Condor 3-day Assault pack ???

bush-haus

bush-haus

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This is a double post but I want to pull the trigger soon on a purchase so I hope you forgive me!

I am looking at the Condor 3-day assualt pack but with a little reservation. I have read very positive and very negative reviews about this pack. I know it's much cheaper than its more quality competitors, but I want to know how it will hold up with moderate amounts of use. I am not in the bush every weekend or anything remotely close. It will see 3-day/20-25 mile hikes at the most. I usually carry about 35lbs of gear at the most. At times will be less.

Will this pack let me down? Will the zippers break or come off track? Is it fairly comfortable?

If you are aware of a comparably priced pack at the same size but better quality PLEASE let me know.

Thanks for your time!

Beckerhead #32
 
I'm reading that it's around 3000 cubic inches in capacity but weighs six lbs??

I have an older Mountainsmith Achilles that holds 3000 cu in and weights 3 lbs 10 oz.

Unless you just are shooting for the military look I'd see if I couldn't find something lighter.

Assuming you could find something 3 lbs and 3000 cu in that would allow you to carry 3 pints of water, or a pound of food, or a 2 lb hatchet or machete with the same weight.

However- if I was going to carry 35 lbs of gear I'd probably go for a higher capacity than 3000.
 
I do want a pack with MOLLE straps. Obviously a great way to expand the capacity of the pack. The military look is very attractive to me yes, but a good pack, that won't break the bank, with MOLLE straps is what I am looking for.
Again thanks.

Beckerhead #32
 
I use and highly recommend the Maxpedition Vulture-II Backpack.
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I don't have any experience with Condor packs.

If it does 'fail' would you be willing to buy another one to replace it? In that case, go for it. I carry a small repair kit with me regardless of what pack/tent/bag I'm using. Everything fails eventually.

In a sense you are making a bet that though it is less expensive, it will be as well or nearly as well made as another pack from, say, Mystery Ranch, Osprey, or Kifaru. And that the quality will be close enough that the risk of failure is only minimally increased, and that will make the savings worthwhile. Sounds reasonable.

But if you are questioning the quality of Condor's packs now, will you kick yourself if it fails? Regret your decision? Or will you say just chalk it up to another experience, another bit of data for future decisions?

I like gear that I can have confidence in and am willing to spend some extra money for what I perceive to be more reliable equipment. Doesn't mean it's so. But if you are hesitant now, maybe you should consider alternatives, e.g. Army surplus. I've carried Army 3-day assault packs (bit small for my taste) and found them to be perfectly serviceable.
 
Also, what, if any, is the relationship between Condor and Maxpedition. I am VERY new in the pack market and I am trying to get a good understanding of the companies.

Beckerhead #32
 
Rotte:
Great points. I have looked at Army surplus and the one nearest me are selling Maxpedition (their smaller packs), Condor, and a few other cheap brands in addition to the the old German and French packs. Go figure!

Beckerhead #32
 
I'll be watching this thread as I'm in the market for a good, Molle compatible pack that I can add/remove compartments as I need to depending on what kind of trip I'm embarking on. I've looked at condor, and have used a few of their tactical vests for paintball. They have held up remarkably well considering the bush-diving, mud crawling abuse I've put em through. Solid materials, good clean stitching, and strong zippers, Velcro and snaps. Their backpacks are similarly built it seems, but if I were to be out in the bush for say, a week long hike, I'd probably drop some extra dough. Just for the price of condor stuff, I'm left thinking "why so cheap" compared to maxpedition etc. I'm sure it would handle most weekend warrior stuff as long as you didn't jam sharp objects in it, but I'll have to check both brands out a little more. Let me know what you choose, and how it works for you.
 
Haze240 said:
Just for the price of condor stuff, I'm left thinking "why so cheap" compared to maxpedition etc. I'm sure it would handle most weekend warrior stuff as long as you didn't jam sharp objects in it, but I'll have to check both brands out a little more.
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That's the issue in the forefront for me... It seems like a quality pack for those who really like it, BUT why in the world is it half the price as others? Cheap zippers? Bad stitching? Weak shell?

Is it possible they make great packs for great value like Ka-bar/Becker does with their knives or are they junk packs?

Looking for someone who has experience with this pack......

Beckerhead #32
 
I don't have much experience with condor, i do have a few of their EDC BDU organizer pouches the stiching is so-so, falling apart in internal divider seams. I think i have a condor chest rig that is put together very nice.
I have 2 maxpud bags (Falcon II and Sabercat) and various pouches and they are worth what you pay for them. Could not be more pleased with the maxped stuff. I have some 5.11 stuff to and it is nice, maxpud seems a little beefy-er, but i have not handled 5.11 packs.

For storage pouches and stuff that's not going to be exposed to getting knocked about i'd say go for it. I'm a cheap bastard but when it comes to packs, buy once cry once. Also something to be said for a $30 bag to see if it works, esp if you can sow and repair, or to see if the style works for you.
 
Condor is garbage, it's all offshore Knock offs. The materials and construction are below sub par.

If you want a low cost pack for the weight you're talking about, get an Alice pack with the updated shoulder straps and waist belt.

Assume packs are made to carry mission essentials over body armor. They have no frame or suspension system. They won't carry 35 lbs comfortably. And the condor will probably fall apart with that much weight in it.

I'd spend a few extra dollars and get something quality.
 
bush-haus said:
I do want a pack with MOLLE straps. Beckerhead #32
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Molle are handy to hang light stuff off of but you are way better off balance wise by having stuff in the pack not hanging off it.

An assault pack is a military pack. You'd be way better off with something designed for backpacking if that is your intended use.
 
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Condor is hit or miss. They make some good products and some junk. I personally would explore other options for a pack from the packs I’ve handled. Their pouches are often very good quality. I even have some of their US products and they suck.

There is no affiliation between Maxpedition and Condor Outdoor Products.
 
hollowdweller said:
Molle are handy to hang light stuff off of but you are way better off balance wise by having stuff in the pack not hanging off it.

An assault pack is a military pack. You'd be way better off with something designed for backpacking if that is your intended use.
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It is my intended use, however I have used backpacking packs and I want something with more organization. I found myself constantly digging through my gear to find the one thing I was after. Also, I am getting into minimalist backpacking and with a much larger bag, I would tend to fill it with more crap.
A pack of this size will be intended to keep my gear to a limit as well as keep it much more organized than a throw-it-all-in compartment.

Thanks for all the comments guys, keep 'em comin' :) I have found the Maxpedition Vulture II to be a much more attractive option so far...


Beckerhead #32
 
If you're trying to go minimalist, figure out your gear list and then get a pack. You'll be much better off that way.

As far as organization, there are much better options than an assault pack.
 
I have a Condor pack - got it second hand and am impressed with the construction, how it fits me, etc... (Maxped is also made offshore - so to me, paying for the name tag isn't cost effective)
for the price it's a worthwhile experiment is how I saw it when I got it.
(similar to the way I've bought knives and guns over the years -- buy what I can afford at the time, use it & if it works well keep it - if not, sell it)
 
gruntinhusaybah said:
If you're trying to go minimalist, figure out your gear list and then get a pack. You'll be much better off that way.

As far as organization, there are much better options than an assault pack.
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My gear list changes (reductions in weight and size) all the time as I develop skills and become educated on minimalism (ie. hammock & tarp rather than tent). I have a goal in mind with what I want to carry and this size is what I want to carry. This style of bag is what I want to carry. The point of this thread is to gather information on 3-day packs. No more, no less. I have an REI literally 5 mintues away from my house and I have exhausted a lot of time feeling them out. Not what I want. I might as well carry a garbage bag with straps.

Beckerhead #32
 
I have had and liked the Northface and Kelty and so on but after I discovered Maxpedition then I was hooked. I really like the fact that I can get other smaller pouches and connect them to the outside of the bag and each pouch has a specific purpose. Water bottle, GPS, first aid kit and so on.

I have my ESEE-4 strapped to the shoulder harness hanging right at chest level always ready and my Junglas strapped to the side of the backpack also easily available. it's just easily organized and everything in it's own spot.

When I had other backpacks like I mentioned verything for the most part was in the bag, nothing easily available to reach without stopping and taking the backpack off and unzipper the whole thing and digging, it just wasn't for me. I even strapped a Maxpedition Sabercat Versipack to the bottom of mine and had even more cargo area, worked out real well.

I have no experience with Condor so I can't comment on it, can't say that I heard anything bad about it though.
 
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