Customer Reviews

Maxpedition Monsoon Gearslinger, Black

5 star:		(28)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I love this bag - tough construction, low-profile, comfortable, and intuitive pocket design. I stand 6' tall and 175lbs, a fairly average male size I would say. This bag is definitely designed for larger people or for people wearing protective vests, etc. The bag doesn't sit quite high enough on my back with the straps fully tightened. A few passes with an industrial sewing machine solved the problem but that might not work for everyone.

If you're a smaller than average person you may have trouble getting the best fit with this bag. If the bag fits, however, you will love it. I took a risk with the price but I already think it was worth it.

I have been using this pack for about 9 months now, first for University and then over the summer for some outdoor adventures. It performs great for both, and still looks brand new. It fits some books and my macbook along with lunch and mac power supply/mouse for school, as well as a host of smaller everyday items. No issues there. Put the cell phone holder on the strap also. It's right there, and I can feel the vibration with the ringer off.

As for outdoor use, the Monsoon was ideal for a day trip to summit a mountain. Also hiking, mountain biking and just trekking around. The waist strap is invaluable for these activities. My camelback fit right inside, saving me hauling a Nalgene around. Hook and loop attachments route the camelback hose right to where you want it. Plus I got several interested compliments on the thing's appearance.

The concealed carry option is also a bonus. My Sig rides in it's pocket without issue. I got the holster and mag holders and they velcro right in there. The gun does not create an annoying lump that can be felt pressing into your back at all.

In all a great purchase. I have since purchased 3 other Maxpedition bags for rangebag use, computer use and camera use.

This Maxpedition back is not for those looking to carry alot, just what you need.
What I was looking for was a sling backpack. I was tired of having a regular pack that could slip off my shoulders or bounce off my shoulders if I sat or ran. (college student) Also the look of regular bags are all boring.
The sling is cushioned which is great.
PROS:
cool
Cushioned sling
Place for a camel pack
Straps are strudy
Rough, tough, weatherized material

Cons:
1 compartment! Main one but can hold surprisingly more than i thought.
For example, I could hold a math textbook, 4 regular books, Season of Sopranos package, 1 notebook all comfortably.
You could use it as a gym bag with shoes and clothes but shoes take up a lot of volume. Its because of the triangular shape that takes up some room.
It was a tad smaller than I thought it would be but when you use it it feels right. So don't be surprised at the small package its boxed.

All in all I love a tough, non-girlie backpack (not like those weird messenger bags, only Jack Bauer or other people who need it for those professions should use it) that looks cool,even paramilitary, but doesn't scream it.I got the khaki so it doesn't look too military. (black may be best to avoid uber military look)
I saw this bag at other sites for $160.

I recognize the quality of this bag is incredible. It should last a lifetime. I didn't like the organization, the awkward water bottle pocket, and the way it hung so low on my back even with the strap tightened all the way--that was the biggest issue I had. I am 6 feet, and not skinny or fat. So if you are really big and/or wear a lot of layers, it may fit better.

I had carried around cheap wal-mart and other brand backpacks for years, for school and everything else and up until the point when I had received my Maxpedition Monsoon gearslinger, the best bag I had is what came with my HP laptop! This bag is so much more than you'd ever need, if the size is right for what you use it for. I've used it for a couple of day-hikes/overnight hikes, and it has easily held all of my gear that I needed for the trips! The bag is spacious, tougher than hell and is fairly comfortable, even with it fully packed! Another friend of mine who I turned on to Maxpedition gear, recently had purchased one to use for carrying gear he normally wouldn't be able to carry on his motorcycle. He absolutely fell in love with the bag, and now uses it everyday! I would highly recommend this product to anyone who is looking for a tougher-than-nails bag, that is worth every penny!

As with all other Maxpedition products, this bag is tough, lightweight and really clever right out of the box. With the appropriate holsters (sold separately) it may be fully customized for all sorts of urban and/or outdoor activities in a way you don't really have to take it off your back to deploy most of its contents.

I can only think of two points for improvement. First, the sling is kindda long, so the bag will not fit as snug and as high as I'd like it to (I guess it may be solved with a bit of machine stitching). Second, for those who carry a concealed handgun, there`s a neat concealment system to be rigged close to your back, but I've found the openning to be placed in the side that allows for the slowest draw. I'd rather have fast access to my gun than to my water bag.

Minor setbacks, though. I love this slinger.

I had been searching for a backpack, specifically a gear-slinger and finally decided on the Maxpedition Monsoon. I gave my search all due diligence, but, having experience with previous Maxpedition purchases, I decided to go with the Monsoon. Maxpedition are proud of their products, which is reflected in the price. Maxpedition charges about $130 for the Monsoon on their website, but, thanks to Amazon, I was able to get the pack for $109, which is still a lot of money. One thing about Maxpedition products; they're spendy, but where the money goes is obvious. The quality of materials and construction is evident. I always get compliments on the pack.
If one looks at the product images, there is a cover flap that clips to the top of the pack. Undo the clip and the flap folds down to reveal a mesh pocket and compartment behind it. Both are secured by a single Velcro strap that can barely do it's job. The strap is supposed to secure both pockets and barely does. Maxpedition could of done better here. The second pocket (behind the mesh pocket) has an open top. My hands are sized large and cannot easily penetrate the top of that pocket. I literally have to force my hand past the opening to get to the contents. The fact that the pocket gets wider towards the bottom only exacerbates the problem. The cover flap, it must be mentioned, only covers these pockets, it doesn't seal them. So, if one is in the field, the pockets are subject to water and dust intrusion.
The sealed compartment is generous in size, but, if you're a neat freak or gadget person like myself, my recommendation is to get either a Monkey Administration Pack or a M-1 Waist-pack, or both (which I did). Both are the best thing since popcorn and solve the organization problem handily. Getting to the front sealed compartment can be a project. Some have said it's as simple as undoing the compression straps. That would be OK if it was that simple, but you do have to undo the front clip, undo the compression straps and undo the zippers. A little more involved than I would like. The top of the zippered flap does not terminate to completely seal this compartment either. While Maxpedition claims the top shield/flap is a plus, it's required if that compartment is to be water and dust free. The hydration compartment seals completely and has internal Velcro strips for various attachments.
On the positive side, there are a lot of nice touches. A hydration bladder and hose are nicely accommodated. The Nalgene pocket is generous in size so that most popular sized travel mugs will fit. The adjustable shoulder strap is well detailed with hydration hose straps, Molle attachments and two additional storage pockets. There is a storage pocket on the other side of the pack.
What I really like about this pack though, is the comfort at which you can carry a load. A reasonable weight can be carried for a reasonable distance without a lot of effort. All in all, the Monsoon is an OK backpack, great concept, mediocre execution and probably $50 bucks too expensive.

I was looking for the perfect bug out bag. Tough, usable, can withstand rain/snow, not giant or bulky, but not so small that I can't pack what I want.

Usability is awesome! When you sling it around to the front everything is right there to grab. It's made for right-handers, but as a lefty I think it's probably better since it sort of slings from the left.

The concealed carry option is great and I plan on buying the universal holster to go inside as well as the 3 magazine holder. For a bug out bag, and a daily bag, having built in concealed carry functionality is ideal. It's really the purpose of this bag. My only complaint is that the section meant for ccw is only accessible by your right hand reaching behind you and into the bag. I can deal with it since I shoot with both hands, but if you are a die hard lefty, well, still get this bag because you can't find anything that comes close to it for lefties.

All the little areas to store stuff are great as well, and the straps allow you to tighten down small loads so they won't shake when running, or expand and contain when overstuffed. Additional little straps are everywhere for adding modular storage.

I watched a few videos on Youtube before I bought it, and it was exactly what I was looking for. There was a lot of design and thought put into the hard use of this bag and it shows.

********************************UPDATE******************************:

Used this bag to travel recently, and it went through the Denver International airport with flying colors. I packed it for a 2 1/2 day trip, and I even had room left over for stuff my wife and daughter couldn't fit into their bags. I pack light.

The slinging function was very useful for pulling out ID, money, boarding passes, etc, etc, quickly. As opposed to a backpack that needs to be taken off whenever you want to do anything. It also allows you to sit down with it slung to the side, or on your lap, without having to take it off.

It withstood scanning belts, security checks, being thrown in cars, shuttles, overhead compartments, being sat on, stepped on, and spilled on. It resists all attempts to destroy it! I will use this every time I travel from now on.

I got it in black, and I think that was a wise choice. Camo versions would stick out like crazy, which if that's what you want then you go for it, but if you like to blend in with crowd get the black. Looking like a homegrown insurgent will earn you the "enhanced search" at the airport.

This bag is as tough as it looks. I use it for college and it holds up to the abuse well. It looks bigger than it is; It will fit a computer and a couple books, no more.

For me:
Pros: Tough construction, cool pads between me and the bag, plenty of storage for small stuff (pens, USB drives, snacks, iPod....)

Cons: Barely fits my 13 inch White Macbook. I wish the triangle shape was an inch wider at the top.

FInal Thought: I am satisfied with this bag. It is not perfect, but close.

I pre-ordered one of these when they first came out and wasn't disappointed. It was my first Maxpedition purchase, and I ended up buying a Rat wallet for the belt, and a (discontinued) pouch that was a Barnacle next to a sheath. I put that one on the side opposite the water bottle. If I had a criticism it would be that, the modularity is addicting! You'll probably end up with a few different Maxpedition pouches because they work so well together. I found it essential to have more small/mid size item storage for the bag. It doesn't have a lot of mid size compartments, though the belt zip pouch is great for your wallet, and there is a nice zipper pouch on the inside. The concealed hydration pocket is very handy. The water bottle holder is one of the main reasons I got the bag (and the waiststrapit REALLY takes the weight off my shoulder). I added a camera pouch to the front strap and it is so comfortable taking it out in that position. I have hiked for 5-6 hours and not felt any soreness, even with 12-15 pound loads. Also, the compression strap system and front flap is ingenious. You could actually use the two different sections of the compression straps (bottom, and sides) for carrying discrete loads in each area. Carrying a Frisbee is essential to me so this works perfectly secured behind the front flap. You can still fit the jacket, and yet attach a pocket to the flap as well. You can have so many different load outs with this pack. I stuff oranges, apples, water and heavy stuff inside the inner slip pocket. These weighty items end up riding perfectly on the small of my back, aided by the waistbelt which I wear snugly. The bag is very comfortable, though I have to tighten the shoulder strap nearly all the way. I use the waistbelt almost all the time, as there's usually more than a few pounds of gear, water, and food inside. When there aren't a lot of items inside I can cinch it down very small and tuck the waistbelt away. It looks spectacular. I got the black and I love it. I can even take it on business. I just bought an FR-1 for the inside and relocated the Rat to the FR-1. The Rat ended up getting in the way of my left arm when it was attached to the waistbelt. The Monsoon does not hold rectangular items as well as some other bags, but I found a Saunders slim case/clipboard that fits great and holds my essential music papers. You can stuff a surprising amount of gear in here with ease, and the teardrop shape drops the weight into the small of your back. When you need something, just loosen the shoulder strap and swing it around. It is an amazing design IMHO, very futuristic, and looks SICK!.