There are a few things in life I just can’t say no to—free samples at Costco, a dog that needs petting, and a solid everyday carry (EDC) bag. So, when I got my hands on the 5.11 MOAB 10 (18L Sling Pack), I had high hopes. This pack has been around for a while, but there’s a reason it’s a favorite among the tactical and preparedness crowd. It’s compact, well-organized, and tough as nails. But is it the perfect sling bag? Almost.
Let’s dive in.
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Ergonomics & Comfort: A Hug for Your Gear
The MOAB 10 is a single-strap sling pack, meaning it rides over one shoulder instead of two. If you’re used to traditional backpacks, it might take a little getting used to, but once adjusted properly, it’s surprisingly comfortable. The strap is wide, well-padded, and includes a stabilizer strap to keep it from flopping around like a fish on a dock when you move.
At 18 liters, it’s a great size for EDC—big enough to carry essentials like a water bottle, first aid kit, extra mags, and snacks (because nobody wants to make bad decisions while hangry), but not so massive that you feel like you’re lugging around a cinder block factory.
Storage & Organization: Pockets Galore
One of the best things about the MOAB 10 is its organization. This thing has pockets inside of pockets, almost like it was designed by a guy who had his wallet stolen once and has never trusted a single compartment since.
You get:
- A main compartment that holds a surprising amount of gear.
- A top soft-lined pocket (great for sunglasses or fragile gear).
- A front admin panel to keep small items organized.
- A hydration pocket that can also double as an extra storage area.
- A hidden CCW pocket, which we’ll talk about more in a second.
MOLLE webbing covers the outside, so if you want to strap on extra pouches, go nuts.
Build Quality: Feels Bomb-Proof
This pack is made from 1050D nylon, which is a fancy way of saying "it can probably survive the apocalypse." The stitching is solid, the material is tough, and it shrugs off dirt, rain, and whatever else you throw at it.
However, I do have one minor gripe: the zippers are really tight. Right out of the box, they tend to stick and require a bit of effort to open and close. It’s not a deal-breaker, and they may loosen up over time, but if you’re expecting buttery-smooth access, you might be disappointed.
The CCW Pocket: A Tight Squeeze
Now, let’s talk about the hidden CCW pocket—which is where the MOAB 10 stumbles a bit.
The idea is solid: a discreet, Velcro-sealed compartment behind the main pack where you can stash your concealed handgun. The reality? It’s so tight that if you actually fill the bag up with gear, good luck fitting a pistol in there. And if you do manage to squeeze one in, drawing it with any kind of speed is going to be about as smooth as trying to pull a frozen turkey out of a packed freezer.
A magnetic closure instead of Velcro would be a nice upgrade, allowing for quieter access without the risk of turning your hand into hamburger when trying to rip your firearm out in a hurry.
Final Thoughts: Almost Perfect
Despite its minor flaws, the 5.11 MOAB 10 is a fantastic EDC sling pack. It’s durable, well-organized, and comfortable, making it a great choice for daily carry, range trips, or even light travel. If 18 liters is enough space for your needs and you can work around the tight CCW pocket, it’s an easy recommendation.
Pros:
✅ Tough as nails construction
✅ Comfortable sling strap with stabilizer
✅ Tons of storage and organization
✅ MOLLE webbing for extra customization
Cons:
❌ Zippers are stiff and sticky out of the box
❌ CCW pocket is too tight to be reliable
❌ Velcro closure on CCW pocket can be rough on your hands
❌ Cost. Wait for a sale.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely—but with the caveat that if CCW carry is a top priority for you, you might want to look elsewhere or be prepared to MacGyver a solution. Personally, I'll be replacing the Velcro enclosure with a rare earth magnet and attaching a Kydex holster inside the pouch, the rigidity of which will hopefully keep the pouch from collapsing when fully loaded and thus making a draw from concealment impractical.
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