Hey Folks, I was looking through the forums here and noticed that there were a few people interested how these two bags differ from each other and do they warrant the price difference. So here we go …

Outside:
As you can see they are very similar in looks and size but the SOG is a little bigger @ 1475 CU. IN / 24.2 Liters While the 5.11 is 1287 CU. IN / 21 Liters


The 5.11 on the outside has a different material, it is much heavier than the SOG which makes the 5.11 feel like a better bag. As far as the looks and MOLLE everything is the same, from the number of MOLLE loops to the zipper configuration. The velcro is a little different the SOG has a 3×3 patch at the top where the 5.11 has the 1×6 strip.Also, the SOG has a pouch on the left side for a water bottle, my 32oz Nalgene fits great in there. the zippers a SBS for SOG and YKK for 5.11, both seem durable but while looking on the web SBS seems to be in many “replica” branded items.
Admin area:


Here are the actual depths of the 5.11, the pen depth is 4 1/4″, I missed that one.
The SOG is similar but as you can see a little bit shorter in some areas really depends on what you are placing in the pockets.
Main compartment:


Here is where we find a big difference, depending on your view for the better or for the worst. As you can see the 5.11 fully opens for easier access. The SOG only partially opens on the left side due to the water bottle pouch being there. For the mesh area you can see the 5.11 is a little bigger on the bottom part by an inch. Also you can see that the inside of the SOG bag the “pouch” doesn’t go fully across the back of the pack, to me that is a big deal only because of what I tend to carry. I do believe the reason for the SOG pocket being smaller is so that the hydration pouch can fit in properly, more on that in a second. As well the 5.11 has a draw cord instead of elastic for closing that pouch.
Harness and straps:




Again you can see a big difference here in some important areas that may or may not be a deal breaker for you personally. Starting with the harness itself the 5.11 has a lot more padding in it meaning you can carry a heavier load for longer, the yoke/neck portion of both bags are made very similar again more padding in the 5.11. The harness for a chest strap is on both with differences in how you can adjust them. The SOG has a nice system that allows you to move the strap as you see fit up and down the webbing. It also has a nice elastic webbing band on the back of the strap for cross movement when doing anything strenuous. The 5.11 is a hook and latch on any of the 4 MOLLE points on the harness… Although, honestly you would only use the lower two. As for the back padding the SOG has a nice mess backing that would allow better airflow, but also has the downside of being able to be ripped easier. Where the 5.11 has the fully enclosed padding with lighter weight material, as always with the 5.11 you have the anti-slip “rubber” on the back you can also see that there is a grommet there for the hydration pouch to drain if needed, the only reason the SOG does not have this is because there is no separate pocket/pouch for the hydration bladder. Which leads me into that part of the 5.11 … the hydration pouch, or whatever you want to carry a tablet, CCW…. Not for me I’m in Canada  Also in this pouch you have the plastic backboard for rigidity. The 5.11 does have two “clips/clasps” you could hook up a belt as well which could take more of the load off your shoulders as we all know. They both have the sunglass pocket on top as well as the hydration ports on both sides.
Bottom of the bag:

5.11 bottom

SOG bottom
No real difference, although the grommets on the 5.11 seem better quality
Actual Bag Tag’s:



So there you have it a general review of these two bags with a bit more info for some folks I hope. Overall I find the SOG bag well put together, nothing wrong with it for a 40 dollar bag. I do find you have more options on the 5.11 hence the reason I have that one as well. For me, the SOG will be a car bag, it has some great features but as an EDC bag, the Rush 12 is just that much more of what I personally need.

I hope this has helped some of you out there this was my first review so be kind, any suggestions as welcome.

Peace my friends