Eagle Industries OR Maxpedition

T

Toxin

Joined
Apr 25, 2002
Messages
24
Hey all,

So I'm looking for a new backpack. I hear great things about the Maxpedition but I have no experience myself. However I do have lots of experience with Eagle industries and they have amazing backpacks.

My question is, Does Maxpedition compare to Eagles durability and quality? I don't want to down grade from Eagle. I see the prices for Maxpedition are very cheap prices compared to eagle's.

Does anyone have any experience with both companies that can compare?

Cheers,
T
 
I only have one Eagle pack and then two or three small pieces from Maxpedition (a waistpack and some accessories). As such, I can't offer a direct piece-by-piece comparison, but in general I prefer the Eagle product.

My Eagle pack has been going strong since 2001 - when (if) I finally manage to wear it out, I'll probably replace it with another.
 
I have a Maxpedition Jumbo and love it. I use it for going fishing. They are well designed well made and comfortable to carry. I also had a Maxpedition cell phone holder that I wear on my belt. I can unclip it and velcro it to the Jumbo if I need to.

Unfortunately, I know nothing about Eagle Industries.
 
ThinkoftheChildren, how does your Maxpedition Waistpack construction feel compared to your eagle pack? I know you can't compare in design but how about stitching quality of their product?

So Thinkofthechildren when you have to replace your eagle, you wouldn't even consider a maxpedition pack over your eagle, why is that? Cuz that's exactly where I'm at right now.

Hey Andrew,

How long have you had your Max Jumbo? How has it held up to time and abuse and what kind of abuse? Has anything failed yet?

Here is why I believe Eagle is one of the toughest packs in my opinion. I've had the Becker Patrol Pack for 9 years and I go backpacking every month. Its rated for 50bls and my pack always ends up at 70lbs. I've gone through hell and back with that pack with no failure yet. It actually still looks fairly brand new.

I also have a eagle A-III backpack, which I've had for 9 years. Although I've had to send it in for repair once already and need to now again. First time I needed to repair the shoulder straps because of too much weight and a cut on the small compartment because I was wedging myself between two boulders of rocks while climbing.

I'm looking to replace my A-III pack.
Its tough as nails considering what I put it through, but it has only three compartments and not enough small compartments or gear keepers. Basically I'm tired of shuffling my gear in my pack and looking for everything, its getting annoying real quick. I love how you can organize your pack and gear with Maxpedition's packs, my only concern is it tough enough?

Here are the two packs I'm concidering currently:

Eagle Industries - A-III-SBR-LE (Short Barreled Rifle) $268.69
Maxpedition - Falcon-II hydration backpack $129.99

Now there is a big price difference, and I find the Maxpediton looks like they put way more thought into the design of the pack. So why is the Eagle so much more? Is it that much better in toughness and quality?

Thanks guys for your input keep'em coming,
T
 
Hey T,

I'll try to give a closer inspection when I have the items in hand (I'm at the office at the moment) so that I can comment on stitching quality, but my overall issue is that of material stiffness. My Eagle pack's nylon is very rugged, but it is is also flexible.

The Maxpedition nylon is very very stiff. Some like this because they feel that it equates with ruggedness, but I hate the fact that my Maxpedition waist-pack can't be flattened down as thin as my full-size Eagle pack. I don't need that much stiffness or rigidity in material: my Eagle pack has proved for durable over seven years so I don't buy the fact that I need the level of material that Maxpedition uses just to have a product that will last.

Maybe the full-size Maxpedition packs are different: I don't know.

I also know that some of this is personal preference: some people really like the stiff material. I just hate having a waistpack that takes up almost as much size/footprint whether it's half-empty or packed full just because the material wants to stick out.
 
Hey ThinkoftheChildren,

Thanks for the info, I'm actually looking for a more stiff backpack as it will be my EDC pack. I read alot of books on the bus and they always get bent and destroyed. I also hate things rattling around in my backpack. So I've made a decision and I will be purchasing the Maxpedition Falcon 2 in January with a Maxpedition 10x4 Bottle holder just to name a few things.

I hope it will be as good as my current EDC the Eagle A-III.


Cheers,
T
 
Toxin said:
I've had the Becker Patrol Pack for 9 years and I go backpacking every month. Its rated for 50bls and my pack always ends up at 70lbs.
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I have to ask...are you carrying gold bars? :D I can't imagine how you'd put 70lbs into a pack that size.
 
LOL good question, I wish I was carrying gold bars. Ok so I assume you've seen or have the backpack.

The top I attach a tube style bag on with all my extra clothing and wool blankets.

The main compartment has my some clothes and my Rum bottle 750ML Im mean my gold bar hehe, stove some more food.



The side pouches have Flashlights batteries first aid kit, cup,para cord,camera,duct tape,T.P.all my regular gear I can list it all if you really want. The bottom has my foam roll bed. Attached to the center is my Pot (Metal Pot that is) My Cooler with all my food. On the left side has my full size Fiskars axe,right side has my Portable buck saw.

Now these are just the bulk Items there are still more. I've already gone camping this month, I will be going again in late January. So I'll take a picture of my backpack if you want.

I hope that puts a picture of what I'm carrying. Remember I live in Canada B.C. and the current temp is -9 c thats the reason for all the clothes,

Its the perfect weather for camping right now, I wish I was out there right now arrgghhh, Can't wait for January.

Cheers,
T.
 
I can't compare Eagle to Maxpedition, but I can say that I absolutely love my Fatboy. It took me a couple of days to find all the features packed into it, and for such a small bag it carries a LOT of stuff. And more importantly, carries it well organized.

The stiff material was kind of annoying at first to me too, but I'm starting to really like that the bag holds its' shape, but can be cinched down to compact size if necessary.
 
I have several items from both companies (and others)

Maxpedition: Cadillac
Eagle: Porsche
Tactical Tailor: Ferrari

Were you driving to the Smokey Mountains or to LeMans? The Cadillac will hold you back on the race track, the Ferrari's ability would never be used on a trip to the stop and rob.

Chicks will not dig you more if you have a $400 backpack. The quality of materials and stitching may be the best, but is this really required for your intended use?
 
Like Enderwiggin put in nicely
And more importantly, carries it well organized.
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I tend to OCD on my backpack and life in general so I need something that I can organize very well and not compromise on quality of product.

Mack,

LOL most people wouldn't know what a $400 backpack looks like for one. Second sure they would if I was carrying gold bars.:D

Mack
The quality of materials and stitching may be the best, but is this really required for your intended use?
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To answer your question, actually yes.

The way I look at it is once you've had good quality gear you don't ever down grade. It's like having a Fenix LD20 180lumin light, and then buying a mag lite solitaire incandescent. Not the best example but you get what I mean.

Also yes it maybe my EDC in the city for the most part, but when I visit my girlfriend and we don't plan on a hike prior to me arriving then its great having a good backpack I can trust hiking for the day. It's too much of a pain to go home and get my other backpack.

For me to not go for top quality for my backpack, you know the thing that holds all my important expensive gear( expensive to me anyways) is just a bad idea.
 
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mack_t_knife said:
I have several items from both companies (and others)

Maxpedition: Cadillac
Eagle: Porsche
Tactical Tailor: Ferrari

Were you driving to the Smokey Mountains or to LeMans? The Cadillac will hold you back on the race track, the Ferrari's ability would never be used on a trip to the stop and rob.

Chicks will not dig you more if you have a $400 backpack. The quality of materials and stitching may be the best, but is this really required for your intended use?
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YES! one of my biggest pet peeves with bag/pack makers is sloppy stitching, thread that breaks when velcro rubs on it for a second, velcro that is not rounded off at the corners, or that is not glued and then sewn down with solid stitching, thin cordura fabric instead of cordura panels glued back to back, plastic hardware instead of solid tough metal hardware and clips etc etc etc . If i could find a bagmaker that would use 300lb test spectra/dyneema braided fishing line for thread and then sealed the thread like your supposed to with thread sealer, to prevent thread abrasion and degradation , i would gladly pay them to build me a bag.

over the years i have probably spent about $5000 on backpacks, bags, pouches etc, and i have yet to find one that lasts. The threads always abrade and blow out, the plastic buckles always fail in the field etc etc. Oddly enough my waxed canvas and leather pack that i bought used is still going strong. something to be said for waxed braided flax thread, 20 oz doubled waxed canvas and leather straps and metal buckles.

:eek:
 
Well said Bushman5, you get what you pay for eh.

A few quesions for you.

what brand's have you gone through already?

Have you used any of Eagle industries or Maxpeditions packs?

Can we see a picture of your leather and Canvas pack?
 
Toxin said:
Hey Andrew,

How long have you had your Max Jumbo? How has it held up to time and abuse and what kind of abuse? Has anything failed yet?
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Sorry I am late in responding to this. It is actually quite new to me, August or September, I reckon. I tend not to abuse any of my possessions, so I reckon it will last me the rest of my life. They look to me as though they are mil-spec, and mine is in digital camo! :D Everything about it oozes quality and thought of design. Although we probably have little need here in Canada, there are velcro strips in a back pocket for affixing your velcroed gun holster. You can also buy magazine loops and a friend of mine has one of these to attach two of his folders and his multi-tool. There are loops and velcro all over it and you can add lots of additional Maxpedition units to the Jumbo.

Nothing has failed and I wouldn't expect anything to. IIRC, they have an unlimited warranty on failure. The guy I bought it from said "if anything goes wrong, return it to me for replacement".


Funny you should mention Fenix, I bought the Maxpedition from the same guy as my Fenix P2D. That is also an exceptional piece of kit, as was the 'intelligent' battery charger and NiMH batteries I bought from him. We had a presentation at the knife shop and collectively, we bought a fair amount of gear. No adverse feeback has been received.
 
I too have more "tactical gear" than brains, or so my wife tells me. I have several different brands and Eagle was one of my first. I've had my Becker Patrol Pack for over 15 years and I have two of the Eagle produced (Lightfighter) RAID packs. Eagle is a sound product with quality materials and construction...many get compared to it.

Maxpedition is really a decent company. Their stitching isn't "perfect" but their prices are very competitive (ala Cold Steel?). I took several of their smaller products to Iraq and they did fine. One thing I do like about them is their organization layouts...pockets, flaps, interiors, etc. They really have the market there.

The biggest Maxpedition I own is the Pygmy Falcon II. It's a great design, but for their larger pieces, I don't think a lot of comfort/ergonomics goes into their products. Edges are sharp; shape seems off...I get a lot of chaffing with the Falcon II, especially if I try to put any serious amount of weight in it.

There's something to be said for quality suspension on a pack...even a small 3-day type. For shoulder bags, lumbar packs and pockets, Maxpedition is great. If you want a serious day-pack, I would strongly recommend Eagle.

Now, if you want to step up a notch, take a look at Kifaru:D

One thing to note that Bushman pointed out. Stitching is still the weakest point on any bag and is as important as the suspension. The sand in Iraq was notorious for getting into pockets, stitching and inside bags. The stuff acts just like sand paper and if you don't regularly brush out your equipment, that stuff will eat thru the best stitching material...although that Kevlar thread sounds like a good option. The same applies everywhere...even constant moisture will eventually destroy the best Cordura. Keep you bag clean and dry when you're done with it at the end of the week/trip or mission.

Just some thoughts of my experience with both brands for the past decade and a couple combat tours.

ROCK6
 
I would go with Eagle over Maxpedition.

Where does Maxpedition make most of their gear? Just checked their site and I couldn't find where it's made.
 
ohen cepel said:
Where does Maxpedition make most of their gear? Just checked their site and I couldn't find where it's made.
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My two Maxpedition pieces both say on the inside,
"AMERICAN DESIGN
MADE IN TAIWAN"

Andrew Taylor said:
IIRC, [Maxpedition has] an unlimited warranty on failure. The guy I bought it from said "if anything goes wrong, return it to me for replacement".
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Eh... not so much, it would seem... unless six months is more than unlimited.

Although hopefully the guy you bought from is true to his word. I know some dealers of products end up backing the products better than the manufacturers themselves.

As for their official policy:
http://www.maxpedition.com/store/pc/viewContent.asp?idpage=88
Maxpedition extends a limited lifetime warranty...
does not apply to damages caused by typical wear and tear over time, the natural breakdown of colors, the materials over extended time and use, unreasonable use, improper care, modifications, alterations or negligence. Removal or defacing of brand labels voids warranty.
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I'm not quite sure why writing on the label should void your warranty, but it's their product I guess.

As for "typical wear and tear" and "unreasonable use"... while I understand those clauses I cringe when I see them in warranty statements. Not saying Maxpedition is the only outfit using such terms: most do these days. Just saying that it leaves the company an awful lot of wiggle room to decide that your claim is just "typical wear and tear" or that it came about from "unreasonable use."

When you say “lifetime warranty”, what does "lifetime" mean?
The product's "lifetime" specifically refers to the life of the product, or at such a time that, through normal use, the product can no longer function for the specific purpose intended. The determination of whether a garment’s expected lifetime has been used will be made by the warranty service center.
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Maybe I don't pay enough attention, but this is the first "lifetime warranty" I've ever noticed that wasn't talking about the lifetime of the owner, but the lifetime of the product.

So even if you had a manufacturing defect, it wasn't normal wear and tear, and you didn't abuse your pack, they could decide upon receiving it that the pack had exceeded its "lifetime?"

I think if they are going to take that route, maybe they should publish expected "lifetimes" for their product so you can know how long your "lifetime warranty" is good for. It is a bit troublesome to have them be able to decide on-the-spot at the warranty center.

Just to compare and contrast, since they are the other gear maker being named in this thread, here is Eagle's policy:
http://www.eagleindustries.com/pages.php?pageid=5
GUARANTEE TO MY CUSTOMERS

I believe so strongly in the quality and integrity of our people, that I am willing to guarantee their work for life. We use only the finest fabric, buckles, zippers, and snaps available. This combination of quality materials and quality workmanship produces a premium line of products that can stand up to the toughest treatment!.


"If you do not shoot it, cut it, or blow it up, I will repair or replace, at no charge, any Eagle product that ever fails to perform!"

John W. Carver, President
Eagle Industries Unlimited, Inc
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That sounds a lot more like a lifetime warranty to me.
 
Excellent points!

I was too lazy to research it too well and lack the tact to have said it so nicely.

I know there are a lot of people who love their Max gear stuff and that is cool. However, for me it's more of a tacti-cool thing than real tactical, bet your life on type stuff.

Plus, my money always stays in the states if I have a choice.

Check out Tactical Tailor and London Bridge if you want something besides Eagle.
 
Bushman5 said:
Oddly enough my waxed canvas and leather pack that i bought used is still going strong. something to be said for waxed braided flax thread, 20 oz doubled waxed canvas and leather straps and metal buckles.
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Reminds me of the old boy scout stuff I had as a kid in the 60s. Aluminum frame with padded shoulder straps and a waist belt, big matched scout canvas pack with the back and side pockets. Sleeping bag fit under the pack. Had the Plumb scout axe, a Camillus jet pilots survival knife, and a Swiss Army knife. Worked for me.
 
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