Maxpedition Pygmy Falcon II

[00ChevyScott]

I was using a 5.11 Rush 24 (which I still love), but it's too big and heavy to use every day. It's a great pack to use when going on a 2-3 day trip, but I found myself carrying a lot of stuff I didn't need on a daily basis and it was tough to get in and out of the car with it. Then I decided to give the 5.11 briefcase a shot. It was pretty cool for a while, but I got tired of having to lug it around by the carry handle all the time, and the organization wasn't exactly what I needed.

I recently ordered a Maxpedition Pygmy Falcon II because I wanted a smaller day to day pack, and I didn't want a single strap pack. A few of my buddies have the Falcon II, which is a great pack, but it can get a little too thick. The Pygmy Falcon has been a great pack so far, although I still need a few of their pouches to help organize things inside.

I'll be using it to carry my Chromebook, a planner, whatever book I'm reading, a spare flashlight and knife, a copy of the Constitution and Declaration of Independence, a green laser, extra pens and highlighters, a multi-tool, and an MP3 player with some ear buds. It is sized just right, and leaves me some extra room in the main compartment to use if I need to stow away a jacked or extra change of clothes.

One con of this pack, at least for my uses, was the abundance of straps on the pack for cinching down to tighten up the pack. I don't plan on stuffing it full, and they were more of a hindrance to getting in and out of the pack for me. Thankfully they are easily removable.

 

[RBid]

I have one in black. I use it as an overnight bag for single nights or for hikes with my kids. I love how well it is arranged for carrying large things, but I agree that pouches are necessary for organization. I added a Maxpedition EDC Organizer for use as a hygiene kit (plus multivitamins and a lighter). That organizer moves back and forth between my EDC bag and the PF2 as needed.

I'd also like to add that the PF2 is built tough. I don't worry at all about hurting it.

 

[MatthewSB]

I loved almost everything about my Pygmy Falcons. Size was perfect, just enough for EDC or dayhikes and I love the exterior Nalgene pockets. What I didn't like was the open cell foam that goes against your back, it attracts dirt and leaves and twigs and stuff and can get really grimy then trap everything against the user's back. I also couldn't stand the cinch straps that went over the top of the 'pack, limiting access while buckled.

The ATS Cobra 2.5 and 2.6 are very similar in size, but have smooth faced backs and only have buckled straps on the side of the 'pack.