5.11 Tactical Rush 24 Backpack Review

5.11 Tactical Rush 24 Backpack

The 5.11 Tactical Rush 24 is an awesome survival backpack, to say the least. I use it as my [literal] EDC everyday carry bag. Even if I’m just hopping in the car, to go to Mcdonald’s, I’ll toss this bad boy in the backseat. 

I’ve taken it to the beach, into stores, hiking, Disneyworld, outlets, on random daytrip excursions, and weekend road-trips. It’s spacious enough to my fit toiletries, in a Dopp bag, a few days’ worth of clothes, 14-in. laptop w/ charger, and the miscellaneous items from my previous post, “My EDC everyday carry;" check it out! 

5.11 Tactical Rush 24 Backpack Features

This bag was built for more abuse than I could ever throw at it. It features tough 1050D nylon fabric, that repels water, a hydration pouch, 11 pockets throughout, adjustable height sternum strap, compression straps, on the side, two drainage grommets, on the bottom, self-repairing YKK zippers, sturdy grab-handle, and MOLLE webbing on the front and the straps. 

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Edit [3, Nov. 2016]: It's November, now, and I still use this backpack as my EDC bag. In a month, this bag will be a year old. In August, I moved across the country; an entire 3,700 miles of driving, over four, or so, days. I drove a 16' Penske, with a car-tow trailer. Both truck and car were stuffed to the doors, and this 5.11 Rush 24 bag was along me, in the cab, the entire trip.

 I used it to store my hoodie, DSLR, laptop, toiletries, wallet, lotion, sunscreen, glasses, and phone and laptop cables, within easy reach.

My EDC everyday carry

The traditional EDC everyday carry was focused more on survival and preparedness than practicability, like it is today.

An example of a practical EDC, photo courtesy of John Hritz, copyright license, here. 

With more people focusing on independence, by carrying self-defense tools, their own first aid, or food, it takes the strain away from others they would otherwise be dependent on.

This range of preparedness extends from both extremes, of cases: the worst, in which there's a disaster, and the most practical, in which having your own gauze, lotion, or extra pen can come in handy. 

As a summer-semester student, and at the time living in Florida, sudden tropical thunderstorms were a regular inconvenience. At times, they could be dangerous, with flooding, power outages, and high winds. Carrying an EDC meant more than carrying extra pens; I also carried an emergency flashlight, extra batteries, first aid, a Lifestraw, and a multi-tool. 

Fortunately, there was never a situation in which I had to use my emergency gear, but if there had been, where someone was hurt and city services couldn't assist immediately, I knew I had enough to provide basic care. 

Compare this to the alternative; not carrying anything. Some students came to class with the clothes on their backs, and borrowed pens and papers! To each his own, but I prefer to have some control, over relying on the good will of others.

5.11 Rush 24 backpack and my EDC

An EDC should reflect both extremes: practicability and preparedness. As pictured above, the majority of my EDC reflects what I typically use. 

In place of carrying all my emergency preparedness gear on my person, which can be cumbersome, I've opted to have a dedicated BoB bug out bag, or GHB get home bag, in the car.