The 5.11 RUSH 24 2.0 in Black Multicam is a 37-liter tactical backpack that is tough enough for long days outdoors, but organized and polished enough to work as a travel or “go” bag. Built from water-repellent 1000D Multicam nylon with a proper frame sheet, laptop sleeve, hydration pocket, and a genuinely usable admin panel, it’s very much a “real gear” pack, not a fashion accessory. The tradeoff is weight and visual footprint—it’s not subtle in size, even in Black Multicam—but if you’re a woman who hauls gear, the first aid kit, and everyone’s snacks, it earns its keep.
At-a-Glance Specs & What Matters
- Capacity: 37L (2,275 cu. in.) – squarely in that 24–48 hour zone; big enough for a full hiking loadout or overnight kit.
- Dimensions (main compartment): 20” H x 12.5” W x 8” D – tall enough that torso length matters if you’re shorter, but still workable on a 5’3”–5’8” frame with some adjustment.
- Material: High-strength, water-repellent Multicam 1000D nylon – the Multicam/Black Multicam versions use heavier 1000D, so expect better abrasion resistance with a slight weight increase.
- Weight: ~3.85 lb empty – not ultralight; you feel the pack before you add gear, but that heft is due to quality structure and durability.
- Laptop Sleeve: Padded sleeve fits up to a 15” laptop – makes the RUSH 24 2.0 a legit travel/office crossover pack, not just a field bag.
- Hydration: Rear hydration compartment sized for a 2L bladder, separate from the laptop area – nice for keeping water weight centered and out of the main cargo area.
- Organization: Big front admin compartment, dual top pockets, side pockets, internal mesh pockets, and tons of MOLLE/PALS on front, sides, and shoulder straps – 5.11 leans heavily into modularity and micro-organization here.
- Hidden Features: Fleece-lined eyewear/media pocket; plenty of internal structure for organizing essentials.
- Frame & Support: Removable high-density frame sheet and contoured yoke shoulder strap system with compression straps – gives real load transfer and keeps the pack from feeling like a saggy blob.
In short: this is a structured, feature-rich 37L pack that’s purpose-built for women who like their gear organized and ready for anything.
Test Methods & Conditions
I ran the RUSH 24 2.0 Black Multicam as my primary pack for a month. That included:
- One overnight truck-camping trip where it carried everything except sleeping gear
- Several urban days hauling a 15” laptop, charger, notebooks, and a compact camera
- Multiple hiking days loaded with a water bladder, snacks, and essentials
- Mixed weather: dry high desert wind, one light rain, damp forests, lots of in-and-out of vehicles
Loads were weighed on a luggage scale, and distances were tracked via a GPS watch to get a sense of how comfort changed with time under load. I’m a female of average height with broad shoulders, so I paid particular attention to strap placement, torso feel, and how the pack felt when layered over a plate carrier or chest rig.
The goal wasn’t to test it to failure, but to use it the way a lot of women will with a mix of tactical and everyday use while outdoors and on the road.
Unboxing, Setup & First Impressions
Out of the box, the RUSH 24 2.0 feels like a serious pack. The Black Multicam print is subtle in low light and loud in sun—tactical without screaming “uniform” if you’re walking through an airport. The 1000D shell is stiff at first, but it’s the kind of stiffness that usually breaks in, not cheap plastic crunch. Stitching at the MOLLE rows and grab handle is dense and clean, with no obvious weak points or wild loose threads.
Initial setup took a few minutes of strap fiddling. The contoured yoke shoulder straps sit closer together than on some bigger packs, which is a plus if you have narrower shoulders. Once I dialed in the sternum strap height and side compression straps, the pack hugged in instead of feeling like a swinging box behind me. The multitude of compartments, from small to large, lends to the organizational power of this pack.
Rating: 9 / 10
Performance in the Field
This is where the RUSH 24 2.0 earns its reputation. Loaded to about 28–30 lb, the pack stayed stable during active movement. The frame sheet and compression straps do a good job of pulling the weight close to your spine so the load feels vertical and balanced rather than like a pendulum trying to roll you sideways.
The front admin pocket easily handles multitools, pens and markers, chargers, first-aid items, and snacks without becoming a junk drawer, thanks to the internal pockets and zippered sections. The top dual pockets are perfect for things you want separated—sunglasses and phone in one, small items or a headlamp in the other. The clamshell main compartment opens enough to lay the pack flat on a tailgate and see everything, which I appreciate when I’m tired and dusty and trying to sort gear quickly.
In light rain, the water-repellent fabric and back-coating shrugged off droplets; nothing inside got damp during the drizzle. If you’re planning for sustained downpours, I’d still consider a rain cover, but for typical short desert showers, it’s fine.
The only real downside in the field is that once you start using all the organization and MOLLE, the pack can get heavy and visually busy. If you’re minimalist by nature, you’ll want to be intentional about what you mount and where.
Rating: 9 / 10
Durability, Materials & Build Quality
The RUSH line has a long track record, and the 2.0 version doesn’t feel like a step backward. The Black Multicam variant uses high-strength water-repellent 1000D nylon, with a coated backing for extra moisture resistance. After a month of use, the bottom panel shows only light scuffing, and the fabric hasn’t fuzzed or picked at the corners the way cheaper packs do when they meet concrete and tailgates.
Bar-tacks at MOLLE rows, the drag/haul handle, and shoulder strap joins are tight and consistent. Zippers track cleanly even when the pack is stuffed, without any gritty or hesitant feeling indicative of an inevitable zipper malfunction. Hardware feels stout—not ultralight—but nothing creaked or flexed in a worrying way when cinched down.
I haven’t had the pack long enough to speak to multi-year life, but based on the materials and construction, this is the kind of bag you buy once and then gift to a family member or thrift store so you can change colors in a few years. If something does go wrong, 5.11’s warranty and support are decent, though, like most brands, they’re going to differentiate between manufacturing defects and normal wear and tear.
Rating: 9 / 10
Comfort, Fit & Carry Ergonomics
The contoured yoke shoulder straps sit closer together at the neck than some other tactical packs, which helped keep them from sliding off my shoulders in just a T-shirt. The padding is dense without being brick-hard, and the sternum strap has multiple height positions so you’re not stuck with it sitting awkwardly across your chest.
Torso length is non-adjustable, so very petite women may find that the bottom of the pack rides lower than ideal. On my mid-range frame, the bottom edge hit just above the hips, which is workable for loads under 30 pounds. The frame sheet gives enough structure that the pack doesn’t slump, and the back panel ventilation channels make a noticeable difference in hot weather—your back will still sweat, but the ventilation makes a huge difference in reducing the discomfort.
If you’re used to ultralight hiking packs, this will feel overbuilt and weighty. If you’re used to duty gear and tactical rigs, it’ll feel like home.
Rating: 9 / 10
Comparisons & Alternatives
Within 5.11’s own lineup, the closest comparison is the RUSH 12 2.0. The 12 gives you 24L instead of 37L and sheds some bulk, which makes it better suited as a lighter daily carry or compact travel pack for smaller frames. If you tend to carry extra layers, electronics, or gear, the RUSH 24’s extra volume and frame support feel a lot more forgiving by the end of the day.
Compared to slicker hiking or travel packs in the 30–40L range, the RUSH 24 2.0 is heavier and much more tactical in appearance. Those other packs win on weight and airflow but lose on MOLLE space and organization capability. If you’re a woman who splits your time between the outdoors and everyday life, the RUSH 24 offers much more versatility to be ready for anything.
There are also more minimalist tactical-adjacent packs out there that tone down the MOLLE and patch features. They’ll blend in better in an office, but won’t match the modularity of the RUSH platform. It really comes down to whether you want a workhorse tool or a low-profile commuter first.
Who It’s For / Who Should Skip It
This pack is for women who use their gear regularly and need it to be durable, whether you’re a first responder, overlander, or anyone who needs a pack that can pivot between an impromptu or planned overnight trip and work or class. The Black Multicam in particular is a great choice if you want something that is stylish with a modest tactical appearance.
If you’re very petite, strictly ultralight, or working in an environment where visible MOLLE and Multicam are a problem, this is probably not your pack. Likewise, if all you’ll be carrying is a tablet, cardigan, and lipstick, you’re overbuying.
For the rest of us—women who end up carrying not just our own loads but everyone else’s forgotten stuff—the RUSH 24 2.0 makes a strong case.
Value & Price-to-Performance
At the time of writing, the Multicam RUSH 24 2.0 carries a premium over solid colors, with 5.11 listing regular pricing around the mid-$100s and frequent sale pricing lower. You’re paying for three things: proven design, quality materials, and the RUSH system.
From a value standpoint, if you truly use the features—hydration pocket, laptop sleeve, admin panel, and modular MOLLE platform—the price is a non-issue. If you treat it like a simple duffel with straps, you’d be better off with something cheaper and simpler.
Given the durability of 1000D Multicam nylon and 5.11’s brand track record, this is the kind of pack that should last many years of mixed use, which spreads the cost out nicely. Resale on used RUSH packs is also strong, so if you decide to size up or down later, you’re not throwing money away.
Rating: 9 / 10
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Tough 1000D Multicam nylon shell with water-repellent treatment
- Legit 37L capacity with a real frame sheet for structured carry
- Excellent organization: admin panel, dual top pockets, side pockets, and internal mesh
- Dedicated CCW compartment plus padded laptop sleeve and hydration pocket
- Contoured yoke straps and ventilation channels that work well on women’s shoulders
- Black Multicam aesthetic that is great for the outdoors and travel
Cons
- Heavy for its size, especially compared to non-tactical daypacks
- Fixed torso length may be long for very petite users
- MOLLE everywhere can tempt you into overloading it with pouches and weight
- Tactical styling and Multicam pattern may not be suitable in conservative or corporate environments
The bottom line is that this is a purpose-built tool: when you run it within its lane—hauling real gear—it shines. When you try to turn it into a delicate office purse, its compromises show.
FAQs
Q: Will the RUSH 24 2.0 in Black Multicam fit as an airline carry-on?
A: In most cases, yes. The 20” x 12.5” x 8” dimensions fall under most carry-on limits, but when it’s fully stuffed and bristling with pouches it’s better suited for the overhead bin than under-seat storage.
Q: Can it actually carry both a laptop and a hydration bladder?
A: Yes, the padded laptop sleeve and the hydration compartment are separate. You can run a 15” laptop in the main compartment sleeve and a 2L bladder in the rear hydration pocket without them competing for space.
Q: Is the Black Multicam fabric as durable as the solid-color versions?
A: The Black Multicam version uses high-strength 1000D nylon with a water-repellent coating, comparable or superior in toughness to the 1050D solids. You’re not giving up durability for the pattern.
Q: Will it work for smaller women?
A: If you’re very short-torsoed, it may feel a bit tall, but the contoured shoulder straps and adjustable sternum strap make it more friendly to narrower shoulders than many tactical packs. Trying it on in-person with weight is ideal before committing.
Care, Maintenance & Longevity Tips
Keeping the RUSH 24 2.0 in tip-top shape is mostly about not doing anything extreme. Knock off dust and grit after range days, and rinse mud with cool water rather than power-washing it. Spot-clean with mild soap and a soft brush if you get sweat salts or spilled coffee on it, and always air-dry out of direct sun so you don’t cook the coating or nylon.
Once or twice a year—more often if you’re living in your truck—check bar-tacks, webbing, and zipper pulls for early wear. Trim loose threads rather than yanking them, and go easy on overstuffing the zippers. If you see wetting out in heavy rain, a light spray-on DWR refresh can help the fabric shed water again. These little rituals extend the life of the pack and keep it ready for the next unexpected adventure.
Rating: 9 / 10
The Verdict
The 5.11 RUSH 24 2.0 in Black Multicam is exactly what it looks like: a serious, feature-rich tactical backpack that is built for use. It’s not the lightest or most subtle option out there, but if you’re a woman on the go—and regularly ends up being the one who carries the extras—it’s a fantastic mesh of size, structure, and organization.
The fixed torso length and overall weight will be deal-breakers for ultralight hikers and very petite users, and the tactical aesthetic won’t fly everywhere. But for women who live in that overlap between outdoor life, training, and everyday carry, the RUSH 24 2.0 feels like a pack designed with us in mind.
Overall Rating: 9 / 10
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