Why This Tactical 52L Surprised Me — A Practical Review of a Hiking Backpack

I tried something new recently: I tested a tactical-style 52L pack from Amheh and, surprisingly, it changed how I think about a hiking backpack. In a short video I posted on my channel More Dirt More Distance, I took the Amheh Himalaya 52L tactical backpack on the trail, broke down its pockets and features, and shared what I liked — and what I didn’t. Below is the full write-up with more context, photos taken during the test, and the real-world impressions from carrying a fully loaded bag.

Why I Decided to Try a Tactical Hiking Backpack

For years I avoided tactical packs because I assumed they were only for military or law enforcement. My idea of a hiking backpack was simple: a rugged bag with a few compartments for camera gear and clothes. But as my gear collection grew—camera bodies, drones, batteries, and dog supplies—I needed a pack that prioritized organization and durability. When Amheh offered the chance to test their 52L tactical backpack, I thought, why not give tactical a fair shot?

First Impressions: Organized, Durable, Functional

Right away, what stood out was organization. Tactical packs typically use MOLLE webbing to let you attach pouches and accessories wherever you want. On this hiking backpack, the MOLLE system is on the front pouch and sides, and it allows you to customize storage for specific items like a flashlight, satellite communicator, or small accessory pouches.

I set the bag up the way I would for one of my adventure shoots: camera bodies, drones, smaller cameras, dog gear for Luna, snacks, first aid, and a few emergency items. The layout is intuitive. The front pouch unzips and folds open, revealing multiple zippered pockets for small items and a zip-safe place for keys. That alone relieved one of my biggest fears: losing my car keys on the trail.

Front and Top Pockets — Quick Access Essentials

The top pocket is the “grab-and-go” area. I stored my phone, snacks, sunglasses, and a compact first aid kit here. There’s a patch panel (hook and loop) if you’re into morale patches or identification. The front compartment also has an intermediate space between it and the main bag that can hold a light jacket or even a helmet — a useful design for multi-purpose use beyond pure day hikes.

Side Storage and MOLLE — Customization Galore

Both sides of the pack feature the same MOLLE webbing. I was able to fit a full-size water bottle in a side pocket and noticed multiple internal dividers ideal for small items. If you’re someone who likes to mod a pack (pouches for bear spray, tools, or additional water), a MOLLE-equipped hiking backpack is a dream. That said, more on a caveat shortly.

Main Compartment — Great for Camera Gear and More

The main compartment opens fully, which makes packing and accessing camera gear straightforward. I carried two cameras, a drone, smaller capture devices, and batteries. The pack includes deep mesh pockets and multiple internal pouches so you can assign go-to places for quick-access gear without digging to the bottom.

There’s even a top internal pocket where I stored items I might need in an emergency: an emergency blanket, a poncho, hand warmers, an emergency sleeping bag, a fire starter, and a multitool. If you use a hydration bladder, the pack has loops at the top to route the bladder hose cleanly.

Back Panel, Straps, and Comfort — Where This Hiking Backpack Shines

Comfort is the deciding factor for any hiking backpack. The Amheh 52L impressed me here: the back panel is thickly padded with airflow channels, the straps are wide and cushioned, and there’s a solid sternum strap with an integrated whistle. The waist strap is substantial and really helps shift weight from my shoulders to my hips. After a few weeks using the pack unloaded, I finally decided to test it fully loaded on a couple-mile hike.

Field Test — Carrying 25.2 Pounds

I packed the bag to about 25.2 pounds — the heaviest I’d carried in this pack yet. The difference was noticeable in a good way. The padded straps and thick hip belt prevented cutting into my shoulders. The weight felt more evenly distributed across my back compared to my older photography backpack, which has narrower straps and less padding. About a mile into the hike, I felt better than I usually do with a full gear load.

That doesn’t mean it’s a miracle bag. Twenty-five pounds still feels like a lot. But compared to other camera-focused backpacks I’ve used, this tactical hiking backpack held up better on longer, more strenuous hikes due to its more comfortable suspension system.

Build Quality and Durability

Over several weeks of use, the pack’s construction has held up well. Zippers felt robust, seams appeared clean, and I didn’t find any fraying or weak stitching. There even looked to be double stitching in some high-stress areas — a good sign for durability if you plan to use the bag hard.

"It appears to be made really well... nice quality zippers, seams and stitching are well done."

One Thing I Would Change

No pack is perfect. My primary complaint: the MOLLE webbing runs the full length of the side instead of incorporating a lower, open mesh or dedicated water-bottle/bear-spray pouch. On many bags, a lower side pocket offers quick access to necessary safety items without opening the main pack. With this design, you need to either attach a MOLLE accessory or dig a little deeper to reach those essentials.

I typically keep bear spray accessible in a quick side pouch. With this trail pack, I had to set up a MOLLE-attached pouch or carry it inside the large side pocket. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s an area where the pack could be slightly more trail-friendly out of the box.

Capacity and Who Should Consider This Pack

The Amheh Himalaya is a 52-liter pack — on the larger end of daypack/overnight pack sizes. It’s ideal if you:

• Carry a lot of gear (cameras, drones, accessories).
• Take multi-day trips or need room for clothes and extra supplies for 3–4 day trips.
• Want a durable, highly customizable hiking backpack with modular options.

If you only need something for daily use or light day hikes, the 52L may be overkill. Fortunately, the series comes in a 32L option which I think hits the sweet spot for most people looking for an everyday hiking backpack or commuter bag with tactical features.

Final Thoughts — Would I Recommend It?

After several weeks of testing, including a fully loaded hike, I would recommend this pack for photographers, serious day hikers, and weekend travelers who value organization and durability in a hiking backpack. The comfort level under load and the wealth of pockets make it a strong contender against many traditional photo packs and hiking backpacks in the same category.

It’s not perfect — I’d prefer an integrated lower side pouch for quick-access items — but that’s an easily remedied inconvenience with MOLLE accessories if you want to stick with this design.

FAQ — Quick Answers About This Hiking Backpack

What is the capacity of the pack?

The pack I tested is 52 liters. There’s also a 32L version if you want a smaller, everyday option.

Is it comfortable for long hikes?

Yes. The padded back panel, wide shoulder straps, and strong hip belt distribute weight well. On a 25-pound load I felt better than I typically do with my older camera pack.

Can it hold camera gear?

Absolutely. The main compartment opens fully and has multiple mesh pockets and dividers that made carrying two cameras, a drone, and accessories straightforward.

Does it include a hydration bladder sleeve?

Yes. There are loops at the top designed for routing a hydration bladder hose.

Is the build quality good?

The zippers, seams, and stitching are all solid and show signs of thoughtful construction; no fraying after weeks of use.

Any major downsides?

The most notable downside is the side MOLLE webbing layout. I’d prefer a dedicated lower pocket for quick-access items like bear spray or an external water bottle pouch. You can add MOLLE accessories to solve this.

Where to Learn More

If you want to see the pack in action, check out my full test on my More Dirt More Distance channel. I dive into the pockets, show how I pack camera gear, and take it for a real-world hike so you can see how it performs when it matters.

Whether you call it a tactical pack or just a very well-organized hiking backpack, the Amheh 52L surprised me by being durable, versatile, and comfortable when loaded. For anyone who hauls a lot of gear into the hills, it’s worth considering.