Allhaula 30 Backpack | A New Look for 5.11 Tactical

The Allhaula is a new line of backpacks and bags from 5.11. They are a departure from 5.11’s traditional line of tactical style backpacks and bags. I started seeing advertisements for the Allhaula line a couple of months ago. And when the opportunity arose to receive one for evaluation, I was extremely pleased. I’ve been using 5.11 tactical packs for fifteen to twenty years and have always been pleased with their versatility and quality. Most of the packs I’ve used from 5.11 were of the tactical variety, primarily the RUSH line. I’ve always been satisfied with them and have used them both professionally and personally.

As time has gone by and I’ve gotten older, my need and desire for a tactical style bag has declined. (Although I’ll always have a RUSH 12 in the stable) I’ve found myself looking for lower-profile options for travel and everyday use. As 5.11 moved in this direction with their COVERT line of bags and accessories, I purchased an early COVERT 18, and although a good pack, it just didn’t appeal to me. I later moved onto a COVERT 18, 2.0, and have been incredibly happy with it, but still wanted something a little different, enter the Allhaula 30.

I’ve been searching for a pack that can cross over from everyday use to a go bag, to a travel bag that can hold up to three to five days of clothes and travel necessities (This is based on casual only clothing requirements). I’ve been using the Allhaula 30 for about six weeks now for everyday carry and short road trips, and I have not been disappointed.

The two things I noticed right away when I unpacked the Allhaula were the smooth, durable water repellent (DWR) material, TPU-coated 840D nylon, strong and smooth feeling but not tacky like rubber. The second thing is the lightweight, weighing in at only 2.24 lbs. / 1.02 kg. It felt like a feather compared to my usual bags. The Allhaula has a sleek, modern appearance without any protruding bumps or lumps to get hung up when placing it under the seat on an airplane, for example. The overall measurements from the 5.11 website are:

• 20″L x 14″W x 8″D
• Capacity: 1,830 cubic inches / 30 liters

Externally, there is a small fleece-lined zipper pocket on the front for glasses or a phone. There is also a Velcro panel for your favorite patch on the front (Something I like). On top is a grab handle as well as another one on the left side. On the right side oif the Allhaula 30 is a hidden zippered water bottle pocket that will accommodate a thirty-two-ounce Nalgene bottle. Having a water bottle pocket is a necessity for me, and the hidden design of the one on the Allhaula is a nice feature that keeps it out of the way when not in use. On the front of the bag are four loops that can be used for attaching carabiners or luggage tags. They are small and barely noticeable, but they’re there if you need them.

The back of the bag has a nicely padded panel with air channels and is amply stable. The straps are padded for comfort, and there are a few rows of discreet laser-cut molle on them. Should you want to attach a small pouch or flashlight. There is also a sternum strap included on the shoulder straps. At the top of the back of the pack is a zipper for the laptop compartment. This compartment has two sleeves and the compartment itself. It’s hydration bladder compatible and can also fit a ballistic panel. This compartment is much more versatile than the standard laptop/hydration bladder compartment found on other packs. It is also compatible with the Skyweight hip belt (Not included).

The front of the pack has two zipper compartments in addition to a small glasses/phone pocket. The outermost pocket opens to an admin pocket with slots for pens, business cards, and the like. This pocket is also very deep, giving you the ability to stash a rain jacket, a book/tablet, or other frequently needed items. There is also a small mesh zipper pocket, perfect for small items that you don’t have to dig for, such as a passport, wallet, or cash.

The main compartment is large and opens to a three-fourths clamshell for accessibility. There is a small mesh zipper pocket on the outer wall for quick grab items. Plenty of room in the main compartment for clothing and anything you’d care to load it with. I was able to pack five days worth of clothes and travel items into it easily using packing cubes or a dry bag. The ability to hold gear/clothing is impressive. The bottom of the bag is tough ballistic nylon for added strength. The Allhaula also has a luggage pass-through allowing it to be attached to any standard travel roller bag, making it convenient for moving through an airport or train station.

During my testing, I found the Allhaula to be extremely comfortable to carry. I took it down the NJ shore and carried it on the boardwalk, through casinos, into stores, and I barely noticed it. I had the opportunity to evaluate its water resistance during a heavy downpour. After about twenty minutes of sitting in the pouring rain, I brought it in for inspection. A little moisture had gotten in, but it was drier than I would have expected considering the volume of rain, and way below the level to panic about. If I were traveling to a location where I expected a lot of frequent and heavy rain, I’d pack my clothes and any electronics in dry bags. But for going across the street, waiting for a bus or train, or walking to my vehicle in a parking lot, I’d have no qualms about the water-resistant capabilities of the Allhaula 30 protecting my clothing or electronics.

If it sounds like I’m impressed and excited about the Allhaula 30, you’re correct. I love the design, the material, appearance, and features. It checks all my boxes for travel, everyday bag, and a go bag. This is one of the most innovative backpacks I’ve used in years, and I’ve gone through a ton of them. Is there anything I’d change or add? A couple of compression straps and another mesh zipper pocket in the main compartment. But really, these are so minor that I had to think about it for a while to come up with them. I think it’s good to go as is. I can’t wait to use it on more adventures. Current MSRP is $165.00.

I’d like to thank 5.11 for providing the Allhaula 30 for evaluation. They have a real winner on their hands with the new line.