Alternatives to Maxpedition's gearslingers

O

onebagnomad

Joined
Sep 8, 2009
Messages
237
I know there are several threads about Maxpedition's gearslinger series, some with strong recommendations. However, I've read several accounts of Maxpedition's horrible customer service and don't really have any interest in throwing cash their way. Are there any quality alternatives that are similar to the gearslingers (one strap, fairly small, lots of organization, side access to pockets)? I've got several Camelbak packs that I love but they don't really fit my current needs (not ruck-marching anymore) and I'm in love with the sling idea. Are they the only game in town? Do I need to just suck it up, buy a gearslinger and hope I never have reason to bring Maxpedition customer service into my life?
 
Have you looked into bike messenger bags?
One strap and stable. Different sizes. Variety of style and price.

Chrome
Timbuk2
Jandd
 
Esav Benyamin said:
Have you looked into bike messenger bags?
One strap and stable. Different sizes. Variety of style and price.

Chrome
Timbuk2
Jandd
Click to expand...

I have and am looking for something a little more organized (pockets of various sizes, secured with zippers/velcro). Most of the messenger bags I have seen rely on one or two large document sized compartments. They also lack the ability to securely attach additional pouches/gear.
 
Get a bigger bag. Throw some pouches in the main compartment.

Bailey makes great messenger bags. In different sizes. :thumbup:
 
The army cats always ran around with this ACU pattern one strap pack, everybody used the same one. I don't know who made it but it seemed to be well constructed... maybe Bug out Gear? I never liked the feel of the one strap packs, it wierded me out.
 
PayetteRucker said:
I never liked the feel of the one strap packs, it wierded me out.
Click to expand...

Yeah... me too! Guess I'm showing my age.

Anyway, if you have been doing this a while, you probably have an idea of what makes a quality piece of kit.

Look at the materials used, how it is stitched together, the quality of zippers, the size of the velcro keepers and plastic buckles, the usable features, the compartments and their sizes, etc.

Although I have some name brand stuff, I don't buy it simply because it is name brand. I like sturdy, well built stuff that is comfortable to carry and don't care who has their name is on it.

You might find a good alternative to the Max brand (and a nifty deal!) saving a few bucks in different brands IF you can find gear you can actually hold in your hand and inspect it for quality. Buying a known commodity (brand name) is a smart deal when buying online, but I can find some nice gear at the end of every season at our larger sporting goods store that has been deeply reduced in price.

Robert
 
I've always heard good things about Maxpedition, I don't know about their CS, but the gear is great.

As far as an alternative, 5.11 makes a few of the single sling packs as well:

http://www.jsknivesnmore.com/push-pack-black-size-p-7195.html

And I suppose if you really wanted to go a bit more SD and tactical, you could use one of these by blackhawk:

http://www.jsknivesnmore.com/strike-bandolier-coyote-p-8852.html

This page has a few goodies from TOPs:

http://www.jsknivesnmore.com/tactical-operations-products-m-41.html?page=2&sort=2a

I hope this helps, J.
 
A good alternative Bushman, I have fondled one or two in the past few months and I like them.
 
I haven't had call to use their customer service, but I wouldn't trade my various Maxpedition bags and pouches for anything else I've seen.

I was talked into buying several pouches made by 5.11. Good stuff, for the money, but not the quality of Maxpedition.
 
5.11 Tactical make a go bag, pretty much thier version of a gear slinger by maxpedition.

picture.php
 
Not to hi-jack this thread, but if a fellow were to buy a Maxpedition bag, where would be the best place to get the best price and low shipping?
 
A bit of searching on Google Shopping will turn up some good results. One wouldn't want to deal-spot. :)
 
Civillian labs has some interesting stuff, can be carried in all sorts of configurations too.
 
For a more civilian look, check out some of the shoulder bags by Osprey. Look for my thread and you can see some pictures of the bag I carry daily.
 
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