I use my rush 24hr pack daily ( 5 years ? ) and i like it for the most part. one thing that i thought was cool at first was all the molle webbing they hung off of it, now i strongly dislike it. If you need it you need it, but i have only used it to transport an 18" screwdriver riding a motorcycle… what i don’t like is how many people notice and comment. Ive got nothing against wearing camo or having a tough looking pack, I’m just tired of the flash. i like everything else about it.
small mesh inside pockets for organization
document pouch (keeps them wrinkle free)
hydration bladder friendly
eye pro pocket
large interior
outside brest pockets
outside larger pocket (big enough for large glocktupperware)
kydex like back plate (for heavy loads)
My question is, does anyone manufacture a pack that is more discrete and has may of the same features?
Im just starting my search and thought i would ask. thank you!
The most compatible antithesis to the RUSH 18 would be the COVRT18 in my opinion. I’ve had both, and they’re laid out pretty similarly, with the COVRT18 blending in better.
What I’ve had good luck with, while trying to keep my bags “grey” but still durable, is using a skateboard/snowboard backpack from a decent manufacturer. I’ve used a (literally grey) Dakine skateboard pack for a couple of years, even going UC with it containing a broken down AR, chest rig, bino’s, IFAK and chow for a day-long stakeout in a skeezy motel.
I prefer black packs for not standing out. Camo always will.
I personally carry a Kifaru Xray daily and never hear much about it from people who see it.
For a quality pack with similar features look up the Vertx Gammut packs. Very nice set up and solid construction.
While they all have a small amount of webbing, Goruck packs are pretty low profile. Loop a real carabiner in it and most people just think you’re a climber. Only one person ever outed my Goruck for what it is. Construction is on par with my Mystery Ranch.
The other option that is completely gray is timbuk2. These are completely “civilian” and decently constructed. Price is also reasonable. My wife loves hers.
Man I carry a Jansport that I got in the 10th grade. Super inconspicuous. Does not have hydration provision or chest yoke. The fabric is rip stop and is coated with the same stuff inside that the SDS molle ii uses so it doesn’t soak thru. Still has plenty of room and is comfortable. Typically at work I have my xd in it (breaking the rules!) but I’m probably less likely to get searched versus my buddy with an is green camelbak mother lode
I use to EDC a Grey Ghost Gear Stealth Operator Pack. The one I have was an old run that came in gray and emerald green with no MOLLE webbing on the outside.
Mine has received hard use and been outstanding. It is a little small for documents and lacks some of the pocket features OP was looking for. Still, it will carry EDC bug out gear, kid stuff, gas masks and trauma gear, with ease. It is one of the few low-profile/stealth/discreet packs from a mil/LE/tactical maker that actually is so.
OP, for true blend and discretion, check out a backpacking store or website with premium brands. Arcteryx, Patagonia, Gregory, Osprey, Mountain Hardwear etc. They are also more likely to contain some of the internal pouch configurations and polish that you may be looking for.
Check out the Oakley bags…been using one for work for years and been thinking of grabbing one of their smaller for edc use…i too considered the Tactical Tailor but when my wife said it looked too much like a purse…well I reconsidered which is unfortunate because I like the side zip access…
That’s a great-looking pack. I’d like to have one in OD green (I sent them the suggestion). However, I agree with the previous post that it’s much better to buy a civilian backpacking / hiking brand if you truly want to look low-profile. Anything that has “operator” in the name still looks tactical, no matter what color it is.
OP I have a North Face Recon backpack that I bought in 2008ish and use everyday in both daily life and as an LEO. I’ve carried everything from my workout clothes and snacks for patrol to an MP5K in it. If you REALLY want to blend in then wear what the people you are trying to blend in with are wearing. Even most of the “discrete” tactical bags on the market are unusual enough in design and construction that they will tip off the more observant folks in everyday life. If you just want to avoid comments about your MOLLE webbing, well that’s a different story.
FWIW, North Face’s 2016 designs look pretty good, and they are making them out of cordura starting this year, rather than nylon. I myself plan to take a look at them at some point later this year. Also, Patagonia has a giant selection of backpacks in all colors and sizes with some really interesting selections in pocket layouts.
None of these blend in an urban or suburban environment at all. I see similar designs quite often here in DC and it is an instant tip off that the wearer is either LEO or military, or gasp a prepared citizen. North Face/Patagonia/Arcteryx/Osprey et. al. doesnt engender nearly the same reaction.
Maxpedition is now making a number of bags made to look less tacti-cool and tend to have plenty of useful pockets, etc. I was considering one of these for example:
Valid points. But the problem is that most people will stand out because they do not have oblivious look on them all of the time.
The main problem is that it is a fine line between complete anonymity and durability. North Face makes a good pack but I have worn several out, to the point they were not usable, using them in semi-permissible environments on a daily basis.
Look at what the point is for the bag and then make you weigh the advantages vs. disadvantages. If you are caring your lunch and a tablet then you can carry what ever you want. If it is your Get Home Bag then you may have the most Low Vis bag out there but if it does not hold up when the SHTF then it is useless. You must weight durability with concealability. If you use a pack like the Low Viz Tactical Tailor or Kifaru packs then yes you loose a little ananimity but gain durability.
I personally have not used a pack made from ballistics nylon in about 13 years. The lightest material I will use is 500 D Cordura. The Nylon products just don’t hold up under stress and a SHTF situation is stress.
Looking around now days even the pseudo-tactical stuff around seem common place. Even the hipsters are caring that stuff. So it really just depends on your area and what you want to do with it. Weight out the pros and cons for the bags you are looking at and ten make a choice.
