Maxpedition MPB

[trout #2]

Does anyone have one of these? How do you like it? I'm looking for something to carry a pair of pants, a shirt, 3-ring binder, notebook, lunch, and misc. EDC goodies with a little extra room leftover. Would this be an appropriate sized bag. Some pics I've seen make it look huge while others seem quite small. I'm open to any other suggestions as well, but would like to stick to a bag/duffel format instead of a pack. thanks

 

[Esav Benyamin]

A duffel or shoulder bag can be handy for many purposes, especially really large loads. I recommend this, though, the Eagle Creek Convertabrief. It's the current version of a bag I've used for years.

The backpack straps unhook from the bottom and hide in a zippered compartment to turn it into a shoulder bag or briefcase. It's big enough for a couple of days worth of gear, including clothes, in the main compartment, and regular EDC in the front section.

You should be able to beat that MSRP by a good bit.

 

[tarsier]

The backpack straps unhook from the bottom and hide in a zippered compartment to turn it into a shoulder bag or briefcase.

I have a much smaller (900 cu. in.) Eagle Creek knapsack with the same system that I really like and have been using a lot over the past year. When walking long distances, it is much more comfortable to carry it with the backpack straps. But it sure is handy to be able to stow the straps away and carry it as a sling bag - swing it to the side for easy access, swing it to the front for sitting, or swing it to the back when walking.

There is one drawback that I have found with this system though. I'm frequently outside in all kinds of weather. If I am using the backpack straps, rain and snow will go into the unzipped pocket where the straps are stored, soak through the bottom of the bag, and pool inside. Very bad news. When it rains, I just have to remember to zip the straps up and carry it as a sling. Then it is water-resistant enough. I'm curious whether your bag has the same problem.

 

[Esav Benyamin]

No, I've carried it in ALL kinds of rough weather. In fact, at first, I had other packs as well, but grabbed this one when the weather turned rough. Partly, that was like what you do, it's more convenient in certain configurations at different times.

But mine always snugs up against my back, and the backpack strap pocket is pressed closed.

By the way, hiking down the trail to the lake in summer, I take a folded beach blanket and stuff it in there. It's almost TOO big -- it tempts me to haul a lot more than I like the weight of, sometimes.

Is the back panel of yours padded like mine?

 

[tarsier]

No, I've carried it in ALL kinds of rough weather. In fact, at first, I had other packs as well, but grabbed this one when the weather turned rough.

That's good. They must have fixed the problem when they designed the strap system for the Convertabrief.

Is the back panel of yours padded like mine?

Yup. It has a stiff foam insert. This cuts down a bit on the capacity, but is real comfortable.

By the way, sorry Mr. Trout, I guess we aren't talking Maxpedition much here for you. I'm surprised. Usually a lot of people pile on the Maxpedition threads...