Amateurs rarely get enough credit, and that is certainly true for people with amateur (or “ham”) radio as a hobby. Ham radio allows people to communicate in areas with bad phone or internet reception. Although technically hobbyists, ham radio enthusiasts have been instrumental in covering emergencies. A large part of that is because ham radios can be portable.
Although some radio hams set up static workstations, an increasing number of radio amateurs have taken their hobby to the great outdoors. They take their equipment to remote places, set themselves up, and ham away. To do that, they usually buy backpacks that can carry and organize their tools.
This article will not cover what it takes to get started in ham radio; it requires a specific set of training, licenses, and equipment too detailed to describe here. For a list of the best backpacks for ham radio once someone has been certified, read on.
What Makes a Good Ham Radio Backpack?
Hams can set up a radio station almost anywhere. Many have a workshop in their basement that can access the airwaves. But some hams are more mobile, and no antenna can beat climbing a mountain to get a signal. They need a backpack to get the best reception possible.
Here are some things to consider when choosing from the best backpacks for ham radio:
- Price: While not the most expensive hobby, ham radio requires some money to start. Set aside at least $100; smart shoppers can begin for around $40.
- Weight: Ham radio equipment can be heavy, so the backpack should be light. Some ham radio hosts prefer bundles that weigh less than ten pounds—imagine that!
- Craftsmanship: Does the backpack look well-made? Does the brand have a track record of excellent products?
- Features: Some backpacks have special pockets and attachments to hold wires and equipment. Ideally, a ham radio backpack will be modular, allowing the hobbyist to organize their bag however they like.
- Comfort: Ham radio hosts may hike to find the perfect spot to set up. Prepare for a long walk.
People who follow ham radio enthusiasts on YouTube may have seen some spectacular backpacks. They have cases, ties, and other features to make carrying all that equipment easier. But several other fine options do not require investing in a YouTuber or ham-centric brand.
The Best of the Best (on Amazon)
Some companies make backpacks specifically for ham radio hobbyists. These are found through the community (such as YT channels) and may cost hundreds of dollars. For new hams, many of the best backpacks for ham radio enthusiasts will be military or laptop backpacks.
This article will help hams find the best backpacks for their budgets and needs. Get packing with some of the options below!
1. Reebow Gear Military Backpack
Why It’s Great: Cheap; lots of compartments; excellent “first ham backpack.”
At around 40 bucks, the Reebow Gear Military Backpack is an excellent starting backpack for new hams. It has plenty of compartments allowing hams to arrange things as they will.
The biggest downside is that this bag is not as big as people think it is. Those who wanted to fit laptops in it were disappointed; it was not quite big enough for a full-size laptop and offered no protection for computers.
2. Muzee Business Backpack
Why It’s Great: Waterproof; light; multiple compartments; designed for technology; modestly priced.
The REEBOW bag was not designed to handle technology. The Muzee Business Backpack, however, has a USB charging port, more cushioning, and tons of pockets. It is meant to handle delicate technology on the go. It is also visually subtle and very airport-friendly.
The main problem with this bag is that it favors flat objects—laptops, documents, and so on. Hams will also have to buy their own smaller bags to make this truly modular.
3. Maxpedition Entity 27 CCW-Enabled Laptop Backpack 27L (Charcoal)
Why It’s Great: Handles more wires than most laptop bags; comfortable; can get modular attachments; reputable brand.
The Maxpedition Entity is, in many ways, a straight upgrade to the Muzee Business. It has more room for cables and more pockets for anything a ham might need. Maxpedition offers modular pouches; please check their main store for more details. This bag also has wheels for ease of travel.
The biggest downside, however, is that this backpack is not waterproof. It is also very expensive compared to some of the other bags on this list. More experienced hams may want to check Maxpedition’s main store to craft the field kit of their dreams.
4. Crazy Ants Military Tactical Bag
Why It’s Great: Lots of big ways to store things; waterproof.
The best thing about the Crazy Ants tactical bag is obvious at a glance: it has a lot of storage space. Along with the two large side bags, it has a seemingly infinite amount of hidden compartments inside.
But “lots of big pockets” is not necessarily a good thing when a ham is carrying small things in little pouches. Like the Muzee bag, this bag also seems to favor flat objects.
5. CVLife Tactical Backpack
Why It’s Great: Spacious; many bags for storing all your wires; water bag setting; comes in multiple colors.
The CVLife tactical backpack is for any hams who need more compartments. It has 3 detachable bags. One of those bags has extra pouches on the side for even more options. If a piece of equipment has a lot of associated small parts, this may be just what they need to stay organized.
6. TianYa OutDoor Bag(s)
Why It’s Great: Lots of straps and pockets; tons of space; highly modular; comfortable; waterproof.
TianYa has a wide selection of outdoor bags, many of which have similar features. They are modular and waterproof, and many of them have more space than the average bag. The number of straps and other forms of storage will vary depending on the model.
The biggest drawbacks to these are price and that they are not tech bags. They also lack the exact amount of pouches or straps that a ham might need. Any ham with a little bit of cash to spare can afford this well-camouflaged diamond in the rough.
Conclusion
Most of the best backpacks for amateur radio are designed by hams, for hams. This can intimidate new hams, but plenty of acceptable substitutes exist. The best replacements for a ham-designed bag will be military bags, but get creative. Laptop bags, camera bags, and fishing bags may also do what the ham requires.
