Anyone have on-back pics of Maxpedition Falcon II or Condor II?

HikingMano

HikingMano

Joined
Sep 2, 2008
Messages
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I apologize for another gear rec thread, but my birthday’s coming up in a couple of months, so I want to start saving up for a new pack. I’ve been eyeing the Maxpedition Falcon II or Condor II in particular; does anyone have pictures that could show me how high or low it rides on your back? I'm 5'10" and my torso is 21-22" (lower back to base of neck).

Any other pack suggestions are welcome, but my only requirements are that:

1) The pack have or be compatible with a 100oz. hydration bladder (I'm a recent camelbak convert). Unfortunately this eliminated the Pygmy Falcon.
2) Rides high enough on my back that I can use my Maxpedition Proteus buttpack comfortably at the same time (my PSK/basics carrier).
3) Has to have enough room for an extra jacket or rain gear if weather is wet or cold. I don’t have a great grasp of relative sizing yet, but I’m thinking something in the range of 15-30L storage capacity would be good?
4) Be durable, I don’t want to buy another pack anytime soon.

I'd be using this set up on longer day hikes and (down the line) overnighters. I try to limit the gear i carry, but I tend to pack more stuff if my GF goes with me. So a little more room rather than less would be nice. And i don't mind one way or the other if it's tactical looking or not, it just has to work :)


Thanks and Happy Holidays to All ☺
 
Here is a pic of the Falcon II:

policestuff_2029_484668089.jpg
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Wow, thanks Kuruptd:thumbup:

I didn't realize how much bigger the condor was :thumbup: It looks like both packs might push on the waistpack, maybe I'll look into a smaller camelbak like the military hawg or something else.
 
The Camelbak HAWG (military version) is similar in size/style to the Pygmy Falcon and has a bladder. Both are nice but I tend to like bottled water so prefer the Pygmy Falcon.
 
I have both packs. I think the waiststrap is useless on both, and take them off completely. It has no load bearing capability and rides in a funky spot on me. As heavy as I can pack either, I am fine with shoulders only. If I start getting a lot heavier, it is time to switch to the multiday pack.

With that being said, you can adjust the shoulder straps to have them ride wherever you like on your back.

You could also look into the Pygmy Falcon.

Let me know if there are any ?'s I can answer.

B
 
FortyTwoBlades - Thanks for the review link, those pics are excellent, much better than the ones on the maxpedition site :thumbup:

Briangandrews - good info on the adjustability of the straps, I might PM you later.:thumbup:

I wish there was a place near me that carried these packs...that way I could just go in and try em for myself.
 
I've had both, still have the Condor2. I'm gonna add some external pouches this spring and try it out. I totally agree with Brian about the waste straps though. Way too high. I think they use very small folks for fitting.
 
briangandrews said:
I have both packs. I think the waiststrap is useless on both, and take them off completely. It has no load bearing capability and rides in a funky spot on me.
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I have the Falcon II and really like it, but as B said, the waist strap is not very handy, at least for someone my size (6'2"). It ends up right about at the largest circumference of my emergency calorie reservoir (belly). But it is unlikely you'd load it up heavy enough to need the waist strap for load bearing.

I wish more smaller packs were made in longer torso lengths. It's fairly easy to find big backpacks in long torso lengths or with adjustable strap systems, but with daypacks, good luck!

Stay sharp,
desmobob
 
FortyTwoBlades said:
I love being short! :D
Click to expand...


As I mentioned, I'm 6'2". I weigh 245lbs and have size 15EEEE feet. I look at all the great outdoor gear, clothes, shoes and boots available, and then hunt for the meager choices that might fit me. :(

The footwear situation is really pathetic. I may consider using my Wetterlings to do some trim work on my dogs.... ;)

The one area where I've had good luck is with packs. I have a couple of backpacks that fit long torsos. And I actually have found a couple of larger daypacks -- a Jansport and an REI -- that are made for long guys. Smaller daypacks are a different story.

Stay sharp,
desmobob
 
Thanks desmobob. I'm average height and the waist strap heights on some of these daypacks have always bemused even me. I don't really find a use for them either as I don't think the weight I carry in a pack that size requires a waist strap.

Anyway, can any one suggest any higher riding daypacks/medium sized backpacks? I want to find something that would permit me to wear a waistpack at the same time.
 
rksoon said:
Anyway, can any one suggest any higher riding daypacks/medium sized backpacks? I want to find something that would permit me to wear a waistpack at the same time.
Click to expand...

The Condor II might work. The height of the pack is 17.5", according to Maxpedition's website. That would be way short on my torso, probably leaving plenty of room for a buttpack. YMMV


What you might try....

Put on a pack you already own and have someone measure how far up from your beltline the bottom hangs. Measure the length of the pack and go from there. Maybe then you would have a general idea of what maximum height of a pack would still allow for your buttpack?

It's tough buying gear on line. I live in a rural area and that's how I have to do it. Be sure to do business with a company that has a reputation for good customer service in case you have to make a return.

Stay sharp,
desmobob
 
That's a very good idea Desmobob, thanks :thumbup: It really is difficult to purchase gear online, you never really know if the product will work for you until you get it, and returning things isn't as easy as taking it back to the store from which you bought it. I'll look into the Condor more, thanks again :thumbup:
 
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