Some pack questions to you good folks.

S

SlackStatic

Joined
Nov 17, 2009
Messages
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So since this is definitely the best survival forum I frequent, and you guys definitely seem to like your maxpedition and tad gear bags, I have a question....

They look like some great bags, and I love cordura, but can I ask why are they so insanely expensive? The tad F.A.S.T lite speed bag. Perfect size for what I am looking for, but $240 for a 21 liter bag? Im not trying to be a pain, just would love some clarification.

Im a backpacker, slowly getting into survival who is being shipped over to iraq early next year, and I just dont get it.

I can get a goLite bag for 1/3 to a 1/4 the price of these bags. If you arent familiar with goLite, check em out, incredibly light, but woven with dyneema(google it) incredible strong yet very lightweight packs. However not quite what Im looking for, I just cant see dropping almost $300 for a pack I guess.

Thanks for any and all responses.
 
GoLite is a great gear but it's just that: Go lite. Max packs are heavy duty. I wouldn't want to use a Go Lite in extended adverse conditions. ABout the only thing Go Lite that we use and really like for survival applications is their mosquito nets.
 
Any pack/bag that has MOLLE webbing requires way more stitching (=time investment in construction) than the typical civilian backpack or bookbag. I'm sure there is a small premium for heavier and additional material, but the real cost is in the time of construction.
 
tho recently purchased and only used twice now for multiple day trips, i was able to find this pack for under $200 and free shipping.
http://milspecmonkey.com/weargear/packsbags/290-camelbak-trizip
think it might just be the pack i was looking for but need to spend more time with it. so far so good.

as fer the cost of quality equipment, well theres a long list(and lots of argument) of whys, and why so much stuff is no longer made in the usa and our demands as a society for quality goods at a "cheap" price and walmart and on and on and on, but that's probably better left to a more politically based forum.
 
Aside from the materials, they have to pay the workers that create the packs. I'm sure they also want to make a decent profit hence the expense. I do think some of the prices are ridiculous, but you can also consider that the packs won't fall apart within a few years (if ever).
 
I think the Maxpeditoin packs are fairly priced for what you get. But if you think about it, packs like those and other tactical styled packs have TONS of webbing/pockets/reinforced areas/straps... not to mention someone had to design these things, then market them, keep the lights on and the machines running, then make a profit.
 
If you go to an outfit like Duluth Pack, they also have bomb-proof gear, and it isn't overdone with MOLLE and pockets. But it's just as expensive. Quality costs, inflation increases those costs, you have to decide how you want to pay for good equipment: once for the best, or over and over again for cheaper gear that wears out.
 
It's not just limited to survival and go bags. Tamarac and Lowe pro camera bags bring a premium, and I'm sure you've seen the prices on high end Lowe Alpine, North Face, etc backpacks. One thing I've found, the price is almost always worth it in comfort, and durability. I've had cheap bags. Not having to worry about storm clouds is a big deal. It's a steep cost, but you do what you gotta do.
 
The Maxpedition Falcon II does everything I need a pack to do and I can always add extra pouches if need be.
 
js27mw11 said:
The Maxpedition Falcon II does everything I need a pack to do and I can always add extra pouches if need be.
Click to expand...

Funny you mention that pack, I almost bought it last night. My credit card seems to be maxed out at the moment due to buying people Christmas gifts...so when it came time to spend $100 on something for myself ..of course..DECLINED:foot:
 
I second the Falcon II, got one a couple of weeks ago, and can't wait till the weather turns for the better to get outside on the trails.

Having said that, you get what you pay for. I, like many here have had cheaper bags and gear. I have also bought replacements for them at least once, which negates any lower cost in my opinion. Maxpedition is my first choice for gear. I will try others if Maxped doesn't have a style or size of bag I am looking for, but hands down they have been the best for getting what I paid for. I can buy one and use it for literally years. Sometimes you need to try the cheaper stuff to appreciate the quality, and sometimes you pick up what you can afford and make do.
 
I like Maxpedition. I have the Pygmy and Condor. I like Kifaru better but they co$t 2 1/2 times as much. I would look at Rush 511 packs also they are priced pretty low also. But are suppose to be quality.
 
Maxpedition is worth it! I wouldn't give up my falcon II for anything. Also the water bottle holders are really great. Use as additions or on their own.
 
ok, if you are not looking specifically for "military" style pack, you might want to consider MEC (mountain equipment coop) - excellent packs at very good price point, or for extra tough and rugged - arcteryx packs. A bit expensive, but it is as tough as it gets including some waterproof packs you can drop in a water and it will work as dry bag.
 
Packs are one of those things that "you get what you pay for". The TAD packs are made in the USA and have a lot of extra stiching. Maxpedition and TAD both use the best materials you can get and will go through hell and back in 1 piece.
 
I like the maxpedition gear slingers or the fat boy versa pack. I've got the lunada, very sweet, someday might get the pigmy II (when the wife allows)
 
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