Looking for a new Backpack (again)

Mike Fitz

Mike Fitz

Joined
Jun 18, 2008
Messages
1,223
OK, I admit I have something of a fetish for bags and packs. My most recent purchase is a Maxpedition Falcon II. I bought that because I ran out of room in my Pygmy Falcon II. I also have a couple of Osprey packs and a couple Maxpedition Gearslingers, along with an assortment of pouches and such.

The Falcon II works great for holding all my gear from late spring to early fall, but when I started adding a few bulkier items for Winter, room has quickly run out once again. A Go Lite Trig II tent, Thermarest 3/4 length Pro lite 4 sleeping pad and Tech blanket, and a couple other items to make sleeping in the cold a little less uncomfortable has the pack bursting at the seams.

I try to carry enough gear for at least a 72 hour unplanned stay outdoors. I'm thinking about moving up to a larger pack size for winter, but haven't found anything that I really like yet. I'm a big fan of having easily accessible pockets, so the Osprey packs, while great for a planned backpacking trip, lose out for a 72 hour pack. I thought about moving one size up to the Maxpedition Condor II, but with only a 400 cu. in. gain, I don't think it's worth it.

The next step up in the Maxpedition line is the Vulture II. Lots of room and a true 72 hour pack, but lacks the handy external pockets of the smaller packs. Kifaru packs sound great, but again, I'd have to strap on external pockets.

If I did go with the Vulture II, I was thinking of taking some of the pouches I have and dedicating each to a basic necessity pouch. One for fire, one for first aid, etc. That might be the answer, since I do like the covered zipper flaps and there is one large external pocket to stash the pouches in for easy access.

So, any thoughts or other recommendations for my quest?
 
I dunno man, Im in the same boat. I just cant decide on the kit, I know its going to be from Maxpedition.
The thing I cant decide on is wether to get a few small packs to hold every thing, then I can take what I need on shorter hikes/edc or get a full sized and just repack when I need, but then you run the risk of not having what you want when you need it.

The remora and proteus have been catching my eye for short stuff, but then the Malaga and condor have also caught my eye.
 
i have the condor 2 and it is the best backpack i have owned or seen...u can add pouches 2 it with all the molly.tad gear has a nice pack if u want 2 spend over 200$
 
Sounds like what I am planning. Those maxpedition bottle holders, and a few tactile pockets should do the job well.

Loving the idea man, I say go fer it!!
 
I love the Falcon II. When I need a little more room, I use a Blackhawk OPSEC 4. You can find them on closeout if you look hard... they were discontinued. The only drawback is lack of Molle webbing, but the pack has JUST enough pockets and compartments that I can live without adding anything on the outside. Highly recommended.....

Stay sharp,
desmobob

PS: there's a photo of the pack in this thread: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=600207
 
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If the Condor II was bigger, I would have gone with it. I think the Vulture II would be large enough with a little left over for a Winter kit. Just wish it was set up with the same pockets as the Condor II or Falcon II.

A couple of Maxpedition FR1 pouches in different colors should make it so that I can easily grab a pouch out of the front pocket with the gear I need in it.
 
I was thinking of getting the Condor 2. Hows it work with a full bladder in it? I heard it puffs out and make the pack hard to wear.
 
Go with the Becker Patrol Pack. No zippers to fail really (maybe the small map pocket) and exterior pockets. Very nice set up and well thought out.
 
Well, after looking at all the choices I could find and comparing against what I need, I went with the Vulture II and another FR1 pouch to go along with the one I have. I like the FR1 pouches because they open fully or with the adjustable cords you can open it just as much as you need. With a multitude of pockets and elastic straps inside, it's easy to find everything. I'll use them for smaller items and put them in the large front pocket to keep things from falling into chaos. The carry handles should make it easy to retrieve them too.

The main compartment should be large enough for a Go Lite Trig II shelter, sleeping pad, tech blanket, heavy duty emergency blanket, water filter, snow peak stove and cup, and a change of clothes or other winter necessities.

Thanks for all the comments and suggestions, I'll post some pics when it comes in and gets loaded up.
 
I love my Falcon II. I don't have any pouches on it yet since it has plenty of space for most of my purposes.

My primary bag is the Malaga gearslinger with quite a few pouches, including the obligatory bottle holder, and I found that I can wear it quite comfortably at the same time as the Falcon II by rotating it to my front. Gets some funny looks at the airport but it works great for flying since the Falcon II works as a carry-on and the Malaga fits neatly within the " one other personal item " size requirements.

Maxpedition totally rocks and I readily admit to being badly addicted. :D
 
FortyTwoBlades said:
Maxpedition totally rocks and I readily admit to being badly addicted. :D
Click to expand...

Tell me about it. I carry a Remora almost daily, and I'm currently waiting for Mr. Brown to bring me a collosus versipack (for use as a travel/camera bag) as well as a doppelduffel. There's a few add-on pouches for all of that coming too.

The only maxpedition product that I've ever bought which I don't like is the Jumbo Versipack. It's a great idea, but the fact that I can't wear it on both sides of my body comfortably kills the thing for me. I've just never made friends with it, I guess.

By the way, I very nearly bought the Vulture II, but decided in the end that the doppelduffel would be a little more useful for my intended usage of the bag.
 
The Condor II is expandable - that's why it has all the molle on it.

I added two Tactical Tailor water bottle pouches to mine...

P1010015-1.jpg
 
Expandable it is, but the problem I'm having now is that Winter hiking has caused me to add some bulkier items that I don't need during the summer. There's plenty of room to attach smaller pouches to the Molle webbing, but they don't hold a full shelter, sleeping pad, blanket, etc. The main compartment is where I need the extra room.
 
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