Review: 5.11 Tactical (RUSH) MOAB 6 and 10 Sling-bags (MOLLE/PALS compatible)...

Full title: Review: 5.11 Tactical (RUSH) MOAB 6 and 10 Sling-bags (MOLLE/PALS compatible) and Tier System

Following on from my review of 5.11 Tactical's RUSH 12 and 24 backpacks, this time I am taking a detailed look at the two 'RUSH' MOAB 6 and MOAB 10 sling-style bags which are perfect partners to the RUSH backpacks using the 5.11 Tactical 'Tier System'.

Although great partners to the RUSH backpacks, the sling-style MOAB (Mobile Operations Attachment Bag) 6 and 10 work fantastically well as stand-alone bags giving the user a variety of flexible carry options. Due to their single strap design, the ambidextrous MOAB 6 and 10 can be worn to the front, keeping everything in view, or to the back and easily spun around to make them easy to work out of, or provide quick access to the concealed carry pocket.



Considering the MOABs single strap design, and that for heavy load carrying you will want a backpack, the two MOAB bags have been sized give you a choice of a smaller pack, the MOAB 6, to carry the every-day essentials, or a larger pack, the MOAB 10, which can cope with the daily commute or day trip.

Of course the expandability afforded by the integrated PALS system makes these sling-packs all the more versatile.

For more information on PALS / MOLLE, see the RUSH 12 and 24 review on EDC Forums or British Blades.

Although it does not appear to be specified by 5.11 for the MOAB bags, as they are part of the RUSH series, the model suffix, 6 or 10, may be intended to indicate the number of hours you are carrying provisions for. So the MOAB 6 should carry the items you need for a 6 hour outing, and the MOAB 10 covering your needs for 10 hours out and about. These seem reasonable guidelines, especially considering the expandability of the packs and options to add MOLLE/PALS pouches and tie on other gear.


Introduction / Index
Initial Impressions
Side-by-side
Comparing the schematics
MOAB 6 in detail
The 5.11 Tactical Tier System in use
MOAB 10 in detail
MOAB carry options and Concealed carry
What they are really like to use - Mobile Operations and the Urban Commuter

Initial Impressions:

The 'Mobile Operations' naming really rings true when you start to look over these bags.

Why would you choose a sling-style bag over a backpack? Well the answer, in my opinion, really is mobility. Mobility of the load and mobility of the position it is carried, all of which makes you more mobile too.



Just as with the RUSH backpacks the MOABs have superb solid build quality and are feature packed with really well thought out pockets, compartments and organisers.

The solid construction is reinforced by the feel and weight of the empty bags. These weigh in at 760g for the MOAB 6 and 1430g for the MOAB 10. Consider that a basic 30l backpack is around 750g, and the RUSH 12 is 1200g, so from the weight of materials alone these bags look like they will be very robust.

This extra weight, which is due to the heavy duty materials and construction (as well as the design being packed with useful functional features), makes for a solid platform onto which you can confidently add additional pouches knowing they will be secure.

If you have used 5.11 Tactical's other bags, the quality of these MOABs will be exactly what you expect from 5.11 Tactical. If not, then be prepared for a pleasant surprise when you see first-hand how these bags are built to be used and abused, and to take it all in their stride.


Introduction / Index

Side by side:

Each of these MOAB bags could easily make a very full review on its own, so combining them means there is a LOT to show. Often the hardest thing is deciding which size to choose, so I felt it was important to show these side-by side and in a single review. In order to make it easier to navigate the review I have split the review into multiple posts and included an index.

On the left is the MOAB 6 in Sandstone (328) and on the right is the MOAB 10 in Black (019).

The MOAB 10 is taller than the MOAB6 and narrows slightly at the top The main compartment of the MOAB 6 is 26.7cm tall with the MOAB 10 being 46.4cm tall, and both are 22.9cm wide and around 17.8cm deep (main and front compartments together).



Both bags are very well featured, but the MOAB 10 has more room for a few more functions.



The sizing of the MOAB 6 makes for a compact, but still very useful size of bag, and the MOAB 10 increases that to something more the size of a small backpack, but with the added mobility of the sling-style design.




Introduction / Index

Comparing the schematics:

Each of the MOAB bags comes with a tag which has a helpful set of schematics which do not appear to be published on 5.11's website. The schematics also provide an excellent comparison between the two sizes and their main features.

These technical drawings represent the PALS/MOLLE webbing accurately giving a good idea of the relative sizes of the MOAB 6 and 10 in each elevation.

There are too many details and features to be listed on these schematics, so 5.11 chose to label the main features. I will cover all of these in the in-depth look at each bag.

Starting with the smaller MOAB 6.



With side view



And back view



Then the MOAB 10's schematic.



Its side view.



And back view.




Introduction / Index

The MOAB 6 in detail:

As each of the MOABs are packed with so many features, I need to take a closer look at each one separately. The MOAB 10 will be covered in the next section.

Just as with the RUSH backpacks, the MOAB's shoulder strap has a Dura-flex side release buckle which allows the strap to be opened up, either to let you escape the pack if caught-up, or to allow it to be easily passed through around a hanging point.

The bag arrives in 'right-handed' configuration. To make it left-handed you simply feed the strap out of the plain buckle at the base of the pack and fit it to the buckle provided on the other side.



The strap has an adjustable pad which is attached with three Velcro straps which can be opened to allow the position of the end of the strap to be captured and held where you want it.

Also visible is the elasticated keeper holding the free end of the length adjustment strap neatly to stop it flapping about.



In the base of the pack there is a single drainage hole. There are rubber grip pads to help stabilise the bag.



Where the strap meets the main bag, there is a coms/gadget pouch with PALS webbing a Velcro for fitting a patch.



Inside the pouch is a single elastic strap. The Samsung Galaxy Nexus that I carry comfortable fits in this pouch. The pouch itself is attached to the strap only at its sides, forming a tube through which you can pass something. This actually gives you somewhere the strap can be tidied when using the tier system.



As with all of the RUSH series bags, there is a fleece lined sunglasses pocket between the strap and the grab handle.



The MOAB 6 is the only RUSH series bag not to include a hydration pouch (mainly due to its much smaller dimensions) however the rear 'quick access pocket' is present and is the same construction as the hydration pockets on the other RUSH bags. There are two zips allowing easy access from either side.



The pocket is the size of the entire back of the MOAB 6 and even includes the hydration pack suspension toggles, but does not have a hole for a drinking tube.



One special feature of the MOAB bags is the concealed carry pocket. Here it is close, and simply looks like the join between the front panel and the main compartment.



If you pull the tab, or push your hand into the join, the Velcro separates to reveal a concealed pocket. The inside of the pocket has Velcro on one side to allow you to fix a compact holster for a backup size of gun. The flat dimensions of this pocket are 19cm x 19cm.



On the front of the bag is an admin panel which has several organiser pockets and two key keepers. This panel has full clamshell opening.



For ease of access and packing, the MOAB 6 has full clamshell opening of the main compartment.



The front section has two zip pockets, one fabric, and one mesh.



The back section has a draw string pouch and you can see the size of the sunglasses pocket hanging into the main compartment.




Introduction / Index

5.11 Tactical's Tier System:

Before moving onto the detailed look at the MOAB 10, there is a feature common to both MOAB 6 and 10 worth noting.

The RUSH series of bags already give you great flexibility for load carrying with the inclusion of the PALS webbing. The Tier System (included on the MOAB 10 and 6) makes further use of this allowing you to rapidly connect/disconnect to any of the RUSH series of packs and bags with web platform.

The Tier System consists of a set of four straps.



Each strap has two spaced C-loops to fit to the webbing on the side of the host bag, and an adjustable strap (with elasticated keeper) fitted to a side-release buckle which has C-loops incorporated into its back plate for fitting to the webbing on the piggy-back bag.



To better illustrate how the Tier system fits and works, the following series of photographs steps through the steps needed to attach it. In this example the RUSH 12 is being used and the first strap has been positioned ready to be fitted.



The first C-loop is hooked around the webbing.



And the other half of the C-loop hooked over the other side of the webbing.



This is repeated with the second C-loop.



Now fully fitted to the RUSH 12.



Now moving over to the MOAB 6, the front of the first clip base is fitted over the webbing on the side.



The front of the clip fully attached.



Then the rear of the clip is hooked over the adjacent column of webbing.



The clip base when fully fitted is discrete and low profile.



This is repeated for the remaining three straps.



You can now snap all the buckles together to firmly attach the MOAB onto the host RUSH 12



You can choose matching colours to seamlessly join a Sandstone RUSH 12 and MOAB 6, or a contrasting combination as shown with the Flat Dark Earth RUSH 24 partnered with a Black MOAB 10.




Introduction / Index

The MOAB 10 in detail:

Having already covered the MOAB 6 in detail, although it incorporates many similar features, the MOAB 10 has several differences.

Just as with the RUSH backpacks, the MOAB's shoulder strap has a Dura-flex side release buckle which allows the strap to be opened up, either to let you escape the pack if caught-up, or to allow it to be easily passed through around a hanging point.



The bag arrives in 'right-handed' configuration. To make it left-handed, unlike the MOAB 6, there is actually an entire second strap. This strap is hidden as it comes tucked into a panel at the bottom of the back panel. If you want to use it, you simply feed the strap out of the pocket (tucking away the right-handed strap) and clip it to the buckle.



The base of the bag has a drainage hole and a Y-strap with side release buckle which you can use to lash other items to the bag.



The back panel incorporates a double zipped hydration pouch



At the top of this pouch are a suspension tape and two toggles.



On the MOAB 10 there is a single hydration tube port under the grab handle so you can feed the drinking tube through.



Like the RUSH backpacks, the MOAB 10 has a reinforced back panel which can be opened if you wish to remove the stiffening material and make the bag more flexible.



At the join between strap and bag, there is a coms/gadget pouch. It has Velcro for a patch and is the same size as on the MOAB 6, comfortably taking a Samsung Galaxy Nexus phone. As with the MOAB6, the pouch itself is attached to the strap only at its sides, forming a tube through which you can pass something. This actually gives you somewhere the strap can be tidied when using the tier system.



A single elastic strap holds the phone or other contents.



In keeping with all the RUSH bags, there is the fleece lined sunglasses pouch.



A special feature of the MOAB bags is the concealed carry pocket. Here it is close, and simply looks like the join between the front panel and the main compartment.



If you pull the tab, or push your hand into the join, the Velcro separates to reveal a concealed pocket. The inside of the pocket has Velcro on one side to allow you to fix a compact holster for a backup size of gun. The flat dimensions of this pocket are 18cm x 28cm.

Strangely, though the dimensions of the rest of the bag are either larger or the same as the MOAB 6, the opening of this pocket is 1cm narrower than the MOAB 6, but it is much deeper and can accommodate a larger weapon.



The admin panel on the MOAB 10 does have full clamshell opening, but is only shown open on one side here. Inside the admin panel there is a zip close pocket, key keeper and various organiser compartments.



Each side of the main compartment has a compression strap with elasticated keeper for the free end of the strap.



The main compartment (with compression straps undone) has full clamshell opening.



The front organiser consists of a main large pocket with full length zipped openings at each side. If both zips are undone you can reach right through.

On top of this is a mesh organiser with two compartments. Each of these is accessible from both sides (just like the main pocket) but this time with Velcro fastening openings.

Of course this mirroring of the opening means the bag functions identically for left or right handed owners, and makes it easy to access the contents from either side.



The rear of the main compartment has a draw string pouch and you can also see the sunglasses pocket hanging from the top.




Introduction / Index

MOAB carry options and Concealed carry:

We have already taken a detailed look at these bags, but why would you choose a sling-style bag over a backpack. The answer is flexibility in carry options and the added mobility and flexibility this gives you.

This short filmstrip sequence shows:

- The MOAB 6 carried behind in the most similar fashion to a backpack
- Then, without taking it off, the bag can be rotated round to the front for easy access or to keep an eye on it.
- Finally the MOAB 6 can be worn to the front of the body. This is an ideal position if walking in crowds (for security) or when commuting and hopping on and off busses and trains as it also allows you to sit down without removing the bag.



These three positions are again shown here with the MOAB 10.



A specific feature of the MOAB bags is the concealed carry pocket. How many MOAB owners will actually use this feature for concealing a weapon, I hope is not that many, but for those that want to know more….
The MOAB 6 pocket will only take a compact 'backup' size of hand gun, but the MOAB 10 will take something larger. Shown here is a Taurus 1911PT on its way into the pocket. With the magazine protrusion, it is a relatively tight fit.



But once through the pocket's opening it fits down into the concealed pocket far enough to be completely concealed.



Wearing the MOAB bags behind you makes the concealed pocket very natural to reach into by simply rotating the bag to your front.




Introduction / Index

What are they really like to use - Mobile Operations and the Urban Commuter …

There are so many situations where the single strap of the MOAB 6 and 10 make far better suited than a backpack.

Moving about in urban areas, on public transport, or out shopping, a standard backpack makes me feel exposed. I've found the compartments of my backpack have been opened by would-be thieves, their failures so far only due to my good fortune not to have had valuables in the compartments they opened.

This has led me to fit combination locks and use other methods to make access difficult. The consequence is that these measures slow me down as well, and I not prepared to wear a backpack on my front as this is not a good look.

The MOAB 6 and 10 provide you with two carry options that prevent someone getting into your bag unnoticed. Either swing it round to you front, or swap to wearing it at the front. Both of these look normal, give you peace of mind and make it easy for you to get to the contents.

On busy streets or packed public transport, this frontal carry option really comes into its own.

Once you have more space you can revert to carrying it on you back which may be more comfortable for longer distances.



Being a single strap design, the MOABs are not going to be heavy load carriers, but with each having a wide padded strap, even fully loaded they are comfortable to wear. Their sizing matches this limitation well as the MOAB 6 doesn't give you the room to weigh yourself down, and though the MOAB 10 has a good size main compartment, and lets you carry a reasonable amount more than the MOAB 6, it is still a very manageable size.

Although only a minor consideration, due to the broad strap on both MOAB 6 and 10, I have found that if you keep everything on one side with the strap not crossing the body, it has been quite unstable, frequently slipping off the shoulder or needing to be held there. To be stable, the MOAB strap needs to cross the body, and like this it will stay put.

A consequence of the MOAB's mobile design, is that you can experience quite a lot of unwanted movement. Despite the grip pads included in the design, there tends to be a lot of movement. The bags change position when running, bending down or turning around. To counter this, you find yourself quite naturally reaching for the strap to hold the bag still when needed, so although instability is a feature of this style of bag, it is not a problem if you work with it.


Of the two, the MOAB 6 is the one I grab most frequently when leaving the house. It allows you to carry the essentials comfortably. A large 5.11 Tactical drop pouch now lives on the side to give me additional storage in a compact expandable add-on.

When you need more capacity, the MOAB 10 steps up and gives you all the same flexibility of carry, but punches above its weight thanks to the sling on the bottom of the bag which easily accommodates a jacket or other clothing that does not fit inside the main compartment. Despite being quite a bit bigger than the MOAB 6, it is just as comfortable to wear it to the front.

It is the attention to detail that makes all of the RUSH series of bags, including the MOAB 6 and 10, stand out. All the small touches, like the elastic keepers for tidying up all the strap ends, the well laid out pockets and compartments, and the fully organised admin panel making it easy to locate everything, make them a great choice that you will not be disappointed with.

Their versatility makes the MOAB 6 and 10 supremely useful in the urban environment and will have even a staunch backpack user thinking if they should go with these excellent sling-style bags.





Introduction / Index

Test samples provided by 5.11 Tactical for review.

Reserved...

I have a lot of Maxpeditition gear, and really like their stuff and never tried anything else similar, I guess out of brand loyalty. But looking at your review the quality looks the same as I see from Maxpedition. I may have to give some of their gear a try, Great review as uasual.

My word what an awesome review!!!!

Thank you so much I will be definitely be purchasing one of these bags!!!!

That's one hell of a detailed review.

If I may ask, how tall are you? I've been looking up images of this bag to get an idea of sizing. Some photos make it look like it's trying to eat the wearer, but it looks like the size I want when you wear it.

Ideally I want it just for EDC stuff, but I also want to be able to barely squish in my lab book which is just a tad over A4 size (8x11). Since I won't need the lab book in there often, I would like a tight fit so it's not too big otherwise.

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radiopej said:

That's one hell of a detailed review.

If I may ask, how tall are you? I've been looking up images of this bag to get an idea of sizing. Some photos make it look like it's trying to eat the wearer, but it looks like the size I want when you wear it.

Ideally I want it just for EDC stuff, but I also want to be able to barely squish in my lab book which is just a tad over A4 size (8x11). Since I won't need the lab book in there often, I would like a tight fit so it's not too big otherwise.

Click to expand...

I am 6'2" tall, but have a 6'4" arm span thanks to quite broad shoulders.

If you are going to carry this style of bag for long periods, my advice would be to put together all the gear you want to carry and weigh it. Any more than 5kg I would choose a backpack (with two straps) rather than a single strap bag - just something to think about.

Thanks for that. I think I'm going to get a Maxpedition Lunada. It'll have roughly the same sizing to me as the MOAB 10 did for you.

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I want ti buy a moab 6

What You recomend for carry a canten

Hey Sub, thanks for the great review. I was just looking at buying one of these. Trying to find a used tan one. But looks like I will have to buy new. No big deal. Great job. Thanks.

Str8stroke said:

Hey Sub, thanks for the great review. I was just looking at buying one of these. Trying to find a used tan one. But looks like I will have to buy new. No big deal. Great job. Thanks.

Click to expand...

Which one are you going for, the MOAB 6 or 10?