I’m always in the market for a good tactical backpack. The problem is though, that most tactical backpacks stick out like a sore thumb.
Some of the more conspicuous ones someone can see from a mile away, and that’s without any optical equipment. Most of the time it’s the material that gives them away. I don’t mean to dog most tactical backpacks too hard, but if you are to trying to be as low key as possible you don’t want something that screams what’s really on the other side of the zipper.
Sometimes a civilian aesthetic can be a good thing. I fly a lot for work, and I have noticed that if I have a carry-on that is more plain colors than the camo designs I see in a lot of tactical backpacks I get stopped by the TSA a heck of a lot less.
Not that I have anything to hide, but it’s a pain in the rear whenever I am trying to get through security on a tight layover.
This is why I am pleased about the COVRT18 2.0 Backpack from 5.11 Tactical. Overall, this backpack lets you blend into a crowd while still having your defensive gear easily accessible.
The COVRT18 2.0 is very discreet and calls very little attention to itself other than someone going, “Hey, cool backpack.”
The COVRT18 2.0 definitely caters to the needs of the concealed carry community in that is has a dual access conceal carry compartment for whatever handgun you may have with you on a given journey, including an internal loop panel and tuckable logo tabs so you can really keep your piece on the down low.
Other non-EDC features that this pack has as a TSA friendly laptop compartment which gives you the ability to easily protect your computer while you are traveling while it not being a pain in the butt to get your laptop in the middle of removing your belt and taking off your shoes.
I’ve also come to realize that the laptop pocket can also be used as a great spot for a hydration reservoir if you made the decision that day to leave the laptop at home.
Next I am going to bring up what might be my favorite feature of this whole thing; the clamshell design for the main compartment. Most backpacks of any kind, tactical or not, tend to be designed a particular way that makes it a dance and a half getting things out.
I cannot tell you how many times with a traditional style backpack I have scraped up the sides of a laptop.
With the clamshell design, the COVRT18 2.0 makes things a heck of a lot easier when it comes to getting something out of a backpack when you’re crammed up against the window seat next to the rear lavatory of an airplane.
The straps are padded quite well and are not bulky at all. Whether you are carrying or not on a given day, it never hurts to have straps that are more feather than they are lead weight. They really thought of everything, even when it comes to the color.
They are producing this backpack in a color called Flint that blends in quite nicely with everyday normal surroundings. With this backpack, people won’t be looking at you like “oh, there goes that mercenary.”
People see something like this backpack and they will think that it’s just a really good backpack with some really handy water bottle compartments and an amazing space for a laptop.
You also have the benefit of knowing that you are able to conceal carry and won’t be tipping anyone off that might be out to do you harm.