37 of 38 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Worth Every Penny!, August 17, 2010
This review is from: Maxpedition Kodiak Gearslinger (Sports)
I'm a daily commuter, and I was in the market for a bag to replace my trusted North Face Yavapai. I had my Yavapai for over 10 years, and I was hoping to find a replacement. I purchased a few other bags thinking that "this one is it", and I could put the Yavapai away. I was sadly mistaken and the search continued. I was watching an episode of 24, and I saw Jack Bauer carrying the Maxpedition Monsoon Gearslinger. Since Jack was wearing it, I thought, "I must have one also. Who doesn't want to be like Jack, right?"
So I'm doing my bag research, and I realized the Monsoon Gearslinger was not for me. I wanted something not too bulky, it should have quick access and security. After watching several reviews on YouTube, I settled on the Kodiak Gearslinger. I went ahead and purchased the Kodiak for $133.23, free s/h.
When the package arrived, I tore into it like Kobayashi does with hot dogs. I was instantly impressed by the workmanship and materials. My wife, who enjoys seamstressing, was also impressed by the workmanship. I liked the amount of zipper pockets and dividers it had inside and outside the bag. The top bottom compression strap looked nice, but it was useless to me, so I removed it easily. There are several super-secret spots incorporated in the Kodiak which I like a lot. Of course it has a pocket for CCW (carrying a concealed weapon), but seriously I watch 24 so I don't need to carry one, my hands are my weapons - bam! One obvious aspect I love about the Kodiak is the quick access and the way the zipper pockets are positioned. The positioning allows for a sideways access. When you slide the bag to your front, all the pockets are easily accessible. When you are done, you just slide the bag back. I love that! Every time I do that in public I feel people are watching me, because I look so cool.
I never worn a sling bag before. The weight is not directly down on your side. The weight is on your back, therefore it tends to pull back on your left shoulder. You would not want to put too much weight in the bag. Again the left shoulder will feel it. Since I don't carry too much weight anyway, this issue is not a problem.
The workmanship, design and material of the Maxpedition Kodiak Gearslinger is worth every penny. If I had to buy another bag, I would definitely consider Maxpedition.
***UPDATE***
June 16, 2011
Last month my car was burglarized. They stole my Kodiak! I was more pissed off that they took my Maxpedition than the digital camera and camcorder which was inside. So to make a long story short I ended up buying another Kodiak. I spent a whole month deciding if I really wanted to pay another $130 for a bag. I started reusing my old backpacks, but those bags just didn't perform the same as the Kodiak. I scoured youtube and rewatched some of the old Kodiak reviews. Finally I made the executive decision to buy another one. I ended up purchasing it off Ebay since they were a bit cheaper.
Here are some tidbits.
I usually carry a 40oz Klean Kanteen wide mouth water bottle. It fits perfectly, and it looks cool.
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13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Can't beat Maxpedition, August 2, 2010
The Kodiak Gearslinger by Maxpedition is one of several hard use products I have purchased from the same label. It is tough 1000 denier balistic coated nylon with YKK zippers, and reinforced stitching. Plenty of room and pockets, and the pack slings around to the front in a split second, for ease of access while on the trail. No need to take off the pack...just sling it around to the front. Do not over stuff this pack, however. The Kodiak could take it. But all of the weight is distributed on one shoulder, and it isn't a pack for long hikes etc. But it is a great around town (EDC) pack. Mine handles a Glock 23 perfectly in the hidden area at the back.
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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Maxpedion Kodiak rock, November 23, 2010
I purchased this a few months ago and I waited to write my review to ensure I would capture any problems or concerns. I can say that this pack can hold alot! After examining every nook and cranny on the Kodiak, I set out to build myself a pack that would have just about everything that I need regardless of where I am.
My pack has everything from a supertool to a sewing kit to tie wraps to 100' of paracord. I carry my laptop and power supply, my ipad and all associated cables. Kleenex, lip balm, a roll of questers and 150 lumun flashlight, pens, whiteboard marker, and much more. I also have a good first aid kit, survival kit, Glock 19 with three mags and batteries. There is little that I don't have in this pack.
It has held up very well so far and it still looks brand new even after being thrown in my trunk, on the floor in the back seat and taken for hikes. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants a high quality, medium size pack that can easily be accessed and carried.
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