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Tyrkon Lawson

Tyrkon Lawson

Joined
Oct 31, 2003
Messages
8,583
Hey HOGS. My day pack finally gave up the ghost yesterday and with a trip coming up next week I need to get myself another one. I'd like to graba Karifu (sp?) but not ready to drop that much $$$ just yet. So I have been looking at the Maxpeditions. I like the look of the Pygmy Falcon II and the Condor II. I like how compact the Pygmy is but prefer the hydration system in the Condor II. It will also be my emergency bag in my car when at work. On trips I plan on carrying my NO-E on my side and then either attach my FFBM to the pack or just pack it inside.

What is the deal on the Maxpedition Slinger packs. One strap just seems like it would feel awkward. Any feedback, on these or other brand packs, would be great. I need to drop the hammer on one by tomorrow to make sure it gewts here in time. Thanks.
 
I think the new Pygmy Falcons are hydration compatible. The older ones just have pouches for Nalgene bottles. Someone correct me if I am wrong.
 
Maxpeditions do make a fine pack but do think you would be happier if your dropped the extra cash on a kifaru...Kifaru is by far the best packs I have ever own, I like them so much I have 3 different models. :thumbup:
 
I love my pygmy falcon. Here are pics of it setup. I have my FFBM attached with a teklok on the side.
 
Yeah, I love mine. Probably my favorite pack. I really stuffed a lot of things during this trip:
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But I believe the new model is set up for hydration. AZShamen bought one at blade on a great deal too. She may be able to verify the hydration set up...
 
The Pygmy Falcon II is not designed for a hydration bladder, but it can take one if you don't mind losing the space. The Falcon II IS designed to take a hydration bladder. So is the Condor II.
I like the Condor II better because it is wider and fits all the way across my back ( I have wide shoulders ). It is more comfortable to me.
The sling bags are grab and go bags, comfortable for a while, but I do not know about an all day hike with one fully packed.
 
Ty,

I might go with a Falcon II if you're also going to be using it as a car-pack. The reasoning is that if it stays in your car, the hydration pack might not be getting cleaned as much as it should be, and may even get the chance to grow some mold.

Get yourself a Pygmy II and a good Sigg water bottle or two, and you will have plenty of water with you. Then, if you want a dedicated hiking/camping pack, get yourself a bladder bag a little later.
 
ive got a pygmy falcon. i think i brought it to your house last summer. very well made, as are all max products i have owned.

i dont care for the 270 degree zipper, its great if you lie they pack on its back and need to open it all the way, and access the whole interior. but if your holding it or its hanging it has a tendecy to open up and dump all your stuff on the ground.

i would also like a hydration pouch.

ive been using a tadgear fast pack, pricey, but more versatile.
 
I got a new Pygmy Falcon at Blade and it has the pocket for a hydration bladder, which coincidentally just arrived today. :thumbup: Got some archaeology stuff coming up and can't wait to try this setup. The Maxpedition is built like a brick outhouse!! :D
 
from personal experience you cant go wrong with spec-ops brand t.h.e. pack, tho it might be a little big for what you're looking for. Blackhawk packs that I've seen always look like they can handle what you throw at them and my friend seems to like them. The only problem i see is that they arent made in america
 
I don't have any of the packs in the size range that you are looking at, but I can give you some general information about a few different brands.

I'm trying out a Blackhawk RAPTOR X1 right now and like it very much. It is a simple pack with few "features" which is a bit rare these days. If you like to accessorize, this is not the pack for you. And it's pretty large. A bit larger then the Maxpedition Vulture 2. Overall, it's built like a tank and I have no doubt that it will last for decades of regular use.

THE Pack from Spec Ops is an excellent pack. It is the smallest back pack that I currently have, but I'm a pretty big guy, so anything smaller sort of look ridiculous on me. Of the three, it is the lightest in weight but gives up nothing for durability. This is just the opposite of the RAPTOR pack. It has attachment points galore. It's a good useable layout but the hands down best feature is the yellow material that the line the inside with. It makes it very easy to find stuff in the bottom of the main compartment. I wish all bags had this. This one feature is worth the price of admission.

Last but not least is the Maxpedition Vulture 2. This remains my favorite bag. Built as well as the others and with a lot of thought obviously going into every last detail. This is the best example of a beautifully designed AND executed back pack. Again, larger then what you are looking for, but very manageable for just about anything. I take it with me to work, for day trips, to knife and gun shows and has been my primary travel bag since I got it. Stuffed with a weeks worth of cloths, it makes a great backrest sitting behind me on the motorcycle. It's both large enough to handle everything that I need to take yet small enough that I don't have to check bags when I fly.

Good luck in choosing. I find it easier to just buy one of each and try them all. :thumbup:
 
Tyrkon Lawson said:
Does anyone have any feedback on BlackHawk backpacks?
Click to expand...

I have a BlackHawk 3-day pack in OD - tough, one-dimensional pack, don't use it today, last used it for a laptop bag.

I love the ATS R.A.I.D pack, have a couple, one from the original EAGLE/Lightfighter run, and the new coyote brown one, here... RAID Pack in Coyote Brown.

I like the molle tabs, interior mesh pockets, outside slot pockets, and durability even AFTER you cut 1/2-way through one of the straps while drawing your RUCK from the pack in a hurry, while it's in the front of the truck (because the SNAKE is curled around the front axle, and REALLY needs to come OFF)... don't ask... :)

Still works as-is, carries 45-50 pounds as easy as I can carry it, and like the way it rides on my back - comfortable. :thumbup:

Pics show an add-on Kirafu claymore pouch, which I WILL do again for my other RAID. See side view for true view of pack size...

I seriously like how small it can be made, and how heavy a load you can carry with it if you choose... I know, I look like a hobo in the last pic from this weekend, but hey, I'm a well-armed hobo... :)

Good luck! :)

John


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MORIMOTOM said:
ive got a pygmy falcon. i think i brought it to your house last summer. very well made, as are all max products i have owned.

i dont care for the 270 degree zipper, its great if you lie they pack on its back and need to open it all the way, and access the whole interior. but if your holding it or its hanging it has a tendecy to open up and dump all your stuff on the ground.

i would also like a hydration pouch.

ive been using a tadgear fast pack, pricey, but more versatile.
Click to expand...

I could have used that zipper style at Blade! :eek: Would have been nice to have been able to zip that sucker open flat.

Oh Lupawolf! Next year is a Max year. :D
 
I like my Semper Paratus pack.

Got it via Brian (Okuden) a couple years ago at Blade.

Lots of attachment points, plenty of room.:cool:

And, made by one of our sheathmakers....:thumbup:
 
For those of you who use or have use the Pygmy... Where do you attach your big choppers. Obviously they can fit inside but if you wanted to strap it to the outside of the pach, like my FFBM, what method? Pics? Thanks guys. Very helpful.
 
The Pygmy Falcon is my favorite Day Pack. But then again I have not yet forked out the money for a Kifaru or TAD Gear pack yet ;) I like the maxpedition stuff because they are well made, well thought out, and affordable. :thumbup:
 
Ban said:
The Pygmy Falcon is my favorite Day Pack. But then again I have not yet forked out the money for a Kifaru or TAD Gear pack yet ;) I like the maxpedition stuff because they are well made, well thought out, and affordable. :thumbup:
Click to expand...

Which leaves more $$$ for the INFI! :D:thumbup:
 
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