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How to Choose a Concealed Carry Backpack

Concealed carry backpacks: discreet, easy access, versatile, durable, comfortable, and stylish. Choose wisely for daily use.

When we talk about concealed carry, we’re usually talking about concealing your firearm on your person – that is, in a holster or clothing. Sometimes that’s not an option and you need an alternate carry method. That’s where a bag or backpack can be advantageous. 

Pros of Concealed Carry Backpacks 

Rack up enough everyday carry items and eventually you’re going to notice the extra weight. A concealed carry backpack allows you to easily carry extra items you use each day, as well as any items essential for a specific mission, including food and water. 

Backpacks are a common accessory and thus the perfect place to conceal your weapon. You’ll often see people out and about carrying backpacks so no one will think twice about what you’re carrying in your bag. 

If you already carry a bag to and from work or in your everyday activities, it should be easy enough to adjust to a bag designed for concealed carry. It’s important for your safety and those around you that your bag is designed that way. Tossing a weapon into an open bag becomes a risk for accidental discharge and you can lose vital seconds searching for a weapon should you find yourself in an emergency. 

And if your primary carry option is on your person, a backpack provides an excellent secondary carry option. 

What to Look for in a Concealed Carry Backpack 

If you find yourself in an emergency, you want gear you can depend on. Let’s look at 7 criteria you should consider when choosing a backpack for concealed carry. 

Concealment 

Tactical backpacks are great for certain circumstances. However, when we’re dealing with concealed carry, you don’t want your backpack screaming, “I’m carrying a gun!” We want to draw as little attention to ourselves and what we’re carrying as possible. There are plenty of great tactical backpacks out there that are specifically designed to safely hold your weapon without looking like a military backpack. 

Firearm Access 

Next to concealing a firearm, the other primary concern is being able to quickly and efficiently access the concealed weapon. Traditional backpacks worn the intended way often do not provide the quickest access, so another great option for many is a sling pack which as the name suggests, you wear over your shoulder like a sling for a broken arm. While it allows for quicker access, the bag itself is a lot slimmer, and your storage space will be limited compared to a standard backpack. These also stand out a little more and may draw unwanted attention. Overall though, this is a good option for concealed carry. 

Quality and Construction 

A high-quality backpack is something you can use for a long time, provided it is constructed of durable materials. With daily use, you need a backpack that is well constructed, strong and rugged, and able to withstand the wear and tear it assuredly will endure. 

Versatility and Functionality 

If you have chosen to conceal carry with a backpack, chances are that you also have other important EDC items to think about. Make sure you choose a versatile backpack that offers compartments and storage for important accessories like a laptop, water bottle, and extra magazines. 

Comfort and Style 

Notice that comfort and style are near the bottom of this checklist. Sure, you want a bag that looks great and feels great while you’re carrying, but these should be secondary thoughts when choosing a proper concealed carry backpack. Ensure you take care of access, concealment, and security, and then you can think about the style and looks. 

Price 

We all have to stick to a budget, but it’s important to remember that a high-quality, technically sound concealed carry backpack that you use on a daily basis will be well worth the investment you make now and should last you for years to come. 

LV18 Backpack 30L 

A perfect tactical backpack designed for concealed carry capabilities, the LV18 Backpack 30L features a dedicated compartment for CCW options, granting fast side pocket access to the wearer. The main compartment is also spacious, and includes a padded sleeve pocket that can snugly fit a 15” laptop, making this concealed carry backpack a realistic option for everyday use. 

The LV18 is a purposefully low-vis back to keep unwanted attention at bay, and it offers excellent utility in the way of outer zip pockets, water resistant nylon, and webbing straps that can be used for additional attachments.  

RUSH12™ 2.0 Multicam® Backpack 24L 

We took our original, signature RUSH12™ backpack and blessed it with updated features for an even more well-rounded concealed carry solution. Not only did we add a hidden CCW compartment, but we also included a padded laptop sleeve and other storage options for EDC. The RUSH12™ 2.0 offers the ultimate in adaptability with its external front and side web MOLLE. And the high-strength, water-repellant Cordura 100D Nylon construction means this backpack will keep your gear safe and dry for many years. 

5.11 Tactical COVRT18™ 2.0 Backpack 32L 

As the name implies, the COVRT18™ backpack provides the ultimate combination of tactical versatility with the desired discreteness of a concealed carry bag. Features include a TSA-friendly laptop compartment, front pocket with removable ID panels, and slip pockets. 

Concealed carry is taken to another level with the zippered drop pocket, a flex cuff channel, and dual-access CCW compartment. Our patented 5.11 TacTec™ attachment system means you can customize the holster and placement of the weapon inside the pistol pocket. 

Not only does it offer unparalleled CCW features, but it looks and feels great. 

Concealed Carry Backpacks by 5.11 Tactical

Remember, no matter which concealed carry backpack you choose, be sure to take time to explore its features and practice drawing your weapon to make sure you will Always Be Ready. 

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