5.11 LVC12 Backpack: The "Just Enough" Space Daily Bag

*Some of the external links found on this website are affiliate links. Those links use cookies to generate revenue and fund continuation of this website. By clicking an external link you are consenting to a temporary cookie, by purchasing from that link you are supporting this website. To opt out of cookies do not click external links.

I travel regularly and despite airlines' attempts to push us all to use rollerbags I continue to use a backpack for my carry-on. For me a carry-on is the bag I put my cameras and laptop that airlines won't insure if in checked bag, but also where I stash snacks, entertainment, and personal items. Once I land and setup base camp at the hotel that same backpack becomes my day pack for cameras, jackets, whatever I might need that day, and whatever I might want to carry back that night.

As you may imagine this has me seeking out a bag that is both large enough to carry all of these things, but small enough to not be too troublesome should the airline decide that my ticket did not include overhead bin space as they prioritize someone else's roller bag and I'm forced to shove my bag full of expensive electronics under the seat in front of me. The bag's material should be thick and strong enough for such abbrasive experiences, but not so heavy that I feel and look like a misplaced extra from a post-apacalyptic TV series. When traveling within the US, I carry concealed on-person at my destinations, but sometimes need a place to discretely stash my gun, and so having a dedicated space for that is also ideal.

This year I've been trying out 5.11's new LVC12 Backpack. I've previously used two now-discontinued models similar in style to the COVRT24 and enjoyed that they were feature-packed while still looking "plain civilian", but I always had to stuff the bottom of the bag with padding to protect my electronics and had one eventually tear when the thinner fabric was stressed by a sharp edge on my contents when the bag was dropped. Aside from my use of the bag beyond what it was originally intended for, the only problem I had with those bags was that there were so many pockets I often "lost" things that were in fact in the bag. I just couldn't find them.

Description from 5.11

"Low Profile. Fully Prepared.

When discretion matters but readiness can’t slip, the LVC12 Backpack moves clean through the day while keeping capability close. Streamlined on the outside and purpose-built underneath, it’s designed for fast access, modular organization, and comfort that lasts from commute to call-out.

DIMENSIONS: 19" H x 11" W x 7.5" D

CAPACITY: 1,281 cubic inches / 21 liters

WEIGHT: 1.29 kg / 2.84 lb

PRICE: $99.49-160.00

KEY FEATURES

• Discreet, Low-Vis Design – Clean exterior with tuckable logos keeps your carry under the radar.

• Rapid Modular Access – 270° clamshell opening with loop panels adapts to your loadout.

• Hidden CCW Readiness – Ambidextrous side-entry access stays fast, clean, and out of sight.

• Tech + Essentials, Dialed In – Rear sleeve fits a laptop or up to a LG SAPI plate with a removable retention strap.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT

• Clean, urban profile

• Fast side-entry CCW

• Modular interior layout

• Comfortable all-day carry

WHY IT PERFORMS

• Ambidextrous side-entry CCW – Loop panel and removable holster strap keep access intuitive and secure.

• 270° main compartment opening – Full clamshell entry with loop panels and organization speeds setup and transitions.

• Rear laptop / armor sleeve – Removable retention strap secures a laptop or up to a LG SAPI plate.

• Comfort-driven carry – Padded back panel, flex cuff channel, and quick-release shoulder straps reduce fatigue.

• Smart external storage – Fleece-lined top pocket, hidden zip pocket, and stretch water bottle pockets protect essentials.

• LV6-compatible expansion – Compatible with LV6 attachment under flap for scalable carry."

I began using the 5.11 LVC12 Backpack and so far it appears to be a solution to what I listed above. The fabric is thicker, design smart for travel, and while it has less pockets, has just enough for my needs. (I've long joked the first rule of "tactical" is excessive pockets. If you don't have at least one pocket that you can't fathom a use for, you're not "tactical enough")

Photographing some of the features proved difficult, and I know that for many soft goods are something that one wants to touch. Fortunately 5.11 has many retail locations where you can go handle things for themselves, but I've done my best to give you a feel for the LVC12 in pictures below.

The profile of the LVC12 is one of the things I've come to really appreciate. It doesn't look like a "tactical carry all the things" bag. The LVC12 has a streamlined shape like a modern urban bag. Yes, this means less capacity, but for my needs which include possibly needing to shove it under the airline seat this works. It also keeps a low visual profile while out and about. The stretchy side pockets are a must for me as I almost always carry a water bottle that I want easy access to.

A curvy main zipper line helps the bag transition to a thinner top than bottom, but also helps facilitate and opening style that I've come to appreciate at airports, or anytime I have to rapidly load, unload, or find something inside the bag.

The bag opens wide giving easy access to everything inside. This is particularly useful when smaller objects make their way to the bottom or for stacking items. Note the hook-and-loop strips inside permitting this bag to be equipped with any variety of accessories. As a "gun guy" my first thought would be straps for securing a subgun or takedown-style firearm. I also appreciate that the sides of the bag help coral the contents in these wide open moments.

On the "lid" of the 5.11 LVC12 Backpack there is a single, but large zippered mesh pouch and the rest of the material is smooth. At first I felt this was a downgrade from previous bags with two or more such pockets, but in practical use those lower pockets end up snagging on items while trying to shove things into the bag or take them out. I also came to realize that I didn't use those other pockets as much as I did the one I could quickly access while only slightly opening the bag.

There are three external pockects accessible from the front. The top one is smaller and lined with a soft material. Possibly good for eyewear, but I use it for little things I want quick access too such as breath mints, my inhaler, headphones and charging cables for flights, etc.

The larger, pouch-like pocket is not quite as deep as I had initially hoped, but then came to appreciate that this means things don't disappear in it as easily and I can quickly find whatever I put in there. For me this is a place for snacks and other thing items.

A longer, also thin pocket has loop tape for attachment of a holster. This pocket can be set to open downard or upward, and the zipper has eyelits for a small lock. I've found this to also serve well for documents when traveling.

Going back up top there is a pocket with hook and loop and strapping to secure either a large SAPI plate or smaller laptop. My 2019 15" laptop doesn't quite fit (story of my life), but I know it's on the large size for a 15" laptop. I've found this pocket also useful for documents that I don't want to fold; a place to provide them protection from the elements, my sweat, or being bunched and crumpled by anything inside the main compartment.

Overall the 5.11 LVC12 Backpack is a strongly-built, well-thought-out day pack or travel bag. Critics may want to point out the reduced capacity, but that's also what makes it so great as a light travel bag: you can't carry too much stuff in it. If you're like me and want positive control of valuables (such as electronics airlines don't insure when in a checked bag), or to be able to carry essentials while exploring a city without the attention-grabbing look of appearing out of backpack, I think the LVC12 Backpack is a good fit. Yes, mine's in GBGuns Grey (5.11 calls it "iron grey"), but they are available in seven colors, five of which look quite civilian to me with no risk of LARPing accusations.