I'll soon be upgrading my old BOB to either the Condor II or the Baby Condor. and would like some input. The volume capacity seems to be about the same (1950 cubic inches vs. 2010.) The main differences seem to be:

1. Cost. The Condor II is $105 and the Baby runs about $75.
2. Hydration. The Condor II uses a bladder while the Baby uses a nalgene bottle.
3. The Baby Condor doesn't seem to have as much webbing to attach accessory bags.

For those of you who may have one or the other, am I missing anything else? Is the bladder system really worth it to a guy who has always been a water bottle/canteen user? And how often do you find yourself wishing for more attachment points? I don't mind spending the extra $30, but I'd like to make sure that the difference is worth it. I'd appreciate any feedback you may have.

Just to throw a curve at you, check out the Camelbak HAWG. It has a bladder pocket, and plenty of connection points. You could do bladder, Nalgene or both. I've always been a canteen person, but have found the bladder to be a great option. The base capacity is smaller, but it's less expensive (on ebay anyway) and allows for more variety of configuration.

Don't know what you plan on putting in there, but I ordered a Condor II and found I couldn't fit my laptop in there and sent it back.

Note the Maxpedition packs don't have an internal frame system.

It was a nice pack tho.

I recently ordered a Kifaru E&E pack. My goal is to use it for EDC (replacing my Jumbo) and "dock and locked" it to a larger pack like my Dana Design Bomb pack or the Kifaru Marauder, both of the latter do have a frame.

-john

Regular Condor owner here. I found that the "hydration bladder" pocket isn't quite as compatible as I thought it would be. I believe they've updated that in the Condor II, but it still might be a tight fit.

With all of the pockets, compartments, and webbing it's a great pack. I can only imagine that the Condor II is that much better. That was a big selling point for me; other packs go with the one or two compartment approach. Got tired of having everything rattling around and getting smashed.

I consider it more of a day hiking pack / BOB, not anything for overnights (unless you're super ultralight).

$105 is not a bad price at all. I think I paid that much for my Condor. Good luck whatever you decide! <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I have a regular Condor that I set up as a BOB. Unfortunately, I find the pack heavy for its intended purpose and not that comfortable to carry. It's an awesome pack for storing stuff, very strong and well built, so it's used as a kit to keep in my truck. I'm looking to upgrade from the Condor to a pack designed for hiking rather than something battlefield rugged and heavy.

BTW, of the two, I'd go with the Baby Condor, I prefer bottles too and you can always store a bladder in the main compartment if you need to carry more.

YMMV

The Camelback Hawg has apparently been discontinued. It looks to be a little smaller than what I was looking for. Good to know they make a good product though.

That's pretty much what I'll be using it for. A BOB stored in the vehicle and occasionally used for 1-2 night stays in the mountains. You have me thinking that maybe the Vulture II (2810 C.I.) might be better suited for what I need.

I see that the Baby version is a bit lighter than the regular (37 oz to 48 oz.) Good point about the extra water.

Here's a crude comparison shot I took -- the Condor is definitely smaller than one would think. Here it is sitting next to a basic Jansport pack for size.

[Edit: I should add, although it looks like the Jansport is taller in the photo, they really are about the same height. Bad camera work on my part. <img src="/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> ]

Wow, that pic is an eye-opener. The Condor is a lot smaller than I envisioned. It looked plenty big on the Maxpedition website. I guess they used a hobbit to model it. It now looks like the Vulture II or something similar is going to be the one I get. One thing about the Maxpedition line: they all look hell-bent for stout.

I have a Baby Condor and use it to commute to work each day (1 mi walk, bus, 0.5mi walk). The Baby is small, but large enough for what I need to carry. I can even get my laptop into it. I prefer the Nalgene bottles for water, and I went with a 0.5l bottle for this bag. The 1l bottle eats up a little usable inside space when in the pocket. Overall, the Baby is too small for day hikes with my family, since I have more to carry at those times. But it is a great pack that I really like.

Spud

Ok, I can't figure it out. What are all the stitched webbing "bands" for on these Condor packs and packs like them?

For attaching accessory pouches and the like. I believe it's called "MOLLE" for the military side of things. You take a small plastic strap and route it through the pouch you want to attach, then through the loops on the pack.

yes, you're right !
Maxpedition advertising people DO use hobbits as models !! <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
I'm not tall myself (1,70m = 5 feet 7 inches) and my Condor backpack stops largely above my kidneys (sp?).
However it's large enough to accomodate my laptob (IBM Thinkpad R50) + 2 cm of protecting foam at the bottom of the pack.

And yes, you are right again : those packs definitely are stout.
I have used mine (almost) daily for 1.5 year (not for outdoors activities, but for office environment) and no sign of wear.

Got it! Thanks.

Wow, no wonder they call it a "baby", that thing is almost small enough to get described as "oh, it's so cute".

I am 6' 0" and will definately go with the larger pack. It is good to know they will take daily use; hopefully mine is going to be rolling around in the back of my vehicle for the next 25 years!

IMHO, that pix doesn't show a Baby Condor, but an old "full size" Condor (Condor 2 is same size as first Condor model, but different features).

And after checking Maxpedition web site, I just wonder why they call "baby" a pack larger than the Condor itself :
- Condor 2 overall capacity = 1950 cu. in.
- Baby Condor = 2010 cu. in.

?????????????? <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

You're correct, the Condor in the pic is the original Condor not the Condor II or the Baby. I don't know why the surprise about size though, ~2000 cu in is day pack size.

I own one of those jansports, and I own a THE Pack, which is similiar in design to the Condor, and I was just suprised that the Condor was that much smaller in terms of length than the THE. I know logically that if it is of similiar width and depth, then the extra space must be length, but it was just a suprise to me.

Do you have a link to the THE Pack? (Not surprisingly, I'm having a hard time finding it. Getting a lot of Green Bay Packer results. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />)

I just started readingthis thread but will comment here on the basic question. I don't use bladders. I do carry nalgene bottles (NB) daily...I use them at work, running around town, in the field, etc. I also use the insulated covers made by OR (can get them at REI). The covers are a bit steep, but I have 4 that have been in heavy rotation for about 15+ years. And while some may find them not worth it, fully iced and loaded, you can get cold drink for HOURS...in fact I've tested them in hot cars in the summer and after 7 hours over 120 degrees, still had cool drink. Is that necessary? No...but little comforts can mean a lot.

In my emergency kits, I've added the Space Saver Cup (Campmor). They fit in the bottle jackets with the bottle.

Now, why NBs???

I figure the best tools are those you WILL use and have nearby. I am always with a NB so they are a given. I find them convenient and tough. I find them easy to CLEAN...something I find important. The wide-mouth access means I can use them for more than just water. In BOBs, they can also house "likes" such as instant mixes, purification pills, plastic tubing, etc. BTW, they also provide a waterproof place for stuff that needs to stay dry. With a couple of bottles I can purify one and drink another. I can settle out solids in one as well. Flooded areas suck for getting water.

All this said, bladders fold up well and can carry quite a lot.

But to me they're more difficult to handle and clean. Impossible? clearly not...just more hassle. I am considering a few as backups, but unless SHTF, I can't see ever using them. I've got a good number of NBs. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Oh...and I don't work for Nalgene!

I use a 1L nalgene and almost never carry inside the pack. The new insulated covers by Outdoor Research have a large velcro strap and will loop over anything...including carry straps, etc. It's pretty strong and I've never had it come off accidently.

I have a maxpedition Falcon (not falcon 2) that I no longer use. I will sell it for $60 + shipping (at the moment near Yuma az).

It is in very good condition. I am a Red Cross Volunteer and carried it to New Orleans during Katrina and Miami during Wilma. However I found that using a backpack in a vehicle is difficult. I have switched to a large "Range Bag" and no longer need the Max Falcon.

PM me if interested.

The slick sided version is from Texas Hunt Co, but I prefeer the molle version from SpecOps Brand. Different brands from the same company, that's all.

I have a SAW ammo pouch on each side of my THE, with a pair of nalgenes stuffed in each one. They fit nicely, and while it does make the pack more expensive, I think the pouches should have been there in the first place as a part of the pack.

That's a great price. Somebody should snap that up asap. The Falcon is a little small for what I need otherwise I'd be all over it.

I went ahead and sprung for the Vulture II for the extra space. I figure having the option for a bladder won't be a bad thing even if I don't use it all the time. Thanks to all for the recommendations! <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

We expect a full report, including pictures, of course! :-)

-john

Good deal! Yes, we all love pictures... <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />