Maglite, a well-known flashlight brand, has just announced a new line of… backpacks. Maglite says their new backpacks meet their standard for performance and durability, and the backpacks are being manufactured in the USA.
Maglite says their new backpacks are made to the same standards as those provided to active duty service members of the U.S. military.
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The new Maglite tactical backpacks will be geared towards multipurpose use, and is said to be great for adventurers, professional users, and first responders.
Described as “military-grade,” the Maglite tactical backpacks are:
Built with the same standards as those made for the service men and women defending our country.
Features include hook-and-loop for name tags and ID patches, pals webbing, YKK zippers, and shock cords, with all said to be military-grade quality.
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There are plenty of MOLLE gear attachment points down the front, side, and straps.
The tactical backpacks will come with a flashlight holder suited for larger Maglite C and D cell flashlights.
There will also be a line of EDC backpacks, which are smaller and without the array of MOLLE loops that are placed around the tactical bags.
Maglite EDC backpacks are:
Constructed with the same attention to Performance and Durability as our Tactical Backpacks, but simply a little less “tactical” for Every Day Carry (EDC).
The EDC bags are described as being durable and long-lasting for everyday use.
Here’s the flashlight holder, included with the tactical bags and also available as a separate accessory.
For greater organization, there will be a set of 3 zippered internal pouches with black and tan color options, sizes for holding smaller flashlights, medical gear, or other personal items.
You can use them separately, or attach them inside the tactical bag. They attach via hook and loop panels.
Maglite says that both backpack styles (tactical and EDC) feature multiple pocket areas and can be customized for individual storage needs.
They don’t show the internal compartments, but the EDC bag has mesh side pockets and a small zippered compartment and bungee straps on the front.
The backpacks are ideal for everything from daily use for business and travel to hiking, camping and even full-on tactical use and are made with 1000 & 400 denier Cordura nylon so they are extremely durable. Both also feature a Mil-W17337 Webbing Carry Handle and have designated side pockets to hold Maglite Flashlights.
Maglite Tactical Backpack Colors
- Black
- Coyote Brown (Tan)
Maglite EDC Backpack Colors
- Black
- Dark Green & Black
- Coyote Brown & Black
- White (Camo Pattern) & Black
Maglite Tactical and EDC Backpack and Accessory Pricing
Tactical Backpack: $225
Pouches (3-Pack): $50
Flashlight Pouch: $40
EDC Backpack: $145
More Info: Tactical Bags via Maglite
More Info: EDC Bags via Maglite
For what I would presume to be a limited time, Maglite is offering a 30% (introductory?) coupon code, BACKPACK30, and there’s free shipping on $35+ orders.
Intro Video: Maglite EDC Backpack Demo
The following video gives a brief but closer look at the EDC backpack, which also features a drainage grommet on the bottom and MOLLE-compatible PALS webbing on the inside.
Intro Video: Maglite Tactical Backpack Demo
Discussion
Maglite says that their products are sourced 100% in the United States, and that these bags are being “manufactured in the USA.”
The quotes and “manufactured” part could suggest that not all of the sub-components are made here.
Maglite is a USA manufacturer, and they’re branching out with new USA-manufactured tactical-style and everyday backpacks.
Maybe tool bags and pouches are next? If Maglite invested in the necessary cutting and sewing equipment to stitch together high quality backpacks, they have most of what they need to make high quality tool bags.
On their website, Maglite also shows a “bug-out-bag” in messenger bag style, with no additional information about it. This could be a 3rd party product with a Maglite patch, or it could indicate that Maglite is embarking on an even broader entry as a bag brand.
But… backpacks??
Maglite is coming out with new bags; so what, why should you care?
What happens when tool brands don’t adapt and grow with changing times? What happens to brands that don’t diversify in the face of increasing competition?
Maglite has been moving in surprising directions in recent months, with new Marvel character-emblazoned flashlights. Looking at their website, I also see new flashlight color schemes and brand collaborations. But with these new backpacks and accessories, they’re entering a very different product category.
I think this is an interesting direction for Maglite, and look forward to seeing what they come out with next.
John
Cute little man purses.
Stuart
And? I used a grey tactical-style sling shoulder bag for a few years as a diaper bag and media event camera bag. The aesthetics weren’t ideal, but the size, shape, and ergonomics were fantastic.
Mike (the other one)
Same here. I have to keep a bag with various adapters, connecters, cables and tools on hand pretty much all the time. This is in addition to my regular tool bag.
Even on my own time I have a small “go bag” with a few basic tools, some survival gear, and medicine. My parents are aging, and I have to be ready for a sudden hospital stay or other emergency.
Blocky
I just went full murse w an LL Bean Boat and Tote for my EDC tool bag. I chose bright plaids for a look that’s super-sailor, and honestly, that was more of a factor than the 500lb test strength or the Made in USA with USA materials.
No way I’m paying $100 more for a Veto Tote, and I’m gonna look fabulous on my way to the install with room to spare for a bottle of wine on the way home. Tactical schmactical.
Mike
It’s not a purse! IT’S EUROPEAN!
Mr. Certainly
I used to sing the praises of GoRuck “100% american made, always” until they moved their production to Vietnam. They maintained their “premium prices”….but golly gosh, the quality dropped — who could have predicted that?
So I’m in full support of any competition.
Darrin
They still offer some that are made in the US., but they’re nowhere near worth the price.
Nathan
If these are actually US made I See the appeal. I was looking for a backpack a while ago for my office crap. Ironically ended up with a Samsonite for theprice and function but I would have strongly considered one of these.
Nice to see something out there. Maybe the need to make some new lights too?
George
Agreed that these look like nice bags. Similar to some hiking camera bags I’ve liked. Hopefully the quality is superior.
But can we all agree that “tactical” and “military grade” are about as overused as “synergy” in marketing? Anything designed with a purposeful end is “tactical” and “military grade” can mean everything from “built by the lowest bidder” to “actually takes a beating”. Might as well have said the bags are “designed to fit Pentagon contract language”.
Rick
I agree with you, tactical and military grade, are overused.
Another Jeff
What do you mean overused? I think everyone needs a tactical spoon from Ka-Bar. LOL Actually, I assumed it was a joke and want to buy some as presents for my Marine friends:
https://www.amazon.com/Ka-Bar-Tactical-Spork-Spoon-9909/dp/B01FYJ6ICK
Tojen1981
Or any EDC tool with a bottle opener. So cliché anymore. I have more “bottle openers” than I have bottles that need them.
Mike (the other one)
More tacti-cool than anything else.
Another Jeff
Those Katrina trailers sent by the Corps of Engineers with mold issues were military grade.
Bryan
You’d think they focus on flashlights, something they once led the industry way back when but have since fallen way behind.
Blocky
Hah. From a tactical standpoint, who is wasting pack weigh on those giant old lights anymore? If you need a cudgel, just pack a cudgel.
salmon
Giant old light is fine by me. The way I see it they have a few things going for them:
1. Built like a brick shithouse & made in the USA
2. Simple on-off switch, no strobe, and manual focus
But there are Chinese lights the same size & weight that have over 30 times the output. They just need to figure something out.
Pete O.
No laptop pouch is a deal breaker for me. I carry a backpack daily for work (military) and my current bag is on its last legs, but this won’t be on my list of potential replacements due to this issue. I think this is a critical oversight. Most Soldiers carry a computer all the time these days.
Cody
Depending on the type of soldier that’s not accurate. Most assault packs meant for military field use definitely do not sacrifice space for laptops
PW
The USA-made aspect is interesting. I don’t have need for this kind of bag at the moment, but if I was in the market I would consider it. I hate cheap bags that fall apart. It seems like they’re doing more here than just slapping their name on some imported item I could buy for less on the gray market.
That said I agree the “military” marketing does nothing for me. Whatever gets them their sales targets I guess.
I WOULD be interested in tool pouches made with these materials. I hope that’s a direction they’re considering.
Blocky
Have you checked out atlas 46? I have a couple pieces by them which are very, very well made with some excellent design considerations. Also Made in USA.
Joe H
I’ll probably get a Triple Aught Design or Eberlestock bag for edc purposes in the near future to replace my 5.11 over these. I’ve used Hazard 4 and Maxpedition in the past. The beaver tail design and compact size is the main things I need in an EDC backpack so I will pass on these. Shock cord works but a beaver tail works better on a shorter pack and I dont feel like making one.
Bob
Bags look nice. I might even buy one of the non “tacti cool” bags. But come on guys! You are a flash light company that makes awsome flash lights…..if it was 1997. Maybe try bringing some innovation to one if your product catagories. Lets start with flash lights!!!
And this is comming from a guy who loved and still does his 2 “D” mag light. Trying to rationalize the 5k lumen adventure sports flashlight mod kit. Just feels like throwing money at outdated tech. Nostalgia might win out tho. I mostly have 18650 batteries now. Really don’t want to add yet another battery type.
Who knows. Maybe this is a ploy to develop another revenue stream to help cover R&D on new flashlights. We can only hope.
Jared
Thats along the same lines as I was thinking. New product category? Cool. Hope its decent build quality, just like the flashlights
BUT, come out with some better lights already. They’ve got the brand name, but they just don’t make much thats competitive with Olight, Nitecore, etc.
JoeM
Wait… Lemme get this straight… MAG LITE… Something my Father used to carry on his person 24/7 as a Law Enforcement Officer, Security Officer, and DAD… Couldn’t figure out how to switch from BULBS to LEDS without crapping the bed… and so they’ve gone into… LUGGAGE Sales?
What’s worse… OVERPRICED Luggage Sales?
I can buy a Military Issue 50L MOLLE Backpack, with 1000D Nylon construction 100% of its making… From the Manufacturer, As a Civillian, for right around $60 CANADIAN… A TO-SPEC FLASHLIGHT Holder of IDENTICAL MOLLE Design for $3 CANADIAN… and somehow MAG LITE is supposed to be my choice over these because… Made in the USA?
…For 5 times the price… And Half of it is made of 60% WEAKER Material… DOESN’T contain the Laptop compartment mine does, DOESN’T contain the weight balancing system mine does… and looks like something a 10 year old brings to school every day?
I’m supposed to BUY this piece of crap? I think this is the death knell of the company known as Mag Lite. Truth be told, I think it’s time to admit the USA Made thing is not enough to make a product worth buying… The quality and design aren’t there. They aren’t worth those prices, for a dead company name. I’m sorry. I used to LOVE when my Dad was issued a NEW MagLite D-Class back in the 1980’s. New models, new features, always just a SLIGHT aesthetic design change, and those things were indestructable. Since then… The company isn’t worth those old workhorses. It’s time to let this horse die in peace.
I’d invest a few million into the company, if I thought it would save it from its own hubris… but that doesn’t seem possible anymore. They’ve rested on their laurels so long they’ve wedged themselves where they need one of their old flashlights to find where the Laurels have gone to… It’s too much. American Pride doesn’t mean it excuses poor quality.
mla
> I can buy a Military Issue 50L MOLLE Backpack, with 1000D Nylon construction 100% of its making… From the Manufacturer, As a Civillian, for right around $60 CANADIAN…
Please share
JoeM
Uh, not gonna share my backpack… I love it too much. (Kidding, I know what you mean.)
If I share it, the “USA #1” folks are going to lose their ever loving minds with rage. HOW DARE I NOT SUPPORT US MANUFACTURING!! Well, First off… I’m Canadian, I’ll buy where I want to. Second… Even your Military buys most of its standard issue MOLLE equipment from factories in China. The US does it, Canada does it, every nation using the MOLLE system does this.
It’s not about the price per item being cheaper. It’s China’s access to enough 1000D, 900D, 600D, and 400D Nylon Fabrics in the standard military patterns, and the nation-specific ones.
What nobody TELLS you… is that the actual LAYOUT of these MOLLE items is not classified in the slightest. So, you can buy a Black one, like I did, and they’ll just say “Yeah, Paintballers love this stuff.” There’s NOTHING stopping the factories from running plain coloured MOLLE designs, originally for the Military, through the same fabrics with different 1000D Nylon colours. I bought my Mother an identical backpack to mine, except See-it-From-Space Neon Yellow. She has it on her Scooter, so she can go shopping with it, and cars can see her. Cars try to run her over out of stupidity all the time, so we have a bunch of brightly coloured stuff on the scooter, plus a Body Cam to record license plates and drivers who do this.
Stock in these stores are always shifting… but just look for MOLLE 50L Backpacks on AliExpress. Look for the Paintballer or Airsoft dealers. They carry everything from Flashlight carriers, like MagLite is trying to sell you for $70 (It’ll be $5-ish plus shipping.), right on up to Drop-Leg Pouches, MOLLE Panels, Backpacks, and LITERAL Man Purses, because there’s a VERY popular one-shoulder sling bag that is fully MOLLE compatible. Also Laptop Briefcases, and Medkit Bags. All MOLLE compatible, because… Honestly, once you go MOLLE, you will find more reasons to use it, than you will find reasons to use something else. Need more room? Bags lock together. Can’t find a place for ItemX? Get it a MOLLE Pouch, and stick it on.
Yeah, people are scared of you walking down the street with full Military gear… And I HAVE been stopped by police in my area. But it’s because they are curious where they can get their own, not because of some crime. And the Load Balancing? It’s like you’re carrying nothing at all. You feel the bag or pouch, but it compresses and distributes the weight so you can’t feel it.
It’s not made in the USA, but it IS MILITARY SPEC. The same factories that make the real stuff, also make recreational copies for Paintball, Airsoft, and EDCers.
Cue the “USA #1!!!” rage.
ILtool
All that typing just to lie and not name the company? Sure buddy, you’re that important
JoeM
The Company? Do you mean the exact store from AliExpress that sold it to me, or the brand on the bag itself?
I got an All-Black backpack, and I haven’t seen a brand tag anywhere. And I didn’t think it was relevant to try and post a link to the store I BOUGHT it from… There were at least a dozen different stores with the identical backpack.
If you’d actually like me to post a link to the exact store I bought it from, I can do that in a heartbeat. I just need to look on my order history. If you’re looking for a BRAND? I think it’s just generic, I don’t know. Honestly, these identical MOLLE products are only Civillian levels because they’re in a retail shop/eShop rather than in a Military Storehouse. They’re not thefts, and if they WERE knock-offs, they did a hell of a job making them from the identical materials, even down to the thread pattern and designs. Honestly, mine is all black, my Mother’s is Yellow. The Yellow one, I can’t see the Military wanting, as it’s not a standard uniform colour. The Black? I’m sure “Black OPS” teams use them, but… It’s just Black. It’s not like they’re made of Kevlar, so there’s nothing special about it.
There’s nothing that makes me, at ALL, privileged to get these. It’s literally down to buying them from companies closer to the actual factories, lowering the shipping and overhead costs. And even if you don’t get the IDENTICAL model I got… There’s tons of slight variants, some with more or less load-compressing straps, some with, or without, a nation flag Hook-And-Loop Patch with it… Larger ones, smaller ones, they run the full gammut of variation.
You want to know the store I bought mine from here:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000321884058.html
Here you go. NOTHING Special to report here. They sell them for hikers, and paintballers, and airsoft enthusiasts. I’m an EDCer, and I use it to go shopping for groceries, or to go to the Comic Store. I’ve always got tools on me, just in case ANYTHING breaks. So it’s like having a tool bag on me 24/7. It’s my Go-Bag, I suppose.
And… Just for the record… I’m a Nerd, and when I’m saying things like “Cue the USA #1 Rage”… I’m joking… I get it’s sensitive, and I apologize if I’ve offended anyone… but, really, I’m trying to bring as much humour to this as possible. The MagLite Company has a sentimental place in my heart because I lost my Dad in 2017, and it’s still painful. I have such fond memories of HIM bringing home Mag Lites from work, because he was issued a new one. I loved the company, because they were so common in our house, for so long. So, I’m a bit over-sensitive to when they have these little… Fall-From-Grace moments.
Made in the USA? Fine. Cool. $225 for a little bag with the MagLite Brand Name on it? Uh… No… Not cool at all… Can get a MUCH larger, not-MagLite made bag, from the people who make the gear for the Military for around $60. And THEY make a flashlight holder that is identical to the one MagLite is selling, for around $3 or so… Not $70. It’s about Supply and Demand at this point. if it’s costing THEM $40 to make something the To-Spec Military MOLLE factories are making for around a Dollar? Honestly, there’s something wrong with that equation… It’s overpriced like there’s no tomorrow.
I mean… Just as an example, there’s this flashlight holder for FRACTIONS of the price MagLite is asking:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32981181287.html
Now, if MagLite had included a custom FLASHLIGHT with that $70 model? I could see the price. But it’s just the pouch. That hurts my sentiment toward them. Your results may vary.
Mike (the other one)
Maglite has had LED flashlights for years. They have tactical (CR123 battery or rechargeable battery) lights, programable LED lights, and a 1000 lumen (real lumens, not china-lumens) rechargeable lights.
At least google their product line before making such an uninformed statement.
JoeM
My Apologies, I didn’t mean they didn’t make LED flashlights… I mean the COMPANY couldn’t survive on making them. It doesn’t make sense that they’d be losing money off their LED products enough to enter the Pouch market… at an overpriced point at that!
Miscommunication. My Bad. I have an emotional tie to MagLite the company via my late Father… I am admittedly overemotional when it comes to them.
Jim Felt
Filson, a Seattle based outdoor brand, still manufactures various bags and such in and near Seattle.
Aren’t cheap but very well made and several are crossover designs suitable for tools, cameras, subway/plane commuters and I have several.
Rob
I’m in the market for a new “tactical murse” for work – 500/1K denier, lighter color than black (too hard to find small stuff inside a black bag), room for a 15.6″ laptop (it’s a work tool) AND pockets for some hand tools AND carry gun+spare mags AND notebook, AND personal phone (the work phone is on my hip), some snacks, a water bottle, etc.
I tried Maglite’s web site – I run NoScript, and their site wants to load 18 scripts. Sorry, no. So, the search continues.
AngryDrumGuy
The logo on top is great placement and the subdoed color schemes are appreciated. Bags with company billboards or extreme color use are obnoxious.
ILtool
Sheet, not at that price, not even half of that. I missed out on the 5.11 large sale a month ago.
What a joke with that crazy price for a simple backpack.
Mike (the other one)
There prices their web store are always high. They will come down as other vendors sell them.
Gino
I bought both syle bags from maglite website direct with the 30 percent off promo. The larger bag is amazing quality. I like it more than my 5-11 tactical 72 hr bag. Roughly the same price and made in the USA. There lights have stepped up big time the past few years. The Ml150LR is my favorite light and I have tons of lights inc malkoffs , streamlights, surefires and elzettas.