Maxpedition Condor II or USGI 3 Day/SDS Assault Pack

N

nagamitsu

Joined
Apr 11, 2005
Messages
65
Hi, I am new to this part of the forums. I have recently become interested in Wilderness skills.

I a currently looking at buying either a Maxpedition Condor II or a SDS Assault Pack.

This backpack will be used for hiking and perhaps as a 'standby' kit for short notice trips. Can anyone point me to comparisons for the 2 backpacks ? Recommendations etc ???? :confused:


Thanks in advance.
 
Hey Welcome to WS&S. I do not know about them a packs you mentioned.

But other here will.

Bryan
 
I have several maxpedition pieces in my kit and i can attest they are very well made. I carry a colossus bag for most any excursions and have had zero problems with it. As to the bigger bags I cannot give any advice other than to possibly find someone in your local area who carries them for the fact that you should try on any pack that will haul weight of that amount. Used to be a guide and you may love one pack but your back will hate it and then you will find a pack that is so so in what you want but will fit you like a glove.
 
They're probably close in size.

The Maxped will no doubt be the better pack, construction-wise.

The SDS assault packs are one big main pocket with a plastic sheet for a frame. Newer ones have a waistbelt, but like Maxped, the bag is so short, the belt ends up around your ribs.

The front pocket on the SDS does not zip closed, it has a drawstring and fastex buxkles.
The zippers on my SDS bind a lot, and even thought they are genuine YKKs, they don't work well.

Comfort level will be about the same. The Maxped will have more internal organization if that's what you like, and it also has a port for a hydration bladder's hose. The PALS webbing on the SDS only has one channel going up the side, and is fairly worthless for anything but a magazine/knife/multitool pouch. The Maxped also costs 3x as much as the SDS.
 
I chose the condor II and love it. The pack is tough and versatile although it is on the short size it is still comfortable and able to hold a good amount of gear. For me it is my primary day-hike and BOB choice. Construction is great on all maxpedition gear. Have not had any experience with the SDS pack.
 
Welcome aboard! I don't have any experience with the SDS, but I have a Condor II and love it:thumbup: I've gone through a bunch of packs over the last couple of years (looking for the right one..) and finally feel like I have it. The Condor holds a lot of gear and is comfortable. I stole the hydration bladder out of my Camelbak Hawg and that is working well. I should add that I just got the pack at the end of October and have it had out hiking about 4/5 times, not a lot of use yet, but I'm liking it so far,

Recycled pics:

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I have a Condor II that I use as my Bug Out Bag, it's one of the best packs I've ever owned. There's quite a bit of room for storage in multiple pockets, there's plenty of space for adding additional pouches, and it's darn near bomb proof. There was much more space in there than I thought there would be when I bought it. I'm a Marine and have used most of the rucks that the military has to offer, and NONE of them are comfy or durable. The Condor II will outlast and USGI ruck and it will be much easier to carry because of the added comfort. There are also 2 straps on the bottom for sinching up a tent, tarp, sleeping mat, jacket, or whatever, but it won't fit a sleeping bag. It also has a slim pocket in back to carry a sidearm or a 3L water bladder. Go with the Condor and I'm pretty sure you'll be nothing but happy with it.
 
can't comment on the other product as I dont have one, but I have several Max product's, they all work extremely well. They have definitely taken a beating as well, but again they have held up very well. I to have used what the military has to offer, and I still choose the Max, its also my main hear hauler for SAR.

Maxpedition Falcon II, favorite pack to date.
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I cant actually comment on the Condor, but I own 3 Maxpedition products, and they are all top notch.

I carry a Pigmy Falcon II everyday at work. Literally, everyday, and have done so for the past 4 years.
I beat the hell out of it. Use it as a pillow to sleep on,sling it around, and generally dont treat it well at all, and it still looks new.


They may be imports, but they are hard to beat.
 
Thankyou everyone for your great input. I have just pulled the trigger on a khaki Maxpedition Condor II :D

Now to wait paitiently for its arrival to me here in Malaysia. :grumpy:
 
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