Civilian products lie downstream from the military in more ways than one might think. Simple household duct tape has its genesis in naval ammunition storage. The GPS that consigned our road maps to the glove compartment for good is a military innovation. And even the simple T-shirt has its roots in the armed forces. Another item that bridges the gap between military and civilian is the tactical backpack, a piece of gear that does a lot more than carry your textbooks to and from school. In this guide to tactical backpacks, we’ll learn what sets this bag apart from the rest.

Unmatched Durability

The defining characteristic of a tactical backpack is that they’re not cheaply made. Every kid who’s ever overstuffed a backpack has found out the hard way that stitches break, fabric tears, and straps snap when put to the test. The tactical backpack is built to withstand much more. Strong nylon keeps these heavy-duty backpacks intact.

Hanging With Your PALS

Versatility and creativity are necessary for many missions, military and civilian alike. Tactical backpacks include the option for customization through the Pouch Attachment Ladder System, or PALS. By adding PALS webbing to your backpack, you can add storage capacity for specialized additions such as knives, first aid kits, or simply a pen and notebook.

Hydration Is Key

One of the most important advantages of tactical backpacks over traditional civilian backpacks is that they place a premium on readily accessible hydration. Tactical backpacks often include water bladders with built-in mouthpieces. This means that rather than having to carry a water bottle in your hand or reach for one from a pouch on your backpack, you can simply go for that mouthpiece and get some water—or the electrolyte-supplemented drink of your choice—while keeping your hands free. This ability to multi-task can be very important in the field.

Don’t Forget the Boots

Wherever you’re going with a tactical backpack on, you’ll probably need some heavy-duty boots. No guide to tactical backpacks is complete without them, and neither is any mission. Don’t hike for fun or set out for deployment without at least one pair of our coyote brown boots.

Both tactical footwear and tactical backpacks are essential for heading where others may fear to tread because of one simple fact: they’re build to last.