So far, this pack is perfect for me. I'm not really the hardcore EDC/Prepper sort of person.. I don't even hike outdoors that much (though this would be nice for that). I notice a lot of people reviewing this bag for those kinds of lifestyles, but I'm just a regular guy who likes to carry a bag... and my old one - which was some kind of Swissgear travel bag that happened to more or less suit my purposes - was getting a bit old, so I decided to upgrade.
I'm no expert on these type of packs, I just know this one has been working out perfectly for me. I like to have a place to carry my phone, earbuds, maybe a deodorant spray or stick to freshen up if need be, and maybe a few other everyday items, without loading down and bulking up my pockets. You could say I like to carry a man-purse.. so if that's what you're shopping for, you might like this bag.
The whole pack is made up of a tough nylon fabric, coated with teflon. It feels very durable, and I feel certain this material will not wear through anytime soon, especially with the type of light usage I would typically put a bag through. All of the plastic buckles feel pretty tough, snap securely, but are not too difficult to open. The shoulder strap is much wider and more comfortable than my old bag, and very adjustable to sit just right on the hip, or however high you want to carry it on your body. The pad on the strap is comfortable, and can also be easily removed if desired. Another strap is present on the back, for looping around the waist presumably, but I have easily removed this entire strap by simply unbuckling it and pulling it out of the loops on the back of the bag. I can put it back on, if I ever need it.
This bag is designed to be carried on the right hip. If you prefer the left hip, I believe you want to get the S-type:
Maxpedition Fatboy S-Type Versipack (Black)
The main pouch is accessible by opening the plastic buckle at the front (with adjustable length strap for larger loads) and lifting the whole flap upward. That main pouch also has a water-resistant cover with a drawstring to close it even more securely, but can also be pushed down flush with the inside of the pouch to keep it out of the way if you don't wish to use it. I won't likely use that liner much, but it's nice to know this bag has a safe place for sensitive items, should I ever be stuck in a rainstorm.
Lifting that front flap also allows access to a smaller zip-around front pouch, with an open pocket on the front. That open pocket is where I have been keeping my cellphone. I have a Galaxy S8, which fits vertically into the pouch, with a couple of inches exposed at the top.. but since I keep the phone in a case, and the flap is normally covering and securing this area, I'm not concerned that it doesn't fit all the way inside. This is the handiest place to keep my phone where I can get to it with relative ease, and if the elements became a concern, I'd just move my phone into the more water-resistant main pouch.
One side pocket zips around front-to-back, and the other side pocket has a velcro strap over it, which can actually be completely removed if desired. These aren't very large, but could be used to keep a couple of small tools or essentials in. The zip-around one also has some loops for slipping tools or pens into, and one that is big enough to slide a mini maglite into (See one of the other reviewers' pictures).
There is also a large flat pocket behind the main pouch (the large zipper up near the shoulder strap in the main picture of this item). I believe this would be an ideal place to carry a firearm, as it fits my S&W Shield with plenty of room to spare.. but I'm keeping a small, thin notebook in there right now, since I don't have a CWP. There is also another small pocket that buckles shut near the beginning of the shoulder strap, which also has two pen slots on either side.
This bag doesn't have a lot of room for large, bulky items, which is fine with me. If you need more space, you might want to go with the Jumbo size:
Maxpedition Jumbo Versipack
. I'm a ~6-foot heavy man, and I could probably carry the Jumbo and it might not seem that large on me, but this Fatboy size feels just right for my body type. I was afraid the Jumbo might have been too bulky, and so far I'm glad I went with this size (though I don't own the jumbo for comparison, sorry).
Overall, this bag screams quality. I could have gone with something cheaper, but reviews about fraying material and broken zippers on inferior 20-30 dollar bags tempted me to spring for the more expensive brand. I'm happy with my purchase, and I foresee happily using this bag for many years, rather than throwing away a broken piece of junk.
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 13.39 x 12.2 x 3.66 inches |
|---|---|
| Package Weight | 0.68 Kilograms |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 14 x 6 x 14 inches |
| Item Weight | 0.5 Kilograms |
| Brand Name | Maxpedition |
| Country of Origin | Taiwan |
| Warranty Description | 1 year |
| Model Name | Ccw Shoulder Bag |
| Color | Black |
| Material | Nylon |
| Suggested Users | womens |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Manufacturer | Dreme Corp |
| Part Number | 0403B |
| Model Year | 2013 |
| Style | Ccw Shoulder Bag |
| Included Components | see description |
| Size | One Size |
| Sport Type | Hiking |
