Return of the Original 5.11 Tactical Covert 18 Backpack

For years, I’ve used different backpacks and sling bags as concealed carry, travel, and professional use backpacks, but there’s always been something about them that kept me looking. A few years ago, the 5.11 Covert 18 backpacks came out to fill a niche in the low-profile backpack market. I took a look at them, but before I could pull the trigger on one, they faded from the catalog and were eventually replaced by the Covert 18 2.0. I picked up a Covert 18, 2.0, and I’ve been using it for about two years now and have been happy with it for my everyday carry (EDC) and travel needs for a low-profile backpack, but recently I’ve been concerned with the issue of the gear platform, which is on the outer part of the stuff pocket. The problem is that if you have the gear platform set up for a tactical scenario and either intentionally or inadvertently release the buckles that keep the platform closed, the gear platform can be left flopping around. Now this may sound like a minor issue, but as I like to say, “It’s all good until it’s not.”

I was checking out the 5.11 backpack catalog a few months back and saw that the original Covert 18 was available, and the folks at 5.11 were gracious enough to send me one for test and evaluation. The one I received was black, which is my go-to color for EDC/travel backpacks as they blend in everywhere. The Covert 18 has the standard 5.11 high level of quality, nothing loose or hanging, the zippers opening and closing smoothly, all seems tight, and no indications of weakness. Even after weeks of heavy use and being thrown into and out of vehicles and pulled from under seats in the airplane, there are no signs of wear.

Made from water-resistant 500D nylon with YYK zippers, it’s looks make it invisible at the airport or the mall. After running the retro Covert 18 for about two months for daily carry and a cross-country trip to California as my carry-on bag, I believe that the retro Covert 18 may be the best low-profile carry backpack I have used.

Dimensions:

• Main Compartment – 19” x 12.25” x 6.5”
• Front pocket – 11.5” x 9.5” x 3”
• Hydration pocket -19” x 12.25” 1.5 liter
• Total Capacity – 1841 cubic inch / 30 liter
• Weight – 3.0 lbs.
• Fits up to a 15″ laptop.

The front exterior panel is a horseshoe-style zipper pocket with a combination of molle webbing and Velcro in it. The panel can be rolled down and secured in place by retaining tabs to allow access to the mounted contents. The molle/Velcro allows anything from magazine pouches, medical pouches, to storage pouches to be mounted and accessed easily when the flap is rolled down. On the flap, there are two zipper pockets that allow for the storage of small items such as passports or a wallet when passing through airport security checkpoints. It should be noted that if you put things in these pockets, it will make rolling down the flap impossible, and the same applies to placing carabiners in the loops on the exterior of the flap. Behind the outside compartment is a hidden zipper compartment for storing a pistol or other items that you don’t want to be easily accessible to others. The hidden compartment has a Velcro panel that allows a holster or storage pocket to be secured within it. The hidden pocket is accessible from both sides of the pack.

The shoulder straps have a Velcro strip that can be lifted, allowing pouches to be attached to the straps. There is also a sternum strap attached. Above the main exterior pocket is a smaller zipper pocket for quick grab items such as pens, notebooks, and other small items. On top of the pack is a fleece-lined pocket for glasses, your phone, and other items you want quick access to. Also on the exterior sides are pockets for water bottles.

The rear of the panel has a hydration pocket that can accommodate a water bladder, ballistic panel, or laptop/tablet. The interior had two mesh zipper pockets and a padded laptop sleeve.

The size, styling, and features on this backpack check all the boxes for me. From concealed carry options, everyday carry, to a weekend getaway bag, this pack does it all. From a professional perspective, this is a bag I would have loved to have had when I was working plain clothes for the county narcotics task force back in my law enforcement days. It would also be perfect for working security details whether working solo posts or as a member of an executive protection or residential security team is a perfect option. It’s also a great carry-on bag for travel with hidden pockets for keeping your personal documents, cash, and devices secure. I highly recommend the Covert 18 for law enforcement, security personnel, or anyone in need of a low-profile concealed carry, travel, or everyday carry pack that is loaded with useful features that won’t break the bank.

MSRP is $140.00.

Thanks to 5.11 for providing the Covert 18 to test and evaluation.