The 5.11 Tactical Responder 72 EMS Backpack is a 50-liter, 900D TPU-coated polyester medical backpack measuring 23.25″ H × 13.5″ W × 10″ D and weighing 7 lbs (3.23 kg). Featuring a full clamshell main compartment with adjustable/removable dividers, O2 cylinder retention (D and Jumbo D), aluminum frame with HDPE board, 5-color snap identification system, wipe-down exterior, and compatibility with Responder Med Pouches — it is engineered for EMS, fire, and law enforcement personnel who cannot leave anything behind.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | 5.11 Tactical |
| Colors | Black, Fire Red |
| Dimensions | 23.25″ H × 13.5″ W × 10″ D |
| Capacity | 50 liters / 3,051 cubic inches |
| Weight | 7 lbs (3.23 kg) |
| Material | 900D TPU-coated polyester (wipe-down exterior) |
| Frame | Aluminum frame + HDPE board back panel |
| Dividers | 2 vertical + 3 horizontal — fully adjustable and removable |
| O2 Cylinder | D and Jumbo D — non-slip quick-release retention strap; slip pocket for 2nd cylinder |
| Snap ID System | 5-color (red, blue, yellow, green, black) compartment identification |
| Interior Lining | Light-colored — contrast for low-light use |
| External Pockets | Large front pocket (dual internal zip pockets) + 2 side pockets + dual-access top pocket |
| Opening | Full clamshell — glove-friendly quick-pull tabs + optional color-coded snaps |
| Reflective | Strips on shoulder straps and front panel |
| Shoulder Straps | Contoured padded yoke + removable sternum strap |
| Med Pouch Compatible | Yes — compatible with 5.11 Responder Med Pouches (sold separately) |
Product Overview
The 5.11 Tactical Responder 72 is the flagship medical backpack from one of the most recognized brands in law enforcement and tactical gear manufacturing. At 50 liters / 3,051 cubic inches, it is one of the largest EMS backpacks on the market — designed for calls where everything must come off the apparatus: full ALS drug kit, cardiac monitor, defibrillator, two O2 cylinders, IV/IO supplies, complete airway kit, and all supporting consumables. The 900D TPU-coated polyester exterior wipes down cleanly with hospital-grade disinfectants, and the reinforced closed-cell foam panel construction protects fragile equipment from impact during transport and scene work.
The 5-color snap system (red, blue, yellow, green, black) is a distinctive feature that allows rapid compartment identification in zero-light conditions — providers snap each compartment closed with a color-coded snap matching the supply category inside, then identify by touch rather than by reading labels or using a light. Combined with the light-colored interior lining (which provides contrast against dark supplies in low-light environments) and the full clamshell opening with glove-friendly quick-pull tabs, the Responder 72 is engineered for speed at 3:00 AM.
The aluminum frame and HDPE board back panel provide structural support for loads that can exceed 30 lbs when fully stocked — preventing the pack from collapsing and burying supplies, and maintaining a rigid, stable load position against the carrier's back. The 2 vertical + 3 horizontal adjustable, removable dividers allow the main compartment to be configured around the provider's specific load and then reconfigured when equipment changes. An internal slip pocket holds a second O2 cylinder for extended operations or two-patient scenarios.
See all EMS Bags & Backpacks. Stock with Airway Management, Hemorrhage Control, and Chest/Thoracic Supplies. For a compact EMS option, see the IFAK Kits collection.
All products sourced from the actual brand manufacturer or authorized master distributors. CoTCCC recommendation status verified where applicable. Ships from MED-TAC International, Pembroke Pines, FL — clinician-founded, veteran-led, SDVOSB-certified.
Available Options:
- Black
- Fire Red
Specifications coming soon. Contact us for detailed product information.