Review: 5.11 Tactical LV18 2.0 Backpack
Morgan Rogue 05.19.23
I have the first version of the LV18 backpack and really love it. So I was super pumped to be able to test out and review LV18 2.0 by 5.11 Tactical!
This bag was packed and secured between the roll bar and window of our Jeep on our trip from Texas to Alaska. It was comforting having it there ready to go.
Being 30L, the bag isn’t too bulky but it’s not too small either. For my frame and stature, it’s perfect!
What I love about the LV18 2.0 Backpack:
- Ambidextrous CCW compartment
- Expandable side pockets for water bottles
- Webbing on the bottom to attach the 5.11 LV6 bag or could even be used to secure a tent or sleeping bag
- Chest strap with an easy-to-release buckle and it’s even moveable! I can adjust the strap up or down depending on where it’s most comfortable for me
- It comes with a removable waist strap but I’ll be honest, I think I lost the waist strap. Oops.
- Lots of organization on the inside
- Very discreet, doesn’t look very ‘tactical’
- Nice padded back panel
- Padded laptop insert pocket, which can also be used for any other application or storage, but I did carry my laptop in there from Texas to Alaska and my laptop was snug and safe inside the pocket.
Now here’s what I don’t love about the LV18 2.0 Backpack:
- The shoulder straps are not as comfortable as I would like. If you tighten the chest strap too much, the shoulder straps really dig into your neck. Once loosened, it’s bearable and wearable, but I do wonder the reasoning behind making the straps so inverted. The straps on the original version were much more comfortable. This isn’t to say that it’s a deal breaker for this pack, it’s just a little adjustment that needs to be made.
- When it’s packed, it is so front-heavy. I don’t even have that much stuff in the front pocket, but I set it down and it immediately falls over. I wish it had a bit more of a stable base or something to prevent that from happening. This might be corrected when it has something strapped to the front area under the main pockets.
The cons don’t outweigh the pros for me. This is a great backpack. In fact, I switched everything over from my old bug out bag into this bug out bag. I’ve even been training with it in my house, kind of ‘rucking’ it up and down the stairs. It’s been a great way to train.
This has become my new bug out bag, but it’s also going to be great for traveling, hiking, camping, rucking and even hunting. So many purposes for this backpack.
At $145, the LV18 2.0 by 5.11 Tactical is a great bag to add to your collection and use it for just about any purpose. Check it out!
