Once it’s declassified, advanced military technology tends to drip down into civilian goods. It’s how we got GPS, the internet and the Jeep. But the relationship goes both ways, with innovative outdoor products and materials influencing what the military uses, too.
The tactical backpack exists on a spectrum that covers outdoor-specific and everyday use. Like the warzone-ready backpacks worn by service members around the globe, today’s military-inspired backpacks are tougher than hell, with organizational features that go far beyond the capabilities of ordinary backpacks.
Heavyweight reinforced nylon, weatherproofing capabilities, MOLLE webbing and earth tone colors are common themes in these crossover bags. There’s no better catch-all for all the things you carry throughout your day.
A decade ago, ex-Special Forces soldier Jason McCarthy founded GORUCK with the simple conviction that he could build a backpack unlike any that existed at the time. He wanted one that would be ideal for service members fighting overseas and commuters heading in for a day at the office. His answer was the GR1 Rucksack, a backpack that has become the standard bearer for military-inspired everyday bags. The GR1 blends commuter-friendly features such as a padded laptop compartment and interior organizing pockets with a tough, take-anything construction. The pack has a plastic backing plate and a false bottom for extra protection and its weatherproof exterior seals up with silent zippers. The GR1 is also equipped with MOLLE webbing on the face and straps, plus a velcro hit for your favorite patch.
Suspension, haul, access, durability, organized — these are the guiding design standards that Prometheus Design Werx applied to the S.H.A.D.O. (hence the acronym). The pack leans more toward technical outdoor than tactical, but it’s not without fundamental military-inspired features such as strap-mounted MOLLE webbing and an oversized velcro panel for patches. The S.H.A.D.O. is filled with small features that make it a great everyday and adventure pack — a laptop sleeve, hydration compatibility, an external bungee for securing gear — but its most useful component might be a massive, top-to-bottom zip opening into its main compartment.
The “72” in the name refers to “72-hour capacity” — often considered the benchmark for optimal bug-out bags. With its two side pockets and front admin pocket, it’ll hold three or more days of food, water, shelter and assorted survival tools. The front admin pocket neatly organizes smaller goods, and a sleeve tucked away in the main compartment holds a large hydration bladder.
At its core, the FAST Pack Litespeed is an exceptionally versatile everyday backpack. Its versatility owes mostly to its size (light, compact) and its organizational features. It is loaded to the brim with pockets. But the MOLLE webbing isn’t just for show; Triple Aught Designs makes a wide variety of modular attachments, allowing you to further specialize the pack according to your everyday needs.
The 3 Day Assault is the perfect pack for going off-grid. Made in the USA, this pack has a three-zip design that allows easy access to your gear at a moment’s notice, and internal sleeves can accommodate up to three hydration reservoirs. Side webbing allows for integration of a range of accessories, and the Futura Frame system keeps your back feeling great after long days on the trail.
Built to be a maritime Spec Ops companion, the DryPack 25 is totally waterproof and has two MOLLE panels, inside and out, for the assortment of modular pouches. Jutting out from the shell is a small black tube which, when thrown in water, is used to manually inflate the pack into a lifesaver.
With just two simple pockets, the MilTac M.U.L.E is a dead-simple hydration pack built for fast missions. It holds a 3-liter hydration bladder, the lower pocket’s low-profile MOLLE panel accepts a few small modular pouches, and the suspension system, which stays snug on your back, can be rapidly removed using the side-release buckle.
Right now, Lo & Sons is offering 50 percent off its must-have weekender duffel, the Catalina Deluxe. It features a brilliant bottom pocket that separates dirty shoes and clothes from your clean goods. And a luggage sleeve attaches easily to most wheelie luggage, with adjustable zippers to ensure a close fit.
Our Just Get This pick for a better office chair, the Steelcase Series 1 chair is the best value on the market. On sale for under $400, this is the office chair purchase to make.
Save on this well-reviewed, versatile grooming tool. With dual sides, five adjustable settings and self-sharpening blades, you can up your grooming game in the shower.
The Adidas Ultraboost has been a Gear Patrol favorite since it launched in 2015. They're a perfect crossover for training and run commuting. While they go on sale often, 30% off for all colorways is a good find.
The Bambino Plus pulls useful tech from Breville’s larger, pricier options — a three-second heat-up time, shot pre-infusion and its fairly incredible milk wand — while maintaining a consistent, reliable flavor profile.
Ditch the chemicals with Caraway’s ceramic-coated cookware. This complete set comes equipped with pan & lid storage units and works on all energy sources.
This class-leading multi-device wireless charger is an easy and now much more affordable way to eliminate annoying wires from your nightstand, desk, or kitchen counter.
The 22L Unbound is our pick for Best Soft Cooler because it's sleek, has plenty of storage space (we fit 24 cans of beer), is comfortable to wear on short jaunts and utilizes Hydro Flask's superior insulating technologies to keep contents cool for up to 48 hours.
Did you just get a new iPhone 12? Do you lose chargers all the time like us? While the discount isn't huge, this is a useful buy if you want to take advantage of your new phone's MagSafe capabilities.
$289 $144 (50% off) Now's the time to grab travel gear at great prices. Half off a rugged duffel with oversized wheels that can handle almost any terrain? Yes please. Grab one now before they sell out.
Offered in a number of colors and sizes, Zojirushi mugs are renowned for their quality. This one keeps beverages hot for up to six hours, and there’s a five-year warranty on the heat retention, so you’re essentially getting five years of steaming java in one purchase.
Hydro Flask’s new insulated bottle construction features narrower vacuum-sealed walls that make this water bottle lighter than others but no less capable of keeping contents cold, or hot. It’s not just the best insulated water bottle available; it’s one of the best new products of the year.
This linen sheet set is as airy as you’d want it to be, but the weave isn’t too loose either, as was common in testing cheaper linens. The low cost and variety of colors make it a rock-solid starter set.
With an adjustable headrest and a tilt tension adjustment knob, this is the best office chair under $150 we've found. While adjustable armrests would be nice, saving even more on this commendable seating option is too good to pass up.
These relaxed slim fits with a medium rise were already a ridiculously good price before the $59 off. For the quality, this might be the best Black Friday deal on jeans you'll find.
It's braising season, and this classic Dutch oven can weather any dish you throw at it. If you haven't added the classic Le Creuset Dutch Oven to your kitchen, now's your chance.
Everlane’s jeans come from a highly-respected Japanese denim mill but at a price point way less than you'd expect. And at half off they're an easy buy in any of the washes.
Our first collab with our friends Taylor Stitch, the Reversible Able Vest (and the Lombarid Jacket as well) offers an Arid Camo on one side with Taylor Stitch's proprietary Boss Duck on the other. Score 18% off on this collab now and snatch one a perfect layering garment. Special funding pricing ends 12/5.
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