Max Vulture 2

[upnorth]

I am about 90% set on buying a Maxpedition Vulture 2. Anyone here have experience with this pack ? Pos. or neg. experiences ? Looking for something that can take enough gear for a 4-5 day summer hike in some isolated Boreal.

 

[tek77]

I advise you to try it on before buying if you can.
Most their packs don't quite fit me. I'm just under 6', and Condor II and Falcon II are too short (the hip strap sits too high).
Never tried on the Vulture II.
Otherwise, all maxped gear I own is very well made.

 

[The Warrior]

A solution to the short Falcon II, is to add a Proteus to the bottom of it, so it takes some weight off your shoulders, as forum member daug came up with: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...on-Falcon-II-Question?p=10041046#post10041046

I went this route, but didn't like the way it felt. Never had the Vulture 2, but I didn't care for the Falcon II. 15 lbs and it's not bad, but anymore than that it's not overly comfortable.

 

[foxyrick]

I have a Vulture II, and I've used it a fair bit for longer day walks when I need lots of kit (climbing gear, whatever) but nothing longer.

The biggest problem with the sack is the lack of a frame. It is of a size that, when loaded up, it really needs the support of an internal frame to transfer weight properly and stabilize the load.

Also, if you put a full 3 litre water bladder in the bladder sleeve, and load the sack up, the back of the sack gets pushed outwards and it feels like strapping on a barrel! I found it very uncomfortable like that.

I've made a few posts about it here, and the way I got around the problem was to insert a large, epicurean cutting board into the bladder sleeve. It alleviates the barrel problem (although it also makes it harder to fit the bladder in the sleeve at the same time) and it gives a little extra stability and stiffness to the sack. It's not ideal by any means, but the sack works better with the board than without it.

I really wish Maxpedition had put a proper back system into this sack, as otherwise it's close to ideal for a small 3-day sack. YMMV, of course.

 

[Kursac]

It is a pretty big pack

 

[upnorth]

I advise you to try it on before buying if you can.
Most their packs don't quite fit me. I'm just under 6', and Condor II and Falcon II are too short (the hip strap sits too high).
Never tried on the Vulture II.
Otherwise, all maxped gear I own is very well made.

Thanks, can't try one for fit, I live in hooterville.

 

[upnorth]

A solution to the short Falcon II, is to add a Proteus to the bottom of it, so it takes some weight off your shoulders, as forum member daug came up with: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...on-Falcon-II-Question?p=10041046#post10041046

I went this route, but didn't like the way it felt. Never had the Vulture 2, but I didn't care for the Falcon II. 15 lbs and it's not bad, but anymore than that it's not overly comfortable.

Hmmmm Falcon 2 was my next choice but I wanted more capacity. Never tried one on but I liked the look\capacity. Good to hear from others on these things. Thanks.

 

[upnorth]

I have a Vulture II, and I've used it a fair bit for longer day walks when I need lots of kit (climbing gear, whatever) but nothing longer.

The biggest problem with the sack is the lack of a frame. It is of a size that, when loaded up, it really needs the support of an internal frame to transfer weight properly and stabilize the load.

Also, if you put a full 3 litre water bladder in the bladder sleeve, and load the sack up, the back of the sack gets pushed outwards and it feels like strapping on a barrel! I found it very uncomfortable like that.

I've made a few posts about it here, and the way I got around the problem was to insert a large, epicurean cutting board into the bladder sleeve. It alleviates the barrel problem (although it also makes it harder to fit the bladder in the sleeve at the same time) and it gives a little extra stability and stiffness to the sack. It's not ideal by any means, but the sack works better with the board than without it.

I really wish Maxpedition had put a proper back system into this sack, as otherwise it's close to ideal for a small 3-day sack. YMMV, of course.

Thank you for the tips as I just ordered the bag. I can always choose not to load it, but can't load it if a bag is too small. Kind of like I can take extra clothing items off in winter if over heated, but can't put them on if I didn't bring them. Valuable info here.
:thumbup:

 

[upnorth]

It is a pretty big pack

The largest from Max I believe if I read things correctly. I want to have a choice on bringing more or less without the bag limiting my choices. I have a gimpy lower back so I likely will not be trying to cram a VW bug in there. Although I have those tendancies.

 

[fmajor007]

Congrats on your bag selection.

I have a very similar bag (at least similar in size) and it's my EDC which means it carry's whatever photo gear i'm sporting for the day plus all my other essential outdoor items. All up it weighs 22lbs which isn't too bad imho. That doesn't include water or food so i'd need to figure in those extra lbs, but it carries very well.

I hope you enjoy getting your pack all set up!

 

[sutured]

I am about 90% set on buying a Maxpedition Vulture 2. Anyone here have experience with this pack ? Pos. or neg. experiences ? Looking for something that can take enough gear for a 4-5 day summer hike in some isolated Boreal.

If you're talking about being self supported for 4-5 days there are MUCH better packs out there for that mission. In addition to not having any sort of frame, the Maxpedition packs all have a plethora of unnecessary webbing, buckles, velcro, etc. That might serve a purpose for military deployments, but it's just extra, useless weight when you're on foot. Considering what else is available out there, a Maxpedition pack wouldn't be in my top ten list for even a long day hike.

There have to be twenty different brands of high quality backpacking/mountaineering packs, any of which will do a better job than the one you're looking at. They're lighter, better built, and will carry a load with much less discomfort, especially as the miles add up. And as others have said, fit is very important. Many of the better pack companies have a fitting schematic so you can measure key parts of your torso and determine which pack fits best.

I have three Maxpedition packs, and while I've found the quality to be pretty good, I'm not really all that impressed with them. A couple seams have failed and the majority of the molly webbing is more for looks than for useful attachment. I suppose my biggest beef is that the foam they use for padding shoulder straps is very low quality and deteriorates quickly. I have a Mountain
Smith pack that's 27 years old and the shoulder straps are rock solid, while my two-year-old Maxpedition gear slinger strap has turned to mush.

 

[upnorth]

Congrats on your bag selection.

I have a very similar bag (at least similar in size) and it's my EDC which means it carry's whatever photo gear i'm sporting for the day plus all my other essential outdoor items. All up it weighs 22lbs which isn't too bad imho. That doesn't include water or food so i'd need to figure in those extra lbs, but it carries very well.

I hope you enjoy getting your pack all set up!

Thanks. I have degenerative arthritis in the three lower vertebra just above my farticus maximus, motorcycle wrecks etc. I have good days, and the opposite, but still have the spirit to go for it. I must weigh various factors on extended trips, pain meds, load weights etc. This will be my third Maxpedition going from a small hip\shoulder bag, to a smallish pack to this big momma. I should have most bases covered with these various sizes now. I figure that the extra capacity will be handy even if some of it is just for extra warm light weight clothes. I am a little excited and having great fun looking for surplus wool blankets, maybe some surplus wool clothes etc. Sometimes the anticipation is equal to the objective.

 

[upnorth]

If you're talking about being self supported for 4-5 days there are MUCH better packs out there for that mission. In addition to not having any sort of frame, the Maxpedition packs all have a plethora of unnecessary webbing, buckles, velcro, etc. That might serve a purpose for military deployments, but it's just extra, useless weight when you're on foot. Considering what else is available out there, a Maxpedition pack wouldn't be in my top ten list for even a long day hike.

There have to be twenty different brands of high quality backpacking/mountaineering packs, any of which will do a better job than the one you're looking at. They're lighter, better built, and will carry a load with much less discomfort, especially as the miles add up. And as others have said, fit is very important. Many of the better pack companies have a fitting schematic so you can measure key parts of your torso and determine which pack fits best.

I have three Maxpedition packs, and while I've found the quality to be pretty good, I'm not really all that impressed with them. A couple seams have failed and the majority of the molly webbing is more for looks than for useful attachment. I suppose my biggest beef is that the foam they use for padding shoulder straps is very low quality and deteriorates quickly. I have a Mountain
Smith pack that's 27 years old and the shoulder straps are rock solid, while my two-year-old Maxpedition gear slinger strap has turned to mush.

Hmmm, this is disappointing news. I considered a pack with a frame briefly and almost went looking for a large Alice pack, I have a medium unframed that never seems to get used. For better or worse I am now committed and will do what I can with the bag. Maybe my ignorance and enthusiasm will compensate for the bags inherent flaws. I always have the choice to under load I suppose.

 

[diced]

Kelty Redwing 50 works well and has a lot of useful features for a better price. Internal frame is almost a necessity if you have lower back issues. Just because you ordered does not mean you cant return it. but try it first without getting it dirty. Load it up and see how it feels in a test drive around the house. Better to learn if it works there than out on the trail, wil also allow you to fiddle with the adjustments.

 

[upnorth]

Kelty Redwing 50 works well and has a lot of useful features for a better price. Internal frame is almost a necessity if you have lower back issues. Just because you ordered does not mean you cant return it. but try it first without getting it dirty. Load it up and see how it feels in a test drive around the house. Better to learn if it works there than out on the trail, wil also allow you to fiddle with the adjustments.

Yupper, I planned on giving it a little test wear with some load. I think about what the old fur traders humped across these long portages and that tempers my whining. It had better be very bad before I'll give up on it. Thanks for the heads up on the Kelty.
:thumbup:

 

[JCavSD]

If you're talking about being self supported for 4-5 days there are MUCH better packs out there for that mission. In addition to not having any sort of frame, the Maxpedition packs all have a plethora of unnecessary webbing, buckles, velcro, etc. That might serve a purpose for military deployments, but it's just extra, useless weight when you're on foot. Considering what else is available out there, a Maxpedition pack wouldn't be in my top ten list for even a long day hike.

There have to be twenty different brands of high quality backpacking/mountaineering packs, any of which will do a better job than the one you're looking at. They're lighter, better built, and will carry a load with much less discomfort, especially as the miles add up. And as others have said, fit is very important. Many of the better pack companies have a fitting schematic so you can measure key parts of your torso and determine which pack fits best.

I have three Maxpedition packs, and while I've found the quality to be pretty good, I'm not really all that impressed with them. A couple seams have failed and the majority of the molly webbing is more for looks than for useful attachment. I suppose my biggest beef is that the foam they use for padding shoulder straps is very low quality and deteriorates quickly. I have a Mountain
Smith pack that's 27 years old and the shoulder straps are rock solid, while my two-year-old Maxpedition gear slinger strap has turned to mush.

Agreed, for 4 to 5 days this pack may be a bit small and certainly lacks support. The webbing is almost annoying unless you're using it to strap on additional storage. Early this year I wore a Falcon II pack on a two week trip oversees, and it served well coupled with other luggage, but wouldn't take it solo for any extended period of time. The Vulture II adds capacity and back strain (then again I'm getting old, this may be a younger mans pack). Overall I'm impressed with the quality Maxpedition products, but like any other piece of gear backpacks will fall short when not used as intended.

 

[ron finkbeiner jr]

Buy a Tactical Tailor urban operator. You will be alot happier.

 

[neeman]

Thanks. I have degenerative arthritis in the three lower vertebra just above my farticus maximus, motorcycle wrecks etc.
.......Sometimes the anticipation is equal to the objective.

As has been said
Maxepedition is not good backpacking gear
It is tough semi tactical

Basically you need a pack that transfers most of the weight to the hip via a good hip belt
I am not sure where you live
But are you near a backpacking store?
Get a good shop assistant to fit you with a good pack like a Kelty Redwing 50
It chinches down to be close your your back
Center of gravity high but thru your hips

Do not go above 50 lts your back will not take it
And I wouls suggest light sleeping bags more than heavier wool
Look for lighter gear and save weight for your back

 

[upnorth]

As has been said
Maxepedition is not good backpacking gear
It is tough semi tactical

Basically you need a pack that transfers most of the weight to the hip via a good hip belt
I am not sure where you live
But are you near a backpacking store?
Get a good shop assistant to fit you with a good pack like a Kelty Redwing 50
It chinches down to be close your your back
Center of gravity high but thru your hips

Do not go above 50 lts your back will not take it
And I wouls suggest light sleeping bags more than heavier wool
Look for lighter gear and save weight for your back

Lord help me but I grabbed what looks like a Chinese ? knock off of a Brit. Bergen ruck. This thing is huge ! Side pouches zip off to form another small pack with straps. It has an internal frame and it felt good, while I adjusted it in the surplus store. For better or worse I'm running this next season.

 

[desmobob]

I advise you to try it on before buying if you can.
Most their packs don't quite fit me. I'm just under 6', and Condor II and Falcon II are too short (the hip strap sits too high).
Never tried on the Vulture II.
Otherwise, all maxped gear I own is very well made.

I agree... the torso length on the Max. packs tends to be very short. I wanted a Max. daypack and picked the Falcon II due to it's having the longest length (I'm 6'2" and I wish it were a little longer).

I'd look at other brands for backpacking gear. Did you check out the Camelback TriZip?

Stay sharp,
desmobob