Review: 5.11 Tactical Rapid Quad Zip Pack
Does your bug out bag need an upgrade? Want a tactical backpack that better helps you organise your gear? You’ll want to give the 5.11 Rapid Quad Zip backpack a close look because it could be just the pack you’re looking for. Durable, lightweight, and accessible – the 5.11 Rapid Quad Zip backpack boasts loads of great features that are sure to meet the needs (and wants) on your checklist.
The 5.11 Tactical Rapid Quad Zip backpack weighs just 1 kg (2.2 lbs), has a 28-litre capacity, and takes ease of access to the highest level with its quad zip design, providing access to the main compartment at all four corners – a unique feature for tactical backpacks. Cinch straps can be found on the side to compress the pack down when it’s not fully packed. The 5.11 Rapid Quad Zip backpack was designed as a daily pack with heavy use in mind and the company’s aim was to focus on rugged durability versus a sleek piece of art, which is why you can count a simple look made with high-quality 600D polyester. Perfect for functionality without drawing much attention.
There is a small admin compartment for cables, pens, utensils, and smaller essential items, as well as a small fleece-lined “dump” pocket for sunglasses, keys, and other items on the exterior of the pack. The entire exterior of the pack includes MOLLE attachment straps for you to secure pouches, carabiners, and other gear at an arm’s reach.
Inside the 5.11 Rapid Quad Zip backpack’s 270 Degree U Zip main compartment, there are a few helpful organisational features. You’ll find three mesh pockets, two of which are sewn into the front panel on the interior, as well as a larger pocket for a water bottle. The top mesh pocket can, of course, be accessed from the top or bottom – making the 5.11 Rapid Quad Zip backpack so appealing compared to other tactical backpacks or bug out bags.
Other smart features of this pack include its padded laptop sleeve with velcro strap and the separation of the water bladder compartment from the main compartment – giving you peace of mind if your bladder springs a leak. The 5.11 Rapid Quad Zip pack has a yolk design for the chest straps which hug comfortably and firmly to the chest. There are also quick release buckles found at the bottom of the straps – valuable if you find yourself dumped in water or mud with a heavy pack. 5.11 made sure to include MOLLE on the chest straps as well for more pouches and gear.
The 5.11 Rapid Quad Zip backpack excels at everything it was designed to do and works well even as a simple travel pack. The 5.11 brand is known for its durability and affordable quality and the Rapid Quad Zip surely did not disappoint.
