Need a new EDC gear pack.

JD Mandrell

JD Mandrell

Joined
Apr 20, 2001
Messages
18,423
Looking for something about relatively small with 2 shoulder straps.

Lead contender so far is a Maxpedition Pygmy Falcon II, but open to any suggestions for something similar, with external attachment points.

The 5.11 RUSH 12 is also on the radar if anyone has used one?
 
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Take a look at the LL Bean Carryall Daypack. This is my EDC pack. I've moded it by having a shoemaker add 3 Fastex lash patches to the bag, 2 on the bottom and 1 on the center of the backpocket. I can put a small strobe flasher on the back patch and tie on a fleece, etc. with the bottom patches. Carries nicely and its very low profile.
 
I wanted a mid-sized pack that was rugged, hydration compatible, built to carry a load even though it wasn't a big pack, and having PALS webbing. Not sure how much overlap there is with what you are after, but sounds like there might be quite a bit.

I had a lot of advice on here (you can find the two posts) and I found that by most accounts cambelbak seemed to be of a little better quality than maxpedition. Camelbak didn't really have what I wanted, however, so I ended up going with the Eberlestock X2 (I may be off on the model number). It is a very well thought out pack with a ton of attention to detail. It carries weight very well and has top knotch construction. They always display the X2 in hunters camo, but you can get it in solid OD or earth color.

The other pack that I was considering was the ATS RAID I believe. Much more simple design but also very, very tough.

I can also say that the 5.11 is probably a great pack since I use some of their MOLLE pouches and find them to be of very good quality. Actually, the 5.11 vertical 6'' by 11'' pouch fits almost perfectly on the sides of my Eberlestock pack. Just hook it on the PALS webbing and you are ready to go.

Read my posts to see more info, including a more through review of the Eberlestock by me.
 
Kifaru E&E at a 1,000 cubes. External pouches are Skinny-mini, 1 liter bottle pouch, organizer, and others. I would definitely go with the shoulder strap upgrade, which is about $37 if I remember correctly.

TAD gear Litespeed at 1,300 cubes. The same external pouches available.

Source (of Israel). The USA distributor seems to have ceased.
 
Natchez shooters supply is having a crazy sale on eagle backpacks right now, Beckers for $75 and AIII for 45$. Both are great packs
 
Kifaru E&E as mentioned before, I haven't used a scout myself so I can't comment other than people seem very pleased with it from what I've read. I do live 20 minutes away from their offices, I should go play with one.
 
Bear Claw Chris Lappe said:
Looking for something about relatively small with 2 shoulder straps.

Lead contender so far is a Maxpedition Pygmy Falcon II, but open to any suggestions for something similar, with external attachment points.

The 5.11 RUSH 12 is also on the radar if anyone has used one?
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Do you really need a military/tactical type of pack? In my experience, dedicate mountain climbing/trekking packs are vastly superior in ergonomics and confort.
 
I use a Max pygmy Falcon II daily for the same purpose you are looking at. Love it! Small, but not too small to carry everything I need with room for more. Plus it has a small amount of molle so it doesn't scream tactical like so many others out there. Price tag isn't so bad either.
 
+1, on the Pygmy Falcon II. I love mine for EDC. My smaller EDC is a Maxpedition Lunada, with a 10x4 bottle holder on the side.:thumbup:
 
I really like the Camelbak M.U.L.E. for EDC and a hiking pack with a bladder in it. You could get a used camo one for around $40 on ebay. Otherwise they make the MULE in standard "civilian" colors ($60 new):

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I have found it to be a great pack. It is designed to hold a full-size water bladder which is great for hikes and can be removed to create a good map pocket. The 2 external pockets are surprisingly large. On the camo version, the top pocket has no dividers, while the bottom one has many. It looks like the "civilian" version has a different layout.

It is plenty big enough for a large first-aid kit, survival kit, pair of gloves, water bladder, small book, Ti cup, leatherman, etc. You can really pack a lot of gear into it, despite its size and streamlined profile.

It wears really well with: tons of padding on the back, a chest strap, and fold-up belt strap (which can also be used to lash a jacket, etc onto the back). You can tell they were designed with ergonomics in mind. Very-well thought-out and comfortable - even with a full bladder and tons of gear.


Check them out, they're great.
 
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I have a Rush 72 from 511, and a good friend has the Rush 24. Both are excellent in terms of fit, finish, and organization so I can't imagine the Rush 12 being any worse. As for the Kifaru Scout, I have had one for 3 years now and absolutely love it! Excellent ergos, tough as nails, comfortable, and made in the USA!. I have a friend with the Kifaru X-ray, and it seems a good pack as well, but I haven't worn it so can't comment from direct experience. You can't go wrong with Kifaru in any way, shape, or form though.
 
The Max Pygmy Falcon II would probably be a very good choice of what you're looking for. Very decent pac.
 
Definitely go for a Maxpedition. The Pygmy II is great.

REI Lookout is also great for a civvy option.
 
Bear claw, If you get a chance take a look at the new pack by Maxipedtion called the typhoon. It is a Malaga gearslinger but with shoudler straps
instead if just one strap to sling across your back.
It does have a couple smaller pouches on one side.
13" tall 9.5" wide and 4.5" deep. For smaller pack it sure likes one to look at.

Take care,

Bryan
 
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