Question about Maxpedition Packs

[Idaho Jarhead]

I would like to purchase a Maxpedition pack but want to make sure I get it right the first time. I am looking at either the Condor II or the Falcon II. What I am looking for is a pack roughly the size of a larger daypack. I plan on EDC'ing the pack, but would also like to use it for hunting and day hikes.

If there are suggestions better than either of these options I am open to that. Not intersted in those sling packs they have cause I like two straps. I don't want anything with a laptop pocket, but a hydration bladder pocket would be fine.

Thanks!

 

[Infi-del]

I think the Condor is gonna suit you size wise. I EDC a Vulture II and it's perfect for me. Little smaller than your average 3 day pack. But big enough for all my gear. You gotta be aware that maxpedition makes small packs anyway. So even their largest (Vulture II) isn't HUGE. The Condor is smaller than the vulture so I would say it will be a medium day pack. And for short hikes it would work good. I will say they aren't great for hunting because they are noisey. The stiff material in Maxpeditions makes a lot of crinkling noises when you're walking. Not great when you're trying to sneak up on something. My buddy went with a Spec-Ops "The PacK" for hunting because the material is softer and doesn't make as much noise. And the Spec Ops stuff is high quality. Not sure which would last longer or be more durable. My guess is the maxpedition has an edge in the durability department. But the Spec Ops is fine quality and will last a long long time. Plus the Spec Ops has that high visability yellow interior that I would think would make it a great hunting pack.

Now if you're wanting to so serious hikes or climbs you will want to consider a pack with more support than a maxpedition or other military type pack. You'll want to go with something like a Kelty, Eberlestock, or even Kifaru that has more adjustment and load support. I would not suggest hiking for 6 days in a Maxpedition pack. You might begin to regret it.

 

[Idaho Jarhead]

Thanks Infi-del. I don't intend to use it for longer hikes; I've got a Kelty for that. The majority of the use will be packing my crap back and forth to work and for day excursions on the weekends. I'll check out Spec-Ops though; thanks for the idea.

 

[Infi-del]

Thanks Infi-del. I don't intend to use it for longer hikes; I've got a Kelty for that. The majority of the use will be packing my crap back and forth to work and for day excursions on the weekends. I'll check out Spec-Ops though; thanks for the idea.

Do consider the Vulture II also. I don't know how big of a guy you are but I found it to be the perfect size for a day pack. For me a day pack means 24 hours. Which means if need be I can carry all my regular stuff and still have room for change of clothes and razor/tooth brush and all that jazz and not have to jam it in there. The Condor looks like a sweet pack. But for a full 24 hour trip for me it would be just a tad small. The way I see it... if my daily load is 15 to 20 pounds... that isn't gonna change no matter how big the pack is (as long as we're not talking about a huge pack that weighs 10 pounds by itself) so having a little extra room adds no real appreciable weight in most cases. And if you pack smart your gear won't get lost in the extra space. And having the extra room if you need it comes in real handy if you need to carry more. An EDC pack needs to be expandable IMHO for your out of the ordinary day. Like say you need to take a heavy rain jacket that day but you don't need to wear it right now. Or maybe you and your girl will be going out later and so maybe you wanna take a blanket or extra jacket for her. A pack that can only carry your regular EDC gear and nothing more may be left wanting on the unusual day.

In my Vulture II I also bought the Maxpedtion "Neat Freak" organizer to slip into the secondary compartment. It keeps all my small items neatly tucked away and accessable. And the main compartment is free for water bottles, jackets, and what have you. I also attached two medical pouches on the sides. They have deviders and elastic loops inside so I can store things like energy bars, sun glasses, gum, and other crap you might need within arms reach. Spec Ops makes a decent copy of the neat freak called the "Pack Rat". It's good two, but the Maxpedition is a little better though out in it's design and you can pack more stuff in it and still keep it all organized. The Vulture II along with the Neat Freak make my life a lot easier day to day. I wished Maxpedition would make a Vulture II with a Neat Freak sewn on the front instead of that usless little horizontal zipper flap pouch. I never use it for anything than just tossing my carry gun in there or something.

I also attached a Maxpedition OCTA Versapack on the front of the pack. It's their fanny pack. Great for small odds and ends.

Just some ideas from a guy still searching for the "Perfect" EDC bag and I've spent a lot of money and time trying to get it right.