Maxpedition Packs

BloodGroove4570

BloodGroove4570

Joined
Jul 25, 2010
Messages
1,691
Hey folks, do any of you use the gearslinger line of packs? Im looking at the Sitka or the Kodiak, i wanted to try this one strap pack out for myself, but figured i would ask opinions from those of you who may have or have had this style pack. Looking for pros & cons
Thanks for the input.
 
BG, there was a thread about these packs a few days ago, but I think it was on the WS&S forum. The majority of the posts were about Maxpedition in general and all their bags, but I know there were some about the Gear Slinger as well. I have the Last Resort & Aggressor attache bags I use, both of these are great bags to put stuff in and haul it around. Good luck with the search. Merry Christmas.
Be safe.
 
I got a jumbo versi now and was poking at those other two. For my use the Jumbo turned out to be a bit too small really. it's very well made though.

One thing to consider that I found along the way, the Sitka is compact and a nice day hike gear bag but not very large. The Kodiak is quite a bit larger, but comments have been that once you load the Kodiak you are really encroaching on where you would want two straps to carry that load nicely.

Bunches of reviews on youtube of the Sitka and a few of the Kodiak. That size point struck home with me. The Falcon with two straps may be better if you will actually load it.

I'm still tossing the coin...one of my issues is that I'd like to stow a jacket and I'm 6'5" so not many small bags fit any of my jackets very well. So I may need the size as a volume issue vs ability to carry more heavy metal gadgets in.

Depending on your size, just watch out for the reviews...a lot of the reviewers are very small people so the pack sizes are distorted. The pics on Maxpedition's site definitely use some tiny models as all their bags appear much larger on them than they really are.
 
I always went with a pack (with two straps) over a shoulder type bag because on longer walks it would be more comfortable, and you woulden't have to adjust the single stratp as much and have both hands and arms free.

And if you've got to run or climb on something, you won't want the shoulder bag swinging around. I've got a the Pygmy Falcon II and it's perfect for me, it's a pretty sleek pack I guess you could say...the profile is nice and thin so it can be stowed pretty easily in a cramped car, and there's less chance it would get hung up if you're wearing it in a tight space.

The quality of all the Maxpedition packs I've had were all top notch.
 
kingsqueak said:
I got a jumbo versi now and was poking at those other two. For my use the Jumbo turned out to be a bit too small really. it's very well made though.

One thing to consider that I found along the way, the Sitka is compact and a nice day hike gear bag but not very large. The Kodiak is quite a bit larger, but comments have been that once you load the Kodiak you are really encroaching on where you would want two straps to carry that load nicely.

Bunches of reviews on youtube of the Sitka and a few of the Kodiak. That size point struck home with me. The Falcon with two straps may be better if you will actually load it.

I'm still tossing the coin...one of my issues is that I'd like to stow a jacket and I'm 6'5" so not many small bags fit any of my jackets very well. So I may need the size as a volume issue vs ability to carry more heavy metal gadgets in.

Depending on your size, just watch out for the reviews...a lot of the reviewers are very small people so the pack sizes are distorted. The pics on Maxpedition's site definitely use some tiny models as all their bags appear much larger on them than they really are.
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I hear what your saying. lol. Im 6' 1' 270lbs and some backpacks feel a bit tiny, and the straps never adjust to my liking, thats why i was thinking of the single strap. I figured it may adjust up better and leave room for some breathing room. As far as heavy winter coats go its either a full pack frame or tie it up and sling the it across the back.:D
 
I have a Jumbo Versipack, an MPB to haul computer gear or guns and a Fliegerduffel for clothes and stuff. The Verispack is great to carry a few necessities on the trail, but I got a Camelbak HAWG for a daypack, and a Camelbak Motherlode BFM for a 'three-day' pack.

I bought a Maxped Sitka, but decided it was too small. The Kodiak probably would have been fine as a daypack (size-wise), but with any serious amount of weight I want two shoulder straps to balance it and a waist belt to support it.

SP
 
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Thats what got me started, i was looking at the jumbo versi pack but kept thinking a little bigger, know looking seriously at the Kodiak. Really thinking i like the idea of 1 strap.
 
I have a versipack jumbo and really like it... it's my go-bag I can sling it AND wear a backpack if needed, but this is the last layer I peel away, as I have at least 72 hours of essentials and gear in it.

I'm 6'2", 240# and find it very adjustable and comfortable - even in the summer.

The gearslingers look interesting, but may be too big to fit a regular backpack over.
 
tarditi said:
I have a versipack jumbo and really like it... it's my go-bag I can sling it AND wear a backpack if needed, but this is the last layer I peel away, as I have at least 72 hours of essentials and gear in it.

I'm 6'2", 240# and find it very adjustable and comfortable - even in the summer.

The gearslingers look interesting, but may be too big to fit a regular backpack over.
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Tarditi, I was going to buy the jumbo VP, but im just about sold to the Kodiak. Im not really crazy about the backpacks that i have worn or handled. I think it may be a done deal for me with the kodiak. I was hoping to get a go/no go from a fellow esee addic here,lol. It might end uo flip coin later on after i buy i can give someone a go/ no go. Time will tell, new xmas present for me:eek::D....
 
I have so many I can't count. Every time I buy a new one it then becomes my favorite EDC bag. Just when I think the next bag can't beat the last one I bought it turns out I was wrong. Now I have one for every situation needed and love them all. I notice I tend to stick with either a backpack like the Falcon II and the Vulture II or I go with the Versipack line much more than the Gearslinger line. The gearslinger line for just seems to either be too small or at times not large enough, it always falls right in the middle. Whereas the backpacks hold allot and wear well and are comfortable and the Versipacks are just enough space for EDC and daily use.
 
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I have a Monsoon Gearslinger, Its my Edc bag. Its very well built and work great for what i need. The straps are a little a little awkward, but you get used to it, i wouldnt carry it hiking or walking miles but for what it is it works great. The one thing thats kind of deceiving is the size, when i first got it, it seemed huge, but its not really as big as it looks.
 
BloodGroove4570 said:
I hear what your saying. lol. Im 6' 1' 270lbs and some backpacks feel a bit tiny, and the straps never adjust to my liking.

BG, trying throwing one of those backpacks on a 6'3"+ 295lb. frame . . . :eek:
I have yet to meet a chest strap that I can fasten, most are just not made for a 59" chest. Like you, that's the one reason I use single strap bags the majority of the time. Way to much football in my younger days. Good luck with your search.
Merry Christmas,
Be safe.
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Im about played out with all the options available!!!!! Now im back to thinkin maybe try the jumbo versipak first. LOL.:confused:.
I think tarditi has a good idea up^^^^there, versipak and if not enough room use the backpack i have now. at least the vp has a bunch of compartments for small stuff and good for quick hikes or a day out for small game huntin.
 
Mistwalker has the Sitka I believe. I use a Malaga as my go-to-for-everything bag. Some good overviews of a whole bunch of Maxpedition stuff, including the Sitka and Kodiak, can be found on MilspecMonkey.com
 
BloodGroove4570 said:
Im about played out with all the options available!!!!! Now im back to thinkin maybe try the jumbo versipak first. LOL.:confused:.
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You can't go wrong here. The Versipak Jumbo is handy for a lot of things, even when you don't need a backpack. I won't try t dissuade you from the Kodiak either. I came within a hair's breadth of ordering one when I returned my Sitka. You could do worse.

The cargo capacity of the Kodiak and the Camelbak HAWG I eventually got, is pretty close to the same.
 
I love MaxPed's bags and pouches a lot. And I use the VersaPak Jumbo for GeoCaching trips. But when I tried the one-shoulder sling bags, they are too small for my 230 lb. frame.

I found for a heavy load, the two shoulder 5.11 brand 48hr pack fit me perfect. It's as well made as MaxPed and has even MORE built-in pockets ~ ; - )
 
I have the Lunada gearslinger. I use it alot especially when I'm hiking with my kids and want to make sure I have some things just in case. I like the size because it keeps me from carrying too much stuff. But after about an hour or so hiking I need to change shoulders. I'm considering to try to try something else this spring. Looking at the Falcon II or Pigmy Falcon. My only things with the pigmy is that it doesnt look to me like it has much attachment variation as the Falcon and its set up for water bottles.

I was going to post pictures but hadnt been on photobucket in awhile and have to figure out how to resize.
 
I had the Sitka and it rode really well and stayed glued to my back. I'll add that overloading it was very easy and I ended up selling it for that reason.
I've also had several Jumbo Versipacks and really wanted to like them but again they are a pain when loaded and are easily overloaded. For me they would never stay where I wanted it which was on the lower side of my back. If your active and hope it stays on the lower side of your back (like the picture on the website), it will slide forward to your side.

I gave up and went back to traditional backpacks.
 
Go to a large supermarket retailer, select the gearslinger bag you have interest in and load it up and walk around for 20 minutes.You'll know if its what you want that way. I have experience with the Monsoon an early gearslinger style Maxped bag and really its nice for light and bulky carry but always id advise going for a two shoulder strap backpack outside of urban e.d.c.

The hydration bladder compartment in mine while nice only furthers its incompatibility with a single strap load bearing set up, fluids weigh and gearslingers are'nt best suited for it.

I do like the versipack as an alternative though and also own a Boker brand version of the 'ammo bandoleer' style manbags. Nine times out of ten ill reach for it over the Monsoon.
 
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