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You're welcome :thumbup: Definitely useful little things, the little $1 led's work well too, but I like these for the blink function and non-directional light - makes it more visible.
-
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Maxpedition Falcon-II - Long and Pic Heavy!
- Thread starter HikingMano
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I just handled Bryan Andrews falcon II this weekend. What an excellent bag! I'm going to get myself one of these for sure. Perfect day kit and can be packed for overnighters with a little bit of fore thought! Also the combo of the falcon II and the bottle holder provides a perfect compliment.
Freakin Awesome man! Thank you very much. I know that surefire's are a little more powerful than what they say, and you can tell. I have an 80 lumen light that is no where near that bright, plus the Beam pattern is horrible.
Thanks again for the pics, Now I have to figure which one I want, G2L, or E2DL.
Another thing too, thanks for showing that little caribeiner, its something Im going to pick up. When I set my pack down at night, I've gone on some pretty ridiculous search's for my pack, flick that thing on and I'll have no problem finding it!:thumbup:
myright
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Well - the purchase of my PFII fell through now I'm stuck wondering if I should just get the Falcon II instead. Really - the main reason I like the PFII is because of the side waterbottles and that I always thought the Falcon II was too big. After reading this thread and seeing the pics it doesn't look nearly as big as I thought it was.
Decisions, decisions. Buying both isn't an option at this time
Decisions, decisions. Buying both isn't an option at this time
j williams
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myright, go with the falcon II. I cant imagine a bag being usefull for much if its smaller then this.
very nice, thorough, review!
thanks for sharing with us.
a couple of years ago i mounted a bait knife to my pack's shoulder strap like you did with the izula...but when i pulled it out to whittle a stick i had in my left hand i accidentally hit my wrist with the edge and i have a cute little scar now...just watch out for the edge when you draw!
thanks for sharing with us.
a couple of years ago i mounted a bait knife to my pack's shoulder strap like you did with the izula...but when i pulled it out to whittle a stick i had in my left hand i accidentally hit my wrist with the edge and i have a cute little scar now...just watch out for the edge when you draw!
myright
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I'm beginning to think the same thing. Thanks. :thumbup:
I've got my Camelbak MULE that I use without the bladder, it's a small enough pack to fullfil my small pack needs.
I'll have to look for a Falcon now...
Thanks everyone.
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Definitely get the Falcon II. Don't worry about the size--it's very reasonable, and packs flat as a board. If you want water bottle holders...buy a few and slap them on there! :thumbup:
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Kgd- Glad you got to handle one! :thumbup: It really is a perfect day kit - not too big, not too small and can work for overnighters. The bottle holder works wonders for me. I added a maxped 5" flashlight tube sheath next to my mini-rollypoly, so it's even more stable now when secured with the bottom side compression strap. I am tempted to switch back to my 10x4 though so I can carry my cup as well.
Fonly - You are most welcome :thumbup: The surefire is definitely a beast, and at only 80 lumens too Those little blinker lights are indeed awesome, they're available in red and white too if I remember correctly.
myright - I'd go with the Falcon-II, you could always mount water bottle holders to the sides (10x4/12x5s, or the cheaper mini-rollypolys). And the Falcon-II really isn't that big at all, I'll be putting up on-back pics tonight.
Jake- I agree :thumbup:
Siguy- Thanks! And YES! I definitely noticed that possibility, especially today while drawing the Izula on the hike. It could definitely mess you up if you were just strolling along and drew while your arm swung forward... I might remove it sometime down the line if I don't trust myself. Thanks for the heads-up :thumbup:
Just got back from a short day hike. I need to run an errand now, but I will be posting part 2 of the review tonight, stay tuned!
Fonly - You are most welcome :thumbup: The surefire is definitely a beast, and at only 80 lumens too
Those little blinker lights are indeed awesome, they're available in red and white too if I remember correctly.myright - I'd go with the Falcon-II, you could always mount water bottle holders to the sides (10x4/12x5s, or the cheaper mini-rollypolys). And the Falcon-II really isn't that big at all, I'll be putting up on-back pics tonight.
Jake- I agree :thumbup:
Siguy- Thanks! And YES! I definitely noticed that possibility, especially today while drawing the Izula on the hike. It could definitely mess you up if you were just strolling along and drew while your arm swung forward... I might remove it sometime down the line if I don't trust myself. Thanks for the heads-up :thumbup:
Just got back from a short day hike. I need to run an errand now, but I will be posting part 2 of the review tonight, stay tuned!
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Okay guys, so here we go with part two of the Falcon-II review
I took it on a short day hike today, here was the layout (except for the 10x4 bottle carrier set-up, that’s for walks or really short hikes only):
The pack with no water and food weighed 11-12 lbs. I carried 3 liters of water today, since that would be my minimum if hiking with my lady on even a short day hike. I put two liters in the bladder and one in the guyot carried in the mini-rollypoly. With 3 liters of water and 2 tuna sandwiches added, the pack weighed in at 19-20 lbs. My belt PSK weighs 6lbs (but it feels like nothing because it’s directly on my waist). So in total, I had 25-26 lbs on me that lessened as I drank throughout the hike.
Filling the bladder was no problem, as the bladder pocket opens on 2/4 sides. With two liters in the pack, it carried well on my back. The bladder did not extrude into my back at all, though it did take up some room in the main compartment, as expected. The Falcon rode flat and comfortably. I only added two sandwiches and a trail book to the main compartment. I had plenty of room in there even with the bladder intrusion and would have easily been able to carry other activity-specific items. :thumbup:
As I mentioned above, I attached a maxped 5” flashlight sheath next to the mini-rollypoly (each uses only a single MOLLE column, so it worked out perfectly). In there today was the Surefire G2, it will be replaced with the Fenix L2D later. Having the flashlight there next to the mini-rollypoly kept it stable. Between using the compression strap to secure the bottle and having the flashlight right next to it, the bottle didn’t wobble at all during the hike. I used the other shoulder strap to hold a digital camera (perfect location for it!!) since I moved the flashlight.
Now, for the on-back pics. Just to give you some measurements for reference: I am 5’ 9” with a 22” long (base of spine to base of neck) and 18.5” wide (shoulder to shoulder) back. I could have cinched the Falcon to sit even higher on my back, but it was comfortable for this hike right where it was. The waistbelt doesn’t really help much with weight, but I use it anyway to keep the pack stable and centered on my back. I could have also compressed the pack further if I had wanted, but didn’t feel the need to do so.
So overall, the Falcon-II performed exceedingly well on its first hike. I am thoroughly pleased with its durability, the way it rides on my back, and the many compartments that lend themselves to organization and gear assignment.
I absolutely love the separate compartments; they make gear storage and packing for different activities much more efficient for me. As a hydration pack, there is nothing to complain about (except maybe for the bladder hanging loop, it can be a PITA to remove the bladder if you’re not paying attention). I love the MOLLE and modular expansion capability; it really allows you to enlarge or shrink the pack as you wish. It’s awesome for keeping things like knives and flashlights etc. readily accessible without having to open up the pack itself.
The pack is slim and rides perfectly on my back, I don’t feel unbalanced even with pouches and bottles attached to the side. As I pointed out previously, the ability to shrink this pack down via compression straps if you don’t employ it at full capacity is a great feature. The shoulder straps are also decent and are padded well enough. This is a well-designed, excellently constructed pack that should last me quite a while even with strenuous use. I am stoked to own this great daypack. :thumbup:
ETA:
I forgot to mention the potentially beneficial changes that could be made to this pack (not many so far):
1) The space between the zipper on the bottom front compartment and the bottome of the compartment above it is rather small; the zipper can be a little difficult to get to quickly, if you don't remember to leave it on the sides of the compartment.
2) Regular MOLLE columns on the shoulder straps.
3) A little more room in the main compartment.
4) A better back panel. The one on my Camelbak was AWESOME. Very comfortable and made my back less sweaty than flat-backed packs like these.
5) Built-in excess webbing management system.
That's about all I can think of for now.
I took it on a short day hike today, here was the layout (except for the 10x4 bottle carrier set-up, that’s for walks or really short hikes only):
The pack with no water and food weighed 11-12 lbs. I carried 3 liters of water today, since that would be my minimum if hiking with my lady on even a short day hike. I put two liters in the bladder and one in the guyot carried in the mini-rollypoly. With 3 liters of water and 2 tuna sandwiches added, the pack weighed in at 19-20 lbs. My belt PSK weighs 6lbs (but it feels like nothing because it’s directly on my waist). So in total, I had 25-26 lbs on me that lessened as I drank throughout the hike.
Filling the bladder was no problem, as the bladder pocket opens on 2/4 sides. With two liters in the pack, it carried well on my back. The bladder did not extrude into my back at all, though it did take up some room in the main compartment, as expected. The Falcon rode flat and comfortably. I only added two sandwiches and a trail book to the main compartment. I had plenty of room in there even with the bladder intrusion and would have easily been able to carry other activity-specific items. :thumbup:
As I mentioned above, I attached a maxped 5” flashlight sheath next to the mini-rollypoly (each uses only a single MOLLE column, so it worked out perfectly). In there today was the Surefire G2, it will be replaced with the Fenix L2D later. Having the flashlight there next to the mini-rollypoly kept it stable. Between using the compression strap to secure the bottle and having the flashlight right next to it, the bottle didn’t wobble at all during the hike. I used the other shoulder strap to hold a digital camera (perfect location for it!!) since I moved the flashlight.
Now, for the on-back pics. Just to give you some measurements for reference: I am 5’ 9” with a 22” long (base of spine to base of neck) and 18.5” wide (shoulder to shoulder) back. I could have cinched the Falcon to sit even higher on my back, but it was comfortable for this hike right where it was. The waistbelt doesn’t really help much with weight, but I use it anyway to keep the pack stable and centered on my back. I could have also compressed the pack further if I had wanted, but didn’t feel the need to do so.
So overall, the Falcon-II performed exceedingly well on its first hike. I am thoroughly pleased with its durability, the way it rides on my back, and the many compartments that lend themselves to organization and gear assignment.
I absolutely love the separate compartments; they make gear storage and packing for different activities much more efficient for me. As a hydration pack, there is nothing to complain about (except maybe for the bladder hanging loop, it can be a PITA to remove the bladder if you’re not paying attention). I love the MOLLE and modular expansion capability; it really allows you to enlarge or shrink the pack as you wish. It’s awesome for keeping things like knives and flashlights etc. readily accessible without having to open up the pack itself.
The pack is slim and rides perfectly on my back, I don’t feel unbalanced even with pouches and bottles attached to the side. As I pointed out previously, the ability to shrink this pack down via compression straps if you don’t employ it at full capacity is a great feature. The shoulder straps are also decent and are padded well enough. This is a well-designed, excellently constructed pack that should last me quite a while even with strenuous use. I am stoked to own this great daypack. :thumbup:
ETA:
I forgot to mention the potentially beneficial changes that could be made to this pack (not many so far):
1) The space between the zipper on the bottom front compartment and the bottome of the compartment above it is rather small; the zipper can be a little difficult to get to quickly, if you don't remember to leave it on the sides of the compartment.
2) Regular MOLLE columns on the shoulder straps.
3) A little more room in the main compartment.
4) A better back panel. The one on my Camelbak was AWESOME. Very comfortable and made my back less sweaty than flat-backed packs like these.
5) Built-in excess webbing management system.
That's about all I can think of for now.
Last edited:
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Now, I might as well post some other pics from today’s hike
Today’s cutlery of choice:
BRKT Bravo-1 and RAT Izula. Vic Rucksack on the belt as well.
Echo4v, here are some Izula pics for you :thumbup: For reference, my hand is about 3.5” across the palm, not including the thumb.
This guy was crossing the trail; it was fascinating. I’ve never seen a slug like it before. Anyone know if it’s edible? I don’t think I could get it down though, cooked or not…
That concludes this review, finally
. Thanks for all the comments and thoughts guys, and let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to see :thumbup:
Today’s cutlery of choice:
BRKT Bravo-1 and RAT Izula. Vic Rucksack on the belt as well.
Echo4v, here are some Izula pics for you :thumbup: For reference, my hand is about 3.5” across the palm, not including the thumb.
This guy was crossing the trail; it was fascinating. I’ve never seen a slug like it before. Anyone know if it’s edible? I don’t think I could get it down though, cooked or not…
That concludes this review, finally
. Thanks for all the comments and thoughts guys, and let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to see :thumbup:
j williams
Gold Member
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- Nov 14, 2005
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Great pics brotha!!
I agree on the things you would change. A bigger main compartment would be very usefull. It is a great pack. Im really happy with mine. I need to get out for awhile with it. I bought this pack for my warm weather overnighter pack, and it carries all my gear very well for this. Im very happy. I really need to snap some pics of my setup.
What I am wanting to do is find a way to make a quick release setup for my 10x4, and carry the shoulder strap in the pack. It would be nice to unsnap it quicky and snap on the shoulder strap for quick jaunts away from the campsite. I was thinking of using some of the RAT mlle locks for this, but they are a little tight in the molle loops. I want somethin quicker on/off then the tac ties im using.
Anyways, good stuff. Ill snap some pics of my setup tommarow.
I agree on the things you would change. A bigger main compartment would be very usefull. It is a great pack. Im really happy with mine. I need to get out for awhile with it. I bought this pack for my warm weather overnighter pack, and it carries all my gear very well for this. Im very happy. I really need to snap some pics of my setup.
What I am wanting to do is find a way to make a quick release setup for my 10x4, and carry the shoulder strap in the pack. It would be nice to unsnap it quicky and snap on the shoulder strap for quick jaunts away from the campsite. I was thinking of using some of the RAT mlle locks for this, but they are a little tight in the molle loops. I want somethin quicker on/off then the tac ties im using.
Anyways, good stuff. Ill snap some pics of my setup tommarow.
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Thanks J. I was wondering about that same thing, I would love to have my 10x4 on the Falcon, but I use it for short walks and hikes too. I don't want to have to keep taking the tac ties on and off, especially since the ends start to get frayed after a while and harder to thread through the buckle. If you figure something out, let me know bro :thumbup: Lookin forward to pics of your set-up, I want to see how the foliage looks since it was my second choice for color.
ohh man, No I HAVE to get one!
Thanks for the second set of pics, they were great. So, now thanks to Rksoon I have to buy:
Maxpedition Falcon-II
Rat Izula
Barkriver Bravo one
Surefire light
(Its odd, all of these are what I planned on getting, are you me in the future?)
Thanks for the second set of pics, they were great. So, now thanks to Rksoon I have to buy:
Maxpedition Falcon-II
Rat Izula
Barkriver Bravo one
Surefire light
(Its odd, all of these are what I planned on getting, are you me in the future?
)
j williams
Gold Member
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- Nov 14, 2005
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Here is some pics of mine man.....
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myright - You're welcome. Glad to be able to provide a more representative on-back pic for the Falcon-II :thumbup:. And yes, that slug was one huge nasty. Biggest one I've ever seen anyway.
Fonly - Haha, I'm happy to add to your list Actually I have this prototype thought stealing machine that I plan to get patented soon...I just happened to pick up the thoughts of some Canadian dude.... 
Jake - Damnit!:grumpy: The foliage Falcon looks awesome!! :thumbup::thumbup: I should have gone with the foliage, the scheme clashes less than my khaki one. Your matching bottle holder and cocoon pouch look great as well (the orange pulls too). Your set-up looks perfect man, simple and cohesive. I asked you this before, but can't remember: is that the 10x4 or 12x5?
ETA:
After looking at my pics, I'm starting to think I have too much crap on my belt...need to play around with it more to thin it down....
Fonly - Haha, I'm happy to add to your list
Actually I have this prototype thought stealing machine that I plan to get patented soon...I just happened to pick up the thoughts of some Canadian dude.... Jake - Damnit!:grumpy: The foliage Falcon looks awesome!! :thumbup::thumbup: I should have gone with the foliage, the scheme clashes less than my khaki one. Your matching bottle holder and cocoon pouch look great as well (the orange pulls too). Your set-up looks perfect man, simple and cohesive. I asked you this before, but can't remember: is that the 10x4 or 12x5?
ETA:
After looking at my pics, I'm starting to think I have too much crap on my belt...need to play around with it more to thin it down....
Last edited:
j williams
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Thanks bro. I am really into this pack....
Wouldnt it be cool if they made a super size cocoon pouch? One that took up a good proportion of the pack side. I could fit my bivy in one like 14x4. That would really expand on the pack size, and the cocoon is a cool pouch. The small one I have works well for cordage. I have a hank of 550 cord in it, with an end fed through a small hole in the back making it a "dispenser" Kinda neat.
The orange goes really well with the foliage. You are right the monochrome zippers blend in too well!!!
Wouldnt it be cool if they made a super size cocoon pouch? One that took up a good proportion of the pack side. I could fit my bivy in one like 14x4. That would really expand on the pack size, and the cocoon is a cool pouch. The small one I have works well for cordage. I have a hank of 550 cord in it, with an end fed through a small hole in the back making it a "dispenser" Kinda neat.
The orange goes really well with the foliage. You are right the monochrome zippers blend in too well!!!
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Yeah, I do wish they had something like that available. The falcon is narrow enough that something of that size would fit well enough on a side.