maxpedition large laptop bag quick review: operator, mpb xxl, mpb and balthazar

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I apologize for how haphazard the photo layout is.


I started out with a condor 3 way laptop case for my lenovo g550. It worked, but the inside was kind
of cumbersome with it's 4 hold down straps, and there wasn't enough outside pocket space for the
accessories I carry.

I wanted something that would be bigger, comfortable to carry, and weather treated. In it I'd carry

• laptop
  power cord
  adapter kit for car use
  extension cord
  12' of cat 5 cable
  mouse
  headphones
  mini usb port
  8gb usb stick
  500gb seagate go drive

my laptop (15" wide):

I've gotten 4 maxpedition bags in the pursuit of such a thing; the operator tactical attache, mbp xxl,
mpb, and balthazar (in that order).

forgot to number this... left to right, largest to smallest = mpb xxl, balthazar, operator attache, and
mpb.

from left to right, mpb xxl, balthazar, mpb, operator. Even though the balthazar is technically as wide
as the mbp xxl, it doesn't have the padding on the zippered faces so it folds in at the top like an
attache case, making it much smaller feeling in the hand.

1 operator 2 mpb 3 balthazar 4 mpb xxl

mpb xxl, balthazar, mpb, operator. subtle differences: the balthazar has extra long handles and the
operator has a much grittier rubberized grip. all three (besides operator) have a fabric grip.

mpb xxl, balthazar, mpb, operator. both mpb's have a smooth rubberized grip, the balthazar has single
sided shoulder pad, and the operator has a rough rubberized pad.

mpb xxl, balthazar, mpb, operator.

other side of the mpb's

 

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When I got the operator I thought it was awesome, it fit the laptop perfectly. I found after using it that I really didn't
like having things like usb sticks in open topped velcro pouches, it tended to flop over easily when set on the ground,
and the two side bottle holders were not as desirable as closed pouches.

Then I got the mpb xxl. maxpedition's measurements of 16" wide are innacurate, it is closer to 18". My laptop has a
hand/arms width between it and the sides. It is an enormous bag, closer to luggage or a patrol bag than anything I'd
use as an edc laptop holder. yet, I wouldn't want to use it as luggage because of it's slim interior. If you had an 18"
laptop with a cooling pad an a lot of accessories it might be ideal.

Then I got the mpb. It's perfect, awesome, exactly what I wanted, but unlike the mpb xxl, maxpeditions measurements
are accurate. it is 14", 1" to small for my laptop. The laptop bows the sides out making the side pockets difficult to
use. It also has slip pockets on each side of the internal compartment, catching my laptop every time I try to put it
in. awesome bag, just a touch bit to small.

Then I got the balthazar. AWESOME. just perfect for what I want. It's laptop sleeve fits my laptop perfectly, it's top
crushes down like an attache so it doesn't feel enormous in the hand like the mbp xxl, and it's considerably lighter.
Instead of keeping everything in outside pouches, I'm just using 2 pouches inside next to the laptop for accessories,
because the internal space is huge and doesn't push them against the laptop when closed. I thought I was going to
dislike that it opened all the way and that it was diagnally zippered with opposite cornered shoulder strap anchors,
but if you only zip it out on the top it feels like a top loading bag.

1 operator 2 mpb 3 balthazar 4 mpb xxl. The bottom left panel shows the mpb's side bulging out. The bottom right
panel shows the extra space in the mpb xxl.

balthazar gear bag

operator attache: 3lb 5oz
mpb: 3lb 8oz
mpb xxl: 5lb 5oz
balthazar: 2lb 13oz

The balthazar is the biggest yet lightest bag in terms of internal compartment space. It has padding on the laptop
sleeve bottom, both sides, and both external compartments have padding on the outer panel. It does not have
padding on the zippered top or edges.

note the longer handles on the balthazar:
1 operator attache 2 mpb 3 balthazar 4 mpb xxl

 

[Sled]

Fantastic comparison work! Thanks for your effort. I've been trying to decide between the Balthazar and Mbp xxl. I think I'll go with the balthazar.

Are you selling any of yours after this testing? Just wondering.

 

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Fantastic comparison work! Thanks for your effort. I've been trying to decide between the Balthazar and Mbp xxl. I think I'll go with the balthazar.

Are you selling any of yours after this testing? Just wondering.

I will probably end up selling the other three. I bought a second balthazar to use as an actualy gear bag/luggage. I'm tempted to get the other two gear bags to see how they would work as tool bags, but the price is kind of high considering the 5-12$ harbor freight alternatives.

the mpb xxl is a fantastic bag with a ton of external zippered pocket space, it's just too big for my use. If I had a cooling pad and some extra external hardrives it might be more suitable, but with my small amount of gear it just huge in the hand.