Tactical Packs
Our tactical backpacks cover two generations of military load carriage: modern MOLLE packs with PALS webbing, and the G.I. type ALICE system that served troops for decades. Everything here is made by Rothco.
On the MOLLE side you'll find the MOLLE II 3-Day Assault Pack, the Skirmish 3 Day Assault Backpack, the Multi-Chamber MOLLE Assault Pack, the Global Assault Pack, the 25L and 45L Tactical Backpacks, and the Fast Mover Tactical Backpack. The transport pack family comes in medium, large, convertible and camo versions, including midnight camo, Thin Blue Line and a Fred Bear camo pack made with Bear Archery.
The ALICE lineup includes the G.I. Style Mini Alice Pack, the Heavyweight Mini Alice Pack, the G.I. Type Medium Alice Pack, and the G.I. Type Large and Enhanced Alice Packs with frame. Parts are sold separately as well:
- Alice pack frame with attachments, frame shoulder straps and enhanced shoulder straps
- LC-1 kidney pad
- Y style and H style LC-1 suspenders
- Alice keeper clip-belt slides, enhanced butt packs and MOLLE replacement straps
For travel and everyday carry, the Move Out Tactical Travel Backpack, Tactical Convertipack, 3-In-1 Convertible Mission Bag, Tactical Foldable Backpack and single sling packs carry like regular bags but still take pouches.
A note for service members: these are commercial packs, not issue equipment. DA PAM 670-1 allows a backpack in uniform on one or both shoulders if it is black or matches a color of the authorized camouflage pattern, so a black or coyote pack is the safer pick. Check unit policy first.
How to Choose Tactical Backpacks
Match the pack to the longest realistic carry you'll do with it. A pack that is perfect for a range bag can be miserable on a twelve-mile ruck, and the reverse is true too.
MOLLE vs. ALICE Tactical Backpacks
ALICE (All-Purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment) replaced earlier load-carrying gear in 1973 and uses an external metal frame. A bent ALICE frame can often be straightened and still used. MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) was developed largely at the Natick Soldier Systems Center and introduced in 1997, then became widespread in the early 2000s. MOLLE packs are modular: pouches attach anywhere on the webbing. Pick ALICE for a simple, repairable framed pack with a classic surplus look; pick MOLLE for customization and modern accessories.
Understanding PALS Webbing
The ladder of straps on a MOLLE pack is PALS, the Pouch Attachment Ladder System: rows of 1-inch webbing spaced 1 inch apart and sewn to the pack at 1.5-inch intervals. Any pouch built to that standard weaves into it, so you can add an IFAK, a utility pouch or a radio pouch. Weave each strap through every row for a pouch that doesn't flop; our MOLLE replacement straps help when an attachment strap wears out.
Picking the Right Tactical Backpack Size
- Single day or range bag: 25L tactical backpack, mini ALICE or a sling pack.
- Two to three days: MOLLE II 3-Day Assault Pack, Skirmish 3 Day pack or 45L tactical backpack.
- Heavy or extended loads: large transport pack or a large ALICE pack with frame.
Hydration and Add-On Pouches
If you want to drink on the move, check each product page for a hydration sleeve or tube port before you buy. Add pouches in order of how often you reach for them: a first aid kit and a light where either hand can find them, spare batteries and snacks farther back. Keep the pack balanced left to right, and don't hang so much on the outside that it snags on brush or doorways.
Fitting and Loading a Rucksack
Put heavy items like water and ammunition cans high and close to your back. If you run an ALICE frame, set the kidney pad on the small of your back and adjust the shoulder straps so they wrap over your shoulders with no gap. Y or H style LC-1 suspenders pair with a pistol belt for a fighting load that works under the pack.
Tactical Backpacks and Military Regulations
Carrying a Tactical Backpack in Uniform
DA PAM 670-1, paragraph 20-2b, lets Soldiers carry a bag by hand, on one shoulder with a strap, or on both shoulders with both straps. Single sling packs worn diagonally across the body fall outside that rule. With the ACU and Class B uniforms, the bag must be black or match a color of the authorized camouflage pattern, and paragraph 4-7i limits bags with the combat uniform to garrison. AR 670-1 lets commanders prescribe organizational issue rucksacks for garrison and the field, and those orders take priority over personal packs. Woodland, midnight and Thin Blue Line packs are for off-duty, airsoft and hunting use. Other services and individual units may have stricter rules.