Time for a new bag....Maxpedition Condor??

I am in need of a new bag that will go from the office to the field and to the airport (not all on the same day mind you). SInce I am a Marine I need something that I can take to field and just throw in the truck or on the helicopter and go. I am going to Japan in a couple of weeks (for 6 months) and I will be doing a lot of over night travelling there for sight surveys and the like. I am looking at the Maxpedition Condor right now because it is large enough to use as an overnight bag and carry on as well, but it is also roomy enough for binders or a laptop as well. Plus, from all I have read, it seems to be pretty well built and strong enough to withstand the amount of abuse I inflict on gear in the field.

Does anyone have any expirience with the Condor in particular? I have read several reviews on this and other forums about smaller Maxpedition packs and stuff, but nothing on the Condor.

I am just looking for information on this pack, or any one like it, for that matter.

Thanks for any advice I can get,

Garrett

I found this review on knife forums

http://www.knifeforums.com/ubbthreads/sh...rev=#Post367088

]Garrett[

I've used my AIII while travelling in the Asia Pacific region without looking too military.

BTW, most people here have not heard of Eagle Industries. Actually, I've not seen any AIII while travelling in this region.

HTH.

Actually Adam, even though the link and review say Condor, the pack looks like the Falcon and not the Condor.

Well, I have several items made by Maxpedition, and I love them all. I currently have the Falcon pack, and like it, but it is a little small for my frame. I am 6'4" and 235#, and the Falcon is a little narrow. It is however very adaptable, and sounds like what you are looking for. There is an opening for a hydration bladder, and many pals webbing locations on the pack for expanding with all kinds of gear. It will easily carry my laptop, and there is still room left over for set of clothing, or what ever you want to through in it.

The review on KF.com is one of the reasons I am looking at the condor so hard right now. I first thought it was a falcon review but after I compared it to other pictures I have seen, I can see that it is indeed a condor. I really like the pack, and I agree with you Liljeepguy, the falcon is just too small for my frame, I am built a little smaller than you (6'3" 220). '

Are there any other reviews of the condor out there? The one on KF.com is good bt I didnt see any mention of field performance. I found some of this inof on BF.com, but the guy wasnt too happy with the pack, and he seems to be the minority.

I have looked at eagle products and I like them, but from what I have been able find, they are out of my price range.

Garrett

HMMMMMMM! <img src="images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

That's odd why post a review with the wrong name!

Well, with you being about as big as I am, and knowing the Falcon is a little too small, I would definately go with the Condor. In fact, I would happily switch my Falcon for the Condor, just for the bigger size. I know that Maxpedition stuff is strong and reliable. I carry their Fatboy shoulder bag daily, and can't say enough good things about it. I picked up my pack at www.tripleaughtdesign.com and they carry the Condor as well as most of the Maxpedition products. They have free shipping on it I believe. A good place to pick up gear. They are pretty easy to deal with. Good luck with your search, and thanks for serving.

I agree with your observation :
The catalog on the Maxpedition web site describes the Falcon with 2 compartments (main + secondary), and the Condor with only one main compartment.
(both have 2 supplemental pouches, upper and lower).
And the pictures on KF show 2 compartments....


I'm looking for a 30 liter (or about) backpack and the 2 compartments of the Falcon would be nice to separate clothing (for night stay at the hotel) from portable PC + papers for daytime work.
But my portable PC would not fit into the Falcon main or secondary compartment (not wide enough).
The Condor would do.
Could anyone having a Condor, post picture of the inside of the compartment and pouches (just so I could see how they are organised).
TIA

(I ask because if I want to buy one, I will have to order on the web, in UK or Germany (no retailer in France AFAIK).

Bought a Maxpedition Condor (green) recently -- at first I couldn't decide which one I wanted, but I'm glad I settled on the Condor. The compartments are thought out nicely with plenty of room for organization and the larger external pocket even has some organizer tabs. Overall a nice pack and I'd recommend it... <img src="images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

It does look nice. I've been looking for a sturdy small capacity bag for day hikes. The Falcon looks about right. They price is not bad to. Does the falcon have the pockets and loops shown on that review of the "condor"?

Cheers

Yes, the Falcon does have external pockets on it. The face (or part away from your back) has pretty much the same 2 pockets as the Condor. The main pack is devided into 2 more seperately zippered compartments. Inside, the individual pockets are organized for small items, and seperated for things like pens, and it has small zippered areas to seperate your gear. The pack also has a space for a hydration bladder, in it's own seperate compartment that is closed using velcro. There are tons of pals webbing locations on the pack. On the sides, as well as the face. In addition to compression straps on sides and top as well as area on bottom to attack sleep roll, or similar.

Would you be able to fit something like a sleeping bag inside or is it all divided into small pockets?

You could probably fit a bag inside, a bivy sack would very easily fit inside, but there are straps on the bottom of the bag that would allow you to attach a sleeping bag on the bottom of the bag. There are also waist straps, very adjustable, and a chest strap (with elastic for comfort). Both the chest and waist straps are removable. I am a pretty big guy, and my only complaint is that the bag almost seems too small for my frame. I love it, but am used to having something larger on my back in the way of a backpack. The waist straps and chest straps fit me with room to spare. I have removed both for everyday carry of the bag, but they would come in handy for a day hike. In addition, there is an Y shaped compression strap on top of the bag that would allow you to add a climbing rope, blanket or poncho to the bag as well. While the Condor only holds 1520 cubic inches (25L), it holds a lot more stuff than I would have thought. I haven't overnighted with it yet, but for an every daypack, an overnight, or even a one person B.O.B. it would do nicely.

I just picked mine up yesterday from a local shop. I tired to order from Triple Aught Designs, but they we sold out wth no time when they might get more in. I was disappointed as they had the best price, but I guess ten bucks isnt that big a deal.

The pack is great. I have filled it up with some stuff from work and still have enough room in the pockets for my larger PSK, FAK and some other things. The straps that come with the pack are not an exact fit the MOLLE system, but are close enough for government work. The thing that I really like about the pak is the way that is carries a heavy load. I filled it up to bursting and slid it on and it rides great. With very few adjustments to the straps, I was able to fit it perfectly to my back. The padding and the straps are great.

I am not looking at adding a FATBOY to the front of the pack for extra storage or something like that. I would highly recommend this pack to anyone looking for a day/night pack.

thanks for all the help,

Garrett

Hello Garret !

Now that you get your Condor backpack, could you post pictures of the "inside" of the different compartments : main compartment, upper and lower front pockets ?
TIA.

I spend a long time on Maxpedition web site (and on the one of their european retailer), but apart external views, nothing much is shown about the "innards" of that baby (well ..not the Baby Condor, wich seems bigger than the Condor model <img src="images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />).
I really would prefer a Falcon for it's 2 main compartments, but it is too small, width wise (my portable PC would not fit inside any of them).
So I guess I will have to opt for a Condor.

Another question that's bothering me :
what does Maxpedition exactly mean with its "snap and anchor" attachment system ? I cann't visualize how it's done ... just velcro ? or ... what else ? <img src="images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Regards.

I contacted the european distributor for Maxpedition products and he was really helpfull, explaining everything I wanted to know : attachment system, innards organisation aso...

So ... now I just have to make up my mind ...... <img src="images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

Alain,

Do you still want to see photos? I will post them if you like, just let me know. I have to get my camera out of where ever I left it!

Garett

Thanks, but don't bother to post pix, except if others on this forum are interested.

Now I have quite a good idea of what it looks like. And I guess I will order my own Condor this week-end, along with some pouches and sheaths.

Sure, I'd like pics please. <img src="images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Preferably from the inside if that's possible. Thanks.

give me a day or so to get them posted. I will take them and get them up by then, I hope <img src="images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> I am hopelessly lost when it comes to posting pictures, but give me a day and I will figure it out <img src="images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

EDIT: I just found out how to upload pics, but I dont have a hosting service. I will take some pictures and put them in yaho photo album. Yes, I am a cheap skate and a lazy man who doesnt want to research any options.

I will upload those pics later today!

Garrett

03lab:

That has to be one hell of a big bag if he can take pictures from the inside! <img src="images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Bountyhunter <img src="images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

LOL! <img src="images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> That's my German playing tricks on my English orthography. <img src="images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

id be interested in seeing the pics of the bag, i always need a new bag but im no the cheap side too so for me those are a bit pricey right now.

EDIT: I cant seem to make this picture posting thing work so I will try it again through Frenchy who has offered to host my pictures for me. I will get them up ASAP. If you want to see the pictures, just go to http://photos.yahoo.com/gandkbenson

thanks,

Garrett

I tried five of your links, and none of them worked.

Bountyhunter

I had a look at your photo album, at Yahoo..

So, that's how it looks like ! Your pix are better than the ones on Maxpedition web site ! At least, we can see some details.
Mine will be black. I ordered it yesterday, on a german web site, recommended by the european distributor.
I should get it within one or two weeks.
I just hope it will be faster than the leather combo sheath I ordered from Dix Leatherworks. They received my money prder a month ago, and .... no more news since that date !!!???!!!

If you want me to host your photos for a while and provide the necessary URL links, so you could edit your post, just PM me.

Bountyhunter, I tried, look into my phot album.

Frenchy, PM me your email adress and I will send you the photos to host them for me!

To everyone else, I apologize for the technoduncery, I hope to get them up soon.

thanks,

Garrett

the pic links all worked for me, thanks the bag looks pretty cool and not too large itself.

Here you go.

[img]http://us.f1.yahoofs.com/users/1adc2fbb/bc/a54f/__sr_/6183.jpg?phNDRsABTUUP4rCb[/img]
Back View

[img]http://us.f1.yahoofs.com/users/1adc2fbb/bc/a54f/__sr_/1ea0.jpg?phjDRsABtqrMjBH.[/img]
Straps

[img]http://us.f1.yahoofs.com/users/1adc2fbb/bc/a54f/__sr_/f5fe.jpg?ph2DRsABmAylvDhz[/img]
Top Pocket

[img]http://us.f1.yahoofs.com/users/1adc2fbb/bc/a54f/__sr_/d444.jpg?phCCRsAByBlpCUlv[/img]
Bottom pocket 1

[img]http://us.f1.yahoofs.com/users/1adc2fbb/bc/a54f/__sr_/e1dc.jpg?phTERsABPpr02z5o[/img]
Bottom pocket 2

[img]http://us.f1.yahoofs.com/users/1adc2fbb/bc/a54f/__sr_/324d.jpg?ph1ERsABYKbuBLgJ[/img]
Bottom pocket 3

[img]http://us.f1.yahoofs.com/users/1adc2fbb/bc/a54f/__sr_/6ebd.jpg?phQFRsABGNiJ1XPQ[/img]
Main Compartment

[img]http://us.f1.yahoofs.com/users/1adc2fbb/bc/a54f/__sr_/747d.jpg?ph1GRsAB4fg1o2nm[/img]
Main Compartment Detail

[img]http://us.f1.yahoofs.com/users/1adc2fbb/bc/a54f/__sr_/3ee8.jpg?phXHRsABKZC096Cg[/img]
PSK Pouch rigged up

[img]http://us.f1.yahoofs.com/users/1adc2fbb/bc/a54f/__sr_/8ac8.jpg?ph4HRsABjxGVC1w_[/img]
On the back

I've just seen it didn't work and I understand why, but it was a lot of effort. Just copy and past the address.

Great pics <img src="images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

Hi Garrett,
The Condor is a great pick. Wish I had one a couple years ago when I was in Japan for 2 months on business. I used a Eagle Creek bag that is like a briefcase but has backpack straps that are in a hidden pocket. It worked fine for 'business casual' in the office then as a backack for walking and riding the trains.

The Fatboy you mentioned does not attch well to the packs. I have a M1 and a Proteus that attach well and a Thermite for walking. I plan to get a M5 for my cd player. I also have a couple single sheaths for my Swiss tool and Surefire E2E. I use a CP-M for my cell phone and a CP-L for my GPS. I am pleased with their performance.

I am thinking of getting the Condor. Right nowc I use 2 Camelbaks: a BFM and a Motherlode. Both are great short range packs. I still have the Eagle Creek too. It takes a licking...LOL!

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

OK, now I think I have this figured out. Frenchy gave me hand with this and I am thankful for the help!! I have added a Nalgene bottle carrier with a nested cup, a MOLLE double magazine pouch which holds my GPS right now, but it is a great little pouch for radios, phones, or GPS! I have also lashed my PSK case to the pack. It is a small camera case and hold my PSK, some extra 550 cord, an extra light, a SAK, and a Leatherman Micra. I also had a nametape sewn on the back because I am paranoid (obsessed??) about losing my expensive packs that I have gained along the years!

The first picture is of the pack from the back.
Back view


The next picture is of the straps. It includes a sternum strap and lumbar strap which I removed because I don’t need them right now.
Straps


This is a picture of the top pocket with some of the different things I carry in it. Its a little bigger than it looks and you can get a lot of stuff into it. The V-strap does get in the way for quick access, but that is not a huge factor to me.
top pocket


These are some pictures of the bottom pocket. It is huge and has a divider in it for pens and stuff. I wish is had a mesh type zipper pocket in it for smaller items you don’t want rolling around in the pocket, but I figure I might be able to manufacture one from an old bag of some kind.
Bottom view 1


Bottom view 2


Bottom view 3


These are some photos of the inside of the pack. It has two mesh pockets and one zippered one. The mesh packets are big enough to fit a book or small notebook, or CD player in them. The zipper pocket is perfect for a passport, or money or anything small and thin. One person at KF.com uses it to hold some large trash bags!

Main Compartment


Main Compartment - detailed view

Here is a picture of how it fits on my back. I am 6’3” 220lbs for size reference.
On the back



And one that I threw on there is of how I attached my PSK pouch. I don’t like how I had to lash the case to my pack, it makes me a little nervous that it won’t hold. I am looking for a better way to hold it on there, any ideas??

PSK pouch rigged up



Well, I hope this works this time. I know I have linked you all to my photo album if this doesn’t work. Thank you all for your patience and I hope the pics help you out!

Garrett

Garret:

Great pictures!

What camera, pixels, settings did you take the pictures with?

Any chance Frenchy could include a permanent reference site on this board (With Doug's permission.) of how to attach pictures to our posts?

It would be great for those of us who want to post pictures, and we wouldn't have to search old postings to find the instructions.

Doug, Frenchy, how about it?

Bountyhunter

"I have a M1 and a Proteus that attach well"

agreatscot - quick question. How do you attach your Proteus to the Condor? Malice clips? I saw the photo of the Proteus and its got two "built in" snap straps on the back. However, the one I got just has 3 rows of attachment loops and no straps. I'm not sure which model is newer, but I was curious which Proteus you have, and if it's the one without built-in straps, how do you attach it? Thanks

1) I'm no expert ; so, if I say something stupid, please feel free to correct...

2) what you have to do to post a picture :
- use the "Instant UBB Code" provided on the posting page : one is called "Image" ;it will then ask you for the URL of your image.
- URL : that's the internet address of your image, it indicates where (on which server) your image is located. For instance, it looks like "http://www.mysiteoranother.com/directoryxxx/myimage.jpg" ; you have to enter the exact address, using upper or lower case when needed, including in the extension ("*.JPG" is not the same as "*.jpg")
- now, where should you keep your pix ? In Europe, most internet providers, when you suscribe for an Internet access and an Email address (be it a free or paying service), also provide you with 10 (or more) Megabits of disk space on their server.
- how to do it : generally you have to use a FTP software (a lot are free) to upload your data (i.e. your pix) on that server.

I remember someone (Ditchfield, PC2K ... ????) mentionning a hunting-related web site where you could post pix (related to outdoors activities) for free ; I don't know if they provide a special service for novice users (as in "mail us your pix and we put them online" ... ??!???)

One thing I can do, for forum members who don't even want to know what a FTP software is <img src="images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> :
I have unused free storage space on the server of a provider (www.yahoo.fr).
If you have problems posting pix, send (PM) me your pix ; I will upload them on that server and send the corresponding URLs back.
Do I have to say I won't do it for thousands of pix, nor for ETS-unrelated pix ? I guess not, but it's said.
Response time not guaranteed... normally 24h, but my job keeps me out of town for a few days sometimes...
Tips : reduce the size of your pictures (200Ko for one is good enough) ; if you have 2 or 3 to send, send 2 or mails, each with 1 pix attached (so it won't jam my mailbox).

Frenchy:

Thanks for the quick reply.

I was thinking primarily of taking my own pictures with my 3.1 megapixel camera and including them when I had an item I felt was worth showing on this forum with my postings.

Bountyhunter

it's www.hunt101.com , it's very easy to use, but i'm having problems viewing those picture on that website lately...

Try the RAID pack. http://www.assaultpack.com/ Cost is about $180. Made by Eagle, so it has a lifetime guarantee. You can get them at Lightfighter.com, but Brad also has brick & mortar stores at Bragg and Campbell …if you happen to be near one of those “garden spots”.

I have two, one for the field and one for use as carry-on luggage. They work great!

Gary

I got my new Maxpedition Condor and the few pouches/sheaths I ordered along.

First impression : it looks tough ; but it's small !!! I don't know why, but I imagined something a bit larger. <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

But, once I tried to put all my stuff into pockets, pouches and compartment, everything did get inside !
So, why should I ask for more ?? <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Indeed, M-1 and Cocoon pouches are really small.
I don't want to think about how an M-2 might look like....

I guess I will use the M-1 as a mini FAK.
But I'll need Malice clips to attach it to the backpack, something I was not aware of. Maybe it's their new production. I've heard that Maxpedition will soon change their "snap and anchor" attachment system, for Malice clip system.

Yeah, its not that big, kind of a small book bag, but I like that about it. If it was much bigger, it would too heavy with all my stuff that I would cram into it.

I am looking at getting an M2 pouch myself, but I am going to wait ans see how my lashing job holds up.

I hope you like your pack as much as I do!

Garrett

Hey ...

You can just tie your whistle with a piece of paracord outside your pack. ... you don't need an M-2 pouch to protect it ......
<img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />