Whether you’re in the military, a military spouse, enlisting, a veteran, or a family member of an active duty troop, luggage is a critical part of all military operations. You have many options, and understanding the different types of military luggage can make your life easier.

Find bags suited to your needs, whether you’re looking for luggage for work, the field, deployments, missions, or travel. Discover everything there is to know about military luggage below.

What is Military Luggage?

Military luggage, also known as tactical gear, is an umbrella term encompassing the many bags available to service members. These bags assist military personnel with their deployments, field missions, travel, PCSing, casual use, and more. Military bags can carry supplies for various periods and applications, depending on their size and design.

All service members need military luggage to haul their gear and equipment. Carrying everything you need for the day can be challenging without the right bag strapped to your back.

The Different Types of Military Luggage

Military personnel have many options with luggage or bags. These comprehensive options cover anything from a daily work bag to a deployment duffle. If you’re unfamiliar with the different bag types, we’ve created a useful guide below to help you learn more about your next purchase.

Assault Packs

An assault pack is a specific backpack type for unique military applications. These bags are generally smaller and have a focused design and use case. For instance, some assault packs are implemented in quick-strike or combat missions.

Assault packs can carry supplies for operations between 24 to 72 hours. While assault packs will haul different supplies based on the mission and size, some of the most common items found in these bags include:

●Water and food

●Clothing

●Hydration bladders

●First-aid

●Tools and equipment

●Spare batteries

You’ll often see service members carrying these bags on the front of the IOTV to simplify access to critical items, but they can also be worn on the back.

Backpacks

Military backpacks are similar to assault packs but cover more bag types and applications. Some backpacks you’ll find in the military include:

●EDC Bags: Everyday carry (EDC) bags are used by service members to carry their daily essentials, including anything they might have in their pockets or gear they use daily for work. These bags can hold enough to last approximately 24 hours.

●2-Day Backpacks: These backpacks have a higher carrying capacity than most EDC bags and are stocked with supplies for two-day missions or overnight trips.

●3-Day Backpacks: These bags offer one of the largest sizes to service members and carry supplies for three days or 72 hours.

Bugout Bags

Bugout bags are similar to backpacks but have the explicit use of storing survival supplies for emergencies. Military members will use these bags to evacuate dangerous situations or leave quickly with enough supplies to last a few days. Some of the items you might find inside a bugout bag include:

●Food and water

●Medical supplies

●Flashlights and batteries

●Spare clothes

●Tools

●Radios

●Emergency shelters or tarps

Computer and Tablet Bags

Even our troops need computers and tablets for their daily tasks. Computers and tablets can be used for administrative tasks and communication within units. These electronic devices require protection while traveling, which is where computer and tablet bags come in handy.

These bags create a convenient method of transportation for computers and tablets, reducing the risk of damage. Some of these bags come with additional padding to minimize the risks of cracks or broken components if the bag is dropped or jostled in transit.

Computer and tablet bags are also useful for travel, whether you’re headed to deployment or a destination vacation. Feel more confident while traveling with one of these bags protecting your valuable electronics.

Duffle Bags

Duffle bags can be used for many purposes, but many service members use them on deployments or during a PCS. These bags have a high carrying capacity, meaning they can fit plenty of gear and supplies for travel.

Military duffle bags are durable enough to carry heavy gear, equipment, and more, so they’re particularly useful when traveling overseas or changing duty stations. Military families often use these bags to transport their belongings to their new homes.

Garment Bags

Service members have official military dress that must be kept in optimal condition throughout their contract. If these uniforms become damaged, it can be expensive and time-consuming to find a replacement.

Garment bags help protect official military dress, whether they’re in storage or traveling with service members. Some garment bags also leave room for civilian clothes, shoes, shavings kits, and more that our troops may need while wearing their official military dress.

Hydration Packs

Hydration packs are bags used to increase water intake in our troops. These bags usually include a hydration bladder ranging between 1.5 to 3 liters. Some hydration packs may have storage compartments to make it easier for service members to carry their essentials while increasing their water intake.

Kit Bags

Kit bags are narrow bags used by service members to carry various items, including clothes, gear, and personal possessions. Many military members use these bags as travel or deployment bags since they can comfortably store plenty of equipment and other items. The durability and convenience of kit bags make them popular among military personnel.

Kit bags are most popular on the flightline. These bags have a long history in Airborne operations, where troops would store parachutes after jumping out of planes or helos. Apart from their use on flightlines, these bags have impressive versatility for service members in all branches.

Loadout Bags

Loadout bags, also known as wheeled duffle bags, are one of the most popular bag types used by the military. These bags are responsible for carrying a service member’s loadout, which includes all the gear required for a mission. The contents of a loadout bag will vary based on different variables, such as terrain, weather, and personal preference. There are many size variations to accommodate the needs of military personnel.

Rucksacks

Rucksacks are similar to backpacks but have been specifically designed to carry heavy loads over long distances. Many service members complete training missions or ruck marches with rucksacks attached securely to their backs to maintain and improve their physical health. Military personnel are required to engage in these activities to ensure they can continue performing the necessary duties of their roles.

Other Bag Types

The bags we’ve already mentioned are some of the most common bags you’ll find on any service member, but there are many more options with applicable uses. Other bags military members may use include:

●Briefcases

●Chow packs

●Drawstring bags

●Gym bags

●Helmet bags

●Range bags

●Toiletry bags

Benefits of Military Luggage

Bags designed for military use have distinct benefits that make them the better choice compared to other bags on the market. Some of the most notable benefits include:

●Durability and design: Military luggage can withstand the rigors of military operations, so these bags have unrivaled durability and strength. Many of these bags can also withstand harsh weather conditions since they are made from materials like 1050D nylon or Cordura, known for their water resistance.

●Versatility: Military luggage can have more than a single purpose. For example, tactical backpacks can be used in the field and on missions, but you can also use them on camping trips, hikes, or other outdoor activities. You can’t find this versatility anywhere but with military luggage.

●Comfort: Since many service members carry their bags over long distances with heavy loads, military luggage is often designed with different comfort features to reduce strain. For example, you can find luggage with compression straps, padded back panels, sternum straps, or waist belts. You can carry bags packed with heavy loads without worrying about causing excessive neck, shoulder, or back pain.

●Storage potential: Military luggage varies in size, so you can find small bags that can carry the bare necessities or bags suited for multiple days of travel. Military bags usually have MOLLE webbing, which allows service members to add pouches, gear, or other equipment for additional storage.

How to Determine What Luggage You Need

There are many types of military luggage, so it can be challenging to narrow your options if you’re unsure of what you need. Use the tips below to learn how to narrow your choices and choose a bag that works best for your operations:

●Storage needs: You’ll need different storage capabilities at each stage of your career. Understanding your current storage requirements can help you narrow your luggage options. For example, you may need a bag capable of carrying your daily necessities, so an EDC bag would work best. If you need more space, a 2-day or 3-day pack would have everything you need for overnight or multi-day storage.

●Comfort features: If you’re hauling heavy gear and equipment for long periods, comfort is critical. Look for bags with padded straps, foam backing, waist belts, harnesses, or other features that make a pack more secure and comfortable for extended periods.

●Hydration compatibility: Many service members spend their time outdoors or in situations where access to water is limited. If you want to focus on hydration, consider a hydration pack or tactical backpack compatible with reservoirs. You can find large packs and backpacks to accommodate your storage needs while prioritizing hydration.

●Color requirements: Military personnel must use specific colors based on their branch. For example, the Army, Air Force, and Space Force can use Multicam OCP, the Maines can use Digital Desert and Digital Woodland, and the Navy can use NWU III. These color restrictions narrow your options when choosing luggage.

●Use requirements: How you plan to use your military luggage determines the best bag type. For example, if you’re looking for a bag to carry daily, you could use a smaller tactical backpack. If you’re deploying, a duffle bag or kit bag can help you transport your belongings. Once you’ve considered your military applications, choosing the best option is easy.

Discover the Possibilities With Military Luggage Company

If you’re looking for bags, Military Luggage Company has you covered. We offer a comprehensive selection of military luggage, including duffle bags, tactical backpacks, hydration packs, rucksacks, and more. We’ve sorted our website by branch, color, and need so you can find exactly what you need when you need it. Browse our website for our full selection of military luggage, or contact us with any questions!