MaxP Sitka or Malaga

LMT66 · Aug 26, 2009

Anyone have a Maxpedition Sitka and a Malaga or handled each.
I'm pondering the Malaga for winter dayhikes but the Sitka looks like a good design and of similar size.

I've handled a Malaga and my Busse FBM in kydex will fit perfect on the side and two 48oz water bottles fit inside the main compartment with wiggle room. The front pockets are perfect for all the little things I bring with. Ambidextrous is a plus.

The Sitka looks to be of similar size and I like the idea of it rotating around to the front but it kind of looks like it could be a pain to get into all its compartments. Not sure the FBM kydex will fit on the side webbing either as it looks slimmer than the Malaga side.

Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

ValpoHawkeye · Aug 28, 2009

I have the Lunada, which is just a smaller Malaga. I also have a Sitka. The Sitka is my favorite. It's much easier to access, easier to organize, and it rides better.

ironmike86 · Aug 30, 2009

^Any pics of the Lunda in use or the the Sitka?? Would be nice if i could just go to a store and have a look

LMT66 · Sep 1, 2009

I ended up with both but am selling the Malaga(its in the exchange).
I like the Malaga but with heavy loads I carry while hiking, it hurts my shoulder pretty quick. (I carry 2 -48oz nalgenes and 1-32oz nalgene) If I was just using it as a commuter pack, it would be fine but I also want to hike with it. I'll say this, the Malaga is comfy with light to medium loads, wears well and is roomy compared to the Lunada I had a while back. The Malaga is 13" tall versus 12" in the Lunada. The Lunada is quite small. I suggest the Malaga if you go that route. It bigger, but it's footprint isn't much bigger.

The Sitka is the one I'm keeping because it is taller. I can get my Busse Battle Mistress inside of it and it can be rotated to the front, which is a clever design.

ironmike86 · Sep 1, 2009

Nice pics. That's how ppl should review them with them on so ppl can get an idea how they look since they are hard to find in the store. The Sitka is so similar that doesn't hurt? If not why better strap or fit? Whats a heavy load in #? How much you put in the Sitka #? I have a good pack for something serious but I want a good day pack with easy access to camera and inside stuff. Does the Malaga seem alot smaller or just 3 1/2 shorter?Thanks

LMT66 · Sep 1, 2009

ironmike86 said:
Nice pics. That's how ppl should review them with them on so ppl can get an idea how they look since they are hard to find in the store. The Sitka is so similar that doesn't hurt? If not why better strap or fit? Whats a heavy load in #? How much you put in the Sitka #? I have a good pack for something serious but I want a good day pack with easy access to camera and inside stuff. Does the Malaga seem alot smaller or just 3 1/2 shorter?Thanks

The reason why the Sitka can carry better loaded is because the pack is longer top to bottom. As you see, the bottom is on my lumbar pad which takes some weight off my shoulders. The Malaga isn't as long and the bottom rides on the natural curve of your spine so it isn't really resting on anything. You can lengthen the strap with light to medium loads on the Malaga and it is fine. I carry heavy always so it didn't work for me.

ironmike86 · Sep 1, 2009

What lumbar pad are you talking about? Your a$$?

I don't see? I like the way the Sitka looks. That's the original one I wanted. But I saw the Jumbo and Malaga. The Jumbo seems like it would be to small but not really. The Malaga is about the right size but not if it hurts. 4-8 hrs carry. What can you load the Sitka with before it hurts? Water is the heaviest and it's always good to have more than not enough.

LMT66 · Sep 1, 2009

ironmike86 said:
What lumbar pad are you talking about? Your a$$? I don't see? I like the way the Sitka looks. That's the original one I wanted. But I saw the Jumbo and Malaga. The Jumbo seems like it would be to small but not really. The Malaga is about the right size but not if it hurts. 4-8 hrs carry. What can you load the Sitka with before it hurts? Water is the heaviest and it's always good to have more than not enough.

I should have said it rests in my lumbar area! lol

If you plan on carrying a Lunada or Malaga for 4-8 hours...its a pipe dream. Those packs IMO are for short trips between classes or to the park or commuting.

The sitka had a 32oz and a 48oz and a big blade plus all my other survival kit stuff so it was heavy. I wore it about four hoursSunday and it was just ok. You still feel it on your shoulder but not as bad as you would on the Lunada or Malaga.

ironmike86 · Sep 1, 2009

I see. Maybe the Jumbo is good enough and I can use my big pack for...but it's the access I like. MY pack I edc it for work and can carry it with one strap with two 32oz water Ice tray/bottle whatever it's called,5lbs of tools ...maybe 10-15lbs no problem for 1 hr. I was kinda thinking a gearsling would be comfy? Guess not. My backpack the times I did get tired I just straped up. Thanks for you help