Tactical Highlights of the 5.11 Covrt18 Backpack

[@jamesgibson7114]

Bought this same bag back last year and really love it. Low keyed, lots of compartments, just the right size. Great video on a great bag.

[@CunoWiederhold]

Great video! I have the same pack in wolf grey. You always have the best tips. For me, that zippered hide-away (where you can stow a pistol) makes a great "pass-through" for a light hoodie, or anorak raincoat too. After watching your other video on "light weight bug out" I'm likely going to do that. I've learned a long time ago that light travel is the best way! I've definitely liked & subscribed your content. Thanks!

[@jamesbaldwin9969]

It's nice as a civilian to see what you as an operator really use and recommend for your self and family. This world is a sad place some times but it is nice to know there are people who care enough to carry and encourage others to do so.

[@brandone7183]

Great video! Thanks for sharing!

[@johncollins7555]

Who would or what would you recommend for the ceramic plates? Thank you.

[@GrayBeardedGreenBeret]

Recommendations and links are in the description

[@ellerybice3787]

A comment added...

[@lukesmith981]

It’s stealthy and you’re less likely to be a target compared with someone who’s tactical looking.

[@marlenelampard6791]

Nice little bag..we can't get too tactical here in Canada but i like the double access feature..btw us lefty,s do have a tougher time with somethings( i blow zippers so often. I'm almost a tailor from replacing them.).. Lefty,s are the best for bush walking with righty,s. We even out the lateral drift.↔ lol..

[@matthurd991]

Great review. Loving the channel. Keep up the good work.

[@thebishop4773]

Weird left handers? I have you know I resemble that remark. LOL!

[@Lycan683]

So am I.. LOL

[@lisamitchell7070]

As a rightie married to a leftie I have to say I love lefties!

[@robertmartinez1645]

Leftie here!!! God Bless 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@madscientist4578]

Watching this video, I just had one of those " damn, why didn't I think of that!? " moments with the plates.

[@mrchiefbs]

Looking to start my first bug out bag. Glad you made a video on this. I live in the city and don’t want anything to stand out.

[@robertmartinez1645]

What!!?? What do I do with my 12, 24, 72, moab 10? Lol I know, buy a covert 18!!!🤣👍👍👍👍👍

[@michaeljacobs5619]

Lefty here. Thank you for demonstrating and keeping us in mind.

[@LarryLyman]

Thanks for your time, much appreciated. Very good info. God bless

[@HM-qf8ml]

Very creative I loved this! Thanks for sharing, truly.

[@bradleyjohnson452]

Great review. We were all born right handed but only a few of us overcame that.

[@enlightenedlight4277]

Your thumbnail remind me about covid19...i don't know why

[@MrGlobalTransport]

Ordered this pack on your recommendation and like the functionality and quality of it so far, so thank you. What works for me is having combustion in the top inner mesh pouch, water filtration in the bottom inner mesh, navigation in the small outside admin pouch (along with smokes or dip...for morale purposes haha), headlamp in the little top sunglasses pouch, poncho in the other water bottle pouch and everything else in the big pouch. Switched it up a little today to use it for fishing with my kids, just to break it in more, and it was great. Actually used the CCW hidden pouch to store a small tackle box and sunscreen and it was extremely convenient to be able to access it while the pack was on a high rock shelf behind me. Can’t wait to get out in the woods and train/familiarize myself with this pack and all of its contents.

[@danieledmonds3855]

Awesome tactical use of plates and using pack in front during active fire scenario. Firearm and mags within reach on top of that makes this high advantage practice. Great ideas. Keep the teaching coming. Thanks.

[@sergiofutbol123]

Man I was looking for a new edc bag and just general stuff, and I liked the looks of this bag, but thanks to your buy video I'm sold! Lol and its on sale too! Thanks for the video man. Now I cant wait to get mine 😁

[@GryphonIndustrial]

I think you meant to say "Left hand master race". At least we got AKs. I'll never understand why the Russians designed a left handed rifle.

[@GryphonIndustrial]

@UCLp9Cztl1OBR1p8DMTTY2Vg Yeah! I found out about right side charging from watching Jim Fuller of Rifle Dynamics run his AK left handed. The lightbulb just lit up!

[@drive-byguitarlessons1858]

@DoorKicker You're absolutely correct. Also, "right handed" guitar players are actually playing left handed. Righties aren't very smart, are they?

[@jasonbolin7025]

Excellent review.

[@agnosjr]

Thank you for sharing the review and informations about the bag. Cheers!

[@piccolosan19]

In massachusets certain kevlar vests and bulletproof cars and gear is illegal or regulated and they have whole lists of people who are licensed for that gear and/or firearms

[@TheDarkestOne37]

I've had this back pack for my EDC for the last five years and love it! Depending on where I go, I will switch out a level IIIa soft armor (2.5lbs) with a level III+ (10.5lbs) armor in the hydration pack. The only issue I have had with the pack is that the handle has started to fray and is breaking loose at the seam. Other than that, it has held up incredibly well.

[@sonsofliberty1062]

As always Josh, thanks for your videos 👍 👍 Don't know how many southpaws you saw graduate for Delta school, but at Marine sniper school- weren't to many. But we still prayed for em any way. They were our brothers. Great info on this model of 5.11, I'm a big 5.11 gear man myself. Get home bags, Bug out bags, Bug in bags, Range bags, every day bags. I put their gear to work, and it all works well. So, God Speed, God Bless, God Bless our Constitution, and God Bless the Army and Marine Corps,,,,, 🇺🇸 Semper Fi

[@TheDobbermn]

I wish you could still get this version instead of the 2.0

[@jerdog333]

Best review of this bag I've seen. Thank you

[@cantstartafire]

I love 5.11 packs and products (I really like the yoke style harness) but I ended up with a Stone Glacier Avail 2200 for my wife and an Eberlestock switch blade for myself (the hip belt was extra). It came down to a good, well padded hip belt. We both work 10 miles or more from home and after a few hikes in the hills we found we needed the hip belt. I have been looking at Mystery Ranch for a more feminine anatomy friendly pack for my wife. Just my perspective. Kuiu also has a nice 1800 pack with a great hip belt. Great channel, great info. Thanks!

[@bdb1183201]

Ive found in my experience for what it's worth, you can also preload bungee cords on one side. When you transfer to chest carry simply and quickly wrap the bungee cords around your back and hook to the opposite side. Easy non permanent retention of the pack. Thank you for what you have done and for what you are doing now.

[@STOKERMATIC]

Great review Josh! I’m pretty picky about stuff I buy too. I tend to use what I have available even if later on down the road I may want to replace it-don’t want to break the bank. But you did a great job of bringing up some good tips!

[@polimorfosnuclear8320]

Excellent. Thanks 🙏🏻😎

[@namesecondname4548]

Thank you. Excellent content as usual.

[@ivanmichaelbalenbinmarohom6270]

Educational.Life saving techniques and equipment.And very interesting survival tips.And a very cool veteran green beret.I salute you sir.Thank you for your service and for the tips for survival matters.

[@rickirelan8385]

How much bourbon can fit in that camel,,,hmmm GreyWolf approved. ;)

[@ryewhiskeyfan5946]

Going to have to verify but I think it will take a two litre.

[@rickirelan8385]

@Adrian Diaz Amen! I'll be right there!

[@DF4Trap]

I really like it, complete tactical, and totally grey.

[@philiptruitt]

Thank you, Josh!!

[@Eric-ew8jt]

Liked and commented for the grey beard! That pack is the bees knees, I use the OSPREY hikelite 26 for a GHB. Thanks Josh

[@charliemike13]

I’ve heard a lot of people bagging on 5.11 stuff... I’m not sure why? I’ve used it as a Police Officer and as a Soldier and I really like their stuff. Would like to see you do some stuff on their straight up tactical line-packs, clothing, etc.

[@GrayBeardedGreenBeret]

I can't think of anything I have gotten from them that I was disappointed in.

[@hutchofthenorth5322]

I have soft armor in mine. I carry it as a work/laptop bag. Good kit!

[@NearlyNativeNursery]

Great review and show us your choice Pack. The true problem is there are tooooooo many people on the earth. That's is why people have such short temper and loose the mind going crazy. If there where only 1-3 billion folks we would be more happy to see each other when things go bad. We could help each other. With too many people one has to fear everyone as people come unglued way to fast today it seems. we saw fight when Covid-19 started last year over toilet paper. I could not believe people are attached to toilet paper. It totally blew me way. I also saw two fight at two different gas station when the criminals struck the gas company. I sure wish people were more friendly but there are simply too many aholes out there. Superb video and I always enjoy your channel. keep up the great work. we all benefit for it for sure.

[@smudgey1kenobey]

You’re the first person I’ve heard giving the real reason for modern issues. Too many people on earth. Congrats on your vision. It’s a rare trait.

[@jadendagostinis996]

I live in New York And was wondering what good light weight bullet proof plates I can put in my covert backpack

[@GrayBeardedGreenBeret]

Thats up to you to research, that's outside my lane as far as what your local laws and history are

[@Jemill13]

I posted this in your first aid video too. “Open your mind, get rid of the Hollywood preconceived notions that’s not reality “ is the best advice I’ve heard! Being prepared is good sense. Thank you.

[@kwhitney6238]

Awesome ideas 👍 still the best. Im having a problem with my bug out bag, I keep putting to much crap into them so I got different bags now.

[@drive-byguitarlessons1858]

Reviews from someone who isn’t role playing is way better. Thank you sir. That’s a solid bag and worth the $.

[@brettlaw920]

Are there any non tactical looking bags that you could stuff something like a prepped plate carrier into but it dangles in the front off the pack straps to even out the weight distribution without requiring you to wear it or use up space in your bag? Kind of like the MFF bags that dangle between the legs, but on the chest. It could also double as a low volume secondary container considering it wouldn't take up much more room than a soda can when empty and stuffed into the pack. Maybe even with a haversack type strap. High viz orange on the inside.

[@GrayBeardedGreenBeret]

Not that I am aware of, no.

[@JOHNFMKN]

It does look like a nice pack. I hope 5.11 sees this and gives you a sponsor or some gear.

[@GrayBeardedGreenBeret]

I'm probably still too small a fish for them to notice. Would be cool, though! I love this bag and I love their Stryke pants.

[@ZRUSOutdoorsChannel]

Where are you guys getting the green pack?? I cant find that color for the covert anywhere.

[@macsbrotherhood9179]

I’ve had this pack for over a year now. I use it as my get home bag as well as my edc bag. One of the things I have done is put my poncho in the hydration area.

[@ryewhiskeyfan5946]

Had mine for a couple of years. I love it. When being worn as a regular back pack the extra magazines or gear is accessible by the wife/friend/teammate etc. behind you. Edit Thanks for the love Sir. I forgot to mention a feature I find useful when EDC'ing this bag. There is a channel on each side of the bag designed to hold zip ties or other similar items. I carry one or two of the 24 inch heavy weight ties. They can be reached when the back in worn, standard or reverse. The ties do coil in the hydration area but do not interfere with hydration bladder or a plate.

[@JohnDoe-ff2fc]

only thing missing are hip pads. I really like the more discrete colors. camo draws too much attention in urban areas in my opinion

[@talkingwithtrash8879]

I really like the large cell padding on the shoulders and back. Highly breathable and super comfy.

[@genewentz9906]

Yes, let me know more about up and coming projects, thanks for what you are doing!!

[@TheDubaisi]

Weird right handlers

[@preppedone1006]

Great idea! 💡 I love the pack, and the idea of the ceramic plates for protection!

[@epiphonesj15]

Very smart, very practical application to help be prepared in a terrible situation that’s unfortunately all too common right now. Thanks for the ideas!

[@stevenwilder5461]

Hauling that pack around to cover your chest; I never considered that! Great vid, and thanks for covering us lefties. 👍

[@darellgriffin8177]

Nice but expensive

[@ericcapell5062]

I bought that bag after seeing your lightweight bag video. I love it and carry it everyday. Thanks for some new ideas to try out. Great video as usual!

[@nathankeel4308]

Genius with the plate & swapping pack around!

[@MrByTheMile]

i have owned this bag for close to a year now and didnt realize it had the ability to fold and lock down like that thanks josh. i actually keep my ridgeline shelter set up in the area where you suggested to conceal carry. i use it as my get home safe bag. im in california so the firearm stays in my trunk. i carry the 10 c's of survival plus a firearm and trauma kit when im knocking about in the mountains with the family.

[@robertw1081]

Really great piece of gear, one pack for many different missions , adaptable to the max !

[@waynedaniel1427]

Great videos. After watching your videos I rethought my systems and I’m currently making adjustments. Excellent content, please keep it coming.

[@23Q19]

Have you looked at the vertex gambit.... I love mine

[@GrayBeardedGreenBeret]

I haven’t had any experience with them

[@jordy703]

I am from the Netherlands and i really like youre video's and information! Sadly the law in the Netherlands doesn't let you protect youre self what so ever in comparrison with the USA.. but still thanks for the lessons en i whish you were my teacher when i was in the army infanterie! We have a lot of terrorist attacks the last few years in europe and also sourrounding the Netherlands, like in Belgium and Germany and in France. So youre tips are really useful. Thanks you..

[@IamUke]

I am just wrapping up building my BOB based on your recommendations. I pretty much followed exactly what you specified in the UL bugout video, including this pack. Right now I'm trying to figure out the best way to pack everything inside. If you could do a video showing how you stow everything, that would be helpful. I have the pack almost completely loaded. I stuck a pistol in a holster into the secret compartment to check access and fit. I'm a little concerned about the surrounding pockets (being full of BOB Stuff) pressing against the holster and causing problems with a rapid retrieval of the weapon. I plan to practice drawing until it is seamless every time but if you have any insights about that I'd love to hear them. What goes into which pocket would be interesting to see. What's your tactically-minded thought process? Great videos, you are a great asset to the community. I love your zero-BS knowledge transfer. Thank you for sharing!

[@GrayBeardedGreenBeret]

Depending on the situation, I would be running an OWB holster on my belt along with a rifle in my hands. The concealed holster would be a second option for times when that isn’t appropriate (either in the pack or IWB) . When a pistol is in the pack, it would be on your back and behind zippers, it is not exactly set up for quick draw. If it has gotten to that level, the pistol should not be in the pack any longer and should be in an OWB, IWB, or at the ready. Some exceptions would apply of course.

[@IamUke]

@@GrayBeardedGreenBeret Thanks, Joshua. Makes sense. I guess I was thinking that it would be like a CCW scenario or something. I see what you're saying-- If it was that bad I'd be OWB.

[@reginaldderiso1037]

@@GrayBeardedGreenBeret I would like to see how you pack yours as well, would make a good follow up to your why so many bags vid

[@mathewhenderson5757]

Solid video. Valuable content for the community. Well thought out

[@ScottyM1959]

Looks like a great EDC bag. You gave me something to think about. Thanks!

[@douganderson3804]

I have the pack in gray and black. I love it. I've done a lot of what you're suggesting, and I attached a belt on as well. There are other Covrt 18 videos with links for the belt, and now that you recommended armor, having the belt may help secure the pack even further if you have to do a "hasty vest." Do you have links for the armor and molle carrier? Thanks.

[@GrayBeardedGreenBeret]

All the links are in the description

[@bonniesplace3937]

I love the covert 18. I have had mine for about 6 months. And have it set up as my get home bag. If the poop really hits the fan I am going home. I really like the two water bottle holders on the side.

[@LeopoldVDH]

Great setup and very adaptable pack, thanks Josh

[@centexpatriot2709]

I bought one of these when your first video came out. This color was very difficult to find, but I went to the local 5.11 store and they got me one shipped to TX from Hawaii (the last one they had in stock). I agree, the bag is awesome.

[@Huarachesverdes]

Thank you for the video! Just subscribed. Have you tried 511 LV18 backpack? Or what are your thoughts. Thanks!

[@ramonfarr]

Nice tips and perspective I use the 511Rush12 for camping and hiking

[@kphifer1]

What brand of plates are you using?

[@GrayBeardedGreenBeret]

The gear I am using is in the description.

[@gregcain6634]

Great review as usual! There is an old saw that goes Right-handed persons predominently use the left side of the brain and left-handed persons predominently use the right side of the brain, so the persons in their right minds are left-thanded persons. ;^) Keep up the good work Josh!

[@kendicus4518]

Nice

[@ОлегБойко-щ1о]

Hello. I need your advice. Now I choose a backpack that is not tactical, but reliable and durable. Decided to choose between 5.11 covrt 18 gen. 2 and Maxpedition entity 27. Which backpack do you think is better?

[@rclee3]

Well done as usual sir. I had the same pack for several years. It is well made and held up well. I went to a different pack when I started spending more time in different locations and needed a different look. I passed the pack on to another and they are still using in 5 years later.

[@LeeSmith-qy3or]

Color for 5.11 Tactical Covrt18 Backpack. I realize this is fairly trivial [ except if it was orange or red ], what colors do you suggest? Your video has a green on khaki. The 5.11 / Amazon sites have the usual black, but they also have Greay and Ice. What do you think?

[@therealdatwungai]

Well done. I like the hydration swap idea, thanks!

[@drive-byguitarlessons1858]

I really need to stop watching your videos - you sell me on everything, I swear. Kidding. I would love to see more reviews from someone like yourself. The internet world needs more people like you and fewer people role playing.

[@rustinstardust2094]

Yes, he's for real. A lot of guys in other survivalist videos seem like little boys playing army-man. They're having fun with it, so I say live and let live. ...This guy's just more credible.

[@Paganhellbilly]

I know it's a old video, unfortunately 5.11 discontinued this pack. But I was lucky enough to find it for 50$ online. Looked at this pack for a long time, glad I finally got it.

[@scott1564]

I have an earlier generation of this bag (still very similar) and I think even these are poorly designed. WAY too many pockets to be effectively used in a tactical situation. I mean, come on -- there are like 6 zippers in the general area of the area where the handgun would be and even after owning the bag for over 15 years, I still routinely open the wrong pocket. I will grant you that I don't use the bag every day and I'm sure that would somewhat mute this part of the criticism (though not much as it isn't like I haven't used this bag hundreds of times anyway), but there are other issues. The handgun area should be near the rear of the bag and it is near the front, which makes this bag seem heavier than it should be when loaded. That brings up another issue: this bag gets very heavy very fast. I've never loaded it out and it can still be a beast to carry just to the car, then to the hotel room and back and forth. That's with a compact or subcompact handgun (USP Compact or VP9sk), a 13" Macbook Pro OR iPad and charger, a pair of glasses, a smaller Molle type bag inside, papers, notebooks, legal pads, and several other items like pens, knives, and maybe a multi-tool included. I haven't even been carrying a backup bandana or folding cap until lately and the bag has been a beast. Even the iPad subbing for the laptop didn't make much of a difference. Nothing I can't handle, but it desperately needs redesigning. I will say that the handle at the top is well designed and so are the arm/shoulder straps, but that's about all. This is just one of many 5.11 products that looks better in pics and video than it does in real life. Trouble is, few companies make anything better.

[@MikeWood]

Covrt18 2.0 apparently is a complete redesign. Would be interested in hearing a comparison of you have time to do one.

[@pamountainmilitia3977]

Wher can I get this pack? good shit, I have a sig x 5 for my carry gun but need a pack to conseal it, I keep it with me as much as I can, mostly in my Truck, or on me when in the woods, good shit Thanks, alot of good old common sense, Im a goose hunter so cover and conseal is paramount, liked your ghille vid. Oh yea I have a 338 Lapua and a a 300 ultra mag, I love my magnums man and roll my own ammo, Berger 300 gr.

[@sniper12121991]

It is a well made backpack. I've had mine since 2013. Used it in college and am still using it as an EDC backpack for work. Had some wear in the shoulder straps but some light sewing and you're good to go. You can actually see it on the floor in the clip from the bushcraft first aid class.

[@jamesmcnamara7484]

I have been using a Jansport bag with Molle pouches inside to organize it for use as a Grey gethome bag. I also have a 5.11 Rush72 bag that is a tank. Well built, but heavy. I need to streamline it, but I have everything for my family in one bag. This might be a good one for my wife so I can pare down mine.

[@bradfrancis9473]

As always brother deep gratitude for your generous sharing of time, talent and experience. Invaluable to me and my family’s safety and well-being.

[@jukothrow]

I have been keeping plates in my pack the same way, glad I am on the same page. Been thinking about getting plates to put in my kids school bags, sad to think like that but Active Shooters are becoming more and more prevalent.

[@PoasLodge]

Ok... so I’m revealing my own ignorance here.. but I literally did not know about the concealed pocket between the front and “second” (so I thought) compartments. Zippers and pulls were tucked inside the pocket itself. Talk about covert. Been carrying this pack for years. My weapon always went in the back panel pocket for concealment. 🤣🤣🤣

[@kirkeberding304]

Have you checked out the 5.11 LV 18 and if you have,what are your thoughts?

[@earlofrednecks9533]

What's it's load carry capacity?

[@GrayBeardedGreenBeret]

Pretty sure this is a 30L

[@ErnieB573]

Any info/links on the plates and plate carrier?

[@GrayBeardedGreenBeret]

There will be, yes. Had to upload this from my phone as I was running out the door. Within the next 12-24 hours there will be links to everything published, just running behind today

[@rpeebles8655]

In a previous video, the Covrt 18 was listed ad a 25L. I can only find it in a 30L size. What is the size used in this video?

[@idaho2085]

I would seriously consider at least putting one of the plates in your plate carrier so that you don't have to try to put both of them in in a time of emergency. Keep one in the plate carrier that you can wear on your front, throw your carrier on and then your backpack on and keep your pistol out or keep one plate in the back of your carrier and throw your backpack on your front and it does the same thing. Lower speed where you don't have to be stressed about how you put your plate in the carrier, things will be more accessible, and your gun to still where you need it to be. Just my two cents, thank you for the review it was great. Here's a thumbs up!

[@critunprofessional]

I love the idea of a holster there. But me personally, I keep my pistol on my belt. So I keep a velcro ifak there. It's really handy, it keeps it secure and I can easily remove it and access it with ether hand if the need arises.

[@jeffnotti9932]

Now THAT is a really cool bag.. i have to set my site on one of those for travel. Josh, i love ya man but you in no way resemble a grey man.. .. Ok you have a grey beard (and so do i) but i think that is where the resemblance ends. My biggest problem is no matter what i look like some one in the crowd thinks they have worked with me before and we are buddies. Some how i have learned to work that to my advantage. Now unless you are a "spook" you probably cant change the way you carry yourself. me being a NYer and non military, makes it is very difficult to get a hand gun permit. So unless i move to a constitutional carry state i am SOL. however it does not mean i am completely clueless in a "situation" where "some people do something". Another of my disadvantages is that i am slow. i cant travel very fast so all the training tips and trick i can absorb, practice and learn (learn meaning sink in deep) from you increases my chances of escape, elevation and survival. So everything you put forth in this and other videos is extremely valuable. If it seems like old hat or rote or obvious to you, there are a lot of us out here that find value in your information. So if you think it is going to be boring its not. There is reinforcement of knowledge no matter how simple it may appear. J

[@donnawallace5810]

Your videos have explained a lot . My original bob was sadly lacking

[@surviveplusbushcraft5650]

If someone is old and broken like me they can save some weight on the plates by going with a set of PE/alumina plates. At this stage in my life ounces matter.