I had originally been trying to get my hands on a TAD Gear Fastpack Litespeed (same capacity as Rush 12), to replace my bigger TAD EDC pack, which is a great pack but just too big for everyday needs or my typical day hike. TAD packs sell out way too fast though, and after missing the last three restocks in a row (their stuff literally sells out within an hour of going live on their website these days) I decided it just wasn't worth it to keep waiting.
A coworker had purchased a rush 12 a few months ago and I was impressed enough that it stayed on my mind while waiting for another TAD restock. After missing that one, I decided to "settle" for a rush 12. Received the pack today, and I have to say, I don't think I would want the Litespeed now even if it were available.
This pack has better organization features, feels just as tough, and is more configuable with addon pouches, which I've already placed an order for. It's also very comfortable even after loading it up with all my EDC gear. I like that there's no waistbelt (though I can add one if I want), and I can remove the chest support strap from the shoulder straps - good for during the work week when I only need to sling the pack over my shoulder going to and from the car, etc. and don't want extra dangling straps.
Thats another thing I like about the Rush 12 - no unnecessary extra belts or straps hanging everywhere. Theres only two compression straps (all you need on a pack this size), and the extra bits on the shoulder straps, all of which were quickly cleaned up with the elastic strap keepers, leaving a very clean looking pack.
Tons of webbing on this thing, leaving me plenty of options for pouches. I'm going with a mix of 5.11 and maxpedition pouches to round it out for easy adaptation between EDC and hiking.
One last little bonus I love about this pack is that my iPad with leather book cover fits perfectly in the zippered hydration pocket.
The only small complaint I have is that I'd like to see a couple of small loops inside the main pocket at the top for attaching key chains or other tools like ziplights etc. - something I liked about my TAD pack. But I can just rig something with paracord on the webbing at the top and feed it through one of the hydration tube holes as a work around. Not a big deal.
I'm pretty big on quality gear and prefer to spend more up front to get the best rather than spending more over time and having to replace inferior products. I was a bit concerned about the low price of this pack but it really does look like a good quality item, and for half the cost of a TAD pack, I feel like I got a deal. Time will tell I guess. Will update this review if I have any problems with it.
Great backpack
March 2014:Several folks have asked about the size and proportions of this backpack, I imagine because a handful of reviewers have stated the pack looks comically small on their frame. The dimensions are, very roughly, 12 inches in width and 18 inches in height. In terms of its scale, it is indistinguishable from any regular backpack you see on campus -- in fact, I have seen a number of these Rush 12's being worn by other students.December 2014:The backpack has survived three semesters and several road trips now with no visible wear or tear whatsoever. Zippers and stitching are still strong and intact, the bottom isn't stretching despite sometimes having to carry four or five thick textbooks and accompanying notebooks.April 2015:Over a year old, now, and the Rush 12 has survived day-to-day use without a single complaint. The backpack has endured everything from hauling textbooks and a change of clothes from one state to the next, to a weekend of rappelling. No tears, no zipper problems, it doesn't even get that dirty, somehow.June 2017:I've used this backpack practically every single day for the three years I've had it. No wear and tear to speak of. All of the original zippers are still in place and working perfectly fine, the mesh pockets are intact despite being regularly crammed with snaggy stuff like flashlights, car keys, etc. The top pocket is great for my wallet and flashlight. The lower pocket is perfect for a Kindle Paperwhite and a Cambridge Pitt Minion Bible. I think my favorite thing about the Rush 12 is the versatility that its size offers. I can carry a pack for a three day camp, I've carried everything from AR-15 lower and upper assemblies to Wide Margin Bibles in this thing. Well worth the purchase!July 2018:Well, I'm graduating next week which means this backpack has endured approximately four years of daily use. One of the zipper cords frayed off, which I replaced with a small loop of tygon tubing. The sun may have ever slightly bleached out the black in certain spots. Besides that, this backpack has endured a lot of abuse with very little wear and tear to show for. Next up: graduate school.July 2020:Nothing new to report. This backpack has continued to hold up, well into graduate school and even fatherhood. I recently puchased an MSI Laptop and sadly it will not fit inside my Rush 12. Since this product from 5.11 has served me so well, I'm going to be purchasing a Rush 24.
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Would recommend
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Du 5.11 solide et bien pensé
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