Maxepedition Bag??

[PropThePolecat]

So you guys really dont think Maxpedition bags are ok for day hikes with like 10 to 12lbs of gear at the very most? mostly alot less?

Were not saying, that they're not ok, but that there a much better hiking pack alternatives. Nevertheless many people use Maxpedition for their dayhikes, so if you really want one, then buy it. Time will tell if it's right for you. You should be fine with the weight you want to carry.

 

[panzertroop]

I love the Pygmy Falcon II. Great little pack. The best feature is that the main compartment can be open all the way up like a clam shell. Easy to find things.

 

[Bob W]

So you guys really dont think Maxpedition bags are ok for day hikes with like 10 to 12lbs of gear at the very most? mostly alot less?

I think you should visit a dealer and try on the Maxpedition bags for yourself. Are they roomy enough for your hiking conditions, for example weather- and season-appropriate jacket and/or rain gear?
Are they comfortable with that amount of weight? Comfort is completely subjective of course, but more specifically do the straps dig in anywhere? Are they sufficiently padded? Does the suspension and strap system properly distribute the weight to hips and shoulders?
Do you like the organization options? Pocket sizes, add-on straps, etc?
Are they stable when climbing, ducking, or walking fast? Or does the pack flop around?
Do they have a good mix of features you desire? For instance, it rains often in your state so do Maxpedition packs have waterproof zippers, covered zippers, or maybe a rain cover?

If you like the style and are satisfied with the answers to the above, then go for it. :thumbup:
At the end of the day if you don't like it, sell it and buy something else. It's not like you're signing a mortgage after all.

 

[OwenM]

Seems like a few of you guys care what other people think of your gear?

I looked at all the brands you named I believe and none had packs that I cared for look wise.

Seems like you only care what other people think of your gear, since you can't see any of them when they're on your back. Too bad nobody's looking at you, or cares what kind of pack you have.
If you really want a tacticool pack that is actually a good pack, and will satisfy all your wants, needs, and issues, check out the Kifaru X-Ray.
http://store.kifaru.net/x-ray-1800ci295-liters-p50.aspx

 

[Shotgun]

I would highly recommend a non-tactical pack. The only reason you should buy one IMO is if you're hard on your gear and/or you REALLY need that much organization. Being overbuilt and having lots of organization is great but it is heavy and it's unnecessary weight for a walk in the woods. I find that keeping all of my little stuff toghether in a ziploc let's me find things faster then having them spread out over several pockets in my pack. Water resistant to boot. Also, unless you're really rough on your gear a modern pack should last a while. I have an REI pack from the mid 90's that looks almost new. Modern designs are generally lighter and more comfortable then a tactical pack and can be cheaper as well. Frankly I would buy a school kid backpack from walmart before I get another tacticool pack. Not worth the money or the attention IMO.

 

[Shotgun]

Seems like a few of you guys care what other people think of your gear? I dont see a problem with bag looking too tactical as long as I like it. If I like something and it fills my needs whats it matter what others think ur in the woods not at some looks contest. I just have to find bag that meets my needs, tactical look, med load, and hikers bag comfort

I'm a big scary looking quiet guy. The last thing I want to do is dress up in molle gear and REALLY make other people feel uncomfortable. I see it as being nice to the people that I share the woods with. Put yourself in their shoes. Nothing worse then passing that sketchy para military looking guy when you're 10 miles in with nothing but your spork to defend yourself with.

 

[Bob W]

Visual aesthetics play an important roll, sometimes the most important roll, in practically every consumer purchase. Everything from cars (especially cars) to the labels on soup cans. Outdoor gear is no exception.

I would even guess that the military-ish Police Force appearance of Maxpedition packs is one of their primary selling points.

Seems like a few of you guys care what other people think of your gear?

I don't care what other people think, but I do care what it looks like.
Two different things.

On most of my hikes, no one else even sees my gear.

k ur in the woods not at some looks contest. I just have to find bag that meets my needs, tactical look, med load, and hikers bag comfort

So you don't care what your gear looks like, as long as it's tactical-looking?

 

[Mannlicher]

I have only one Maxpedition product, one of the FatBoy over the shoulder packs. It is a constant companion, and holds all my urban gear.

I use a CamelBak MULE for my day pack, and a CamelBak HAWG for my BOB. I was given a Black Hawk Combat Pack by a friend that carried it in Afghanistan. One of these days, I'll figure out what to do with it. It has far more capability than I can use right now.

 

[muddog15]

I hate the single strap Max bags I had. I have one of the big Fatboys loaded with stuff for the range. I never carry it anymore. I changed the couple I had over to double strap Maxpedition bags. There are a good investment imo.

 

[neeman]

Honest, I don't care for the obnoxious bright colors that many of the trendy brands use. Sight-pollution.
At the same time, I don't want to set down my pack and never find it again, and I certainly don't want to look like a runaway from boot camp.

Fortunately many of the big brands are using toned-down colors, even natural colors that aren't 'tactical'. My own pack is a dull dark red, a nice compromise, and my previous was a forest green. FYI, most of the Gregory packs come in black as an option.

Looking for something small for short fair-weather dayhikes with friends, I'd be interested in the Mountainsmith Swift models. But around here in the mountains a fair-weather hike in July can turn into two inches of hale and 38 degrees in minutes; I don't go out without a shell and fleece.

I'm at the limit of my knowledge when it comes to recommending a particular pack brand and model. Generally speaking, here's what I look for:
- Enough room for 3-season all-day hikes. Extra clothes, food, water, etc.
- Quality materials. I don't mind a little extra weight as a trade-off for durability.
- Adjustable hip straps, shoulder straps, and sternum straps for stability and weight distribution.
- Well-padded straps for comfort.
- No obnoxious bright colors.
- Contoured overall shape, for comfort and stability.
- Top loading.

Happy shopping!

I do not want to sound like a fan boy, but....

Kelty Redwing 50 liter (3000 cu in) in subdued colors like caper or forest
A full zip is very easy to pack
The main compartment cinches down close to your body
Has some bottom straps and the top cinch straps will take extra
Side pockets for one liter bottles, and push thru sleeves behind the pockets
An excellent hip belt for load carrying, that is detachable
Two torso sizes

 

[Bob W]

I do not want to sound like a fan boy, but....

Kelty Redwing 50 liter (3000 cu in) in subdued colors like caper or forest
A full zip is very easy to pack
The main compartment cinches down close to your body
Has some bottom straps and the top cinch straps will take extra
Side pockets for one liter bottles, and push thru sleeves behind the pockets
An excellent hip belt for load carrying, that is detachable
Two torso sizes

I used a friend's Kelty Redwing for an overnight once back in the 1990s. :thumbup:

My own current daypack is this older Gregory Shakra (mine is red). Love the rugged rubber bottom, drawstring top, waterproof zippers, and padded back. :thumbup: :thumbup:

 

[neeman]

Bob,

Looks a nice pack
What is the volume?

 

[doke00]

I personally have a Maxpedition Monsoon and like it pretty well. It works great to carry stuff around town and has lots of pockets within pockets for organization. However I wish I had gone with a two strap pack. I recently took this rabbit hunting in cold weather and had a couple extra shirts an extra box of shells, lunch and a half a dozen water bottles(12oz)plus a few other smaller items. I ended up dropping it back off at the truck midday as as the one strap had me sore. They have great quality at the price point. I carry it daily in my truck which is a bloody mess and it gets stuff dumped on it, drug across stuff etc. and it looks brand new after two years. I also have a couple of Drago packs. They are close, but after the Maxpedition they frustrate me because they are not as "thought out". Add yourself to their mailing list as about every other week they offer a free Versipack with $100 purchase and the Versipack is awesome for everyday take the kids to a ball game type stuff.

 

[doke00]

I also recommend checking the "S" type packs, which are meant for lefties, but when worn right handed leave the water bottle in the front so you don't have to remove the pack to get at it.

 

[Bob W]

Bob,

Looks a nice pack
What is the volume?

According to the information found online, it's 2600 cubic inches. Bought it 15-20 years ago when I worked as an archaeologist and needed something large enough for full-size notebooks and paperwork forms, jacket and rain gear, and enough food and water to last a long day. It still gets pretty full if out for a high elevation walk where the weather can change dramatically in minutes. It's still in excellent condition too, even after years of daily use.