Durability is always at the top of the list when picking out the best tactical backpacks for EDC. But that usually comes with a tradeoff: heavy-duty ballistic nylon tends to be bulkier and heavier compared to lightweight, thin, technical fabric bags. Eberlestock has an extensive catalog and a long and lauded history of community-loved packs and gear designed for hunting and the outdoors. Their new Bandit backpack arrives as their lightest offering at just 2.5 pounds fully unloaded, making it a strong candidate as an EDC pack, too.
Eberlestock did this by keeping it small with a 13-liter capacity. That’s enough for a day’s worth of gear, making the Bandit an excellent daypack for urban and outdoor everyday carry. They’ve also kept a sleek and minimal profile, reducing extraneous ballistic nylon straps and opting for laser-cut MOLLE panels to save weight and look more low-profile. It’s fairly minimal by design, with a tonal embroidered logo and a loop field for patch personalization should you need one.
Regarding external organization, that MOLLE front panel attaches to the bag with snap buckles in a “beaver tail” configuration, allowing you to insert loose gear between it when needed. The two side pockets can accommodate large water bottles, photo tripods, or spotting scopes if you’re birding or hunting. Finally, the top lid has a zippered mesh pocket for items you need quick access to, and there’s even a CCW magazine pouch for a pistol if your everyday carry involves concealed carry.
The main compartment features a complete top-to-bottom unzip for full and easy access to the pack’s interior. Inside you’ll find an interior clip that works well with up to a 3-liter Source hydration bladder for long hikes in the field. The hydration pocket can also fit a smaller laptop, but remember that this bag lacks the extra padding that dedicated tech bags have.
If you value the durability and water resistance an excellent tactical bag can provide for your everyday carry essentials, the Eberlestock Bandit is a great choice. It avoids the weight and bulk of heavier tactical EDC packs on the market while looking sleek enough to work in less tactical situations.
