Which Gearslinger?

W

wildmike

Joined
Nov 17, 2007
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I'm lookig at picking up a maxpedition gearslinger soon. But am a bit stuck on which to get.

I'll be using it as a daily EDC bag as well as using it to carry a bit of a kit.

I think the Kodiak is a bit too big.

So it's down to the Sitka, Malaga and the Typhoon. The Typhoon isn't on Maxpeditions site any longer but is still showing up at some dealers.

Any word form folks with experience with these bags would be helpful.
 
I settled on the Malaga, not to big or too small. I didn't want to get caught short of space, this seems just right for my walkabouts.
 
I find with Maxped, due to their subdividing and hyper organization, it really helps to know what you're going to carry all the time, and how much extra space you want versus how much empty space you're willing to live with for your EDC.

I mean for EDC it's hard to imagine needing more than a Remora.
I don't see wanting to carry anything bigger than the Malaga as a one-strapper.
 
I have a line on a Typhoon. About 30% more space than a malaga but less than the kodiak. It is pretty much between the Malaga and the Typhoon at this point. At least as far as a single strap bag goes.

My other inclination is to get the Pygmy Falcon and turn it into a BOB concept.

I really like the convenience that the one strap system offers. But am also familiar with the problem with weight.
 
I'm likin it too. The Typhoon has greater capacity but it has to carry over the right shoulder. I like the sitkas ability to be moved around front, as well as the kodiak.

The ability to use the malaga ambidextrously is a plus. It can be customized more as well.
 
I love my Malaga! I've been EDCing it for a year now. :)

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Nice FortyTwoBlades. Any more details why you chose the Malaga and why you like it so much? What do you usually haul in it on a day hike? Does it ride securely when loaded while scrampling on those rocks and whatever?

The Malaga had captured my imagination, too. I like the ambidextrous strap idea, and knowing I can comfortably switch from shoulder to shoulder as needed. But then again, the Pygmy Falcon II has been on my mind, too. And honestly, I need neither. :mad:
 
I went with the Malaga because it was the biggest Gearslinger that I could wear left-shouldered, since I wanted to put my RC-3 on the strap for a comfy draw. Also, it's a fantastic base to build off of since it has SO many sections of PALS webbing. :)
 
42blades is that the 10x4 or the 12x5 bottle holder you have attached on the side?

The reason I'mlikin the Typhoon even though it is a right shoulder sling is because of the attachment points, and the bottom straps. Looks like the shoulder strap is also wider.
 
Love my Typhoon! Wouldnt trade it. Great bag, about the prefect size for me. My wife has a Monsoon and she loves it.
 
The Remora is absolutely fantastic for EDC. But if you want a little bigger, then the Malaga or Sitka... both are well designed, excellent packs.
The Monsoon and Typhoon, also both excellent, are a bit larger and have a more generalized layout.
 
I have some time with the Monsoon, love it but would prefer the strap to be a bit more narrow only because of riding a btn bike.
Sitka, a good friend has one and is pleased with it overall. This poor thing gets loaded to the hilt like it was full of expanding foam:D or like he stuffed a couch cushion in there, still he finds it good to go. On both I really like the stabilizing strap on them it does it's job t keep it needs to be. Hope it helps:thumbup:
 
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My concern with the Monsoon and the Kodiak is that with the capacity of either they would wind up loaded too heavy to be comfortably carried over a single strap.

I've come to the realization that one of these bags will be best for EDC use. Since I live in the PNW a BOB has to be able to carry winter gear and none of these bags will accomodate winter shelter equipment.

Whichever bag I choose will have to allow some good organization in one or two compartments for the carrying of a fairly comprehensive FAK for I often make use of it when doing outreach work on the river in the homeless camps.

Also needs to carry my regular survival stuff which right now rides in an old (and I mean 1960's web mil butt pack with a 2qt. canteen attached, carried over the shoulder with a utility strap.

That is why I was thinking of the Colosus originaly.

I like the Typhoon a lot. I like the ability to lash something to the bottom of it and the wide strap. Plus it has a fair amount of expansion ability.

The Malaga is able to be carried over either shoulder and has a lot of expansion area. Right now the choice is between these two, Not that that couldn't change.

My feeling is that if I go abve the 1000c.i. cpacity line I'd be better off with a pack such as the falcon ii or the pygmy falcon. Of these two I haven't been able to find much on the Pygmy Falcon ii as to how it is laid out. The pics on the MaxP website aren't very helpful on this one.
 
Well We'll see how this turns out. I just pulled the trigger on a khaki Typhoon from Botach.
 
wildmike said:
42blades is that the 10x4 or the 12x5 bottle holder you have attached on the side?

The reason I'mlikin the Typhoon even though it is a right shoulder sling is because of the attachment points, and the bottom straps. Looks like the shoulder strap is also wider.
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It's the 10x4. :)

I'm sure you'll love the Typhoon. Haven't gotten to play with one yet, but I've heard nothing but good things about it! I'd love to see a review once it gets to you. ;)
 
I'll do my best. One of the reasons I went ahead and ordered it is that maxpedition has discontinued that model. I wanted to get it before they disappear from the pipeline.

They seem to be nearly exactly the same size as the malaga. I think it will better serve my purposes as I plan to mount a FIGHT FAK pouch on the top of the right shoulder and it has a strap large enough to do so. I may mount a 12X5 Bottleholder on the other side. as well. I also like being able to mount things on the bottom.

Now to see if it works out.
 
Though the Typhoon has an integrated bottle pocket if I remember correctly. :)
 
Your thinkin of the Sitka or Kodiak they have bottle holders. The Typhoon will acomodate a 50 oz. hydration bladder though. I'll find some way to attach my 2qt. canteen to it.
 
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