Maxpedition, Tad Gear, Spec Ops - Help with pack selection

diversionmary · Sep 10, 2007

I'm looking to get a new 3 day backpack. I'm going to Mexico for a few weeks and hunting in the sierras as well. When done with these two things the pack I get will be BOB'd and stuck in my trunk to replace a smaller bag.

I've been looking at the Maxpedition Falcon II and pygmy Falcon II, the Condor and vulture,
TAD gear F.A.S.T. Pack Alpha,
and various bags from Kifaru, Spec ops etc.

I'd like to spend <$150 if possible. I've kinda settled on the Falcon II, and I am planning on driving to SF to check it out @ TAD gear, but I'm open to suggestions.

I searched through the forums and it seems like Maxpedition was having warranty problems, is that still true?

ironraven · Sep 10, 2007

AFAIK, the TAD Alpha Pack is made by Maxped. TAD has some interesting looking gear, but the markup they've had in the past has ensured I'm not a customer. *shrugs*

Maxped makes good stuff. Almost to the point of being overbuilt. I haven't found a pack of theirs I like.

I own a THE Pack. It's held up beautifully, I've had it for a couple years and you can barely tell it has been used. My only grumble was the placement of the sternum strap, and that was fixed in a couple minutes with a seam ripper. With the addition of some side pouches for water bottles, it has completely retired my old ALICE pack except for winter camping when I know it is going to be below zero.

Haze · Sep 11, 2007

Iv had 2 fast pack alphas from TAD (Mk1 and Mk2), bothe excellent packs. Only the Mk1 was maxpedition made. The Mk2 is much lighter built but is a better pack IMO and has some really handy and clever fetures.
I see they now have a Mk3 fast pack out, id concider one but i am having issues with being ignored by TAD customer service just now so im not rushing back to them any time soon.

kr1 · Sep 11, 2007

I have the pygmy falcon II as well as other items made by Maxpedition. They are top quality. The pygmy falcon II is probably a little small for multiday camping though. I haven't seen the falcon II so I don't know if it is large enough for 3 day camping. Obvously a lot of that depends on how and what you pack. I can verify how well made everything I have gotten from them is. Like has been said by ironraven, it is practically overbuilt. But I like that.

KR

Hammer27 · Sep 11, 2007

Maxpedition gear is built well but nothing the have appeals to me.The falcon II looks excellent. TAD gear has good stuff but the price isn't really justified in light of other manufacturers out there IMHO. Kifaru is expensive as well but you are definitely getting the best. Spec-Ops is good, not really revolutionary or unique but still good. For some really good, in depth reviews, check out militarymorons.com. There are a ton of packs there and a lot of pictures so you can really get the idea of the gear.

TEXASTACTICAL · Sep 12, 2007

Check out the Camelbak Talon. I love my Talon!

Me and my Talon on the border.

Me and my Son at the "Window"

culpritish · Sep 12, 2007

I don't owm a Kifaru, Tad gear, or Spec Ops pack, can't say one way or the other about them. I can tell you that Maxpedition packs are exceedingly well built, over built as some have said. I wont deny that, either; I've had mine for about two and a half years now, carried it every day to work and on more than one excursion, and it's still in great shape. The price, compared to the other brands mentioned, is generally lower.

mckrob · Sep 12, 2007

I have a Spec Ops T.H.E. pack (from http://www.brigadequartermasters.com) and it is one of the best made packs I have ever laid my hands on. My only beef with it is that I have a stocky 52" chest and the chest strap is up around my neck level (too close to the top of the shoulder straps in my opinion), other than that it is great! I really like the simple three compartment layout...