Maxpedition Colossus

[Infi-del]

Hi all, looking into getting one of these... Mainly because I just got a new carry weapon and it's a little tight in my Maxpedition Jumbo Vpack. And the Colossus has more room in the CCW pouch. Just wanted to hear from any of you guys that might own one what you think of it. Last time I looked I couldn't find any reviews on it on you tube. So i'm just wondering if anyone has any opinions. Also any comparisons to the Jumbo Vpack would be great as that's what I've used up till now with great results. I just fear I've out grown it a little.

 

[Mongo]

Hi all, looking into getting one of these... Mainly because I just got a new carry weapon and it's a little tight in my Maxpedition Jumbo Vpack. And the Colossus has more room in the CCW pouch. Just wanted to hear from any of you guys that might own one what you think of it. Last time I looked I couldn't find any reviews on it on you tube. So i'm just wondering if anyone has any opinions. Also any comparisons to the Jumbo Vpack would be great as that's what I've used up till now with great results. I just fear I've out grown it a little.

I was fortunate to be able to handle both the Colossus and the Jumbo Vpack at the same time, and chose the Colossus hands down. You can EASILY fit a full sized 1911 in the CCW pocket with their velcro holster. It is a wonderfully designed pack. I molle clipped a small roly-poly onto the side so I could fit my 1000ml Nalgene water bottle with it. Great pack, worth the money, would definately buy it again if I had to.

 

[Esav Benyamin]

Well, I was gonna diss the Colossus, but after that last review, I'm outta here. I don't mess with Mongo.

 

[ironmike86]

Well, I was gonna diss the Colossus, but after that last review, I'm outta here. I don't mess with Mongo.

Why? I'm looking at the the Jumbo but think it's smallish. The gearslinger most ppl say the Versipack are more comfortable. I didn't know about the Colossus..man I wish I could find a store that has them.

 

[GregFL]

Here are a couple of photos of my Colossus with a can of Coke for size reference. On the left side I have added a 10" x 4" Bottle Holder and on the right side I have added an M1 Waistpack.

 

[Esav Benyamin]

It depends on the size and shape of what you're looking for.

I like the messenger bag style with one strap, but once the pack gets as big as the Colossus, especially in that last example with add-ons, I'd rather have a two-strap backpack.

 

[Infi-del]

but once the pack gets as big as the Colossus, especially in that last example with add-ons, I'd rather have a two-strap backpack.

More than likely so would I. But this is gonna be CCW specific and I've never found it easy to draw from a backpack with any kind of speed or consistancy. I can draw from my Jumbo Vpack about as quickly as I can from a holster covered by clothes. And right now my new carry weapon is a bit snug in the Jumbo. Plus I really like the ambidexterous carry strap of the Colossus. I find the side specific nature of the Jumbo to be a limitation.

 

[Infi-del]

I was fortunate to be able to handle both the Colossus and the Jumbo Vpack at the same time, and chose the Colossus hands down. You can EASILY fit a full sized 1911 in the CCW pocket with their velcro holster. It is a wonderfully designed pack. I molle clipped a small roly-poly onto the side so I could fit my 1000ml Nalgene water bottle with it. Great pack, worth the money, would definately buy it again if I had to.

Thanks Mongo. What I'm trying to fit in there is my new Ed Brown with a light affixed to it. And my Jumbo tends to scarpe the bevertail with zipper. I know the gun will get wear on it but I hate scuffing up a $2K pistol when I don't have to. So that's why I'm after the Colossus. It's got like an inch or two more depth and width. Just what I need. You find it comfortable to carry?

Here are a couple of photos of my Colossus with a can of Coke for size reference. On the left side I have added a 10" x 4" Bottle Holder and on the right side I have added an M1 Waistpack.

Thanks for the pics Greg. Awesome setup you got there. I got a couple Medical pouches I'm probably gonna attach to the side of mine. Did you add that carry handle? Do those neat little clips on the bottom come with the colossus or did you get the separate?

 

[powernoodle]

If someone robs you, the first thing they are going to do is relieve you of that Colossus. With your CCW in it. And unless you have it slung on your shoulder at all times, the possibility of it being lost or stolen is greater than zero.

I'm just saying. :thumbup:

 

[Infi-del]

If someone robs you, the first thing they are going to do is relieve you of that Colossus. With your CCW in it. And unless you have it slung on your shoulder at all times, the possibility of it being lost or stolen is greater than zero.

I'm just saying. :thumbup:

Thought about that. It's not a perfect solution. I usually carry a Kahr PM9 in a smart carry beneath my waiste band at all times as a BUG. I figure I'll just shoot them in the back as the make their get away to Get my primary weapon back LMAO. Seriously though I haven't figured out exactly what I'm going to do. I'll still get a colossus cause it's cool though.

 

[toxicchill]

Hey greg where did you get that strap as the top handle?

 

[GregFL]

I also have a backpack that I use but I find myself using the Colossus for most trips. It's convenient because it can be worn behind your back or on the side and can be readily accessed without removal. Another benefit is I can carry my DSLR in the padded section and not have to lug around my Lowepro camera backpack. If I want to go smaller I just remove the 10" x 4" bottle holder and M-1 and install a mini Rollypolly. The Colossus is pretty versitile.

Thanks for the pics Greg. Awesome setup you got there. I got a couple Medical pouches I'm probably gonna attach to the side of mine. Did you add that carry handle? Do those neat little clips on the bottom come with the colossus or did you get the separate?

The clips on the bottom are called MOLLE PALS Annex clips (Removable version) and can be used in place of Malice clips. They can be put on / taken off quickly and I find that they hold items much tighter than other clips. I put them on the bottom to hold the handle strap and to save wear and tear on the bottom of the bag.

Hey greg where did you get that strap as the top handle?

The handle is something I made myself. I've seen several people make them for the Jumbo using parachord and grommets, but I wanted something made from webbing with a regular style handle. The webbing runs all the way under the bag and up the sides and can be quickly removed if not wanted via buckles. It can be located along the front or rear row of PAL's but I decided to place it on the front side of the bag so that it would not interfere when opening the top. It consists of (2) 1" ITW Nexus buckles, (2) ITW Nexus split bar ladderlocs and approx. 4 ft of 1" MIL Spec 4088 Desert Tan webbing. The black handle came from a cheap messenger bag that my daughter was throwing away. I purchased everything from Supply Captain (also known as emmado22 on Ebay) except the webbing. That came from Strapworks (they sell a similar webbing handle as well). I think the whole setup as seen cost me around $5 to make. I'll pull it out and post it in the Mod.'s section in the next day or two.

 

[ironmike86]

The Colossus is still pretty small compared to a back pack,,,Thats why it looks good to me. How does it feel fully loaded??

 

[Mongo]

The Colossus is still pretty small compared to a back pack,,,Thats why it looks good to me. How does it feel fully loaded??

I've taken it on day hikes, and find that I sometimes will swing it so that it rides in the middle over my butt when on narrow trails and such. It does not feel awkward at all. I like the fact that the top opens away from you when you are wearing it. You don't have to take off the pack to access your stuff.

 

[ironmike86]

Is the an attachment like the gearslingers? Like if I want to ride a bike with it?? I like the Colossus but may end up getting a PYGMY FALCON-II. I like the easy of a Versipack and Gearslinger. But if I decide to ride my bike it want it to stay put. But ppl complain about gearslingers comfort. The Colossus is looking good to me..tuff choices