Which Pack/Bag?

E

ErikD

Joined
Dec 5, 2000
Messages
1,875
I am looking to get a pack or bag of some type to carry with me for work. I am working in IT doing mostly new computer installs, builds, and moves for financial companies. It is fairly important that it is nothing to tactical looking, and fit in easily enough in an office. Also I would like something durable that will take daily travel and use for a decent amount of time.

At the moment I am thinking of stocking up with a basic tool kit, a flashlight or two, and probably a knife just in case. I would also like enough room to carry around a book or magazine as I travel to and from work, and possibly paperwork. A seperate compartment for my pocket PC would be nice as well.

My first thought was a Maxpedition Fatboy. I have a few problems with it though, I am not sure it would be large enough to easily fit a full sized book or magazine. Not necessarily a deal breaker, just a thought. Also I am not crazy about the carry configuration.

I think I would probably prefer something more like a typical briefcase or laptop bag. For that reason the Maxpedition MPB looks pretty appealing to me. It would even allow me to carry around my laptop if I felt like it.

Any other options I should be looking into? I would really like to keep it under $100 if possible.
 
REI has some bags similar to backpacks but about 30% smaller, its what i use, totally non-tactical looking, several colors available, pockets on inside/outside, ~$20, works for me anyway.
 
Hmm that bag from Tumi looks pretty good. I would really like something with some internal organization/compartments though. Ideally I would have like one large main compartment for whatever books or papers I need, and a slightly smaller one for my tool kit. Then also some smaller pockets for holding small things like my pocket PC, iPod, etc.

Thanks
 
The Tumi has one small zippered pocket on the flap, one pocket with pen slots, card slots and a main compartment under the flap, one main zippered space with a mesh pocket (zippered) on the back, and an open back pocket which covers pretty much the whole back side of the bag. You can fit a 12" PB in the back pocket, but the top edge is only covered on one side.
 
Erik- I have a Maxpedition MPB, and it is awesome. I was so impressed by the materials and construction that I purchased Baby Condor and Vulture backpacks shortly afterwards. I also have a Thermite Versipack, but I'm not into the man-purse thing so it is delegated to gun cleaning supplies in my patrol car. I have various other Maxpedition pouches, holsters, sheaths, etc., and they will continue to get my business as my needs arise.

That said, the MPB will force you to get organized. every pouch has two or three pockets, and just about every pocket has a divider or six. The bag comes with a removable universal holster and elastic triple magazine/ flashlight holder, each of which attaches via velcro inside the main compartment. Its a nice, discreet way to carry concealed. I don't really see it as looking too tactical, and they are now offering it in tan rather than the "tactical" black. My Vulture is tan, Baby Condor and Thermite are black. The tan looks very sharp, and hides dirt better than black. All of my Maxpedition bags and packs are built like brick Sh**houses.

Some other Maxpedition options are the old Blackbear computer bag, which is no longer made but can still be found online for $60. It is smaller than the MPB- sized to hold a laptop in the main compartment, has a full size flat pocket on one side, then three small vertical pouches and one horizontal pouch on the other side- no pouches on the ends. If you haven't already looked on the website, the Maxpedition gearslingers are basically small backpacks with one diagonal shoulder strap. Also, if you can wait a while, Maxpedition should be announcing two new "Tactical Attache's" in February. Think of an MPB with one side covered in pouches rather than the full-size zip open side compartment. One will be sized for 15" laptops, the other for 17".

To divide up the laptop, tool kit (I don't know how large it is) flashlights, knives, etc., I'd guess that the MPB would offer the most organization out of Maxpedition's current offerings. The great thing about their products, however, is that if you buy a pack, fill it, and have a piece of gear left over (or add gear later) you can always attach any number of modular pouches later on to accomodate your gear.

Austin
 
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