EDC bag frustration

Joined
Jun 30, 2012
Messages
287
I can't seem to find an EDC bag I'm 100% happy with. I've gone through 5-6 bags and all of them fall short in one aspect or another. The only one that's come close has been my maxpedition remora and the only problem with that is the fact that it's a single strap bag. I've tried modifying it to be a 2 strap bag but it just simply isn't designed to be that. All I really want is a 2 strap bag with a front slip pocket, a simple admin pocket, an organized main pocket and a flat pocket along the back. In all honesty this isn't too difficult to find in fact I've seen many bags that are exactly that however; they're all too big. All I'm looking for is something no longer then 16 inches and no shorter 9. I'm not that big of a guy so anything larger then 16 inches makes me look like I'm on a mountain expedition so the smaller the better. I'd also like to see a tactical style bag but one that isn't covered head to heel in MOLLE.

Thanks
 
I hear you. I have the Jumbo Versi Pack and used it for a few months but I wanted to put it over my shoulder not over my head. Over my head was uncomfortable and on the shoulder it slid off. Also I am sick of the MOLLE system. It may look cool but is a pain to use. Also...with most of these bags you look like you're headed for a war zone.

You might consider doing what I am doing...using a LowPro camera backpack. Here's where to start looking for them: http://www.samys.com/p/Backpacks/LP35190PEU/Fastpack-100-Photo-Backpack,-Red/880.html

LowPro has a complete line of camera backpacks in all sizes and configurations. You'll look more discrete with this kind of bag and IMO the interior of these bags are as good if not better than any of the Maxpiditions.

I have configured one of the larger LowPro backpacks as my bug out bag. I have converted my VersiPack to a mini bugout and don't carry it as a day bag anymore.

....Mike
 
at 54 and growing up deep south, I would have laughed at the shoulder bads until I traded for a total of 11 bags since Dec. All different members , different bags, from $200_800 retail. The Max Shoulded I got after 3 of the worst, hateful, misguided weeks, of wearing has become the greatest bag I ever owned.. it does take time, but the options and ways to rear are countless, ANYONE WITH BAGS THEY DON"T LIKE contact me via PM, I WILL TRADE WITH YA FOR KNIVES.

iF i CAN CHANGE, ANYONE CAN !
 
I would suggest that you look at a small messenger bag. The Becker bag (as in Ethan Becker-knife designer) might be a good choice but I think they are a bit expensive for me. Something that would fit a small laptop would probably work.
 
I use a messenger bag made by 5.11. It is a MOLLE design. It is about 16" wide and about 12" tall and has a regular handle and shoulder strap which you can change around. For me it is kind of large, but I carry a lap top safely and it fits all the cords and junk as well as pens and so forth. It does not fall off your shoulder easily. I don't particularly like the bags that force you to have the strap over your head. They are okay on a dayhike, but that is about it for me.

I have found that most camera bags fall off your shoulder way too easily unless they are a back pack type design and this design is rather inconvenient to use as far as I'm concerned.

Maybe one of the canvas or leather briefcase type bags would work for you. Most come with a strap, but it is usually thin. I have a couple of these (leather and canvas) that I have used. They look good for urban use.
 
Thank you all for your suggestions but like I said above I'm looking for a small 2 strap backpack. I would like a tactical style bag because throughout my day I am constantly lashing and attaching things to my pack with gear ties and where I live tactical style backpacks are fairly common and seem to be more associated with hunters and outdoorsmen then they are military. t
 
I've seen one by Red Rock, but it was just advertised as a "computer bag" or "laptop bag" as I recall. It had two shoulder straps or could be carried like a traditional laptop bag. It had MOLLE attachments. I didn't buy one (I was looking for a single-strap pack for a gift) but it was in the under-$50 range I was checking out.
 
Look at the Tactical Tailor Removeable Operatoe Pack. Great reputation and made 100% in the USA.
 
Mine is from Diamondback Tactical. A little expensive, but this thing is bombproof and made in America. Had it for over 5 years now and still going strong, barely showing signs of wear and that's with some solid outdoors time.

Daypack1_zps1530a1ec.jpg
 
I can't seem to find an EDC bag I'm 100% happy with. I've gone through 5-6 bags and all of them fall short in one aspect or another. The only one that's come close has been my maxpedition remora and the only problem with that is the fact that it's a single strap bag. I've tried modifying it to be a 2 strap bag but it just simply isn't designed to be that. All I really want is a 2 strap bag with a front slip pocket, a simple admin pocket, an organized main pocket and a flat pocket along the back. In all honesty this isn't too difficult to find in fact I've seen many bags that are exactly that however; they're all too big. All I'm looking for is something no longer then 16 inches and no shorter 9. I'm not that big of a guy so anything larger then 16 inches makes me look like I'm on a mountain expedition so the smaller the better. I'd also like to see a tactical style bag but one that isn't covered head to heel in MOLLE.



Thanks

Like you, I like the Remora but the single strap system didn't work well for what I wanted it for. I prefer Maxpedition products because I think they give you the most bang for your buck and they are solid. I tried different models but they were generally bigger than what I wanted. Depending on what color your Remora is, I have a solution that I think will work for you. I bought this...


http://www.lapolicegear.com/haz-padded-shoulder-strap.html


My Remora is tan so the Hazard 4 in tan looks really close to the color of the Maxpedition. I removed the Maxped strap and attached the Hazard 4 strap and then the stabilizer strap to the lower D ring on the Remora and it's like a whole new bag. It's like the Hazard 4 strap was made for the Remora- a perfect fit! The stabilizer strap works perfectly to hold it in place and you don't even have to cinch it tight for it to ride perfectly. Since it's such a small bag, there isn't enough weight to make it uncomfortable riding on one shoulder. I think it comes in black too so for 18 bucks it is a cheap enough experiment for you since you seem to like your Remora.

I am willing to bet you will like it.
 
Have a look at these:

PIG gRUNT Modular Pack [SYSTEMA] (15.5" x 9")

Platatac Echo Hydration Pack MkII + Straps (13.78" x 9.84" x 1.97)

HSGI M24P Pack (14.5" x 10" x 5")
Some really cool packs there. I really dig the Platatac Echo. Looks like my bag but a little more compact. One possible problem I see though is the main compartment zippers do not go down too far (due to the molle on the side of the pack) which might make it a pain to get to your items at the bottom.

That M24P pack by HSGI looks like a sweet rig too. 1000 Denier is the same material my pack is made from and all I can say is that stuff is DURABLE!
 
I've owned many packs also. I liked the Max Jumbo for edc, but I couldn't get used to the sling design and I never seemed to have enough room. I have a TAD lightspeed that I like, but don't love. I'll have to admit that I've spent way too much on packs, but when it comes down to it, my Max. Falcon gets the most use. It's just the right size (I'm only 5'7" 140lbs) and has just the right amount of pocket/organization. I don't like to have to "add" too many pockets. One or two is OK, but I like the majority already on the pack. I'm thinking of going to something light weight/less tactical this summer.
 
Just a thought.... but a little DIY work and you could make a backpack yoke for the remora. Using a side lock buckle, and two snap-hooks.... Its got me thinking, if I can find the stuff, I might make one for mine.
 
I bought this...

http://www.lapolicegear.com/haz-padded-shoulder-strap.html

My Remora is tan so the Hazard 4 in tan looks really close to the color of the Maxpedition. I removed the Maxped strap and attached the Hazard 4 strap and then the stabilizer strap to the lower D ring on the Remora and it's like a whole new bag. It's like the Hazard 4 strap was made for the Remora- a perfect fit! The stabilizer strap works perfectly to hold it in place and you don't even have to cinch it tight for it to ride perfectly.

I use stabilizer straps that come with my messenger bags. Big help. They practically turn the bag into a backpack, but with the sidelock buckle easy to disengage, you can return to messenger bag status quickly.
 
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