If you're into gear that's built to last, you’re probably already familiar with Maxpedition. Their rugged backpacks, pouches, and EDC accessories are legendary for their durability and no-nonsense tactical design, making them a favorite for everyone from outdoor adventurers to tactical professionals.
But when you're looking to expand your collection or find something with a slightly different vibe or price point, it's good to know the other players in the game. For those who love Maxpedition's blend of reliability and functionality, here are 19 similar brands that deliver top-notch tactical gear.
Condor Outdoor delivers a massive range of tactical gear, from backpacks and plate carriers to all the modular pouches you could ever need. Known for being exceptionally budget-friendly, with most items falling between $30 and $150, it's a great starting point for building out your kit. Similar to Maxpedition, Condor focuses on MOLLE-compatible ruggedness, but often at a more accessible price point and with more modern military styles.
Shop now at condoroutdoor.com
A giant in the tactical world, 5.11 Tactical designs high-performance gear trusted by law enforcement and first responders. Their backpacks, priced from $70 to $250, are known for premium quality, tough materials, and smart organizational features. While both brands are durable, 5.11 often has a sleeker, more professional look that blends well in urban environments, compared to Maxpedition's more classic, rugged field aesthetic.
Shop now at 511tactical.com
Vertx is for the "gray man" - someone who wants tactical functionality without screaming "tactical." Their backpacks and bags feature sleek, low-profile designs perfect for discreet everyday carry. With prices from $100-$250, Vertx gear shares Maxpedition’s durability but hides its performance behind a modern, urban aesthetic. If you need MOLLE webbing and organizer pockets that don’t look out of place in a coffee shop, Vertx is your brand.
Shop now at vertx.com
Hazard 4 takes an innovative, tech-inspired approach to military-grade gear. Their backpacks, pouches, and tactical accessories are built for extreme conditions, with prices ranging from $80 to $300. You'll find a similar commitment to durability as Maxpedition, but Hazard 4 often pushes the envelope with more aggressive styling, advanced modular features, and a design language that feels fit for a sci-fi movie.
Shop now at hazard4.com
If Maxpedition bags are for EDC and day trips, Eberlestock packs are for serious, multi-day expeditions. Specializing in large hunting packs and rugged outdoor gear, their products run from $150 to $400 and are designed to carry heavy loads comfortably. Eberlestock shares Maxpedition’s reputation for toughness but scales it up for hunters and adventurers who need massive capacity and support for long hauls in the wilderness.
Shop now at eberlestock.com
Tactical Tailor manufactures high-quality gear with a focus on load-bearing equipment and customizability. Their backpacks and pouches ($50-$250) are renowned for rugged, military-spec construction. They are very similar to Maxpedition in their target audience - military, law enforcement, and serious outdoorsmen - but often offer more options for tailoring your gear exactly how you want it for specific missions.
Shop now at tacticaltailor.com
Direkt Gear offers tactical essentials that prioritize simplicity and affordability without skimping on durability. Their lineup features backpacks and pouches, typically priced between $40 and $150. If you appreciate Maxpedition's ruggedness but could do with fewer bells and whistles, Direkt Gear is a great fit. They deliver straightforward, minimalist functionality for EDC and survival prep.
Shop now at direktgear.com
While famous for their hydration packs, CamelBak's tactical line offers much more than just a water bladder. Their tactical backpacks ($50-$200) integrate top-tier hydration systems into tough, functional designs built for the field. They match Maxpedition's durability and outdoor focus but make hydration a central feature, making them a fantastic choice for anyone active in hot or strenuous environments.
Shop now at camelbak.com
London Bridge Trading is professional-grade gear, period. Trusted by elite military units, their backpacks and load-bearing equipment are built to the highest standards, with prices often starting at $200 and up. LBT represents a step up from Maxpedition in terms of mil-spec construction and cost, designed for users who require zero compromises when it comes to performance and reliability in the field.
Shop now at lbtinc.com
Voodoo Tactical provides a wide variety of tactical backpacks, pouches, and apparel for military, law enforcement, and outdoor use. Their gear is a solid blend of function and affordability, typically priced from $30 to $200. Like Maxpedition, they offer rugged performance, but their aesthetic often leans more into traditional military-inspired designs and colors, delivering a classic tactical look at a great value.
Shop now at voodootactical.com
Helikon-Tex is a brand celebrated for its innovative designs that bridge the gap between outdoor survival and tactical applications. Known for bushcraft-friendly packs and tactical clothing priced from $50-$200, their gear offers durability on par with Maxpedition but frequently incorporates specialized features tailored for survivalists and outdoor skills experts, making them exceptionally versatile.
Shop now at helikon-tex.com
Primarily known for their excellent knives and multi-tools, SOG also produces a respectable line of tactical backpacks and gear. Their packs ($40-$150) share Maxpedition's DNA of toughness and utility, providing a solid platform for your EDC or outdoor essentials. It's a natural choice for those who are already fans of their blades and want gear that matches that same military-grade quality.
Shop now at soggear.com
As the name suggests, Self Reliance Outfitters focuses on gear for survival, bushcraft, and emergency preparedness. Their backpacks and EDC bags ($50-$200) feature tough materials like water-resistant waxed canvas and follow a philosophy of simple, effective design. They compare to Maxpedition's durability but often with a more minimalist, traditional outdoorsman aesthetic that's perfect for a bug-out bag.
Shop now at selfrelianceoutfitters.com
Tactical Distributors isn't a single brand but a curated retailer that is a must-visit for any gear enthusiast. They stock high-quality tactical and outdoor products from top brands, including Maxpedition, 5.11, Vertx, and others. It's the perfect one-stop shop to compare different styles side-by-side and discover new brands that fit the durable, functional ethos you love from Maxpedition.
Shop now at tacticaldistributors.com
A longtime staple in the military surplus and tactical world, Rothco offers an immense catalog of affordable gear. With backpacks and accessories often priced between $20 and $100, they are one of the most accessible brands out there. While maybe not matching the high-end materials of Maxpedition stitch-for-stitch, Rothco is a good choice for casual users or those looking for a classic military look on a tight budget.
Shop now at rothco.com
Vertice creates smartly designed tactical gear focused on modern modularity and durability. Their products, which sit in the $80-$200 range, blend sleek aesthetics with hardcore tactical performance. They're a great alternative to Maxpedition if you're looking for gear that is just as rugged but has a more contemporary, refined look suitable for urban environments.
Shop now at verticegear.com
Osprey is a king in the outdoor and hiking backpack world, renowned for comfort and innovative designs. Though not explicitly tactical, their durable packs ($100-$250) are more than tough enough for heavy-duty use. They share Maxpedition's focus on quality and function but place a higher premium on ergonomic support and lightweight materials, making them a great crossover choice for adventurers who value comfort.
Shop now at osprey.com
Kratos Tactical delivers rugged, military-grade gear designed for demanding situations. Their heavy-duty backpacks and MOLLE equipment, typically priced from $70-$300, are built to withstand abuse. Their gear aligns closely with Maxpedition’s ethos of providing bombproof products but often features a more aggressive and overt tactical style.
Shop now at kratostactical.com
Mystery Ranch produces premium, "buy-it-for-life" backpacks for serious military, hunting, and outdoor missions. Priced in the $250-$600+ range, they're known for their patented yoke system that offers a perfect custom fit for carrying heavy loads comfortably. While Maxpedition excels at EDC and organizational packs, Mystery Ranch is the go-to when your mission demands hauling significant weight without sacrificing comfort or durability.
Shop now at www.mysteryranch.com
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