Backpack question: Maxpedition, 5.11 or CamelBak??

C

ceylonc

Eberlestock Dealer
Commercial Supporter
Full Member
Minuteman
Jun 26, 2006
3,475
1
Memphis, TN
#1
Gentlemen,

It has been an honor & pleasure to work with each and every one of you who gave deltaoutdoorsman.com your business in 2010. The membership here is second to none when it comes to personal integrity & passion for all things snipershide related. So far you've given me the opportunity to build my business around Eberlestock backpacks and custom pricing on all things hunting & shooting related. For 2011, I'm looking to grow deltaoutdoorsman.com into some new product lines and extend into the hunting/tactical accessory markets. I'm also looking to evolve a little and am hoping to get some opinions here for some new products I'm looking to add to the inventory.

I'm still going to focus on & specialize in Eberlestock tactical packs but they, in some ways, ignore a pricepoint & user application that a lot of us would find useful when it comes to backpacks. This has led me to research some other companies products that could fill another backpacking niche: tactical packs <span style="font-style: italic">without</span> an integrated scabbard. There are 3 companies in particular that I am considering for addition to the deltaoutdoorsman.com catalog. They are:

--<span style="font-style: italic"><span style="font-weight: bold">CamelBak</span></span>;
--<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">5.11 Tactical</span></span>;
--<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">Maxpedition</span></span>;

Here's where I have a question for the membership... Yes, I've done a search here on all three companies & products that could give me some insight into the product quality, respective layouts of the packs, etc. I got some good info but would like some new info from those of you who are currently running these companies packs. <span style="font-style: italic">Also, am I missing any company that should be added to this list?</span> I want to offer great quality, a manufacturer that supports their products, and a product that meshes well with our applications in the tactical shooting realm.

Part of what I do before I add a product to the deltaoutdoorsman.com inventory is buy a few items for demo/evaluation. Yes, this costs me money but it does give me the opportunity to speak with some knowledge when you have a question about the features, comparisions between other packs, etc. I am thinking that I'll only add one, maybe two, of the companies above. Any help, advice & testimonials you could provide will greatly help in me offering products that <span style="font-weight: bold">YOU</span> want to use.

Thanks for reading & being willing to help out a snipershide vendor. It really is an honor & pleasure to be here and I hope to have the opportunity to help you pursue your shooting passions with great, affordable equipment in 2011.

Ceylon Blackwell
deltaoutdoorsman.com
 
#4
Re: Backpack question: Maxpedition, 5.11 or CamelBak??

We were issued the Motherload from our EOD Company. Although it was iserabe for an EOD specific backpack I did use it for almost every other aplication imaginable. It was my go to bag. I always kept it loaded with some necesities to get buy. The only problem I had with it and I have the problem with all camelbaks is the bite valve. Even with the on/off switch in the off position it still leaks all over my left side. I have changed out bladders and valves and even tried pushing air back into the tube to try to aleviate pressure on the valve but no joy there.

I had the 5.11 Rush 72 and that thing is a beast as well. The problem I had with that is it was so big and roomie that it was easy to over load and it got miserably heavy. Ounces Equal Pounds, Pounds equal pain. SO I sold that to a friend and got a backpack designed for our EOD Company that was tailored towards EOD operations.

I havent tried the Maxpedition but I do know they make some quality products.

Hope this helps.
 
#5
Re: Backpack question: Maxpedition, 5.11 or CamelBak??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: drmarc</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've had a Camelbak Motherload pack for many years and it has withstood a good amount of abuse. Good stuff in my opinion. </div></div>

+1 on the Camelbak products. I have had a Camelbak BFM (outfitted with various mfgs aftermarket pouches) that I have had for many years now and it has held up to heavy use and trips all over hell's half acre. Despite not looking great any more (dirt/crud/a little fading here and there/etc.), all the seams, all the zippers, straps, etc. are all still 100%.

I have also had excellent luck with various Maxpedition products including the pouches, a briefcase, and their weapons cases. I have not had the opportunity to use any of their packs or larger gear bags, but I wouldn't hesitate to do so based on my experiences with their other products.
 
#6
Re: Backpack question: Maxpedition, 5.11 or CamelBak??

There is a store out here that can custom design anything you want. Packs, chest rigs, pouches, ect ect. I know we dont advertise here but if you are interested send me a PM. And sorry Mods if this post is out of line. If so please let e know and delete. Not trying to ruffle feathers.
 
#8
Re: Backpack question: Maxpedition, 5.11 or CamelBak??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: boom2336</div><div class="ubbcode-body">There is a store out here that can custom design anything you want. Packs, chest rigs, pouches, ect ect. I know we dont advertise here but if you are interested send me a PM. And sorry Mods if this post is out of line. If so please let e know and delete. Not trying to ruffle feathers. </div></div>
There is also site sponsors who can do the same so if you are a member of this site then try to support the local sponsors.
 
#9
Re: Backpack question: Maxpedition, 5.11 or CamelBak??

Some great help guys. Much appreciated!

It's looking like I need to give a hard look at adding Camelbak. Do they have any packs in particular I should consider? It appears that the BFM & Motherlode are popular. Are there any others in their lineup I need to evaluate?

I am currently doing some T&E on two Maxpedition packs: the Condor II and Falcon II. I like the layout & construction quality of the Condor II. Does anybody know how these packs compare to that being offered by 5.11? I may just have to order a few of their packs but would like some opinions here first...

Thanks again!
 
#11
Re: Backpack question: Maxpedition, 5.11 or CamelBak??

I have used a Maxpedition Pygmy Falcon II for the past two years. Great size for a day of shooting, either at a competition or just practicing at the range. Big enough to carry what you need, not too big where you could fill it with unnecessary crap.
 
#12
Re: Backpack question: Maxpedition, 5.11 or CamelBak??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ORD</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: drmarc</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've had a Camelbak Motherload pack for many years and it has withstood a good amount of abuse. Good stuff in my opinion. </div></div>

+1 on the Camelbak products. I have had a Camelbak BFM (outfitted with various mfgs aftermarket pouches) that I have had for many years now and it has held up to heavy use and trips all over hell's half acre. Despite not looking great any more (dirt/crud/a little fading here and there/etc.), all the seams, all the zippers, straps, etc. are all still 100%.

</div></div>

Same experience with the Camelbak BFM. Been all over everywhere and keeps on ticking all seams and zippers are in order. Add the H.A.W.G (I think is the model) to the list. It has been really useful when I just needed a few things.
 
#13
Re: Backpack question: Maxpedition, 5.11 or CamelBak??

i personally do not htink you can go wrong with any of your choices...
if possible, why not offer all of 'em?

you have aquired a good name, due to your customer relations...not sure what is "behind the scenes" but if possible...you won't go wrong with any of them...imo, ymmv
wink.gif
 
#15
Re: Backpack question: Maxpedition, 5.11 or CamelBak??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 91xlt</div><div class="ubbcode-body">i personally do not htink you can go wrong with any of your choices...
if possible, why not offer all of 'em?

you have aquired a good name, due to your customer relations...not sure what is "behind the scenes" but if possible...you won't go wrong with any of them...imo, ymmv
wink.gif
</div></div>

Methinks that he needs a $5,000 minimum order (or more) to qualify as a dealer.

Loss of cash flow (with that $$ waiting for buyers) tends to make SMART retailers go slower.

That is my WAG.

Also, another Plug for Ceylon, great guy to work with.

BMT
 
#16
Re: Backpack question: Maxpedition, 5.11 or CamelBak??

I had a first gen motherlode (aka motherlode-100) and it was a well made pack for sure.

I ended up selling it due to wanting something a bit bigger, but I can say that I enjoyed it while I had it.

Camelback would be an excellent product line to offer.

maxped is well made but not really my flavor. ymmv.

no experience with 5.11 bags.
 
#17
Re: Backpack question: Maxpedition, 5.11 or CamelBak??

ceylon
I have both of them, the Condor II and the Falcon II. I must say that the quality is top notch. In fact, I also have a few other bags and what not from Maxpedition. I definitely recommend them.

BTW, I should have gone with the Phantom instead of the Gunslinger II. Need a bit more room.
 
#18
Re: Backpack question: Maxpedition, 5.11 or CamelBak??

I have had a Camelbak "Motherlode" fo almost ten years. I have used it almost everyday, both overseas and at home. It has been through quite a bit and is still in very good shape. I was given a Maxpedition bugout bag by a friend that was going home. I started using it as my bug out bag. It is very well made and I can't say anything bad about it. It looks new, I have had it for a little over a year. I think my friend used it for a year before that. I have owned more Camelbak's and for general use, I like their designs better than Maxpedition, but both companies make a quality set of kit.
 
#19
Re: Backpack question: Maxpedition, 5.11 or CamelBak??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ceylonc</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Gentlemen,

It has been an honor & pleasure to work with each and every one of you who gave deltaoutdoorsman.com your business in 2010. The membership here is second to none when it comes to personal integrity & passion for all things snipershide related. So far you've given me the opportunity to build my business around Eberlestock backpacks and custom pricing on all things hunting & shooting related. For 2011, I'm looking to grow deltaoutdoorsman.com into some new product lines and extend into the hunting/tactical accessory markets. I'm also looking to evolve a little and am hoping to get some opinions here for some new products I'm looking to add to the inventory.

I'm still going to focus on & specialize in Eberlestock tactical packs but they, in some ways, ignore a pricepoint & user application that a lot of us would find useful when it comes to backpacks. This has led me to research some other companies products that could fill another backpacking niche: tactical packs <span style="font-style: italic">without</span> an integrated scabbard. There are 3 companies in particular that I am considering for addition to the deltaoutdoorsman.com catalog. They are:

--<span style="font-style: italic"><span style="font-weight: bold">CamelBak</span></span>;
--<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">5.11 Tactical</span></span>;
--<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">Maxpedition</span></span>;

Here's where I have a question for the membership... Yes, I've done a search here on all three companies & products that could give me some insight into the product quality, respective layouts of the packs, etc. I got some good info but would like some new info from those of you who are currently running these companies packs. <span style="font-style: italic">Also, am I missing any company that should be added to this list?</span> I want to offer great quality, a manufacturer that supports their products, and a product that meshes well with our applications in the tactical shooting realm.

Part of what I do before I add a product to the deltaoutdoorsman.com inventory is buy a few items for demo/evaluation. Yes, this costs me money but it does give me the opportunity to speak with some knowledge when you have a question about the features, comparisions between other packs, etc. I am thinking that I'll only add one, maybe two, of the companies above. Any help, advice & testimonials you could provide will greatly help in me offering products that <span style="font-weight: bold">YOU</span> want to use.

Thanks for reading & being willing to help out a snipershide vendor. It really is an honor & pleasure to be here and I hope to have the opportunity to help you pursue your shooting passions with great, affordable equipment in 2011.

Ceylon Blackwell
deltaoutdoorsman.com </div></div>

I would bring in the company that gives the best terms. Most these days are 30 31 with percent, unless your bizz is rocking the doors. If it is, pay up front, get the discount and work it hard for better terms, terms can make or break it. I would ask for 60 61 5%. I worked with my local rep, he has to feed his family too to get the best terms; 45 days 5% but free shipping to Alaska and that was huge. I also had 90 days at 7% and couple 120 with 10% and special pricing.

Any of them price fixed, if so I would not bring them in.

When I did this, I could always get a sample free to test, I know their comp money with many companies is nill or gone. Hopefully each company has a local rep that will work for you, not you work for him to pad his bank and get you terms. Most reps work off 8% so see if he will bite into that to help you first then work up from there. A good rep helps with problems that are not your fault but being you are the retail side you get all the blame. Credit for returns or do you eat the product for customer service.

5.11 seems to always run some sort of deals at no cost to you so consider them ask about that. Who if any offers free advertising dollars for you.

I have had great success with 5.11 and Camlebak both consumer and business side. Look at camo, moves the quickest and anything multicam has few age days, browns also have few age days, then OD and unless your market dictates different, black these days is a very slow mover.

Good luck
 
#20
Re: Backpack question: Maxpedition, 5.11 or CamelBak??

Thanks so much for the help & advice guys! It is much appreciated & valued as a guy trying to find more products that folks HERE want and need.

I've pretty much settled on CamelBak as a new line and am leaning strongly on Maxpedition. Really liking the Condor II & have been impressed so far with the company from a communication & servicing standpoint. I'm waiting on a call back from the 5.11 rep in my area (spoke with him once, appears to be easy going & professional). If I can get him to give me some favorable terms then I'll probably give their Rush 24 & 72 packs a try in the 1st quarter of 2011.

More ideas, advice & suggestions are much appreciated. Am I missing any other companies or similiar product lines that should be considered for 2011? While it would be nice to be the next Cabelas or Midway from an inventory/selection standpoint, I'm pretty sure that would be a one way ticket to going broke. I am a conservative, slow, managed growth kind of guy & want to focus on serving the membership here first & foremost.

Thanks again!
 
#21
Re: Backpack question: Maxpedition, 5.11 or CamelBak??

Comparing the Motherload to the Rush 72 by 5.11 I noticed one major difference. The design of the Motherloads shoulder straps were not very comfortable while wearing a FSBE or Eagle Plate carrier with plates in.The straps pretty much come off at a perpendicular angle and I often found the should straps pushing in on my neck. Not a big issue some say, but when loaded down with gear, weapons, and everything else every bit of comfort goes a long way.

The Rush 72's straps are angled out just a little bit and fit very comfortable while wearing body armor. The Rush 24's straps are the same design. Infact the 24 and 72 are almost identicle. The 72's main pouch is a little bit larger and it has the extra compartment sewn to the front with adjustable straps holding it to the main pouch. This design sorta creates a marsupial pouch. It is good if you have something you want to throw in your pack but dont want it in the main compartment. I often threw my metal detector in this spot. It was easy to get in and out and was fairly secure.
 
#22
Re: Backpack question: Maxpedition, 5.11 or CamelBak??

Ok, just an update for those who may be looking at picking up a pack in the future. After speaking with the respective reps for CamelBak, 5.11, and Maxpedition, I've been able to work a deal where I can bring in <span style="font-weight: bold">ALL</span> of them for 2011! Actually, I'll have limited availability starting this Monday (12/13/10) on their products with full catalog starting at the first of the year. Here are the products that I can get in the near term:
--<span style="color: #3333FF">5.11</span>: <span style="font-style: italic">Rush 72 pack </span>in Flat Dark Earth & Black;
--<span style="color: #3333FF">CamelBak</span>: <span style="font-style: italic">BFM 100 </span>in Black; <span style="font-style: italic">BFM 500 </span>in Digital Woodland Camo, Digital Desert Camo, Army Universal Camo & Foliage Green, <span style="font-style: italic">Motherlode 100 </span>in Multicam; and the <span style="font-style: italic">Hawg 500</span> in Multicam, Foliage Green, and Digital Woodland;
--<span style="color: #3333FF">Maxpedition</span>: FULL LINE, including the <span style="font-style: italic">Condor II</span>, <span style="font-style: italic">Fatboy Versipack</span>, <span style="font-style: italic">Falcon II</span>, and <span style="font-style: italic">Vulture II</span>;

Again, I want to thank those of you who were willing to contribute & tell me what you want me to add to the lineup.
 
#24
Re: Backpack question: Maxpedition, 5.11 or CamelBak??

maxpedition stuff is serious hard use bags. I have a jumbo fatboy versa pack I have been using daily for almost two years and its just now starting to soften up. the nylon fabric is very thick heavy ballistic weight stuff and takes forever to break in, but it holds its shape and doesnt wear out seams.

I also have several of their small pouches and everyone is built as strong as the larger packs. I have been using a Falcon II backpack for the past year hauling ammo to the range, four or five times a month and it still looks new and the fabric is still stiff and the seams still strong. This stuff really wears like steel.
I have yet to buy a maxpedition product that hasnt impressed me.
It works.
 
#25
Re: Backpack question: Maxpedition, 5.11 or CamelBak??

hey mate.

I'm not sure who makes these guys gear but im 90% sure its thier own brand, I got put onto it by a guy in the Paras who said that it was top noch gear (reason being, i have another mate in 3RAR and we were going to gift him a chest rig).

it's called Sord. might be worth a look in.

http://www.sordaustralia.com/index.php
 
#26
Re: Backpack question: Maxpedition, 5.11 or CamelBak??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: NYresq</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have been using a Falcon II backpack for the past year hauling ammo to the range, four or five times a month ...</div></div>

I got mine about 7 months ago now and use it for hauling range gear and ammo, then to shoot off of. Still shows almost as new.
 
#27
Re: Backpack question: Maxpedition, 5.11 or CamelBak??

Go with camelback for Backpacks, and maxpedition for duffle type bags. Spec-Ops- THE PACK is good, but too small(use this as a range bag).

For Maxpedition I have the DOPPELDUFFEL Adventure Bag, which actually does have backpack straps. I mainly use this for dive gear. Maxpedition's actual backpacks are more tacticool and too small with too many stupid pockets and I can't stand the stupid bags with one strap.

Camelback makes some of the most comfortable backpacks. Go with these!
 
#28
Re: Backpack question: Maxpedition, 5.11 or CamelBak??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: magic647</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Go with camelback for Backpacks, and maxpedition for duffle type bags. Spec-Ops- THE PACK is good, but too small(use this as a range bag).

For Maxpedition I have the DOPPELDUFFEL Adventure Bag, which actually does have backpack straps. I mainly use this for dive gear. Maxpedition's actual backpacks are more tacticool and too small with too many stupid pockets and I can't stand the stupid bags with one strap.

Camelback makes some of the most comfortable backpacks. Go with these! </div></div>
Great advice! Thanks for sharing.

I've been busy the last week or so trying to bring this product line (ie--Assault-style packs) to fruition on deltaoutdoorsman.com. I THINK I've pulled off a nice coup by orchestrating the addition of the following companies for 2011. The fact that I've been able to get each company on board (in spite of my "little guy" status in the outdoor products world) speaks volumes for the esteem this website & membership is held in the hunting/tactical/shooting community. Being able to tell each company that I service the 'Hide community helped a lot with getting some return calls & credibility. Here's what I currently have in store for 2011, along with my current relationship with Eberlestock and Blacks Creek:

--CamelBak: full line dealer, should have 4 different pack models by this time next week;
--Maxpedition: full line availability, all backpack models available NOW & ready for order/shipment!;
--5.11 Tactical: full line dealer, starting with the nylon lineup first. The RUSH 24 & 72 Packs should be available for order/shipment by this time next week;
--Spec/OPS: pack only dealer for the time being. Want to see how this line does for me. T.H.E. Pack currently available for immediate order/shipment;

The addition of this product catagory (assault packs) should compliment well my current lineup, which will continue to be anchored by Eberlestock Tactical Hunting packs (especially the Gunslinger II, Phantom, and G4 Operator) and Blacks Creek (hunting packs). One problem I forsee having is the lack of time to demo/evaluate in the field these new packs. Should anybody be willing to try one of these out & give me feedback, feel free to get in touch and I'll let you know about my demo program. There's no obligation to buy the product. All I ask is for an honest, unbiased demo/review of the pack's strengths, weaknesses, etc. by a pre-determined review date. From there you can decide whether you want to buy or return it to me.

If anybody thinks I'm missing a pack, brand, or product that would work well within my lineup, PLEASE get in touch! I value the opinions of all members here & would appreciate any advice you'd be willing to provide.

Thanks again for reading this thread.
Ceylon
 
#31
Re: Backpack question: Maxpedition, 5.11 or CamelBak??

I use the Camelbak Ranger XT for short day hunts for small game (squirrels) and predators. This pack is great and in my preferred camo pattern (Realtree AP). Not too big, not too small.

I've used the Maxpedition Monsoon Gearslinger as my everyday/day trip pack for a few months and really dig it. It holds a ton, hydration compatible, uses sling (as opposed to straps) for rapid entry in to the bag.

When I want to carry I will use a 5.11 Select Carry Slingpack which integrates a holster on the cross strap that goes over the chest (which can also be removed and used as a fanny pack). It fits a full size 1911 and, in my experience, because of the hot tabs is quicker to draw than from a concealed holster. The pack is designed to throw in some submachine gun, but I just put my junk in there.
 
#32
Re: Backpack question: Maxpedition, 5.11 or CamelBak??

ceylonc:

I have had the Falcon II for a while and I love it. Glad to see you are carrying the Maxpedition line. For anyone out there in need of packs etc. do not hesitate to go with Ceylonc, he is A+
 
#33
Re: Backpack question: Maxpedition, 5.11 or CamelBak??

I have 3 5.11's and they have made it through hunting season with flying colors.
Very impressed with them.
I'm also a big fan of the Blackhawk 3 day pack made out of RipStop (lightweight version)
It's very light and seems to be holding up well.
 
#34
Re: Backpack question: Maxpedition, 5.11 or CamelBak??

I too have used the CB Motherload and loved it. Recently grabbed a 5.11 bag, can't remember the model, but I like the molle straps all over my Motherload which allowed for more customization. the 5.11 is nice but has pouches set on it and doesn't allow to move or remove pouches.
 
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