EDC Bag > Maxpedition Sitka Gearslinger > PIC HEAVY

[snatchel]

So I am in the market for an EDC bag. Not a 72 hour bag... not a giant bail-out-bag. I need something small enough to conveniently carry around daily, to double as a school bag (the only thing I take to school is an iPad and pen/pencil), to serve as a car bag, and of course, an easy range bag. Here are my requirements:

-hydration system. Does not necessarily need to have the bladder, just a place for one. I have plenty of bladders. Looking at about 1 liter.
-well organized built in storage. MOLLE is a great addition, and I will def be using them, but the built-in storage needs to rock!
-sturdy built. This thing should last me a minimum of 5 years.

What am I going to carry? Essentially, this:
-gun, when applicable. i carry on my body 99% of the time, but for those trips to the lake to go swimming, etc...
-multi-tool
-iphone
-ipad
-lighter/matches
-small first aid kit
-charger for iphone/ipad
-2 spare mags
-hat light AND flashlight
-assorted pens/pencils
-ballcap when I am not wearing one.. which is never.

So as you can see, not really needing a giant bag. Just something to get me through the day-to-day. Knowing this, I have narrowed my search down to 2 choices, and put A TON of research into it. I am looking for recommendations should you not see what you had in mind below, and possibly experience with the brands presented. (I am not interested in a maxpedition versipack, I know they are well loved, but they are a bit too.. I'm not sure. I just don't find them cosmetically appealing.)..... (now that I said that, I own a glock, and it is not cosmetically appealing... and worth it's weight in gold... but still, no versipacks )

http://www.maxpedition.com/store/pc/Sit ... -2p926.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

OR

http://www.hazard4.com/products_evac_plan_b.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

UPDATE

Ok, so I pulled the trigger on the Maxpedition Sitka Gearslinger, and am going to give a brief, initial review. It took about 6 days to arrive, and I have been anticipating it's arrival daily :) Today it came in the mail right on schedule, and I swapped most of my EDC stuff over just before I snapped these pics. After a couple of weeks I should have everything organized like I want and will post a new, more detailed review of the bag--as well as some of my EDC gear. I have a few nifty things en route right now anyway, so I will need to review them as well

So, to the Sitka:

The link to the website is above, so I will not go into any detail of capacity, # of pockets, etc. I will gladly snap photos or give more details should any of you ask though- Just PM me or ask here in the thread.

This is how the bag came packaged. Neatly done, well packaged. No complaints.



This is the front of the bag, or the back.. however you want to think of it. Notice the MOLLE attachment points.



Bottom, outside pocket. This is the one with the security button down that is meant to store wallets, etc. I have spare keys in there.



Bottom pocket. This pocket is a good size for my first-aid gear. The diagonal strips you see inside are actually pocket flaps.



Top Pocket. The stretchy tie-downs fit multi-tools, flashlight, etc. very, very nicely.



Main Compartment. This is composed of several pockets, mesh pockets, and a fairly good sized area to keep books or whatever. My iPad and it's case (with bluetooth keyboard) fits nicely in one of the pockets. I have my pens/pencils/markers/highlighters in a specops pouch that I have had for years stowed in there as well. Also, the mesh pockets are great for earbuds and small, miscellaneous tools that I often use such as fingernail clippers, multi-tip mini screwdriver, air pressure guage for the bike tires, some para cord, and a few other tools. This pocket would fit a laptop the size of a Macbook Pro.... anything too big may not fit. I'd stay under 14 inches anyway.



Inside the main compartment.



Main Compartment cont.



This is the "CCW" compartment at the very back of the bag. It is separate from the other compartments and lined with velcro. I haven't decided if I will use this for a handgun or not.. we will see. I carry on my body most of the time, but for those times that I can not carry on body, this will do the trick. I have also thought about keeping a small BUG in here. I have definitely decided to attach velcro to a cheap double mag pouch for my main carry gun, that way I can always have 4 magazines close by. (1 in gun, one on body, 2 in bag)



This is the back of the bag. Notice this is the gearslinger model, and only has 1 strap. Although you wouldn't want to carry much more than a basic EDC package under 10 lbs or so, the gearslinger works remarkably well for it's purpose. The padding is all very thick, breathable, and comfortable.



Strap Thickness... very thick, very padded, very breathable.



Bottle Holder. This will apparently fit up to a 32 oz bottle. I will be keeping a starbucks plastic glass in here.



This is a close-up of the stitching and zippers that is consistent throughout the entire bag.



MOLLE stitching.



Side MOLLE. Handy for pens and pencils that you use regularly. Also, this will be a fixed blade attachment point when I am doing out-doorsy stuff.




Ok, so now that we have the pics out of the way I will explain some more. This thing is made with 1000-denier water and abrasion resistant ballistic nylon. This means that it's super tough, and won't rip or tear unless you really cut into it. It also has a triple polyurethane coating to keep water out.

All the zippers have paracord pulls, and all of the stress points are double stitched or bartacked for added strength.

So, what complaints do I have? None as of yet.. but you know how it is with new gear- you love it for 2 weeks and then you start finding stuff to nit-pick (sort of like my marriage... haha... joke. Seriously, it was a joke.) I'll update this in a few weeks and let you know what's up. If you have any questions or need pics or anything like that, i'm your man. Ah, and for the record, these are all iPhone pics.. sorry I don't have 16 megapix resolution... LOL

Keep It Real
-Snatch

[snatchel]

No replies, so I went ahead and ordered the Maxpedition Sitka Gearslinger. I also ordered a pocketable 5.11 ATAC A1 flashlight... I have a couple of nice tac flashlights, but they are a little large for daily carry. I'll post pics of the gear once it's in, organized, and GTG.

[texasmusic]

Are you looking for a a problem arises mini pack?

I've seen pictures of EDC packs that fit into altoids cans on other forums. Seems I would use something like that and have a few of them and disperse them between bags and the pockets.

[snatchel]

Sorta.. it's basically my daily load. Other than what's in my pockets, I'd like to tote a first aid kit and a few other small things...

[CEOofEVIL]

I use a 5.11 PUSH Pack for those times when I either can't carry on body or need to carry more stuff (hiking, walks, general exploring). It has MOLLE attachment options in a few areas - nothing too fancy or over done. I have a Gerber Multi-tool in a MOLLE pouch attached to one of the thin MOLLE strips on the front, and sometimes have a 5.11 single pistol mag pouched attached to the strip opposite of it. Oddly, you need to purchase the Back Up Belt system holster to actually safely use the "holster compartment". The holster compartment is covered in hook/loop material that you attach the BBS holster to - fits most full size auto's with no issue (with exception of the Desert Eagle! I jokingly tried it once) and keeps it secure and balances the weight well. The main compartment is OK sized, nothing too large, good for two paperbacks, a tool kit, up to six-ish boxes of pistol ammo, etc. I wish it had a key clip in the main compartment. It also has two side pockets that can expand (you undo zippers to expand them) to hold water bottles or rifle mags.

I've had it for about 3 years now and It's treated me well. I have my Gerber, IFAK, flashlight, pen/marker, OC Spray in it all of the time, in addition to my Glock when I carry off body. One of the neat things 5.11 did to help ensure you retain the bag (and to keep it from bounced around too much when running) is the addition of a velcro strap that you can attach to your belt. The shoulder strap is comfy enough - provided you don't put too much weight in it. I've had the above mentioned items in my bag in addition to two bottles of water and a point and shoot camera and it was a bit taxing to wear after a while (used it for a short hike). I can't say much bad about it... other than it costs too much (like many 5.11 products), and that I wish it had some interal closures for some of the smaller sub-compartments of the main compartment (if that makes sense).

Let us know how that Maxpedition works out for you! They seem to make a lot of pretty cool stuff!

[The Annoyed Man]

No replies, so I went ahead and ordered the Maxpedition Sitka Gearslinger. I also ordered a pocketable 5.11 ATAC A1 flashlight... I have a couple of nice tac flashlights, but they are a little large for daily carry. I'll post pics of the gear once it's in, organized, and GTG.

Sorry man, I didn't see your original post. I know that some say that Maxpedition is a bit pricey, but I have a couple of their products and I will say that they are built like tanks and I think they are worth the price......if that helps.

[Chemist45]

Sounds like you are looking for the Jack Sack:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001F4OKYM?tag ... XNK91HV5MV&" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

It always had what Jack Bauer needed.

[snatchel]

CEO--I'll definitely be posting a review similar to the one I posted on the 5.11 ATAC A1 flashlight that I posted yesterday.

TAM-No biggie, I remember you had just purchased one when I came by your house a few months ago, and I briefly looked it over. I figured if it was good enough for you, good enough for me.

The bag should be here either Sat or Mon, so expect an initial review then.

[snatchel]

UPDATED.

[The Annoyed Man]

UPDATED.

Looks like a very nice bag. I had my eye on one for a while......just because they are kind of cool.....but I couldn't justify it because it wasn't something I would use a lot. But, I do own a Fatboy-S Versipack which I use whenever I have a doctor's appointment or something like that. Since I've been in physical therapy three times a week for the last 3 weeks now, it's been getting a lot of use lately. My wife and I each have a Vulture-II 3-Day backpack for a bugout bag. All three products are without question very well made and appear tough enough to stand up to pretty much anything you can dish out. Their products are a litte pricey, but they are very much worth the cost in terms of quality and design.

[snatchel]

UPDATED.

Looks like a very nice bag. I had my eye on one for a while......just because they are kind of cool.....but I couldn't justify it because it wasn't something I would use a lot. But, I do own a Fatboy-S Versipack which I use whenever I have a doctor's appointment or something like that. Since I've been in physical therapy three times a week for the last 3 weeks now, it's been getting a lot of use lately. My wife and I each have a Vulture-II 3-Day backpack for a bugout bag. All three products are without question very well made and appear tough enough to stand up to pretty much anything you can dish out. Their products are a litte pricey, but they are very much worth the cost in terms of quality and design.

Yeah, the quality is superb. I had my wife look over it a few minutes ago. Here is some background on my wife:

She was a Parachute Rigger in the Navy... so she spent her 6 years sewing harnesses, parachutes, and stuff like that. Everything survival-related to USN Pilots she worked on. Harnesses, chutes, flight suits, ejection seats, etc. She is a fantastic seamstress, and a stickler for details. According to her, the material is actually of equal quality to those used on parachute harnesses. The sewing is good enough to appease Navy Pilot Flight standards. She says the zippers will hold up, and there is no reason this bag shouldn't endure 10 years of heavy, hard use.

So.... I am happy with the purchase. You are right though, at around $115 list price, Maxpedition gear isn't cheap. However, I don't mind dropping that kinda cash on a bag if it will last me several years.

[OldCannon]

I love the Gearslinger packs. I own two myself!

[The Annoyed Man]

What's the little plastic geegaw on the pack in pictures two and five......looks like a cross between a binkey and a bluetooth device.

[snatchel]

What's the little plastic geegaw on the pack in pictures two and five......looks like a cross between a binkey and a bluetooth device.

LoL. It's a flashing light for a bicycle.... I keep it on my pack so that it's more visible. Because of the short distance to school (approx 1.2 mi), I ride my bike at least 3 days a week to classes. I hate it b/c I can't go armed, but I at least take a nice crow bar, pocket knife, and OC Spray for defense.

[OldCannon]

What's the little plastic geegaw on the pack in pictures two and five......looks like a cross between a binkey and a bluetooth device.

LoL. It's a flashing light for a bicycle.... I keep it on my pack so that it's more visible. Because of the short distance to school (approx 1.2 mi), I ride my bike at least 3 days a week to classes. I hate it b/c I can't go armed, but I at least take a nice crow bar, pocket knife, and OC Spray for defense.

That's doubly-funny...I attach a red flashing bicycle light to my Sitka's too! I only use it if I set my bag down when it's dark or getting dark.