Patrol Pack questoin

stalbot

stalbot

Joined
Sep 7, 2012
Messages
315
In the last month, I've worked a pile of overtime. So, I'm going to treat myself a couple of post-Christmas goodies: A BK2 and a new day pack. I've been looking at the Maxpedition stuff, but saw a reference to the Blackhawk Patrol Pack being remarkably similar to the Becker Patrol pack. As a result, I'm trying to decide between a Maxped Falcon II or the Blackhawk Patrol Pack. I know the guys with the different styles of packs are dedicated to them. I've never handled either, and have no place to get my hands on either of them. It's going to be used as a daypack, with potential for a single overnight stay. For longer ventures, I've got a Kelty Redwing 50 coming.

What do you love about your Falcon II? What do you love about your Blackhawk or Becker Patrol Packs?
 
I dont have a Falcon so I cant comment on it. The Becker Patrol pack is very well thought out its made really well. I like all the pockets makes it easy to get at stuff.
 
No, I haven't, Sig. I've been looking at a pile of packs here lately, trying to see what's going to meet my needs. I've seen the name, and I'm familiar with some of their products, but haven't spent a lot of time looking at Camelback. I like the expandability of bags with Molle straps. I guess if I were smart, I'd just spend $35 and get one of the Marine Molle packs. I've also been looking at Boyt's tactical bag.
 
So the low down on these two packs is this. Accessibility.

Falcon II is has the ability to open up clam shell like. Much easier to pack and find gear, especially for travel.
Patrol Pack is a souped up Alice pack with a main compartment that has a drawstring collar entry. Stuff things to the bottom. etc.

The Patrol pack will hold more the the falcon II but the falcon might be easier to organize and find stuff. Plus is has admin organization (pens, pad of paper, etc)

I hope this helps.
 
imho, do not give blackhawk any money.

maxpedition is nice

old mountain smith is nice

kifaru is nice
 
I didn't find the Falcon II overly comfortable. If there's around 15 lbs in it, no problem, but any more than that, it gets uncomfortable. YMMV. Some people have attached a Max Proteus waist pack to the bottom of it to relieve some of the shoulder weight. I tried this route, and didn't like it. I recently purchased a Kelty MAP 3500, and really like it. Admittedly, I haven't used it yet, but I can tell it's going to be a comfortable pack. It has torso length adjustments, and a really comfortable, and also removable waist belt. I believe it was designed for the Navy SEALS, without the tactical look. I opted for the ocean grey color, and am really happy with it. It's kind of a dark greenish color:

KELTY-MAP3500-ocean-01.jpg
 
I would also like to toss the Eberlestock Halftrack into the mix. I love it. There's a good YouTube review on it by Jawid's Buschraft.

The SpecOps T.H.E. Pack is solid, too. If you get creative with your search terms on a certain auction site, you can score a great deal, too.

I had the Eagle Becker Patrol Pack previously (and a Blackhawk version, too), and my biggest complaint is the torso size. The waist belt was above my belly button... Also, like panzertroop, I liked the outside pockets, but wasn't a huge fan of the main bucket area. I found myself digging a few times.

Hope that's helpful.
 
I've looked at the map 3500. It remains a viable contender. Thanks for the heads up on the spec ops gear. USA made, too! Warrior, how do you utilize the daisy chain on your Kelty? I'm still trying to figure out what purpose they serve. Just a lashing point, I guess?
 
stalbot said:
Warrior, how do you utilize the daisy chain on your Kelty? I'm still trying to figure out what purpose they serve. Just a lashing point, I guess?
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Daisy chains, are also called biner loops. It's to attach stuff using a carabiner. I have a biner attached to one of them, but haven't used it for anything yet. I had a small compass attached to it, just because it was already on a biner, but it wouldn't do me much good on my back, haha.
 
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I had the Maxpedition Falcon and gave it to my brother a few months ago. I really wish I hadn't done that. It is exceptionally well made and organized. I have had three packs since and am still looking for one that I like as much. I just pulled the trigger on a Camelbak HAWG so we'll see if that's the answer.

I'm 5'9" and weigh around 180-185lbs. I think Warrior is ogre sized. I've never met him but I saw a picture posted and I'd guess 6'3" 250lbs or bigger. So take that into consideration.
 
Well then I need to make sure I'm paying attention to Warrior even more. I'm 6'5" and better than 300. So I'm also a bit concerned about where a waist belt will ride on me.
 
After much, much consideration, I went with a Kelty Redwing 50 for an overnight bag. Found what I believed was a great deal on a new one. Then, for a day pack, I went with the Maxped Kodiak. Seems like the Gearslingers seem to work well for tall guys, from what I've seen on different forums. Because it's a daypack, there shouldn't be an issue regarding weight. And if I hate it, I can always sell it since Maxped stuff holds its value so well! Thanks for the advice from everybody!
 
rkmoore said:
I think Warrior is ogre sized. I've never met him but I saw a picture posted and I'd guess 6'3" 250lbs or bigger.
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6'2", 275 actually, but close.

Congrats on the new pack stalbot, I hope it serves you well.
 
The Warrior said:
6'2", 275 actually, but close.

Congrats on the new pack stalbot, I hope it serves you well.
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I'm callin' BS.

Illinois DMV has his height listed at 4'5" and 120lbs.

Midget status......

:D

Moose
 
Moosez45 said:
I'm callin' BS.

Illinois DMV has his height listed at 4'5" and 120lbs.

Midget status......

:D

Moose
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Nah, they mistakenly listed the stats for my Johnson on my license. Damn state, can't do anything right. :D
 
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