Customer Reviews

Maxpedition Jumbo Versipack

5 star:		(43)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

11-14-11

Update before reading my original review: This pack just gets better and better the more I use and understand its wonderful benefits. I am sooo glad I went with the green and khaki colored pack because it looks great in the woods and doesn't look like a man purse. I can go into the woods or into a supermarket and it looks apropos in both places.

I purchased the khaki-colored American flag that sticks directly on the front of the flap, via Velcro. It looks great and it carries great. Lastly, I did order a snap that fastens to the strap with Velcro. It holds a tremendous amount of weight, but I use it mostly to hook my camera strap into for safety, placing my camera in the pouch. The strap makes it easy to quickly pull out the camera and take pictures. I have fastened heavy objects to this snap to carry electronics, flashlights, etc., and it was no strain at all.

Don't delay, this is the pack - just right in size for most of us. Not too big and not too small. An everyday, every-man/woman pack.

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First, if you do any kind of hiking or trailing where you need hydration, this is the pack you want. I can fit a 32 oz bottle easily into the pack, as well a fill it with a ton of things. In fact, you can get it so full that it is noticeable on your shoulder. What to do? Unsnap the Velcro shoulder pad and move it forward to rest on your shoulder better. Also, there is a buckle placed such that the Velcro straps can go on each side of it so that it stays in place. I was a little concerned when I first put it on because it didn't hit my shoulder at all. When I realized I could unzip the Velcro and move the placement of the pad - presto! Instant joy.

I am currently carrying this full, as well as a backpack with approximately 12 to 15 lbs of weight to do training for a thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail next year. This pack sits low on my side and back and doesn't interfer with my backpack. I really want to take it out on the trail with me so when I purchase my thru-hike bag I will take this with me to see how all fits together and shoot for what works best.

Regarding color - I am very glad I didn't get the flashy colored packs - though they are very nice. I opted for the green/khaki. It is perfect for outdoors - blends in very well with all the green and dirt around and doesn't stand out as something out of a women's department. It looks perfect on my side with my hiking poles and backpack. I ordered the American Khaki flag to stick on the front - just peel the Velcro off and stick it right to the front of the bag, because I wear a schmag (scarf issued to Special forces) ordering a Desert colored one via Amazon. In fact, I ordered several to match this pack and I would never go hiking or backpacking again without one. I can't tell you how many uses it comes in handy for, but if you do decide to get one - take into consideration the color of your pack.

One last thing - there is a lot of places to stick things in this pack - including a conceal carry weapon for those who have a permit or it is state accepted. This pack would be the smallest I would use for that. However, for electronic digital equipment, headphones, MP3, Android, keys, wallet, water, peanut-butter and jelly sandwich - this is absolutely the bag you want. After wearing it one week you will wonder how you ever did without it, and it is outstandingly made with quality materials that will only get softer the more you use it. I don't think I will ever have to replace this pack - but I will have to get one for my spouse! #:D

Update: The more I use this pack the more I love it. One interesting fact. When I first received it I thought the shoulder padding was not in the right place because I was trying to wear the back on my side. I was wrong. After wearing it I realized that the back slips around behind my back and rides against my upper hips. I felt a little sheepish, but did want to share. It is easy to pull around to your side when you need to get to things in it.

This is a much better pack than the smaller one that does not have a place to carry a water bottle, for me anyway, because I do a lot of hiking on Mt. San Jacinto (over 10,000 feet high) and the water bottle carrier is a godsend. Also, I now like to take my pack most places with me, even Starbucks to get coffee, because I carry two digital cameras and a digital recorder, not counting power bars, knives, and on and on.... Living in California I have come to the conclusion that if their is an earthquake that might bring down the freeway overpass I want my back in the back of the car to 1. provide power bars and water, and charged digital cameras to record everything I experience. Also a few extra charged batteries for your smart phone are a good idea, as well. The smaller pack without the water holder would have not worked near as well. Also, if you don't think you need the water for just going out, you can put other things in it.

Lastly, I carry a small pair of high quality binoculars. There are so many things in this world to see, especially in nature, that we just pass by. It helps to have a small digital Sony recorder to go along with recording, then taking photos to share with others with sound once you have enjoyed the view.

Good luck and you can't go wrong with this pack for day hikes and everyday going out. The more I use mine the more I like it. I have the yellow tactical - it goes great in the desert. Also get a Shemagh of the same color to cover your head, keep dust out, be a sun block, throw rocks with - you get the picture. Here is a link to those on Amazon:

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This is a very well constructed bag. The strap is very comfortable, and you can cram a surprising amount of gear into it. I've carried this bag a good bit, and it's easy wear and use. The water bottle holder is well-thought-out, and very nice to have.

I have three relatively minor gripes with it:
1. The storm collar on the main compartment can make it tough to get stuff in and out of the bag
2. The bag is just a little too small for me. It can hold my IBM X40 and a few extras, but that's about it.
3. A handle on the top would be nice.

If you think you may need a slightly larger bag, be sure to take a look at the Maxpedition Gearslingers.

Great product, EXTREMELY well put together. I would make one change...add a handle so that you could lift more easily with your right hand and carry that way when you wish.

My first experience with Maxpedition - these guys build a quality product!

Made in Taiwan with heavy fabric, nylon buckles, much velcro and dubious attachment points, this bag and Maxpedition's other products promise military ruggedness with everyday practicality. The bag works well for day hikes with heavy camera and basic survival gear, if the bag's substantial weight is not an issue. Unfortunately, the bag is only as good as its weakest link and in this case the sewn-in buckles break with normal use. Because they are difficult to replace and not covered by warranty, the bag is basically a throwaway. Unless your objective is to carry a pistol, there are better designed and supported bags available. Note that this review was deleted from the manufacturer's site where they feature over 50 reviews that are, not surprisingly, all positive.

This was my first Maxpedition purchase. I have since purchased three other bags for different uses. This one is still my favorite of the bunch, it's just an awesome all purpose bag. I keep it in my car filled with various every day carry items, and use it frequently for day hikes. It's just the right size for EDC, quick to access while on the move. The bottle holder can hold a 40oz Klean Kanteen or a 32oz Nalgeen bottle. The main compartment includes a compression system that can be folded out of the way. And the main clip lets you cinch everything down tight and compact.

I have seen some reviewers complain about Maxpedition bags being too 'stiff'. My response - you must not be using it very much. These bags are made from high quality nylon. They are just about indestructible, and yes, they are going to need some breaking in. None of my bags suffer from this problem, least of all this one, which I have had for over a year. And not a single loose seam or even a pulled thread.

If you want a versatile, tough bag that will withstand a lifetime of abuse, you can't go wrong with Maxpedition. If you want something lighter and softer, go with any of the various cheap bags you will find on Amazon. You get what you pay for.

Maxpedition makes high quality gear that, although useful to military types, is not specifically designed for them.

This bag, for example, has pouches that work perfectly for a water bottle, eye glasses/goggles, digital camera and a concealed carry holster. The main compartment is an expandable water-proof bag. The straps are generous in size and the bag is padded where it touches your side/leg.

Perfect for a day at the park with the kids or at the range with friends and family. Makes an excellent GO bag for the trunk or home. The ultimate man purse.

I had spent 22yrs in the military, mainly in Ranger's, S.F. and Spec-Op units. I retired in the late '90s and am currently Pres/CEO of a Security Contracting company, with our Head Quarter's in S.E. Asia. We fill contract's from W.Africa, S.Asia and to the Pac-Rim. I personally use many of the "Maxpedition" products, as do the Operator's working with me. I'd also like to say that many Foreign police, security/CT unit's as well as their Military, and OUR's (Army,Marine,Navy,AF,etc.), usually Spec-Op's type's but not entirely, in "OIF", GWOT, & Afghanistan use many of the "Item's" offered due to their rugged construction and the versatility they offer. A soldier can use one of these to carry additional amunition, ration's, water, a 2d hand-gun in those designed for the covert placement of the Velcro attached "Holster", "Magazine's" and other Item's they offer. Many of their Product's have a "purpose-made", & concealed compartment for this purpose. "Maxpedition" does offer some "item's" for this; what we've found is that the "5.11 Tacical Series",[www.5.11.com], of clothing has a "BBS"(Back-up Belt System) for their clothing, and these are made with the "HOOK" side of Velcro attached. And, as the "Maxpedition" concealed compartment's are lined with the "LOOP" material, just the "5.11" item's offer TEN(10) different pouches, light-holder's, ecetera. ONE(1) of their "Waist" item's even offer's a internal pouch to fit a "CamelBack" 50oz./1.5 ltr. bladder, while the larger "Pack's" offer compartment's for a 100oz./3 liter "Bladder".
Some believe these are "over-priced", but you get what you pay-for. I have some of their "Items" that are well-over 14+yrs. old, and I still use them as needed. I have ONLY had to have ONE item repaired, and that was my fault. I slid down a granite slab for about 25 feet, pushing the "Max." pack under me to lessen abrasion, which it did, but damaging some "seam-to-rock" portion's, rather than my flesh. A local Shoe-Repair Shop made the needed repair's in about 10mins. That was NINE(9)yrs. ago and I just returned from Afghanistan on the THREE(3) month contract, carrying it the ENTIRE time, with NO worries of any problem's. Choose from their Selection "carefully" and you WILL be happy with something you can DEPEND on! I would pay "DOUBLE" for something that I knew would last FIFTEEN(15)+yrs, rather than pay less, & replace it multiple-time's. Happy Travelling!

I recently purchased this for primarily two reasons, one being; I was going to have a shoulder reconstruction that would impede movement on my left side, and I needed a better way to carry and access everything from one side, as well as alleviating garment pocket usage as much as possible, the second reason being I treated myself to a nice large frame, full sized, automatic .40 cal pistol, and wanted a means to conceal carry without the extra load on my person and having to worry about dressing to conceal a weapon and 2 mags.

Pro.s

Nice EDC bag, plenty of space, pockets for organization, attach points, and potential versatility with optional pouches available.
Seems to be very durable and somewhat thoughtfully designed.

Con.s

Option accessories are a little on the highly priced side.
Should have more padding on the shoulder strap with more grip (like with a rubber pad liner) so it doesn't slide off the shoulder when carried on the same side shoulder the bag hangs on.
The gun hangs up on the edges of the gun pocket when drawn.
Just barely enough "comfortable" space in the back pocket for a large frame pisol and 2 mags.

All in all, still a very nice bag, and perfect for anyone toting a compact pistol. I would recommend this product to friends.

I'll admit it: I've always wanted a man-purse, a bag that I can carry some every-day-carry items without lugging my big briefcase around. This is perfect. It's big enough to carry the essentials, but small enough to be whipped around my body and I can be on-the-go in seconds. Water bottle holder is a big plus, and it allows me to stay hydrated throughout the day. The big compartment holds my Franklin Covey compact-sized organizer, a paperback book, and a leather-bound Bible (ESV thinline, just to give you an idea). Additional smaller compartments are ideal for other things like pens/pencils, a small digital camera, etc. MOLLE attachment sites on the bags allows you to customize and add additional accessories. Excellent value for the money!

I have owned this for three months now and this is truly a great pack with lots of storage space. I have used this as a day pack for hiking and while metal detecting, its everything I need and more. Well built and designed with the outdoors person in mind, would not change a thing.AAAAA+

P.S. They make other great items as well.