RUSH MOAB 10 Sling Pack 18L – Everyday Pratical

The 5.11 RUSH series of packs has been around for years, having gone through a reworking a couple of years ago, leading to the enhanced features now found on the Gen 2 RUSH packs. I’ve always liked the RUSH series of packs and have had all the models except for the 100 60-liter size. My go to RUSH pack for years now has been the RUSH Twelve. I’ve considered it the perfect size for daily carry, day hiking, and as a travel carry-on pack.

Over the years, I’ve tried a few different sling bags but have had a love-hate relationship with them, trying to find the happy medium of not too small for everyday carry (EDC) and too big. I admit that I’m a chronic overpacker. If there’s space, it needs to be filled. Knowing that, I’ve been trying to scale down the size of my bag/pack to limit the amount of gear I shove into any given bag that I’m currently using.

When packing for EDC or my carry-on when traveling, there are four categories I look to fulfill with an optional fifth. They are as follows:

1. Communications/power – my phone and keeping it powered up. This includes the phone itself, a power bank, and appropriate cables.
2. Light – having a light is an essential part of my loadout. A handheld light and a headlamp fill the bill for that. If you’ve ever been in a building or subway station during a power outage, even during daylight hours, you know this is a must-have.
3. Medical – having spent decades as an EMT and American Red Cross CPR/First Aid instructor, as well as my time in the military and law enforcement, has made this a nonnegotiable part of the plan. You only have to look as far as the daily news to see why this is an essential part of my EDC.
4. Number four is personal comfort items. This includes meds, snacks, water, and protection from the elements.
5. (Optional) Personal security items.

Whatever bag I use, it must be able to accommodate these components at some level. That level can depend on the time/distance I’m going, but no matter how short the time/distance, these components will be covered.

I received a 5.11 RUSH MOAB 10 for evaluation and have been running it for about seven weeks now. As with any 5.11 product, the quality is there and does not disappoint. Quality materials and stitching all around to the point of being overbuilt. If there is a single point where 5.11 RUSH packs excel, it is in the organization that they bring to the table. Pockets are placed in a well-thought-out manner that allows you to organize your gear so that you don’t have to dump the entire bag to find something. The following are a few of the details/dimensions of the RUSH MOAB 10 from the 5.11 website:

Fully customizable tactical go bag:

• Adjustable cushioned shoulder strap
• Water-resistant treatment
• Sturdy, lightweight 1050D nylon
• Covert TacTec pocket at rear
• Hydration pocket with pass-through port
• Fleece-lined sunglass pocket.
• Compression straps
• Coms pocket pass-through cord slots.
• YKK® self-healing zippers
• Compatible with RUSH® Tier System to integrate with other RUSH® bags (Sold Separately)

Dimensions

• Main Compartment – 18.25″ H x 9″ L x 7.25″ D
• Front pocket – 12.5” H x 8” L x 2” D
• Total Capacity – 1,093cubic inch / 18-liter
• Weight – 2.6 lbs.

Using the RUSH MOAB 10 as an EDC pack has been a pleasure. Its size allows for larger loads without being overbearing. The compression straps are a real benefit when carrying lighter loads, as they keep the pack flat. The benefit of the sling bag to me is being able to move it around to my front when negotiating crowds at airports, train stations, or public events. Thus, proving me greater control over the pack and its contents.

On the front of the bag is an admin pocket that gives you quick access to items that could be needed immediately. I like to keep my meds there, writing instruments, notepad, business cards, etc. There is also a zipper pocket for things that need a little more security, such as wallets, passports, cash, etc. Immediately behind the admin pocket is a Velcro-secured pocket that can be used for concealed carry weapons (CCW) storage or any other items that you want more secure.

The shoulder strap is well-padded and comfortable for long wear. Additionally, it is adjustable for right or left side carry. On the shoulder strap, there is a small pocket that can be used for carrying small medical items, which is what I did. A phone charger fits handily in there for charging on the go.

The back of the pack has a zipper panel that will accommodate a water bladder, laptop, or ballistic panel. On top of the pack near the grab handle is a zipper pocket lined with soft fleece material that can hold glasses or your phone.

The main compartment of the pack on the outer flap wall has a number of overlapping pockets of mesh and solid material, utilizing zippers and Velcro for closure. These pockets can fit all types of necessities, from extra chargers, phones, medical gear, and personal hygiene items. There is a pocket on the back side of the Pack interior that can be used for clothes, water bottles, laptops/tablets, with lots of room left to spare for any additional items you might need for a day on the trails, in the city, or on the go traveling.

I like this pack for day-to-day activities as well as day hiking, a day in the city, vehicle go-bag, or as a carry-on when traveling. The ability to move it to my front in crowded situations gives it an edge over my frequently used backpack-style bag. I would have liked to have had this pack during the more active years of my security career for daily use. If there is an additional feature I’d like to see on this pack and the RUSH 12 is the incorporation of built-in water bottle pockets. Although the MOLLE allows for the attachment of pouches that will do this, they also add bulk and take away from the streamlined profile of the pack. Otherwise, it is a great pack offering numerous possibilities for the user.

The RUSH MOAB 10 is available in four colors. The current MSRP is $110.00 SALE $77

Thanks to 5.11 Tactical for providing the RUSH MOAB 10 for review.