Tactical messenger bags are an excellent option for those who want the features and durability of a tactical bag with a shoulder strap design.
They are rugged and offer features that standard messenger bags can not provide.
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What to Look for in a Tactical Messenger Bag
There are a few things to consider when you are shopping for a new tactical messenger bag.
Features
Some bags come equipped with concealed weapon compartments to allow you to have easy access to your sidearm.
Others are equipped with padded interiors to help protect your gear, such as electronics.
Durability
Tactical messenger bags are constructed out of high-quality materials that are resistant to damage.
Storage
The amount of internal storage varies based on what tactical messenger bag you decide to go with.
Some offer a large amount of space that can fit all your gear, while others are designed to be compact and lightweight.
Below are the 10 best tactical messenger bags available.
#1. Ascend Messenger Bag 25L
- Dimensions: 18” L x 12.5” H x 5.5” D
- Capacity: 25 Liters
- Material: 1000 Denier Nylon and 500 Denier Nylon
- Weight: 3 lbs.
- Waterproof: No
- Color(s): Black, Coyote
The Ascend Messenger Bag 25L by First Tactical is basically a larger version of the Summit Side Satchel 8L.
It is constructed out of a blend of 500 denier nylon and 1000 denier nylon to provide excellent durability by providing added protection against tears and damage.
It also has YKK zippers and Duraflex hardware for a rugged design.
This tactical messenger bag has a massive 25 liters of storage which is great to fit all your gear and a laptop.
The Ascend tactical messenger bag has a padded compartment like the Summit, but this one is large enough to fit a laptop.
Like the Summit, it has a rear concealed weapon pocket where you can quickly access your firearm when it is needed.
With a total of 18 pockets, you can efficiently organize your gear.
If you want an upgraded version of the Summit Side Satchel 8L, the Ascend Messenger Bag 25L by First Tactical is a must buy.
It is available from First Tactical. Here’s where to buy it: www.FirstTactical.com
#2. Wingman Patrol Bag 39L
- Dimensions: 13.25” H x 18.5” L x 7.5” D
- Capacity: 39 Liters
- Material: 600 Denier Polyester
- Weight: 1.96 lbs.
- Waterproof: No
- Color(s): Black
The Wingman Patrol Bag 39L by 5.11 Tactical is designed to provide a massive amount of storage while being constructed out of lightweight 600 denier polyester.
You get 39 liters of internal storage with various organization platforms to allow you to stay organized while on the go.
It comes with an adjustable internal divider, mesh pockets, dual-fold open web platforms, and a foldout organizer panel.
For additional loadout options, it is compatible with the TacTec system.
You can customize your bag with your favorite patch with the included side mount patch.
The Wingman Patrol Bag 39L by 5.11 Tactical is perfect for those who want a lightweight bag weighing only 1.96 lbs. With a massive 39 liters of storage.
It is available from 5.11 Tactical. Here’s where to buy it: www.511Tactical.com
#3. 4-Banger Bag 5L
- Dimensions: 7” H x 15.5” L x 3” D
- Capacity: 5 Liters
- Material: 600 Denier Polyester
- Weight: 5.1 lbs.
- Waterproof: Yes
- Color(s): Black, Double Tap
5.11 Tactical’s 4-Banger Bag 5L is designed to carry all your essential tactical gear for a mission and up to four assault rifle magazines.
Constructed out of durable high-grade materials, it will last in the harshest of environments.
It is crafted with 500 denier polyester that is weatherproof, resistant against abrasions, and does not fade in the sun.
5.11 made it even more rugged with 1050 denier reinforced high-usage areas and a self-healing YKK zipper.
With a cross-body design, you can access your sidearm by the concealed pistol compartment at the rear.
It also has a laser-cut web platform where you can customize your loadout for things such as additional magazines.
With 5 liters of storage, you can quickly pack your mission essential items for day-long trips.
If you are looking for a tactical bag with built-in magazine retention and is constructed out of damage/weather-resistant material, the 4-Banger Bag 5L by 5.11 Tactical is an excellent choice.
It is available from 5.11 Tactical. Here’s where to buy it: www.511Tactical.com
#4. Nomatic Messenger Bag
- Dimensions: 12” H x 16.5” W x 5.5” D
- Capacity: 15 Liters
- Material: Not Specified
- Weight: 3.8 lbs.
- Waterproof: Water-Resistant
- Color(s): Black
The Nomatic Messenger Bag has high-end features that are not found in the other bags on this list, but it comes at a premium cost.
Nomatic is known for crafting exquisite bags that can withstand abuse while looking trendy and stylish.
You can easily store your laptop or electronics within your bag and keep it organized.
It includes a TSA-ready laptop sleeve that will allow you to keep your laptop secure while going through TSA checkpoints at the airport.
Constructed from durable, water-resistant material, you do not need to worry about accidental spills of coffee or heavy rain. Your gear will remain safe.
The messenger bag also includes a sunglass case, retractable key leash, roller bag sleeve, magnetic water bottle pocket, an RFID safe pocket, and a magnetic shoulder strap.
A significant downside to this messenger bag is that it is more than double the cost of every other bag on this list, but it has luxury features crafted into its construction to compensate for the price.
If you are looking for a high-end tactical messenger bag with loads of features, the Nomatic Messenger Bag is an excellent choice.
It is available from Nomatic. Here’s where to buy it: www.Nomatic.com
#5. Summit Side Satchel
- Dimensions: 12.5” L x 10” H x 4.5” D
- Capacity: 8 Liters
- Material: 1000 Denier Nylon
- Weight: 1.75 lbs.
- Waterproof: No
- Color(s): Black, Coyote, OD Green
First Tactical’s Summit Side Satchel 8L is designed for those who want to be prepared for anything.
The tactical messenger bag comes with 15 total pockets to provide you excellent organization.
It also has a concealed weapons pocket in the back for quick access to your pistol in an emergency.
The bag is constructed out of 1000 denier nylon which is resistant against tears, mildew, and color fading.
It also includes a YKK zipper and has Duraflex hardware for added durability.
With 8 liters of internal storage space, you have plenty of room for all your gear.
With an internal 10mm padded tablet pocket, you can store your electronics without worrying about damaging them.
Weighing in at 1.75 lbs., it is super-lightweight and is comfortable to carry.
If you are looking for a solid tactical messenger bag that is durable and lightweight, First Tactical’s Summit Side Satchel 8L is an excellent choice.
It is available from First Tactical. Here’s where to buy it: www.FirstTactical.com
#6. Daily Deploy Push Pack 5L
- Dimensions: 10” H x 12” L x 7.5” D
- Capacity: 5 Liters
- Material: 500 Denier Nylon
- Weight: 1.21 lbs.
- Waterproof: No
- Color(s): Black, Coyote
The Daily Deploy Push Pack 5L by 5.11 Tactical is designed to provide a lightweight tactical bag with quick access to your gear.
Weighing in at an ultra-lightweight 1.21 lbs., you can carry it all day comfortably with the ambidextrous shoulder design.
It is constructed out of durable 500 denier nylon, which is tear and rip resistant.
With a rear concealed weapons pocket, you can covertly carry your sidearm without anyone noticing.
It includes 5 liters of storage where you can pack your essentials, and it contains internal admin and org panels.
If you are looking for a compact, lightweight alternative to larger messenger bags, the Daily Deploy Push Pack 5L by 5.11 Tactical is a must.
It is available from 5.11 Tactical. Here’s where to buy it: www.511Tactical.com
#7. 2-Banger Bag 3L
- Dimensions: 7” H x 9.5” L x 3” D
- Capacity: 3 Liters
- Material: 500 Denier Nylon, 1050 Denier Nylon
- Weight: 1.1 lbs.
- Waterproof: Yes
- Color(s): Black, Double Tap
The 2-Banger Bag 3L by 5.11 Tactical is a more compact version of the 4-Banger Bag.
It is constructed out of waterproof 500 denier nylon for added durability and protection.
For a more rugged design, 5.11 Tactical has 1050 denier nylon at high impact points, and it comes with self-healing YKK zippers.
Unlike the 4-Banger Bag, the 2-Banger Bag can only carry 2 assault rifle magazines.
For additional loadout options, it comes with a Laser cut web platform.
It also has a rear concealed weapon compartment where you can get to your sidearm fast in an emergency.
The compact design and integrated features make the 2-Banger Bag 3L by 5.11 an excellent choice for a day outdoors.
It is available from 5.11 Tactical. Here’s where to buy it: www.511Tactical.com
#8. Bail Out Bag 9L
- Dimensions: 8.25” H x 11.75” L x 4.5” D
- Capacity: 9 Liters
- Material: 1050 Denier Nylon
- Weight: 1.4 lbs.
- Waterproof: Yes
- Color(s): Flat Dark Earth
The Bail Out Bag 9L is not a tactical bag for those who want to stay covert with its 3 external magazine pouches that can store 6 assault rifle magazines.
It was built with the operator in mind with excellent storage capacity in a compact design.
It is constructed out of all-weather 1050D nylon, which provides added durability and protection for your tactical gear.
With customization in mind, it comes with MOLLE/5.11 SlickStick web gear expandability and an adjustable strap to quickly release your bag.
This tactical bag is more suited for a day in the field than a day in the office.
It is available from 5.11 Tactical. Here’s where to buy it: www.511Tactical.com
#9. Recoil Range Bag 40L
- Dimensions: 18” L x 11” H x 9” D
- Capacity: 5 Liters
- Material: 600 Denier Polyester
- Weight: 4.4 lbs.
- Waterproof: No
- Color(s): Black, Coyote
First Tactical’s Recoil Range Bag 40L is a bit larger than a tactical messenger bag, but its features and durability make it an excellent substitution for a tactical messenger bag.
The Recoil Range Bag is constructed out of rugged 600 denier polyester, which is both durable and lightweight.
You get 40 liters of internal storage with 6 external and 13 interior pockets.
It also comes with a specialized divider to provide better organization of your gear.
For added protection, it also includes Duraflex hardware and YKK zippers.
It includes a pullout carrier that comes with 2 sidearm and 10 pistol magazine pockets.
For even more protection, the inside of the tactical bag is padded.
While not officially a tactical messenger bag, First Tactical’s Recoil Range Bag 40L includes a shoulder strap and can be comfortably carried.
It is available from First Tactical. Here’s where to buy it: www.FirstTactical.com
#10. Rush Delivery Lima 12L
- Dimensions: 11” H x 17” L x 4” D
- Capacity: 12 Liters
- Material: 1050 Denier Nylon
- Weight: 3 lbs.
- Waterproof: Water-Resistant
- Color(s): Sandstone
5.11 Tactical’s Rush Lima Delivery Bag is constructed out of 1050 denier nylon and equipped with a YKK self-healing zipper.
It can stand against bad weather with a water-resistant and has Duraflex hardware for better durability.
To help secure the tactical messenger bag, it includes a non-slip stabilization strap.
You get excellent storage space for all your gear to include a 17” laptop.
The laptop storage compartment has a padded interior to protect your personal devices.
It has 12 liters of total storage, which is plenty for all your tactical equipment, and it has side pockets and a water bottle pocket.
For additional loadout customization, it includes a wrap-around web platform that is compatible with MOLLE, 5.11 SlickStick, and TacTec systems.
An awesome feature is the integrated quick-draw compartment where you can store your concealed sidearm.
It is available from 5.11 Tactical. Here’s where to buy it: www.511Tactical.com
See Also
5.11 Tactical Military Discount
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He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 2004 and has served over 18 years as a communications maintenance technician with three deployments to the Middle East.
He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English and Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University and a bachelor’s degree in Information System Security with a concentration in Digital Forensics from American Military University.
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