Which backpack would you choose and why?

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yacoub

Joined
Nov 18, 2006
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I like what I see from Maxpedition but am uncertain which of these would be most appropriate as a BOB, and don't know of any stores nearby that sell them where I could check them out firsthand. Any thoughts?

condor-2
falcon-2
vulture-2

http://www.maxpedition.com/product/catalog_backpack.htm

I also looked at 5.11 Tactical but their offerings were more oriented towards LEOs, including a nice range bag that doesn't look like it would have much alternative-use practicality.

Ideally something with a good amount of space to include a change of clothes would be ideal. The most likely bug-out scenario I foresee would be coming home to grab the bag with the basics already in it, stuff in some clothes, toss it on my back, grab more items with my free hands, possibly a couple more trips time-permitting to load up the car, and heading out by car.

I like the organization a professional outdoor bag like the Maxps offer, especially for keeping everything organized, with a nice big storage compartment (where a CamelBak would go) that could be alternatively used for holding clothes or a blanket and some extra food items.
I also like the expansion options such as the ability to clip/secure addtional smaller Maxp add-ons such as sheaths to the outside of their backpacks.

Any alternative suggestions are welcome as well.
 
falcon II , I used it for gobblers recently, 3 to 4 day pack , just love it!
you can load and mount all kind of goodies for different purposes. light, but tough! under a 5 day trip this is what you want. buy the HD omega bladder works best.:thumbup:
turkeyCellarFlood012.jpg

jules
 
that REI looks interesting but they don't show many views of it aside from exterior. Do any shops carry their wares so I can see it in person? Maybe BassPro or Dick's Sporting Goods or similar?
 
I have both the Vulture II and Condor II. While the Vulture is more compartmentalized with the large body and 2 small pockets I figure this for a day or 2 pack. I added 2 USGI Canteen pouches to the lower PAL's webbing.

I like the 2810 CI space of the Condor II better and I plan to have 2 vertical side bags made 6x14x3.5 which will get be around 600 additional CI's of space.

I alos have a Proteus Waist pack that can be piggy backed onto either pack for antion 275 CI's of very compartmented space.

In addition I added a small M2 Waist Pack the the waist strap to carry FRS Radio, folding knive, compass, matches, pencil, Surefire flash light and I forget what else.

For a 1st Aid kit I have an M5 Waist Pack stuffed full and seperated by the individual compartments.

For the difference in price I would get hte larger pack as you can always pack less but you aren't ever going to get more into the smaller pack.

Karsten
 
i am a big fan of osprey and camelbak backpacks.... both companies have several different styles to choose from...:D
 
Of these packs I really like the Condor 2 it seems well organized and i like the modular nature of these packs they allow for adding pouches or a gi canteen cup and stove combo.

In a less tactical vein Check out the Mountainsmith maveric. Its top compartment becomes a but pack allowing you to break down your pack even further if need be for short trips to get water etc.

wwww.campmor.com

they only have it in blue but i have seen it in a green/grey combo
 
It's funny how many pack concepts are thought of as BOBs here.

I guess I am extreme. I use my Kelty Red Cloud 6650 internal. Yep, it's bright red, but I can make it tactical with my pack cover.

With my rig, one can tailor the weight of the load up or down, and I really have to work at running out of room.

I like being able to carry enough stuff that no matter what the variable weather in Oregon is doing, I can just grab the prepped bag and run for the hills or go on an impromptu camping trip.
 
If you can afford it Kifaru has no equal IMHO.

That said you MUST!!!! test test test it in the store for fit and comfort under load as everyone is different and no one pack is for everyone.

Skam
 
http://www.rei.com/map/store
yacoub said:
that REI looks interesting but they don't show many views of it aside from exterior. Do any shops carry their wares so I can see it in person? Maybe BassPro or Dick's Sporting Goods or similar?
Click to expand...

Nope. Its made specifically for REI stores. I don't know where your at but they have them all over the place. Check the locator in the link above! : )
 
I had the Cheaper Than Dirt Mil-Spec brand Max Falcon-2 knock off pack. I felt the Mil-Spec pack was very well built for the money. Like the Falcon-2, it is very compartmentalized and allows for a lot of organization - for mostly small stuff. I used the pack for about a year and tried it out for different applications. The organizational level was great, but I found it to be too small for my needs. So I gave it away.

I have always gravitated towards packs that have some sort of flap (shovel pocket, etc.) that will accommodate a mulitude different types of overflow items (rain gear, tent, wood) if needed. My current front line pack for day trips, hauling things to the office, etc. is a Camelbak Honcho.
Honcho01.jpg

It has 2 decent sized compartments, and offers organization for smaller things, too. This is designed as a ski/boarding pack, and I did buy it with my ski adventures in mind. I can keep my standard luxury-laiden emergency kit in the Honcho and still have room for snacks, lunch, and a portable CD player (part of my 'lunch at the office' survival kit!)

Of the Maxpedition packs, I guess I would lean towards the Vulture-2. Remember, you can usually make a larger pack smaller by cinching it down, but it is difficult to make a smaller pack larger. Choose wisely if this will be your only pack for a while. If finances allow, try to acquire a few packs over time, and vary sizes by about 700-1000 ci. That way you'll always have the right pack for whatever situation.

Sorry if I went overboard on this topic. I admit, I am a pack-aholic. My wife says it is a disease.
 
Love the looks and features of that REI for an EDC or hiking or travelling pack. I'll have to try one on to see how it fits, but it looks very well thought out. I'm currently using an Arc'Teryx in that role, very old now but still holding up great. But I have to admit, if the REI's suspension is as good as the Arc'Teryx's, and is as comfortable, it looks like the REI's features are more advanced.

yacoub, you would truly only be using this pack as a BOB? If so, I'd definitely go with the largest one, which is the Vulture. If you were going to use this as a do-all EDC/hiking pack, I'd warn you away from tactical packs in general, there is not a single one of them that can hold a candle to the best sporting packs in that role. But strictly as a BOB, my preference would be the order from largest to smallest -- vulture, condor, falcon. That, of course, is strictly for the role I envision a BOB pack to play, yours may be different.

hikeeba's suggestion of the cheap knockoff is an interesting suggestion. The knockoffs won't hold up as well. But ... does it really make sense to spend all that money on a Max, given that in its role as a BOB there's a chance it will never be used, ever? I'm against spending money on exact clones just on principle, I personally won't support thieves. But I do believe hikeeba's idea of going with a less expensive pack has merit, if the sole intended use is as a BOB.
 
I'm starting to consider getting a daily-use, well-organized bag (something like this http://maxpedition.com/product/product_ta_operator.htm or this cheaper option but without laptop carry ability http://countycomm.com/sagebob.htm ) and then a separate item (probably something much cheaper) for pure BOB use to supplement the daily-use bag and to carry objects like a blanket, clothes, etc - things not carried daily plus bulky items.
Something with large-item capacity like this, only preferably cheaper and backpack style: http://countycomm.com/72HRBAG.htm
 
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