The Christian Survival Guide Go to the ant, thou sluggard. Consider her ways and be wise. Prov 6:6

Gear Review – 5.11 Rush 12 after one month

- For video check here -

I have been searching for the perfect pack since I began getting serious about the woods. Starting with a Target special sling bag and progressing through various vendors and designs. For my most common need I think a two strapped version of the Maxpedition Sitka would be great. Or maybe a new Pygmy Falcon with a hydration carrier and a back plate. Something a bit smaller than a true daypack but with at least 1000d nylon and a little support. Having used a 5.11 Rush 24 for some hard months through the Ocala National Forest at a wilderness therapy camp, I grew to appreciate 5.11 designs. So naturally when I saw the 5.11 Rush 12, I thought my perfect pack was on it's way.

5.11 has a short history with packs only having produced three true packs in conjunction with VTAC. All having been designed in the past five years or so with little to update or improve the design. Luckily the designs are pretty decent. 5.11 likes to include quick release buckles on straps, cuts the shoulder pads at a curve for a more ergonomic fit, and includes decent options for hydration carrier capability. One of my favorite 5.11 features is the padded eyewear pocket near the top strap. The Rush 12 doesn't deviate from these designs, just miniaturizes them.

For a while now it's been pretty difficult to come by the Rush 12. Apparently 5.11 made a limited run of them, I'm assuming they weren't confident they could gain enough market share over Maxpedition when it comes to smaller packs. I found mine from a random Ebay vendor that usually sells only challenge coins and the like. I thought it weird but it was verified new in the bag with tags still on it and at $72 plus $5 or so for shipping, I was down.

So it comes, I open the box and rip the bag out like it's an Atari at Christmas. I hold the bag up ala Lion King and commence the inspection. All the seams look tight, no fraying, zippers are smooth (all YKK's), buckles aren't deformed. Well alright, I won't need to return it. On to the pockets - the main pockets and compartments. The main compartment is almost the same as the 24 and 72 with a bungee pocket on the back wall and two zippered mesh pockets on the front wall. They have taken away the bottom zippers but I don't really see any harm in that. The hydration carrier pouch is all the same, two hooks and a velcro loop up top - hang your bladder in there, thread the drinking tube up through the access slot and into the velcro ports on top of the bag. There are ports on both sides but when you thread the tube onto the shoulder pads the only real option is the left side as this is where the sternum strap's keeper loop is. The Admin pouch is again, a mini version of the 24, two key keepers, all kinds of small flaps/pockets, two deep pockets on the front flap that will hold a .5L bottle of water each, and a zippered pocket at the back. The padded eyewear pocket on the top is now a staple of 5.11 products - don't lose that, design guys, and Maxpedition take note! The only real difference with the Rush 12 is the "top pocket". The 24/72 had a split pocket with a perfect set up for cell phones, small wallets, compass and firesteel, etc. In the 12 it is one pocket about 4.5" deep and maybe 8" long and its not padded or separated any further. Its a great place to dump your wallet and keys but that's about it. I would have rather seen another split pocket design even if miniaturized.

The exterior is the same ol' PALs webbing (credit BobtheBreaker from ZS for clarifying that). I don't really use any Molle accessories and I'd actually like to see a version without all the tacti-cool webbing. But that isn't this review. The stitching looks strong but I've had issues with my 24 in the past and I'm not confident that they won't break loose in the future. And yeah, I know I won't use it so there's no point if the webbing does get loose but I paid for it, I want it to be quality regardless. There are some added buckles at the bottom of the pack to add webbing and make a waist strap. I see this as completely unnecessary - the pack isn't big enough. Should have thought about that with the 24, though. The back plate is ok. It adds rigidity but retains heat and allows no airflow - equals swamp back. No padding, either. Luckily the straps are quite comfortable up to about 18 lbs.

I've had the pack for a little over a month now. I take it to work, use it to walk the dog (loooong walks), run with it on, and have taken it through the brush while scouting. These are my findings:

If you plan on stuffing this thing with some work goodies and a laptop (in a sleeve) it's great. Highly organized and comfortable for car to office kind of carry. I think 5.11 takes an edge over Maxpedition when it comes to EDC as their organizational options are a bit better, and with this new reduced size, they finally have a true contender for the desk bound Sheep dogs.

However, in the bush this bag is hot (only comes in black), is not breathable on your back, and creates way too much condensation with the back plate. Add to that a somewhat inferior fabric durability and I'm just turned off. I am not confident in this bag's ability to stay together over the long run. There are most certainly better options in the $100-$150 range if you can throw a bit more cash at it. Even in the same sub $100 range the Pygmy Falcon II is a better bush bag (sans hydration carrier ability).

The verdict: Great EDC bag, not so great in the bush. For well under $100 its a cool piece of kit if you like the tactical black approach, for those who prefer a greyman approach check out Mountainsmith in the same price range.