⭐️ Best for Short-term Beginner Ruckers: 82/100
5.11 Tactical’s RUSH line of bags are arguably the brands most popular and iconic. The RUSH 12 2.0 in particular sports a load capacity and price point that fall in the range of what is expected for bags of its type.
The bag’s materials are good in the areas where they count the most and it has even developed somewhat of a cult following among those who have followed the bag since its first iteration.
Although not marketed specifically as a “ruck”, this is a likely activity for those considering the RUSH 12; unfortunately, it is not ideally suited for this type of activity.
Pros
Materials are quality in areas that matter the most
Numerous compartments to better organize gear
Less expensive than many competitor bags
Cons
No frame sheet
Laptop/”plate” pocket not overly protective
Not suitable for any type of dynamic rucking activities
5.11 Tactical has had a lot of backpack (and other) bag options over the years.
One series of these bags, the RUSH series to be specific, has gone through a number of iterations and comes in a number of size and load capacity options.
You could say that the RUSH series, and, more specifically, the RUSH 24 and the RUSH 12, are the company’s “flagship” bags. These are by far the most popular bags with 5.11 Tactical customers while possessing the most general and all-encompassing functionality for outdoors enthusiasts and EDC bag fines, alike.
After spoiling ourselves with a number of GORUCK bag reviews, we decided to give 5.11 Tactical’s RUSH 12 2.0 a try. It would be slightly hyperbolic to say that this bag has been a big letdown…but only slightly.
If you’re looking for a relatively affordable bag to take too and from work, the gym, or on casual day outings and/or you’re looking for a “starter” ruck that you fully plan on upgrading from in the (hopefully near) future, the RUSH 12 might be for you. If you have other, more ambitious priorities in mind, you might want to keep looking…
Table of Contents
Rucking
The RUSH 12 2.0 is designed with the rucking enthusiast in mind. I really don’t have much doubt about that.
However, there are certain ruckers (and I would argue that this group includes the majority of ruckers) who would find issue with some or many of the bag’s rucking capabilities.
Right off the bat, the bag’s main pocket/storage area opens flat and has more than enough space to load a ruck plate or two (whether in the “designated” plate pocket or simply in the general storage area) or any other type of weighted object you’d need to add load.
The pocket itself is rather wide, making it possible to use plates of various shapes and sizes. This is good…and kinda bad. Because no plate fits perfectly there is the constant feeling of the plate moving around, bumping back and forth, or poking out at an odd angle when rucking. This isn’t an uncommon quality amongst these types of bags, but there is something missing that makes it that much more annoying.
The RUSH 12 2.0 doesn’t come with a frame sheet (at least the 24-liter model doesn’t).
To those who are newer to rucking and/or those who have never had a bag with a frame sheet, this may not seem like that big of a deal. However, these small, seemingly insignificant items generally do an excellent job of putting themselves between the ruck plate (or whatever weight you have in your bag) and your back, mitigating this jostling, poking, bumping, etc.
Over longer ruck outings, frame sheets are really appreciated when you have appropriately-sized plates for your ruck; when the plates don’t fit, I would say they are mandatory.
I have tightened up my bag and played around with the sternum strap in order to find a setting that mitigates this annoyance, but no matter what “setting” I find, there is some type of elevation (ex. flat, slight incline, steep decline, etc.) where the bumping and poking returns.
To this point, I actually find the sternum strap’s default setting to be ideal for me; it neither suffocates me nor does it feel too loose. For a 5’8″, ~170-pound man, again at its default, “out of the box” setting, the bag hands exactly where I want it/need it against my back.
The shoulder straps are decently padded, but are not in the realm of many of the heavily padded GORUCK straps. I don’t really notice this during shorter rucks, but they do tend to get a little uncomfortable the longer I’m out (they don’t really “dig” into my shoulders, they just kinda start to feel a little awkward and, for lack of a better term “noticeable”).
I generally hydrate pretty well before I head out (and I’m not rucking in the 3-plus hour range most of the time) so I haven’t really used a hydration bladder with this, but it is cool that there is a dedicate hydration bladder pocket built into this bag. Granted it’ only fits ~ a 1.5-liter bladder which I wouldn’t call overly substantive (if I’m out long enough to need water, I’d opt to stick a much bigger bladder/bottle in the general storage area and actually stop to sip on it).
Overall, this isn’t a bag that I would recommend against rucking in/with, especially if you’re not accustomed to or generally don’t mind rucks that lacking frame sheets. Also, if you prefer to ruck with non-plate items that are softer and/or don’t move around as much, then some of the issues I have had with the bag likely won’t apply to you.
However, if you’ve gotten a taste for bags with nicer features and that were designed with functionality and comfort in mind, this probably isn’t going to be your first choice for a rucking bag.
Rucking: 75
“Dynamic” Rucking
To be fair, the RUSH 12 2.0 does not try to market itself as a bag to be used for lifting and throwing with or running and squatting in.
With that being said, it is also fair to say that the bag lives up to its lack of reputation in this area.
Despite its rather average load capacity, the bag actually has a bit of bulk to it that makes it less-than-efficient for use during many common “ruck lifts” (ex. ruck swings, thrusters, presses, etc.) Most of the effort with this one involves simply balancing a bag that is thicker than it needs to be.
Additionally, any bag that doesn’t have a dedicated padded, velcroed ruck plate pocket (like the Rucker 4.0) is going to be a little tougher to manage during these movements; the plate moves around! However, due to the abnormally…”accommodating” nature of the plate pocket in this bag, you get even more movement, particularly in movements where you are actually wearing the ruck (ex. running, pull-ups, burpees).
The bag’s only handle is up top. Thankfully, the handle is on the wider side, making it perfectly easy to grasp with one hand for exercises like suitcase carries and even pretty accessible when you want to use it for ruck swings. However, with no side handles and no water drainage holes, you’re pretty well screwed with this bag if you show up with it for anything more intense than a GORUCK Basic event.
I haven’t attempted any more “ambitious” gymnastics movements (like muscle-ups) in my Rush 12 2.0 as there really isn’t a point in doing so. The bag simply isn’t made for these types of movements and I seriously doubt that anyone considering this bag has these movements in mind.
Ultimately, there really isn’t too much to say with this bag in regards to dynamic rucking. It’s just not suited for this type of activity and if you are considering a bag to put through this type of gauntlet, I highly suggest you opt for something else.
Dynamic Rucking: 70
Load Capacity
At 24 liters of space, this version of the RUSH 12 (there are other, larger and smaller iterations of this bag) has a total carrying capacity that isn’t exceptional, but isn’t really out of pace with other, popular bags of this type.
Depending on your own needs, the 16 total compartments may be more of blessing than a curse (we’ll discuss these in greater detail in the next section), but keep in mind that these do have an effect on the “functional” load capacity i.e. much of the overall capacity is split among a number of separate, oftentimes disconnected areas.
Load Capacity: 75
Everyday Carry
For most people, the RUSH 12 2.0 probably makes the most sense as an EDC bag, whether that looks more like carrying it to class or carrying it on short excursions with the family. The load capacity isn’t the highest for this category, but as long as your “days” don’t extend into “weekends” it should serve you just fine.
The thing that most people are concerned with when it comes to an everyday carry bag is laptop protection. Now, remember how in the previous sections how I talked about the ruck plate pocket being serviceable and accommodating, but not perfect for the task of hauling long, narrow pieces of steel around? Well, turns out this pocket is actually the bag’s laptop pocket.
…and, it’s okay…
Just about any laptop produced after 1995 will likely be able to fit in this bad boy and the “flap” material is actually slightly thicker and more robust than the material in something like the GORUCK Bullet. However, as a “dedicated” laptop pocket, you’re really not getting too much protection here. You drop your bag the wrong way and don’t have anything else in it as a buffer, you’re risking damaging your computer.
I can appreciate how easy it is to separate items in the RUSH 12. As previously mentioned, there are 16 compartments spread throughout the bag, although, for most people, the main big one and the smaller “large” compartments are going to occupy most of your stuff. That smaller area is easily big enough to stick a little dopp kit, making it easy to consolidate your stuff.
As with most rucks, there is a large, mesh internal pocket that I assume goes unused for most EDC or, if traveling, might include some miscellaneous stuff that doesn’t really need to go anywhere else. You also have some exterior zippers that lead to tiny little compartments around the top and front, but these just seem a bit superfluous to me.
To be fair, I haven’t commuted to a job in close to a decade, nor have I carried a day bag around with me with any type of regularity. As such, I don’t really know what most people are looking for with these types of bags. However, the RUSH 12 2.0 has enough space for most of your stuff, ways to separate your things, and a (sorta okay) laptop pocket.
Not outstanding, but good enough.
Everyday Carry: 85
Materials
The good news is, the RUSH 12 2.0 has the important materials where it matters the most. It’s 1050D ballistic nylon fabric isn’t as flexible as something like 500D Cordura, but it is a bit stronger and more durable.
In one way I find the YKK zipper ends to be a bit flimsier than same zippers on other bags, but the zippers/zipping mechanisms themselves to be quite a bit smoother, rarely catching or giving the indication of getting stuck up along the way.
From an overall durability standpoint, these are arguably the most important features and the bag’s biggest selling points.
However, none of the other materials scream “quality” and, in some cases, actually mumble “cheap” pretty loudly.
The interior base material is nothing to write home about. It doesn’t seem weak by any means, but it is just rather bland. It’s obvious that the designers figured nobody would really be paying too close attention to the inside of the bag.
The straps kind of look weird…like some odd, dual-python, overly plasticky-looking monstrosity. As I mentioned before, these aren’t the most comfortable straps either and some degree of softness seems to be have been sacrified in production.
The outer velcro and Molle are perfectly serviceable, but I’m not a huge patch guy (blasphemy, I know!) nor am I big into hooking a ton of exterior pouches to my bag either. If either of these items are important to you, rest easy knowing that they’ll work on this bag.
As I mentioned at the outset, the RUSH 12 2.0 has decent-to-good materials where it counts in the most. It’s not the most high-quality bag, but it’s nowhere near a pile of junk, either.
Materials: 85
Price
5.11 Tactical can be kind of hit or miss with its product pricing. On one hand, you look at items like its TacTec weight vest that run as much if not more expensive than other, highly-respected brands in the industry while on the other, you can get your hands on some really inexpensive (and really not great) “tactical shoes”.
Amidst the decent level of criticism I have levied at the RUSH 12 2.0, it thankfully falls (mostly) into this latter camp, being relatively affordably priced, especially relative to many other competitors.
It isn’t difficult to find some ultra inexpensive bags in the under-$50 range on well-known retail sites, and is only slightly more difficult to find others in the $50-100 range. Meanwhile, the RUSH 12 24-liter bag can generally be found in the lower end of the $100-150 range.
We’re mainly focused on “raw” price here as opposed to “value”, but I would say that given this bag’s overall functionality and composition, its overall value (what you get for what you pay) is probably comparable to more expensive offerings from other retailers. However, going off of sheer price, the RUSH 24 definitely outpaces much of the competition.
Price: 90
Customer Reviews
It’s not often we come across non-shoe products that have thousands…and I mean thousands of customer reviews. With that being said, I guess it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the RUSH 12 2.0 has so many data points when considering that it could be classified as one of 5.11 Tactical’s “flagship” bags.
Besides having a large sample size of reviews, not to mention reviews that are housed on a number of third-party sites, the RUSH 12 2.0 reviews are overwhelmingly very good reviews.
This is how the RUSH 12 2.0 clocks in on the official 5.11 page and if you check Amazon, it boasts the exact same score.
Between the score being so high, the sheer number of scores, and the variety of score sources, I wouldn’t hesitate to put a higher degree of faith in these reviews.
There isn’t a ton of consistency in the lower-score reviews, but a more common complaint is related to problems with the zippers. It isn’t too hard to find reviews like this one:
“Zipper pulls are junk Review by Clayton F.
Most of these reviews were written before use I think. I have used my Rush12 for one month and I have lost one zipper pull. The pulls are lightly glued to the plastic tab and will come right off. I pulled it off just closing the zipper, not try to pick up the bag using it. Save your money, I’m shopping for an actual heavy duty pack right now.”
Truth be told, the RUSH 12’s zippers aren’t in the same league as GORUCK bag zippers, but I haven’t had any serious problems with mine…and I’ve had my bag for much longer than a month!
Customer Reviews: 96
Customer Service
I have never had to reach out to 5.11 Tactical for any type of assistance, whether in the form of pre-delivery shipping or in regards to follow-up due to defective or damaged items.
For better (no problems for me!) or worse (I don’t have any juicy stories to pass along to you!)
With that being said, I had no problem placing my original order and it arrived without incident at my home in a only a few days. No problems there.
I wish I could tell you more, but I got nothing. I can’t in good faith assign a score here, but I’ll defer to the timeless words of Banks, Collins, and Rutherford on this one:
“…rest easy no news is good news!”
Customer Score: N/A
Who is the RUSH 12 2.0 really for?
There are certain people who will probably appreciate the RUSH 12 for what it is. If you fall into one of these categories, you could be in luck:
Those looking for a “starter” ruck
As relaxing as rucking is (in addition to the numerous health benefits associated with the activity) some people try it out and are just not that into it. This is perfectly understandable; some activities are just more engaging than others.
If you’re interested in rucking, but on the fence about making it a regular, life-long type of activity, it is understandable that you probably don’t want to “go big” on your first bag.
There are certainly less expensive options that the RUSH 12, but it is a good mixture of (mostly) quality materials, durability, and affordability.
EDC enthusiasts who don’t bring their laptop
The laptop pocket in this bag is serviceable, but I wouldn’t feel as comfortable with any of my machines in it as I would in something like the GORUCK GR1‘s laptop sleeve. That aside, the RUSH 12 is a pretty good option for those who want a decent amount of loadable space combined with a lot of little separate storage areas.
Not for “serious” ruckers
I know that there are enthusiasts who don’t mind hitting the road without a larger container for a water bladder, frame sheet or a dedicated plate pocket. That being said, if you have rucked for any period of time with any of the above features (especially the last two), the RUSH 12 2.0 will feel like a definite step down.
Also, if you’re pretty sure that rucking is going to be one of your new hobbies, you may as well opt for a bag with these features.
How we reviewed the RUSH 12 2.0
As I was taking the RUSH 12 out of the box, I was pretty sure that it wasn’t going to become one of my go-to rucks or training bags. However, I wanted to give it an honest shot among a variety of exercises and workouts in order to develop the most accurate viewpoint of the bag that I could.
I have been rucking in the bag a number of times over the last 5 or 6 months, using a variety of plate types (GORUCK, Yes4All, etc.) and walking in a number of different areas. I haven’t used it for nearly as many dynamic rucking types of workouts (mainly due to its limitations), but I have tried to work it into a number of different types of movements.
I’ve also spent more than my fair share of time exploring the never-ending pockets and compartments that are this bag’s bread and butter.
5.11 Tactical RUSH 12 2.0 Alternatives
If you’re not really feeling the RUSH 12, but want something sorta, kinda similar, give one of these alternatives a look:
GORUCK GR1 – Ripstop Robic
This version of the iconic GORUCK GR1 is constructed of Ripstop Robic, as opposed to Cordura material, but has the same unparalleled functionality and durability as its “OG” brother.
Pros
Excellent “do everything” bag
26-liter version has a slightly higher load capacity
GORUCK-branded plates fit the bag’s plate pocket perfectly
Cons
Not inexpensive
Not great at any type of dedicated rucking
Wolf Tactical Molle Backpack
Wolf Tactical has a lot in common with 5.11 Tactical and it’s no frills Molle Backpack is a comparable, but less expensive alternative to the Rush 12.
Pros
Very competent as an EDC bag
Included concealed carry holster
Inexpensive
Cons
Numerous compartments decrease effective load capacity
No legitimate dynamic rucking capabilities
5.11 Tactical COVRT 18 2.0
A larger, more functional EDC bag at a comparable price point to the Ruch 24, if rucking isn’t a big priority for you, the COVRT 18 2.0 might be your best alternative from this brand.
Pros
Large, 32-liter load capacity
Dedicated laptop compartment
CCW compartment for those who need it
Cons
No ruck plate pocket
No frame sheet
Frequently Asked Questions
I hope by answering a few more questions I can help you make a more informed decision:
What activity do you think the Rush 12 is BEST for?
Honestly...not any type of dedicated rucking activity.
That being said, if you want a backpack that is perfectly functional for everyday use and/or for use as a day bag (like, if you go for a short hike with a friend and want to pack some gear) it works (albeit, as an overpriced bag for the occasion).
How comfortable are you with your laptop in the “plate”/laptop pocket?
I'm comfortable enough to actually pack it there...but I know I probably shouldn't.
I mean, my bigger PC would probably be alright after most drops with the bag, but I'd be more concerned about my smaller Mac.
Would you rather have the Rush 12 or the 5.11 Tactical A/T Trainer shoe?
Now that is a tough question!
If we're asking which I would rather have in my arsenal with price already paid, definitely the Rush 12. I can find some uses for it.
If we're asking which I would rather buy and keep in my arsenal, if I could get the A/T Trainers at its (perpetual) sale price, I'd go with them. At least they're cheap!
The RUSH 12 2.0…it’ll work…
In some ways, I think it’s kinda unfair to classify bags like the RUSH 12 2.0 alongside more “dedicated” rucks like the GR1 or even the Bullet. To be honest, most of 5.11 Tactical’s bags are “bags you can ruck with” as opposed to being “rucks” (in a proper sense, of course).
With that being said, I know a lot of people consider these bags when they’re first getting into rucking and I don’t blame them; their prices are attractive.
Truth be told, you don’t need a specialized bag or something overly expensive to load up and get walking…but having the right gear does make both the process and experience more enjoyable.
That’s really what it comes down to with the RUSH 12 2.0… process and experience (although we’re looking more closely at the rucking experience) that is “serviceable” but not necessarily “enjoyable”.
It’ll work for most activities, but don’t expect too much more out of it.
⭐️ Best for Short-term Beginner Ruckers: 82/100
5.11 Tactical’s RUSH line of bags are arguably the brands most popular and iconic. The RUSH 12 2.0 in particular sports a load capacity and price point that fall in the range of what is expected for bags of its type.
The bag’s materials are good in the areas where they count the most and it has even developed somewhat of a cult following among those who have followed the bag since its first iteration.
Although not marketed specifically as a “ruck”, this is a likely activity for those considering the RUSH 12; unfortunately, it is not ideally suited for this type of activity.
Pros
Materials are quality in areas that matter the most
Numerous compartments to better organize gear
Less expensive than many competitor bags
Cons
No frame sheet
Laptop/”plate” pocket not overly protective
Not suitable for any type of dynamic rucking activities