5.11 RUSH 24 | Revisited in Black Multicam

It’s been five years since I had a RUSH 24 (24), and the last one was a black Gen 1. I had always liked the 24, but as my lifestyle and needs changed, I moved more towards the RUSH 12 for my personal and professional needs. Professionally, my backpacks have been used for working security jobs in isolated locations, either due to the area or the shift. Places where, if you didn’t bring it with you, you weren’t going to get it for the duration of the shift. On the personal front, they’ve been primarily used for everyday carry (EDC), outdoor activities, and travel. A few years ago, I decided I wanted to reduce the size of my EDC and carry-on bag while traveling and transitioned to the RUSH 12. During that period, I was still checking a bag in addition to my carry-on. Fast forward to today, and I’m working the same kinds of gigs, but much less frequently. I now prefer to travel carry-on-only to avoid the bag-checking hassles and additional time waiting at the baggage claim.

My travel usually doesn’t extend over a week. I prefer to use a backpack over a roller bag or duffel. I appreciate the hands-free convenience of a backpack and the flexibility of always having it with me. Over the past few years, I’ve tried various backpacks to meet my travel needs; a few have worked well, while others have fallen short. Most were in the thirty-liter range. I tend to be an overpacker, something I’m consistently working to refine. And I’ve found that for a week-long trip, a pack in the range of thirty-six to thirty-eight liters is the sweet spot for size. When the opportunity came to test and review the new Black Multicam 5.11 RUSH 24, I jumped at it.

What’s new with the Rush 24 Gen 2:

When I opened the box, it was like greeting an old friend but with new features. The last 24 I owned was a Gen 1, and this pack was a Gen 2. The differences between the two generations are the hidden CCW pocket behind the exterior admin pocket. Additionally, the inclusion of a laptop compartment, rather than the clothes storage pocket, is in the interior of the main compartment. The rest of the pack is the same, to the best of my recollection. The other difference is the newly available Black Multicam material. Over the years, I’ve become a fan of Black Multicam fabric. It deviates from the age-old standard tactical black with a more relaxed, washed-out look that relieves the harsher look of a black RUSH 24. It flows a little better in many settings. It’s still a tactical pack, but the Black Multicam takes some of the edge off.

The fit, finish, and quality are the high standards that we’ve all come to expect from 5.11 products. The zippers all work smoothly, the stress points are all reinforced, and the material is durable. It rides comfortably, even with a full load, and the shoulder straps and back panel are padded for added comfort.

Rush 24 Gen 2 DIMENSIONS:

• Main Compartment – 20″ H x 12.5″ L x 8″ D
• Front Pocket – 12.5” x 11” x 2”
• Internal Laptop Sleeve – Fits up to a 15″ laptop.
• Hydration Pocket – 17” x 12.5” / 2-liter
• Total Capacity – 2275 cubic inches / 37-liter
• Weight – 1.74 5kg / 3.85 lbs

What I enjoy most about the twenty-four is its organization. The amount and layout of the pockets really allow you to have your needed items at your fingertips. A quick rundown of the pockets are there is a zipper pocket on both sides of the pack, the front admin pocket offers storage and organization for all your immediate need items, the CCW pocket is Velcro sealed, deep, and had a Velcro placard for mounting holsters or other compatible pockets, there are two small pockets on the top front with smaller pockets for small items. Additionally, on top, there is a fleece-lined zipper pocket for your glasses, phone, or other small sensitive items. The back panel unzips for a water bladder or ballistic panel.

The interior sports three zipper panels on the inside front wall, two mesh pockets, and one solid zipper pocket. Also in the main compartment is a padded pocket for a laptop or tablet. The combination of pockets and organizational pockets makes this pack great for tactical applications, everyday carry for work and personal use, as well as a travel pack. I recently used mine during a four-day work trip to Miami. As a chronic overpacker, I was concerned that I wouldn’t be able to fit everything into one bag. The twenty-four came through with flying colors and room to spare. I was able to pack all my clothes and professional necessities for the trip with no problem. The organization of the twenty-four made packing a dream and finding my stuff when I needed it easier than it had been for a long time. Carrying the twenty-four on and off shuttles through the airport, stowing them in the overhead and in and out of vehicles, was seamless. It really made my trip a pleasure.

The twenty-four is one of the 5.11 flagship backpacks. Used worldwide by professionals and private citizens alike. It’s been around for years and has stood the test of time, both in the field and for casual use. The new Black Multicam version offers a more relaxed look for those seeking to move away from the traditional, harder tactical black pack. The twenty-four is a perfect size for those looking for one pack big enough for travel, outdoors, EDC, and tactical use, yet small enough for everyday carry. MSRP is $195, which I feel is a reasonable price point for a pack of this quality, size, and versatility.