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.
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.
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.
