Yes, I want an EDC bag/backpack. Suggestions?

[Long tom coffin]

I'm looking for a "Tactical Dad" edc sling pack or backpack (preferably backpack). I need a decent amount of carrying space for camping, long hikes, baby and small child related paraphernalia, a 15.4 laptop, related accessories, changes of clothes, ammunition, first aid kits, etc. Obviously, not all at once. Contents will change depending on the time of week. During the work week, it will be laptop, clothes, spare ammo. During the weekend, the clothes and laptop will be jettisoned for more outdoors/kiddy related fare. I'd also prefer something with a hydration pouch.


Any suggestions.

[JDM]

I have this: http://www.skdtac.com/Maxpedition-Sitka-Gearslinger-p/max.509.htm
And it's absolutely fantastic.

I use it in much the same way you plan to use it. I also use it when I commute on my bike.

ETA: I just saw the 15" laptop bit, which won't fit in this model. Maxpedition has another, similar bag that is a size up.

ETA2: here it is: http://www.maxpedition.com/store/pc/Kodiak-Gearslinger-2p938.htm

[JSGlock34]

I like my Camelbak Urban Assault. Has several of the features you mention.

[LittleLebowski]

Maxpedition Monsoon.

[Archimagirus]

The Maxpediton Falcon II is a great edc bag. My only problem with them now is that it feels like Maxpedition has gotten a little out of hand with their pricing. 5.11 is also making some good looking backpacks now that are a little easier on the wallet than the Maxpediton stuff. My problem is that since buying my Falcon II almost ten years ago, I haven't had an excuse to buy another\new bag. The Condor is a little bigger, but I like the pocket layout of the Falcon better.

[Long tom coffin]

Maxpedition Monsoon.

If my laptop will fit in it, that looks like a winner

[Long tom coffin]

The Maxpediton Falcon II is a great edc bag. My only problem with them now is that it feels like Maxpedition has gotten a little out of hand with their pricing. 5.11 is also making some good looking backpacks now that are a little easier on the wallet than the Maxpediton stuff. My problem is that since buying my Falcon II almost ten years ago, I haven't had an excuse to buy another\new bag. The Condor is a little bigger, but I like the pocket layout of the Falcon better.

The falcon II looks nice, but I'd probably spring for the Condor II, as it has more space.


Pricing is also not an issue. I'm a Fed, and I have the capability of ordering Maxpedition products through the GSA at a steep discount :)

[Steve S.]

Maxpedition bags are one of those items worth every penny in my book. You won't be disappointed.

Lots of YouTube videos by the hiking / mountain climbing community that break down the features of different models as well.

[bdcheung]

I found happiness in my 5.11 RUSH 24. Prior to that I had used a:
- Maxpedition Kodiak gearslinger. I don't like the sling design when I have to carry any decent amount of weight.

- Spec Ops T.H.E. pack. Too big and not enough organization inside.

- TAD FAST Pack EDC. Über cool. Über well made. Also had insufficient internal organization.

The RUSH has lots of internal pockets, a great external admin pocket, two side pockets that fit either my Camelbak Eddy bottles OR the 27oz clean canteens. It's perfect for me. YMMV. If you're in NoVA you are more than welcome to test drive any of my aforementioned unused packs.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Twobuh]

Goruck GR1. I've never owned a better bag. Integrated laptop sleeve. Three pockets. Minimal MOLLE. No crap on the straps. No waist belt. Quick delivery.

Really expensive, but I'm 99% confident this will be my last pack/bag for a very long time. 100% satisfied.

Using it as my business bag in Asia right now.

[secondstoryguy]

Goruck GR1. I've never owned a better bag. Integrated laptop sleeve. Three pockets. Minimal MOLLE. No crap on the straps. No waist belt. Quick delivery.

Really expensive, but I'm 99% confident this will be my last pack/bag for a very long time. 100% satisfied.

Using it as my business bag in Asia right now.

+1. I've had just about every backpack known to man and the Goruck GR1 is my favorite. Bombproof, simple, and low profile.

For something totally grey and low profile camelbak makes the urban assault concealed carry backpack. It looks like any other backpack with a laptop sleeve, numerous compartments, and places to stash a firearm or two. I used one for a while before I went to the GR1 and if was pretty comfortable.

[orionz06]

I fourth or fifth the Monsoon. Doesn't work for me but it is a damned nice bag that rides well. The GoRuck bags make me really wanna spend $400 on a bag to carry shit to work in but it's a desk job, not Mogadishu or Kilimanjaro.

[Ray Keith]

I have this: http://www.skdtac.com/Maxpedition-Sitka-Gearslinger-p/max.509.htm
And it's absolutely fantastic.

I use it in much the same way you plan to use it. I also use it when I commute on my bike.


Do you have any pics of how you load out this bag? What is the thin strap for that seems to mirror the main carry strap?

Thanks

[JDM]

Standby just a sec and I'll have the pictures for you.

[MDS]

I carry the Sitka these days. My 13" Macbook Air fits perfectly in the hydration pouch. These days I travel without a hell of a lot of technical gear, and I can fit a 2-day trip in just this bag, with a couple of hangers-on pouches on the molle. As a father of two, I wouldn't use it for what you're describing, though - too small for me. But if you travel lighter than I do with the kids, it might be perfect.

For daddy purposes, I usually wear a Deuter KidComfort II, which has enough space for all the stuff my wife makes me haul for 2 kids and 2 adults, plus it actually carries one kid. Not what you're looking for, but that's my solution: I have different bags for different occasions.

If I wanted a single bag to fit the various roles, I would use my old Big Brain Bag from Tom Binh. I've had it for 15 years, and I travelled extensively with it for most of that time, hauling up to 3 beefy laptops, plus additional work gear and up to a week's worth of travel necessities. (Yes, I travel light.) It doesn't quite look new anymore, but almost. None of the stitching is gone or anything - every Tom Binh bag I've had has been built to take a beating, and they're extremely well thought-out as far as organization. It isn't ideal for any of my situations, which is why I don't use it. But it would be the best fit if I could only have one bag...

ETA: now that I've gone to check out the GoRuck bags, the GR2 actually reminds me quite a bit of my Big Brain Bag. I may have to get an Echo - I love my Sitka but the whole sling-pack thing is getting a little old...

[LOKNLOD]

I've had a Monsoon, Sitka, and Kodiak S-type. I settled on the Kodiak S-type - I liked the design of the sitka but wanted something a bit larger and greatly prefer the "left handed" S-type versions for a right-handed person, especially a right handed person who might be carrying a pistol on their beltline. I don't think it's big enough for a 15.4 laptop, though.

[JDM]

Do you have any pics of how you load out this bag? What is the thin strap for that seems to mirror the main carry strap?

Thanks

This is the small pouch on the top, which I have filled with a basic survival kit:
http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa334/fatcook/toppouch.jpg

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa334/fatcook/toppouchopen.jpg

In the larger pouch just below that, I have a GSW kit:
http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa334/fatcook/lowerpouch.jpg

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa334/fatcook/lowerpouchopen.jpg

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa334/fatcook/BOK.jpg

In the main pouch I happen to have some rifle magazines from my outing earlier, and I placed my 13" MacBookPro in there for size reference:
http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa334/fatcook/largepouchopen.jpg

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa334/fatcook/mac.jpg

In the hydration pouch I have the Maxpedition universal CCW holster that holds a rifle magazine in perfect position for a reload:
http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa334/fatcook/golddotrifle.jpg

Or a pistol:
http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa334/fatcook/pistol.jpg

Closed:
http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa334/fatcook/back.jpg


Let me know if you want to see any other angles, or if you want me to place other items in the pouches so you can get a good idea of the size.

The thin strap that mirrors the large strap fastens under the opposite arm that you have the pack slung on to stabilize the bag when you are moving around a lot, or riding a bike (only time I use it) etc..

[Default.mp3]

Natchez has some Eagle AIIIs for 80 USD.

[JeffJ]

BOM,
I like that your basic survival kit includes an iPhone charger :cool:

[JDM]

BOM,
I like that your basic survival kit includes an iPhone charger :cool:

I'm a realist. ;)

[Ray Keith]

These were great, thank you very much.


This is the small pouch on the top, which I have filled with a basic survival kit:
http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa334/fatcook/toppouch.jpg

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa334/fatcook/toppouchopen.jpg

In the larger pouch just below that, I have a GSW kit:
http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa334/fatcook/lowerpouch.jpg

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa334/fatcook/lowerpouchopen.jpg

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa334/fatcook/BOK.jpg

In the main pouch I happen to have some rifle magazines from my outing earlier, and I placed my 13" MacBookPro in there for size reference:
http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa334/fatcook/largepouchopen.jpg

http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa334/fatcook/mac.jpg

In the hydration pouch I have the Maxpedition universal CCW holster that holds a rifle magazine in perfect position for a reload:
http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa334/fatcook/golddotrifle.jpg

Or a pistol:
http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa334/fatcook/pistol.jpg

Closed:
http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa334/fatcook/back.jpg


Let me know if you want to see any other angles, or if you want me to place other items in the pouches so you can get a good idea of the size.

The thin strap that mirrors the large strap fastens under the opposite arm that you have the pack slung on to stabilize the bag when you are moving around a lot, or riding a bike (only time I use it) etc..

[Long tom coffin]

So, after careful consideration, I've elected to go with something completely different:

http://www.rei.com/media/aa/d9290e83-8b16-4add-b7e2-478d81b6a900.jpg


I decided to see if I could go with less "tactical and extreme adventure" and with more mundane without sacrificing any of the functionality I was looking for. TNF is pretty popular in the STL, especially in my areas of the county where the wilderness chic fad hit pretty hard. I stopped in at my local REI this AM to see what they could do for me, and picked up that and some Keen Gypsum mid hikers. Both the boots and the pack got their first trial run today, after criss-crossing the city over a 7 hour period with both kids. Worked great!


The Pack is currently loaded with

* 25 ft Paracord
*Duct Tape
* Compact but comprehensive medical kit, which includes everything in an IFAK
*Various medical supplies (ibuprofen, allergy meds, etc)
*Spare food (energy bars, snaks for the kids)
*extra water (2 nalgene bottles)
*multitool
*spare knife
*spare ammo (2 mags and a speed loader)
*Ipod
*Kindle
*assorted cords for both of the above
*Pens, pad, and Chalk
*spare flashlight and spare batteries
*spare rain ponchos for me and the kids
*Compass
*spare fire starting equipment (lighters, matches, etc)
*Pepper spray
* a packable collapsing waterproof nylon bucket (I figured, I'm on a roll, so what the hell?)
*Bandana


On this day, it also had a 70 oz Platypus bladder and a small supply of diapers and wipes. And a teddy bear. That stuff can be ditched in favor of the laptop and accessories during the work week. Very comfortable all day, loving it so far.

[MDS]

I carry the Sitka these days. [...] ETA: now that I've gone to check out the GoRuck bags, the GR2 actually reminds me quite a bit of my Big Brain Bag. I may have to get an Echo - I love my Sitka but the whole sling-pack thing is getting a little old...

Just a quick update.

Not too long after posting this, I noticed that my back would hurt after long sessions with the Sitka loaded up for travel. Realized that the single shoulder sling just plain isn't very comfortable for extended sessions with anything heavier than a MBAir + accessories. So I bought a GR1 from GoRuck. Holy cow, I love that bag. Definitely reminds me of my Tom Binh bags, just in terms of attention to detail, quality cloth, pockets and features designed for real-world use rather than theoreticals, and ultimately a surprising level of comfort when carrying a full load. Unlike the Tom Binh bags, the GR1 (and, near as I can tell, the other GoRuck bags as well) have a certain sleek elegance that I appreciate.

I've switched to the GR1 for full-time use - even when it's half-empty on simple commuter days, it's at least as comfortable as the Sitka. Even though it's larger than the Sitka, it's much more slick and has less crap hanging off it, catching at door jambs and etc. I'm still in the process of optimizing for my various use cases, switching where I put things now and then, but even so I'm a happy rucker. :)

[Shellback]

After reading some of the comments here and elsewhere on the web I decided to buy a GR1 for myself. Good news is they gave me a 25% discount for being a veteran. Bad news is poor quality control and using foreign materials when they specifically highlight the fact that they use all 100% American materials. I'd read on the EDC forums that other people were experiencing the same issues so I decided to return mine. One thing to note is that Goruck didn't offer to send me a new bag and simply offered to repair a brand new shoddy bag that they sent out. Completely unacceptable and especially for the price. Email exchange below as a reference.

http://imageshack.us/a/img855/5381/imagepryt.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img62/7835/image1ufs.jpg


Hi Julie,

I would like to return my Java GR1 (Order 798XX) for a refund. The bag has not been used and is in new condition. My reasons for wanting a refund are the inattention to detail in the sewing process and using foreign made materials in the construction.

The MOLLE webbing on the sides is not stitched properly and has resulted in uneven loops with ends sticking out. On the body side of the shoulder straps the stitching has exposed thread loops, for lack of a better term, and is not pulled tight like it should be. It's only a matter of time before they snag on something and become unraveled or torn out.

My understanding, as per your website, was that Goruck's bags were made in the USA using all American made materials and this was one of the primary reasons I could use to justify the high price. The YKK zippers used to construct my bag are of foreign origin, Taiwan, and that contradicts your company's claims which is disappointing.

"YKK zippers are the only zippers I trust because I’ve subjected them to everything, and seen them perform during Middle Eastern sandstorms and after being dragged through the mud. GORUCK uses YKK zippers, the made in the USA versions of course, and we will not be developing any of our own, ever."

Please let me know how you'd like for me to proceed. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Their response.


Thank you so much for reaching out - I am more than happy to grant
your request for a refund and address your concerns. First of all, I'd
like to apologize on behalf of all of us at GORUCK for your
disappointment with our gear. We completely understand and hope you'll
take the time to read some explanation.

Your ruck was clearly not properly inspected during our Quality
Control process, and we apologize. While we can absolutely process and
refund and return immediately, we'd love the opportunity to bring your
ruck up to standard and return it back to you in the proper condition.
All you'll need to do is let me know if you'd like to request a
shipping label for a return and full refund, or if you'd like to have
our SCARS team repair your ruck.

I'd further like to apologize for any miscommunication regarding the
construction of our gear. GORUCK gear is 100% built in the USA, and we
source components that are also manufactured in the USA as much as
possible. At the time the GR1 Explained post was written, we did use
YKK zippers available that were made in the USA. However, we found YKK
made better zippers abroad and weren't able to source the USA-made
zippers due to volume issues. We went with the higher quality zippers
and will continue to make decisions based on quality and source
everything that we possibly can here in the States. That commitment
and balance is something we share with other companies that
manufacture in the USA.

I will be awaiting your instructions.

-Julie at GRHQ

I ordered an Arc'teryx Blade 24 as a replacement. Update to follow.

[JAD]

One thing to note is that Goruck didn't offer to send me a new bag and simply offered to repair a brand new shoddy bag that they sent out.
-- Irish, I think you're way off base. I think that their reply was complete, cogent, and reasonable, and pretty well phrased. I think that by offering to refund or repair they were going as far as they needed to go. I think worrying about where your zippers come from is preoccupation with incidental increments. You're well within your rights -- I just think your standards don't match mine.

I did buy a GR1 after reading this forum, about 6 months ago, and have been very happy with it.

[BoppaBear]

I normally haven't been one to carry a bag of any kind, unless it's a backpack on a trip/when necessary. I have a briefcase for work, and can't carry a gun when at work. This said, the recent addition of our son got me looking for a daddy diaper bag. I wanted something with a good size to it, but not too big. I also wanted an over the shoulder carry vs. backpack style due to being hot in the Summer (I'm hot-natured).

I opted for the Maxpedition Mongo, and it has been a great choice so far. Plenty of pockets/space for baby stuff, an EDC compartment, hook/loop inside pockets for mounting of modular accessories, internal and external PALS, strong, 32oz water bottle pocket, and water proof.

I'm not a fan of off body carry, so I won't be using it to carry my weapon, but it is nice having the option. Overall, I'm very happy with the choice.

[Shellback]

-- Irish, I think you're way off base. I think that their reply was complete, cogent, and reasonable, and pretty well phrased. I think that by offering to refund or repair they were going as far as they needed to go. I think worrying about where your zippers come from is preoccupation with incidental increments. You're well within your rights -- I just think your standards don't match mine.

I did buy a GR1 after reading this forum, about 6 months ago, and have been very happy with it.

Repair a brand new bag, with poor construction? They want to "fix it" rather than replace it and you think that's acceptable? It's not for me and not for the premium price they charge.

Secondly, the zipper issue isn't something I'm preoccupied with and has everything to do with what is commonly called "bait and switch". When the owner of the company is so adamant about where his supplies are sourced from that he states on his company's website: "YKK zippers are the only zippers I trust because I’ve subjected them to everything, and seen them perform during Middle Eastern sandstorms and after being dragged through the mud. GORUCK uses YKK zippers, the made in the USA versions of course, and we will not be developing any of our own, ever." Then I expect him to deliver on that and not supply Taiwan zippers. His words, not mine.

People are paying for a premium product in hopes that they're supporting American workers in American factories, manufacturing and assembling those products in America. If you're not going to do that than don't emphatically state that on your company website. If he wouldn't have posted it then I would've simply returned the bag for it's poor construction and left it at that. And my bag was not some sort of anomaly either after further reading on other sites.

[Jackdog]

Irish,

Return the GR1 and buy a Redoxx C-ruck for half the price. And it comes in about 20 colors. I've had the mini for 3 years now, dragged it all over the world and it's still in great shape. They use YKK zippers and it USA made. I think you will be pleased with it.

[willowofwisp]

I've been rocking a TAD litespeed for almost a year now. I've used it on range days, traveling and even business trips. It does have quite a bit of molle but it works well.

[bdcheung]

Irish,

Return the GR1 and buy a Redoxx C-ruck for half the price. And it comes in about 20 colors. I've had the mini for 3 years now, dragged it all over the world and it's still in great shape. They use YKK zippers and it USA made. I think you will be pleased with it.

...the C-Ruck is $235. GR1 is $295.

[Tamara]

FWIW, when I went from a Kindle Fire to an iPad, I upsized from a 5.11 PUSH pack to a Maxpedition Sitka.

Jury's still out...

[Jackdog]

...the C-Ruck is $235. GR1 is $295.

Oh, ok. I was thinking the GR2 at $395. Thanks for the correction.