Everyday Bags for Service Members

Service members fulfill a wide range of jobs, which means they’ll have plenty of gear and supplies to carry throughout the day. Whether our troops need to carry a lot of equipment or just a few items, they need a bag they can rely on to effectively store and transport their belongings. In this guide, we’ll go through the different options service members have for a daily bag, what to look for in a bag, and how to make sure it lasts as long as possible.

What Bag Options Do Service Members Have for Their Daily Operations?

Our troops have more than just a single option when it comes to the bag they can use in their daily operations. Below, we’ll go over some of the most common choices so you can be well-informed when choosing a bag for your applications.

EDC Bags

Everyday carry (EDC) bags are one of the most common types of daily bags for service members thanks to their compact size and storage capabilities for the essentials. These bags are designed to carry smaller items, like wallets, phones, multitools, chargers, and any other items you might need in a 24-hour period. EDC bags can range from small pouches like a fanny pack to a small backpack.

Backpacks

A wide range of backpacks can be used as everyday bags for our troops. The exact backpack you might use would depend on your specific applications. If you’re regularly carrying a lot of gear, you might use a bag that’s designed for longer operations, such as a three-day backpack. The bigger the bag, the bigger the carrying capacity you will have available to you.

Computer and Tablet Bags

If you’re a military professional, a computer or tablet bag might be the best choice for your daily bag. These bags are designed to store and protect your devices so you can get them to your destination safely. Many of these bags also have extra storage potential for your other professional essentials, such as notepads, writing utensils, business cards, and more. You can even keep your personal items inside so everything you need is in one convenient place.

Duffle Bags

If you’re regularly carrying a lot of gear or equipment for your military operations, you might want to consider using a duffle bag. These bags come in a wide range of sizes so you can choose something that can easily accommodate all your supplies, even larger military items. Some duffle bags even have a wheeled system to make it easier to handle heavy loads.

Why It’s Important to Have a High-Quality Bag in the Military

When you’re in the military, you need a high-quality bag you can rely on to help you store and haul your gear. Being in the military means that you’ll be engaging in rigorous activities and operations on a regular basis, potentially even in your day-to-day life. Even if you’re not engaged in these activities regularly, you still want to trust that you’re important military gear and supplies are safe and secure inside the bag you’re using.

When you’re looking for a bag to use for your daily military operations, make sure it’s made using high-quality materials. You can even ask your fellow service members for recommendations on brands so you know what you’re getting has been tried and tested in military applications. Look carefully at reviews and product descriptions to make sure what you’re getting is capable of meeting the needs of your career.

What Should You Look For in a Daily Bag for Service Members?

As you start your search for your next daily bag, there are a few things you should be on the lookout for, including:

●Storage capabilities: You’ll want to pick a bag that has enough storage space for everything you’ll carry for your day-to-day applications. Think about how much you carry each day, whether it’s just a few simple items or military gear. Once you know what you’ll be carrying, you can decide on your bag size based on your storage needs.

●Durable materials: One of the most important things you should be looking for in a bag is the materials it's made from materials that are capable of withstanding the rigors of the military lifestyle. Look for a bag that’s made from materials like nylon or polyester, and make sure the stitching creates strong seams.

●Comfort features: If you’re carrying a bigger bag each day, you’ll want to make sure it has the appropriate ergonomic features to keep you comfortable when hauling heavy gear. Look for features like padded shoulder straps, a ventilated back panel, a sternum strap, and a waist belt. When adjusted correctly, these features can significantly reduce fatigue and strain when carrying your daily load.

●Organization potential: If you want a bag that’s capable of organizing your gear so it’s easier to access, you can find a daily bag that has plenty of pockets and compartments. When you know exactly where your supplies are inside your bag, you can access what you need at a moment’s notice.

●Functional features: In the military, you want your bag to offer specific functional features to assist in your daily operations. For example, a bag with MOLLE allows you to add additional attachments or storage opportunities so you can customize your loadout. When you’re looking at the product description of a bag, look for a list of features you might want, such as MOLLE or PALs webbing, customizable setups, extra storage compartments, and more.

●Color: Another factor to consider when looking for a daily bag is the color. The specific color you choose will depend on the branch you’re in. For example, the Army uses Multicam OCP, coyote, and OD, while the marines use digital desert and digital woodland. You will need to be sure you choose the right color so you meet the rules and regulations of your specific branch.

How to Make Your Bag Last

Even the sturdiest bag won’t last if you don’t properly care for it. As a service member, your bags are exposed to harsher conditions than most and will need adequate care to maintain their quality. Some things you can do to make your bag last as long as possible include:

●Keeping your bag clean: One of the best ways to extend the life of your bag is to keep it clean. Since you’re in the military, your bag will be exposed to various elements and potentially even harsh conditions, meaning it’s likely to become dirty during your applications. If you clean your bag regularly, you will prevent any dirt or debris from causing premature wear and tear to your bag.

●Storing your bag correctly: When you’re not using your bag, make sure you’re storing it in places where it won’t become damaged. Excess heat, sunlight exposure, and humidity can easily damage a bag, so you want to avoid storing your bag in areas like a basement, tool shed, or attic. If you’re using a container to store your bag, make sure it seals tightly to prevent any pests or moisture from getting inside.

●Anticipating the elements: If you know you’re going to be out in the elements, you’ll want to prepare your bag the same way you would prepare the rest of your gear. For example, if you know you’re going to be out in the rain and mud, you’ll want to dry out and clean your gear correctly before storing it or reusing it.

●Using protective gear: One way you can stop your bag from taking on unnecessary damage is to invest in something to protect your gear, like a rain cover. Rain covers can protect your bag from the elements in case you get caught in bad weather or have to spend a lot of time outside. You can also use something like the Tough Hook Tactical Equipment Hanger to keep your gear off the floor when it’s stored at home.

●Investing in quality: One of the best ways to make your bag last is to use a high-quality bag from the start. While you may have to pay more initially for the quality, you won’t have to replace your bag as soon, which will save you money in the long run. Look at specs to see what materials the bag is made from and check out reviews to see how the bag has held up for others.

Discover a Wide Range of Bag Options at Military Luggage Company

If you’re looking for a reliable place to source your next daily bag, look no further than Military Luggage Company. We offer a wide range of bags to choose from, including EDCs, backpacks, duffles, computer bags, and more. We even offer bags for your longer operations so you’re adequately prepared for your upcoming missions or deployments. Check out our full selection to get started or contact us today with your questions.