Versipacks?

Sufler

Sufler

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Oct 15, 2005
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I'd appreciate any commentary on Maxpedition's Versipacks. Are they really any good or is it just hyped up a bit? I was looking at getting the Jumbo EDC to keep in the trunk for some basic gear. At the same time, their Pygmy II backpack would carry more and probably carry more comfortable seeing that it's an actual backpack distributing weight evenly.

I guess I'm just trying to understand the usability of the versipack design - help me out.

Thanks.

:thumbup:
 
I tried to like the JV and Sitka I had but came to the conclusion that a small backpack is the best for me.
One strap packs overload easily and don't carry well when they are.

I'd go with Pygmy II if you like it.
 
I have a versipack and it works great for carrying smaller loads (very small). I use mine as a diaper bag for short outings. It's not much for carrying any clothing. I do like the CC pocket though, which the pygmy doesn't have. I would probably go with the Pygmy.
 
mmcc100 said:
I have a versipack and it works great for carrying smaller loads (very small). I use mine as a diaper bag for short outings. It's not much for carrying any clothing. I do like the CC pocket though, which the pygmy doesn't have. I would probably go with the Pygmy.
Click to expand...

Yeah - a full stainless Nalgene bottle - that's a chunk of weight... plus gear in the bag itself - that shoulder strap across the chest wouldn't feel too great. I already own the Pygmy II and learned to like Maxpedition's materials used - figured I'd venture into some of their other products. Verispacks seem to very popular, but I can't help but think it would jumble all around when hiking (jumping a stream for example) and such.

Thanks.
 
I like Versipacks for around town or touristy kind of stuff. On the trail, I prefer a proper backpack both to distribute the weight more evenly but also to keep it close to my body with a hip belt and sternum strap.
 
I EDC the Jumbo versipack. I call it my purse. It holds my wallet, gun, pad and pen, and other assorted junk in it... like my micro grappling hook. It's mostly just from the house to the car, and through the grocery store, etc. I don't think it particularly lends itself to hikes or all day affairs. In the summer I keep a full Kleen Kanteen in it. (insulated one.) but I wouldn't want to carry it for hours at a time loaded up. I consider it well worth the money for what I use it for and it seems to be the correct size to carry everything I want but small enough to keep me from overloading it. I also keep a separate bag in the car with things like first aid kit, emergency blankets, spare ammo, flashlights etc. For the car I use a Maxpedition Falcon II. I use the car bag for hiking...although I think I would like the Pygmy Falcon better because of the integrated bottle carriers.

My main reason for the Jumbo is the gun. I carry it with me but at work it needs to stay in the car. Before the Jumbo, it was put the gun on in the house, forget to take it off until I got to work, take it off in the parking lot, leave work, come home, and occasionally realize at night that my gun was still in the car. NOT GOOD!

Grizz
 
I have personally found out that messenger bags work out the greatest, unless you are gear head that has to haul all sorts of gadgets around. The problem with versipacks (except for the largest ones) is that they usually don't have space to carry stuff that you pick up as you go.
 
My question is very similar. I have some Maxpedition Falcon-II backpacks that are packed for those "special emergencies", but would be a little over the top to take on a day hike/walk/excursion. I was thinking along the same lines as to getting something like the Thermite Versipack, Fatboy, etc. to toss a "few" items in for that "just in case" scenario that seems to follow me . . . :)
Any experience, comments, & advice will be greatly appreciated.
Be safe.
 
The Pygmy Falcon II is a great pack. I've had mine for several years and it works great for hiking, hunting and around town, very versatile bag.
I get tempted occasionally to get one of Maxpeditions single strap designs but always decide against it. They're probably fine for around town but the design seems inadequate for the trail.
 
I keep a Jumbo Versipack in the trunk as a get home bag--the couple times I've tried it on the trail I didn't like it--threw my balance off too much.

I like it in the trunk to keep usefull items together--but if I was going EDC- I think I'd go with a traditional pack.
 
I have one (Jumbo Versipack) that I use for short hikes. It's good, but I think that with the exception of the CC option and the handy water bottle tote, I'd opt for a standard pack next time. After an hour or so the single shoulder strap starts to get a little irritating. Very high quality materials though, and lots of pockets for gadgets, snacks, knives, first aid, binoculars, etc.
 
The Vpacks are super convenient. They can become a problem if you're carrying a lot of weight. Anything more than 20lbs really needs to go in a backpack IMHO. But if you're daily gear stays under that then you'll find the Vpacks to be a great piece of gear. I own several and each one has it's own use. The one I find I use the most is my Mongo. I can get it on my person securely one handed (Which cannot be said for a backpack) and there is a lot of unused space in it which is good should I need to put something extra in it like a lap top or jacket or something I picked up at the store. My EDC gear weighs about 15lbs and it carries well. I usually find myself slinging the Vpack to the rear and carrying it like a butt pack. But it quickly slings around to the side or front of my body to give me access to any gear I need. My chick is in a wheel chair so it's nice to have a bag I can put on with one hand, and wear like a butt pack while I'm pushing her in her chair. Makes movie night a lot easier. And with the extra space I can put her items in their as well, like her cell phone, pill box, and water bottle. Plus, for the gun carrying side of it... I have yet to find a CCW backpack that draws as quickly and easily as a Vpack CCW pouch. If you keep your weapon in your back pack it's gonna be hard to get to. 90% of the time I carry IWB with leather so it doesn't matter. But there are times (like when I'm in my gym shorts coming from or going to the gym) when I carry in my Vpack. It's a nice option to have. I try not to carry full time in my Vpack because the general wisdom is that if you get jumped... your bag is the first thing they're taking... along with your gun.
 
Look into investing in a Maxpedition Neat Freak organizer too for either the Jumbo or Mongo Vpacks. I find it sits perfectly in the main compartment and keeps all your little things organized. I know that's a bag in a bag... but that's how I role LOL.
 
I really like carrying my EDC versipack, I use it for taking to work and church since it hold my bible perfectly then I can also carry my sunglasses and water into church and not have to keep them in the car and have both hands free to shake hands and give hugs as people at my church often do. I also carry a Leatherman, SUrefire E2DL and some mechanix gloves and also a RAT Izula. The Versipack design for me is a great design because I really do not have the pack on me for that long, usually from inside the house to the car and then the car to work or church and then vice versa, I am always getting complements on the bag from people at work and at church, it's pretty cool. Also the velcro on the main flap is great for my subdued Texas flag patch and also the pocket on the flap carries a micro fiber sunglass bag and a write in the rain note pad and a fisher space pen.
 
Go over to the EDC forums and there are guys over there that are pros at carrying gear. And Maxpedition is popular over there.
 
I carry a fat boy everyday. It is great for keeping all your stuff together. It isn't much on a camping trip and I much prefer a backpack but just for hauling your crap around everyday, it's great. I have also used it out at the lake when I'm fishing and moving around a lot. It hold a couple of those plastic lure boxes easily with a few extra accessories.
 
Is your intended use city or country? If city it screams "Tactical!" "Likely full of expensive gear like guns or cameras!".

Is this the message you are trying to portray? If not, I'd go with something a bit more urban.
 
Another plus is that you can sit down while wearing it. Can't do that with a backpack... or at least not comfortably. You can just sling it around to your lap or side.
 
I EDC a Jumbo because I have to rotate between 3 offices. I use it for CCW and for a number of BOB type items. Too much weight and too far to go, such as a long dayhike, go with a backpack. Ive EDC,ed this one for 3 years and it still looks new even after several washings. Tuff equipment. Get the black or tan one. Looks less tactical.--KV
 
It's great for a day in the park, at the fair, etc. I've used it in the woods, and it can get tiresome if overloaded. But for a day's use, especially in the city with CCW, it's perfect. I'm one of those type who is not trying to make a statement, and I couldn't care less if it screams tactical or not. It's just plain handy.
 
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