Intro: A Tactical Upgrade Gone Sideways
After 15 years with my 5.11 Rush 24, I was ready to upgrade. Enter the Vertx Siege Tactical Backpack, a bag designed for everyday carry, tactical missions, and modular organization. At least, that’s what the product page promised.
One week in, I was already planning the return.
Vertx Siege Tactical Backpack
First Impressions: Slick, Subtle, and Smart-Looking
Out of the box, the Siege checked most of the quality boxes. No weird chemical smell. No loose stitching. The black version looked sharp and didn’t scream “operator cosplay.” I also liked the Velcro patch panel, which felt purposeful rather than decorative.
Front Grab Handle. My favorite feature.
Design & Features: Tactical-ish, But Not in a Good Way
Some design elements worked well:
Water bottle pockets were tight and held my 26oz Yeti like a champ.
Front grab handle was strong and genuinely useful.
Dump pocket on the exterior gave extra space for oversized or wet gear.
But others? They were a mess.
The hook-and-loop interior ate space and clashed with bulkier items.
The top stash pocket was shallow unless the bag was flat on the ground.
The built-in clamshell organization panel was floppy and not reinforced.
Front of the bag when laying open w/ hook and loop lower half
CCW Compartment: Dead Weight
The concealed carry compartment might be helpful for armed users, but for me? It was dead space. I couldn’t find a use for it that didn’t feel forced. For most people, this area will be either a liability or a waste of potential storage.
CCW Compartment. Impractical for my purposes.
Size, Fit & Everyday Carry Use
This pack is deceptively small. While compactness helps with mobility, it made internal organization feel cramped. My EDC load—Surface Pro, notebook, pens, multitool—fit, but not cleanly.
Forget trying to set it upright. Even leaning it against a wall was awkward with a laptop inside. Narrow base = floppy behavior.
Comfort & Carry
Where the Siege shines is comfort. Padded straps, breathable back panel, and a nice weight distribution. I wouldn’t wear it on a long ruck, but for air travel or commuting? Very comfortable.
Back view of the Vertx Siege Tactical Backpack.
Durability & Materials
No concerns here. The materials feel premium and rugged. Stitching was solid, and zippers were smooth. It’s tough—but tough doesn’t mean practical.
Lockable zippers on the main compartment
Is It Tactical or Tacticool?
The black color kept the bag subtle. No one is going to mistake you for someone cosplaying SEAL Team 6. But slap some patches on the Velcro panel and add coyote brown? Yeah, it can go full mall ninja if you’re not careful.
Rapid Access Tab on the CCW Compartment
Final Verdict: A Hard Pass for Me
Top easy-access compartment
Who should buy it:
Concealed carriers who need dedicated compartments
Users who love hook-and-loop modularity
Urban commuters looking for a sleek, low-profile tactical bag
Who should skip it:
Anyone who needs intuitive internal organization
Field users needing structure, not floppiness
Me—and probably you
Back panel of the bag when open.
Would I buy it again? No. I'm back to my 5.11 Rush 24 and not looking back.
Return Experience: Smooth and Hassle-Free
Vertx honored their 60-day return policy with zero hassle. I submitted the return form online, provided my reason, and within a few days had a shipping label ready to print. The process was straightforward and didn’t require extra steps.
No one from Vertx reached out to ask for more details, which felt like a missed opportunity for feedback, but it didn’t affect the simplicity of the return.
TL;DR Recap
Pros:
Great comfort and carry
Tough build and materials
Discreet tactical styling
Cons:
Poor internal layout
Awkward stash pockets
Useless CCW space (for me)
Narrow design not ideal for bulkier EDC loads
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