Designed with a focus on durability, versatility and practicality, tactical backpacks are essential for outdoor adventures, military operations and everyday use. These backpacks come with a range of features and components that enhance their functionality and adaptability.
To help you better understand and choose the right tactical pack, I made a tactical backpack glossary. This tactical backpack glossary covers key terms and features, from the MOLLE system to compression straps and management pockets. Whether you are a professional or an outdoor enthusiast, this guide will help you make the most of your gear.
Tactical backpack glossary: everything you need to know
A
Adjustable Straps:
The straps on the tactical backpack can be lengthened or shortened to accommodate different body types, ensuring a secure, comfortable fit and better weight distribution during prolonged use or when carrying heavy loads.
Admin Pouch:
A small compartment on the tactical bag for essential items such as maps, pens, documents and gadgets, providing quick access and organised storage for mission-critical equipment.
Anchor Points:
Reinforced attachment spots on tactical backpacks used to secure gear, carabiners, or accessories, ensuring stability and accessibility.
B
Bungee Cord:
An elastic cord often attached to tactical packs, used for securing lightweight gear, compressing loads, or providing quick access to frequently used items while keeping them tightly in place.
Buckles:
Durable fasteners on tactical bags, usually made of plastic or metal, are used to secure straps, compartments, or gear to ensure stability, adjustability, and quick-release functionality during operations or outdoor activities.
C
Compression Straps:
Adjustable straps on tactical backpacks used to tighten and stabilize the load, reducing bulk, preventing gear from shifting, and maintaining balance during movement or rugged activities.
A high-performance fabric known for its exceptional durability, abrasion resistance, and water repellence, used in tactical packs to ensure long-lasting protection in demanding environments.
Chest Strap:
Adjustable chest straps stabilise the tactical rucksack, distributing weight evenly and taking pressure off the shoulders during exercise or prolonged use.
D
D-Rings:
A D-shaped metal or plastic loop attached to tactical backpacks, used for securing gear, attaching accessories, or hanging items for quick access during operations or outdoor activities.
Drainage Hole:
A drainage hole in a backpack allows water to drain out, preventing moisture buildup and keeping contents dry.
E
Elastic Webbing:
Elastic webbing provides flexible storage, allowing secure attachment of accessories or gear for easy access.
EDC (Everyday Carry):
The EDC Tactical Backpack is designed for everyday use and offers organised compartments to carry essentials such as tools, gadgets and personal items in a variety of situations.
F
Frame:
Internal or external supports that provide structure to the backpack, often made from plastic or metal.
Front-Loading:
A backpack design where the main compartment opens from the front, allowing easy access.
G
G-Hook:
G-hooks are metal or plastic hooks shaped like the letter ‘G’ that are used on tactical equipment to quickly and securely fasten or adjust straps and accessories.
Gear Loops:
Gear loops are reinforced attachment points on tactical rucksacks for securing tools, carabiners or other gear to ensure easy access and organisation during activities.
H
Hydration Bladder:
The hydration bladder is a flexible water reservoir stored in a backpack that allows for hands-free drinking through a tube during outdoor activities such as hiking, biking or tactical missions.
Hook-and-Loop Panel:
Hook and loop panels on the tactical rucksack securely attach patches, pouches or accessories for quick customisation and easy access to essential gear.
I
Internal Compartments:
Internal compartments in a tactical pack are organized storage sections designed to separate and secure gear, ensuring easy access, better weight distribution, and efficient organization of essentials.
L
Load-Bearing:
Load-bearing refers to a tactical backpack's design to distribute weight evenly across the body, reducing strain and enhancing comfort during extended wear and heavy gear transport.
M
MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) is a system of webbing on tactical gear, allowing secure attachment of pouches, tools, and accessories for customizable organization and quick access in the field.
Main Compartment:
The main compartment of a tactical backpack is the largest storage area, designed to hold bulkier gear and essential items securely.
N
Nylon:
Nylon is a synthetic polymer known for its strength, durability, and resistance to abrasion, often used in tactical backpack construction.
O
Organizational Panels:
Organizational panels are dividing sections within your bag or gear that help you organise your items efficiently, making them easily accessible and preventing clutter.
Overnighter:
Tactical overnighters are compact, organised packs used to carry essentials for short overnight trips or missions.
P
PALS (Pouch Attachment Ladder System):
PALS is a webbing grid on tactical gear, allowing secure attachment of pouches and accessories using compatible straps or clips.
Padding:
Padding is cushioning material used in backpacks, armor, and other gear to provide comfort, shock absorption, and protection, reducing impact and pressure on the body.
Paracord:
Paracord is a strong, lightweight nylon rope that can be used for a variety of purposes, including securing gear, building shelters, and due to its durability can be used as an emergency survival tool.
Q
Quick-Release Buckles:
Quick-release buckles in military backpacks allow fast, easy detachment of straps or compartments, enabling quick access or removal of gear in emergency situations.
R
Rain Cover:
The rain cover is a waterproof barrier for your tactical bag that protects your gear from rain, moisture and dirt, ensuring that your items stay dry and safe in inclement weather.
Reinforced Seams:
Reinforced seams are stitched areas with extra durability, strengthening the fabric to prevent tearing and ensure long-lasting performance, especially in high-stress or load-bearing zones.
S
Shoulder Straps:
Shoulder straps are padded, adjustable bands on backpacks designed to distribute weight evenly across the shoulders, ensuring comfort and stability during carrying.
Side Pouches:
Side pouches are external compartments on the pack that provide quick access to frequently used items such as water bottles, tools or snacks, while ensuring they are safely stored.
Shock Cord:
Shock cord is an elastic, stretchable cord used on tactical gear for securing items, providing adjustable tension, and ensuring gear stays in place during movement.
T
Tactical Patches:
Tactical patches are customizable fabric insignias attached to gear via Velcro, displaying identification, affiliation, or morale messages while enhancing personalization and quick recognition.
Tear-Resistant Fabric:
Tear-resistant fabric in tactical packs is durable material designed to withstand punctures and ripping, ensuring long-lasting performance in harsh environments and heavy-duty use
U
Utility Pouch:
The Utility Pouch is a compact compartment for storing essential tools, accessories or supplies, ensuring easy access and organised storage during missions or outdoor activities.
V
Ventilation Channels:
Ventilation channels are airflow pathways designed to reduce heat buildup and moisture, keeping the user's back cool and comfortable during extended wear.
W
Waist Belt:
The waist belt on a tactical backpack helps distribute weight evenly across the hips, reducing shoulder stress and improving stability when carrying or carrying weight for extended periods of time.
Webbing:
Webbing is a strong, woven fabric strip used on tactical bags for attaching gear, securing equipment, and enhancing load distribution and durability.
Z
Zipper Pulls:
Zipper pulls is the last term of this tactical backpack glossary. They are attachments on zippers, often made of cord or plastic, providing an easy grip for quick and efficient opening or closing, even with gloves on.
