pack and the Nitro is the single main compartment rather than a dual one.

Finally, you get the same ample MOLLE one would expect from 5.11, more than enough internal & external storage pockets, a full admin panel, and the must-have height-adjustable sternum strap. All things considered, the RUSH12 is a top-notch small tactical bag, and despite being a bit larger than the Nitro pack, the addition of a CCW compartment along with a better hydration system makes it a worthy alternative.

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Final Thoughts

When you select the best small tactical backpack, it certainly comes with a unique set of pros & cons. One tip we have is to ensure your preferred handgun will fit in the bag before you buy. That is if you plan to use your tactical bag as a CCW pack as well. After that, it’s always wise to consider the features that mean the most to you. For example, there are certain features I can’t live without such as a 180º opening main compartment

Once you take the time to narrow down the features that mean the most to you, you’ll find that owning a minimalist tactical backpack comes in handy for a variety of activities when you don’t want to lug around more bag than you need. Finally, if we had to choose just one bag in this guide, we would go with Eberlestock’s F5 Switchblade. Eberlestock packs are built to last a lifetime and come backed by a reliable lifetime guarantee. Also, if you can manage to track one down, Eberlestock’s Little Trick is another high-quality small tactical pack.