Thoughts on maxpedition kodiak and other gearsling

[NY700]

Hey guys I'm lothing left in the car, king for a good pack that I can use as a bug out bag or something left in the car or a good overnight bag or extended hiking bag. I've used messenger bags for work as my briefcase for years so the one strap sling seemed like a good idea but I waswondering what people thought in the real world on hikes with that style of bag. I was also looking at a ILBE setup with an assault pack thinking I could use the asault pack as a go bag and then when I go camping and on4 or 5 day back packing trips I could always run the whole setup. What are your thoughts.
Thanks

 

[Snakum]

Re: Thoughts on maxpedition kodiak and other gearsling

I haven't tried the Gearslingers, but I run a 5.11 MOAB 10 attached to my ruck, that I can release (attached with 5.11 hardware) and carry as a day pack or use in classes for materials and personal items. The MOAB 10 rides very well and has a reversible strap (left or right side sling).

If the MaxP sling bags are as good as the MOAB it's a helluva piece of kit. Very versatile. I have a MaxP Proteus 'B Bag' that carries my IV and crich supplies in the field so I know MaxP is well made stuff.

 

[AMindMelded]

Re: Thoughts on maxpedition kodiak and other gearsling

I own the Maxpedition Kodiak but I haven't used it in that sort of fashion. Personally its not something I would want to make heavy simply because of the single strap (I prefer to have a normal 2 shoulder strap backpack if i'm loading up). Don't get me wrong, its made of very durable nylon and i'm sure it could manage. It comes with a diagonal strap that snaps into the shoulder strap to make things more stable.
I'm sure you've looked into these since you're mentioning them but with the gearslingers you're also able to swing the pack from back to chest (and the pockets are designed to be reached from this angle as well).
Its a good pack and seems plenty big for an overnight stay and theres enough little slots and compartments to keep things organized

 

[SniperCJ]

Re: Thoughts on maxpedition kodiak and other gearsling

I think if you hike over uneven terrain youre going to develop a hitch in your geddyup. The uneven pressure on one side is going to cause youre core muscles to try to even things out and youre going to be hurting in short order.

 

[Charger442]

Re: Thoughts on maxpedition kodiak and other gearsling

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SniperCJ</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I think if you hike over uneven terrain youre going to develop a hitch in your geddyup. The uneven pressure on one side is going to cause youre core muscles to try to even things out and youre going to be hurting in short order. </div></div>

This is actually true. i had a sitka gearlinger i used for about 3 years as my main hunting guide pack. really liked it for its cool features but i ran out of space quick with cold weather gear and rain gear in there together. longer hikes i would get cramping in pain in my neck nad back from the over-compenstation with one strap. i recently ordered a Falcon II and really am excited to test it out. its got twice the space and the two strap system is better imo if you are actually going to be humping around in it. I do keep that pack in my truck all the time as a go-anywhere day bag with my skinning knives, gloves, binos, rags, ammo, flashlights, etc. Maxpedition is well made stuff and my heavily used Sitka still looks flawless after years of use.

 

[Luke]

Re: Thoughts on maxpedition kodiak and other gearsling

Single straps are alright for light duty walking around, but if you're going to do any amount of distance, double straps are the only way to go. There are tons of different bags that could fill the niche nicely: Blackhawk, Eagle, Kifaru, Condor, TAG, Camelbak, etc.

If you do want a small, single strap bag, in addition to a larger pack, my wife just bought me a UTG Tactical Messenger Bag (i.e. chinese Maxpedition clone) and for $30 it's pretty decent quality. I'll be using it as an EDC/New Dad diaper bag.