The RUSH 100 backpack was first introduced at SHOT Show 2020 and immediately caught the attention of the audience. First of all, it is much lighter than it looks, especially for a tactical backpack, and it even has the highest capacity of any backpack from the same manufacturer so far, at 60 liters. Furthermore, its design is very different from the design used to date, which is in line with 5.11 Tactical's RUSH series backpacks. However, there are some similarities, which will be discussed later in this article.
So far, I have been a long-time and satisfied user of the famous RUSH 24 (which, despite its wear and tear, is still functional) and the RUSH 72. Everyone I have recommended these backpacks to has shared my opinion and continues to use them, even after all these years. However, these models have recently received version 2.0. When I received the 60L RUSH 100, it replaced the RUSH 72 and has become my go-to companion on most of my mountain adventures.
(Image: Paweł Cięcielowski, WMASG)
RUSH 100 Backpack — Design
The RUSH 100 is a backpack with a more classic shape, which is typical of travel backpacks, as well as a carrying system designed for carrying heavy loads. However, the design of the backpack allows you to organize all your stored equipment neatly. Inside the backpack there are four compartments. The lower compartment and the main compartment, although permanently separated by a wall (contrary to the description in some stores), share some of the space. This means that if we pack more equipment in the main compartment, the lower compartment will have less space, and vice versa. The capacity inside the backpack is flexibly divided between all the compartments, even if they are smaller.
The bottom compartment takes up about 1/3 of the backpack, sharing one part with the main compartment. In my case, the bottom compartment is for a rain and windbreaker jacket, and a rain cover for the backpack (the RUSH 100 is waterproof, but the rain cover is always included in the price). (Photo by: Paweł Ciecielowski, WMASG)
(Image: Paweł Cięcielowski, WMASG)
The front compartment of the backpack is interestingly designed. It is long and spacious, opening in a U shape, allowing easy organization of most of the gear needed for outdoor use. In addition to the three-compartment storage compartment, the lower part of the bag has a narrow mesh inner pocket with a zipper for storing small or spare gear. A second internal flat pocket, also with a zipper, is located on top of the compartment. It is spacious enough and can accommodate an additional medium-sized storage compartment, such as the 5.11 Convoy Packing Cube Mike.
The spacious compartments, in addition to the storage compartments, can also accommodate a lot of other equipment. In my case, there was everything necessary for comfortable food preparation. (Photo by: Paweł Ciecielowski, WMASG)
The backpack has no flap and most of the essentials are carried with you. The designers know this and have included a fairly spacious zippered pocket on the top of the backpack. There is also another zippered pocket lined with fleece for sunglasses.
The top compartment is quite spacious and can fit the most essential items, such as a wool hat, headscarf, gloves, headlamp with extra batteries, flashlight, compass, toilet paper, keys and glasses in separate pockets. (Photo by: Paweł Ciecielowski, WMASG)
Access to the main compartment is via a U-shaped zipper along the entire length, which is 2/3 of the way through the pack, following the example of other backpacks in the RUSH series. There is a hydration pocket on the back. For stability, a vertical strap holds the hydration pack in place, and the tube is led out through a central hole on the upper back at neck level. The main compartment also has separate compartments for the custom-designed aluminum and fiberglass frame, which, in discussions with the designers, combined with the other carrying systems, provides a perfect fit for the shape of the back.
The main compartment can be accessed from above without loosening the straps (Photo by: Paweł Ciecielowski, WMASG).
After untying the top strap, we have full access to the main compartment along the entire 2/3 length of the backpack. (Photo by: Paweł Ciecielowski, WMASG)
When we’re not using the water bag, we can use the rear compartment as an additional space to organize our gear. (Photo by: Paweł Ciecielowski, WMASG)
The MOLLE/PALS system is ideal for tactical backpacks, and can be mounted on the sides of the lower compartment and the front of the accessory pocket. MOLLE/PALS compatible accessories can also be mounted on the waist belt and shoulder straps. There are also tapes on the top of both sides of the main compartment, but they are sewn on to create different sized loops. It looks like the backpack has MOLLE/PALS webbing at the points where people might want to use it, but given how neat the RUSH 100 is, I think those straps are probably just there for show.
(Image: Paweł Cięcielowski, WMASG)
An interesting solution is the two side-through panels, which make it easy to carry things like an axe or a hiking stick. However, I wish there was something that could secure the items from the bottom through these panels, just in case. The two compression straps have an indirect function to attach the pressure panels, but the main purpose of these straps is to attach non-MOLLE/PALS side bags. This solution is well-designed, as long as we remember to fasten the straps. If we don’t, the bag will hang down. With both straps fastened, we have normal access to the contents of the backpack from the top, which is the main compartment and the accessory compartment, just like a normal travel backpack. However, when we want to open the entire backpack, all we have to do is release the Duraflex Mojave auto-locks (one or both) and fasten the straps in the middle.
(Image: Paweł Cięcielowski, WMASG)
Portable system
One of the most "wow" things about this model is the carrying system combined with the waist belt that can support the weight. No matter how heavy the backpack is, when it is worn, only your legs can tell that you are carrying more weight than usual. The length of the waist belt determines the size of the backpack, as it is available in two sizes. The first test model labeled "Sample" that I received is in size S / M (30''-36'' or 76 cm to 91 cm). The model that I am currently using is in size L / XL (35''-45'' or 89 cm to 114 cm), which fits me better (96 cm at the waist). In both cases, the waist belt is useful, but the larger waist belt distributes the weight better on the hips. The waist belt is stiffer and can be used to carry additional equipment. The L / XL waist belt is very long (with 9 MOLLE / PALS slots). The straps that adjust the length of the belt are designed to be tight by moving away from the body. This is a big plus for me and very comfortable. If necessary, the belt can be easily removed, which can be important when fighting with other equipment. The belt is attached with panels and flaps with Velcro, which also works as a backpack pad on the lower back.
(Image: Paweł Cięcielowski, WMASG)
In addition to the lower back panel mentioned above, the carrying system consists of a single-piece shoulder strap with a comfort pad that extends all the way to the lower back. Thick mesh is used in all modules of the carrying system, ensuring a very high level of comfort and breathability when carrying the pack. The straps are attached to up to three straps according to the selected configuration and are secured with a large Velcro panel. The carrying system is adjusted by sliding the shoulder straps with a vertically fixed Velcro panel. On top, as with all good mountaineering backpacks, we have a weight lifter that secures the pack to the back and provides the necessary stability when walking. There are two levels of locking depending on the user's configuration and size. Fans of the RUSH series will definitely recognize the design of the straps from the outside. The straps with MOLLE / PALS grids, the chest strap and the adjustable straps, as well as the buckles that allow for quick release of the pack, are the same as other models in the famous RUSH series. If necessary, the pack can be quickly released by loosening the buckles on the shoulder straps.
(Image: Paweł Cięcielowski, WMASG)
It is worth paying attention to the handle located at the top of the back. The design is not complicated, but its large size makes it very comfortable to hold and lift the backpack, making it more convenient to put things in when it is full.
(Image: Paweł Cięcielowski, WMASG)
The design of the side pockets is similar to the half-zip accessory pouches known from 5.11 Tactical and other commercial offerings. The measured (and approximate) dimensions are 26 x 10 x 14 cm, which is considered optimal. It can fit a GSI cup with a 1-liter Nalgene water bottle, and still have some space left. According to the manufacturer, the detached pouch can be used as a shoulder bag, but it is not easy to remove from the backpack. Pulling the triple-stitched straps through the automatic locking mechanism of the Duraflex buckle is not easy.
(Image: Paweł Cięcielowski, WMASG)
Accessories can be attached from the bottom of the pack using the straps provided. The straps are adjustable but not quick-release. The straps are 2.5 cm wide and 70 cm long, which allows relatively small items such as rolled up sheets to be attached. The straps can be easily replaced with other straps if necessary. To attach a large sleeping bag, I decided to use the RUSH Tier system, which is attached to the side of the lower compartment. There are also drainage holes at the bottom of the pack, but since there is a fixed internal partition, this is unlikely to be of much use in the event of an unexpected flooding of the main compartment.
(Image: Paweł Cięcielowski, WMASG)
User impressions and comments
To put it shortly, the backpack looks great from the first time you put it on. The optimized carrying system makes you forget about the weight on your back. When you carry too much, only your legs will feel it. But it is up to the user to follow the manufacturer's motto #alwaysbeready and just keep fit. It took me a while to get used to the organization of the RUSH 100 space, and I was not very happy with the limited length of the shoulder straps at the bottom of the backpack and the fact that the straps do not unfold. But as someone who likes to have well-organized gear (I guess as I get older, looking for things is getting more and more frustrating - #alwaysbeready), I would be reluctant to replace this backpack. As good as it is for both short and long trips, i.e. when carrying less or more stuff, I will always use it in the same way. It should be emphasized that the use of Duraflex Mojave auto-lock buckles in the straps and the "outside-body" adjustment of the belts will increase the convenience and culture of adjusting the pressure of the straps, which is something I sometimes have to deal with.
(Image: Paweł Cięcielowski, WMASG)
This review took longer to write than I had planned, and I should apologize to some of you. I received the backpack immediately after its release, but subsequent circumstances made it difficult for me to finish writing it. On the other hand, this allowed me to use the backpack for longer periods of time and for several trips. The most important test was during a 3-day trip to the mountains with a load of about 30 kg. During the time I was using the backpack, I was able to make friends with the RUSH 100. The backpack passed the tests in very volatile weather conditions, on very steep ascents, descents and long walks. The carrying system also performed well when running down mountain trails, and I recently had to do push-ups while wearing the backpack... It is worth noting that this is a tactical backpack, not a typical travel backpack, although I have used and evaluated it in this capacity. Those who are looking for a comfortable, smart and practical companion for various types of travel, who do not want to worry about where and how the backpack will fall, will definitely like this backpack, as I did. The strength of the 500D and 1000D nylon used in the bottom of the backpack is well-known and provides good protection against scratches and tears. I can assure you that the RUSH 100 will be a reliable companion for many types of travel.
(Image: Paweł Cięcielowski, WMASG) Credit: https://wmasg.com/en/articles/view/21592 Order products: Click
