Deployments are a necessary part of military operations and play a vital role in protecting our great country. Thousands of service members deploy each year and must be prepared for the unique challenges they’ll experience overseas. A part of the preparation includes finding the right bag to help them haul all their gear.

The good news is that Military Luggage Company is an expert on military baggage. We can help you determine the exact bags you’ll need for your operations and what you should look for when you start shopping.

What Bags Do You Need for an Upcoming Deployment?

The two main bags you’ll need for deployment are a wheeled loadout bag and a three-day backpack or assault pack, and both must be capable of withstanding the rigors of short and long-term deployments.

The wheeled loadout bag is responsible for storing and hauling all your gear and supplies for your upcoming deployment and subsequent missions. You can find many different sizes to accommodate different amounts of gear. These bags are more convenient to use than a standard duffle thanks to their rolling system, making them easy to maneuver through airports.

The three-day backpack or assault pack can carry all the supplies you’ll need for missions up to three days in length. Once your boots are on the ground, you’ll use this bag to carry the essential gear and equipment you need as you head out on your various missions. You’ll want a tough bag that’s capable of withstanding the rigors of military operations, so make sure the bag you choose has the durability necessary for your upcoming deployment.

While a wheeled loadout bag and a three-day assault pack are a necessity on deployment, there are other bags you can consider bringing based on your specific needs. For example, you can bring a kit bag for aviation equipment if it applies to your work. You can also bring a small backpack to use as a carry-on to store your essential travel supplies while you’re on the way to your destination.

Other bags you might bring with you include toiletry bags, helmet bags, or medical bags. You could also look into different accessories to go with your bags, including rain covers, luggage markers, or pouches.

What You Should Look for in a Deployment Bag

Regardless of what bag you’re adding to your arsenal for your upcoming deployment, you’ll want to look for specific features to ensure the bag can withstand the rigors of military operations. Consider some of the following factors when choosing your wheeled loadout bag or assault pack:

1. Plenty of Space

One of the first things you’ll want to look for is a lot of space. You don’t want a wheeled loadout bag that’s too small to carry everything you’ll need while you’re overseas. Look for a bag that can hold a minimum of 50 to 60 liters, though you’ll need something bigger than that if you’re going on a long-term deployment. Stay on the safe side and opt for a wheeled loadout bag that has at least 80 liters of space, though you can find wheeled loadout bags with more than 100 liters.

When you’re picking an assault pack, you’ll also want to look for something with space, though you won’t need as much as a loadout bag. However, you’ll still need enough for your operations. Determine how much space you’ll need for your operations once you reach your destination so you have the right bag by your side.

2. High-Quality Construction

Once you find a bag with enough space, the next feature you need to look for is a high-quality design. A poor-quality bag won’t make it through the rigors of intense military operations. Instead, look for a bag made with tough materials and a high denier count. Generally, you’ll want to look for something made from at least 600 denier fabrics, such as polyester or ripstop nylon.

You’ll also want to look for strong stitching so the bag doesn’t fall apart at the seams. The last thing you want is for your bag to fail during critical operations, so carefully review the features of the bag you’re looking for to ensure it’s capable of hauling and protecting your gear and equipment.

3. Special Features

While space and high-quality construction are two of the most important factors to look for, they’re not the only ones you should be looking at. There are many other features you should consider to make hauling your gear significantly easier. Some of these features include:

●MOLLE webbing: Many tactical backpacks and assault packs come with MOLLE webbing, and you can even find some loadout bags with the same feature. MOLLE webbing allows you to add even more gear and pouches to your loadout, helping you prepare for unique scenarios or making it easier to carry your equipment during your missions.

●Comfort features: When you’re hauling a lot of gear, whether it’s through the airport or during a mission, it can quickly become uncomfortable. Rather than deal with the strain and fatigue, you can look for wheeled loadout bags and assault packs that use different comfort features, such as compression straps, a waist belt, and a padded back panel.

●Security features: Your gear is only as secure as the bag it’s inside. You should look for features that help improve the security of your equipment while it’s in transit, such as self-healing or lockable zippers.

●Handling options: When you’re choosing a loadout bag bag, look for one that has the right handling features for your applications. For example, a bag with a three-roll wheel system and a telescopic handle will be easier to maneuver around an airport than one with just a pair of grab handles.

What to Bring on Your Next Deployment

As you’re gearing up for your deployment, you may be wondering what items to bring with you. Obviously, you’ll be packing your military gear and equipment, but what else should you pack inside your loadout bag or carry-on?

Before you start packing your belongings inside, consider attaching a luggage marker to your bags so they’re easy to find. Once you’ve secured your bag and affixed a luggage marker, you can start packing. Remember you want to pack as light as possible so you can carry all your bags yourself. Here’s a helpful list of items to help you pack for the trip and ensure you’re well-prepared once you arrive:

●Uniform and dog tags

●PT gear

●Military ID and passport

●Travel orders

●Cell phone charger

●Sleeping clothes

●Time-off clothes

●Ear plugs and eye mask

●Over-the-counter medication

●Extra socks

●Sunscreen and insect repellent

You’ll want to check with your command to determine if there are any other items you can bring or items you shouldn’t bring. For example, alcohol, drugs, and weapons are some items that are always restricted, but there may be other items you can’t bring with you.

Choose MLC as Your Deployment Bag Provider

If you’re looking for a place to purchase new, high-quality deployment bags for your upcoming trip, Military Luggage Company has you covered. We personally vet all of the bags we offer, meaning we know they’re capable of handling the rigors of your deployment. You’ll find a wide range of wheeled loadout bags, three-day packs, and plenty of other gear to assist you in your operations. Browse our selection of high-quality equipment to find what you need for your next deployment, or contact us with your questions.