A big pack in a little packs body.

savagesicslayer

savagesicslayer

Joined
May 24, 2005
Messages
3,361
I just bought a Maxpedition gearslinger the other day the model I bought is the LUNADA.The specs and details:
gearslinger.jpg

Main compartment: 12" x 8" x 3" slightly tapered towards the top, front and back divider, internal loop field for CCW, inner organizer pocket, YKK#10 zipper closure, drainage grommet
Front upper pocket: 7" x 3" x 1" with divider and elastic organizer loops
Front lower pocket: 8” x 7” x 1.5” with divider, elastic organizer loops, key retention, and drainage grommet
Front slip pocket: 6.5" x 5.5", YKK zipper closure
Rear pocket: 6" x 8" with internal loop field for CCW, button closure
Modular webbing: 2 rows x 4 channels in front, 4 rows x 2 channels on both sides, 2 sets of 2 rows on shoulder strap.
Belt loop: Hook-and-loop flap style, non-slip texture, accommodates up to 2.5" wide belt
Shoulder strap: Ambidextrous. Integral with 2" webbing and Duraflex Warrior side-release buckle, can be concealed in rear compartment
Cross strap: Ambidextrous. Adjustable in length. Made from 0.75” webbing with built-in survival whistle side release buckle
Handle: 1" webbing with cushion and Duraflex D-rings for optional shoulder strap
Approximate overall volume: 390 cu. in.
Empty weight: 1 lb, 10 oz
(courtesy of maxpedition's site)
I bought it as a day hiking pack/BOB.
Now my first impressions of the pack were "wow that's freakin small!"but I didn't crap on it I decided to put it to the packed gear test.
I unpacked my old mil-spec pack and set to loading the gearslinger.To my utter surprise it started fitting gear far better than i even thought:
HPIM1451.jpg

I attached my spec-ops survival sheath to the side with short malice clips to some of the many(and I mean many) malice clip attachment points.On the other side I attached another Maxpedition product the ROLLYPOLY.A folding pouch that attaches to malice clip points.It almost doubled the pack space instantly.The features and attachments are almost limitless with these type of packs.
after I filled it with all kinds of outdoorsey things I put it on.After I adjusted the Main strap and hooked the secondary retaining strap I found it to be very comfortable and secure.The main strap it switchable from left to right and so it the smaller retaining strap so either left handed of right handed wearers should find it comfortable.The thick pads are covered with a sort of traction webbing to aid in holding the pack in place while in motion.There is also a belt loop on the back for additional support.
Here's all the things that I put into this "little' pack:
HPIM1452.jpg

I look forward to doing a lot of hiking and camping with this pack in the upcoming months.
 
Savage,

Yep, Maxpedition is great. I am never more than a few a feet from one (jumbo, devil dog and remora), they are constant companions. BTW, great taste in blades, I keep my HR in a Spec-Ops too. You strike me as being very smart man with excellent taste:D.
 
A big pack in a little packs body.

Looks like a great piece of gear, to carry what you need without getting in the way or tempting you to carry more than you'll use.

I set up a Spec-Ops Pack Rat for all the small stuff I want on a walk in the woods and it's a lot better than the old backpack that was mostly empty or collected junk.
 
Sav,

Thanks for posting that! I've been eyeing that model for awhile and was curious about anyone's experience with it!

Best,

Brian
 
I don't think I'll ever use all the pockets on it.Also,the top smaller pocket has a large loop covering that can accommodate a tomahawk very nicely.I'll get a pic of this asap.
 
I finally go out hiking today with the gearslinger.Actually it was a snowshoeing trip with my long time friend and neighbor.I loaded up with my propane stove instead of my little methanol one I showed earlier because it cooks faster.This added some weight to an already full pack.
After adjusting the straps to accommodate my extra clothes we set out.I found that it didn't move at all while I bumped and heaved around on my snowshoes in 3 foot deep snow.I think the rubber netting on the pads helped with this a lot,
HPIM1453.jpg

I attached my canteen to the side with more malice clips.I looked at the metal clips that I had on it and tossed them aside.I never liked them at all.The malice clips work 100% better and don't come undone without the proper prompting.
After about 2-3 hours wearing the pack I did notice a little stiffness in my right shoulder from the strap however that's easily fixed by either shifting the strap or if you really feel the need you can switch the main strap and retaining strap to the opposite sides and swap shoulders.
All in all it performed really well.next time I think I'll put less stuff on it though cause it felt a little overpacked but it still worked great.
HPIM1461.jpg

The shot of the hawk in the pocket loop and extra gear.
 
I'm on the lookout for a small weekend pack that I can still carry my tent, sleeping back and other stuff. My Gregory is just huge and I don't do the week long stuff much anymore. For weekends, one pair of shorts, one pair of long pants, a fleece jacket (depending on climate and time of year) and I'm good to go.
 
savagesicslayer, is there anything you put on the pack itself that you could shift to the strap in front? By evening out some of the weight, you might make it easier to carry.
 
Maxpedition stuff is always great. Can you lighten the pic of it on your back and re-post that please? If you lighten it, it will look funkier in a way, but will make anything you are carrying and placement of it much more clear.
 
Esav:I think I'll attach the water canteen to the attachment points on the strap.that should balance the pack out while loaded.

Don:I have a pic of my loaded pack that I took earlier that I'll post soon.On a side note I have you to thank for this pack.I followed the Maxpedition link on your website and discovered them.Thanks.
 
That's a really neat looking pack, I'm a fan of shoulder bags for small loads. They allow easy access for getting to your gear compared to a backpack. Keeping it relatively light is the key I think, and that size looks like it would force you to.

Very cool, might have to pick something like that up. :thumbup:
 
I got a County Comm Bail Out Bag. It's got a relatively small main compartment and loads of pockets on the outside, so each piece of gear is immediately accessible, from gloves to SAK to binoculars to sunglasses to water bottle.

The reason I switched from backpack to shoulder bag originally was to get away from a sweatsoaked back in the summer. But you have to be careful with shoulder bags because of the potential strain on your shoulder. Maxped's Gearslingers avoid that.

Now if I can only convince myself to go for the Colossus! :D
 
Here's my pack pre hike:
HPIM1454.jpg

I hope this helps.
Here's a picture of the loaded side pouch that i attached.I packed a pair of pants,wool socks,underwear,t-shirt,and a hoodie.
HPIM14541.jpg

I have also received requests for pics of the inside of the pockets.The first one is the main.It has 2 Velcro pockets that are the full length of the pack.Inside of these are Velcro patches that can accommodate the Maxpedition CCW holster.
HPIM1456.jpg

And the large front pocket with elastic retaining straps on both sides.
HPIM1457.jpg

If anyone has a picture they want to see please PM me and I'll do my best to accommodate you.
 
savagesicslayer said:
Don:I have a pic of my loaded pack that I took earlier that I'll post soon.On a side note I have you to thank for this pack.I followed the Maxpedition link on your website and discovered them.Thanks.
Click to expand...

You're very welcome. I really like their gear, to say the least. Thanks for the follow up pictures as well!
 
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