Recommendation? Maxpedition alternatives?

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Wild Willie

Wild Willie

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Hey guys, I'm looking to replace the backpack. Been using a maxpedition entity 21 for a couple of years now, but the zippers have worn through the fabric. Wanted to see what you guys are using and might recommend. I've been thinking about trying something from Duluth pack, but I'm open to other suggestions.

Parameters:

No messenger bags, I'd much prefer 2 straps. I tend to be the family pack mule on trips.

Made in the USA is preferable... Of course the reality is I'll probably have to go elsewhere due to budget constraints.

CCW capable, also not a top priority, but it's nice to have a specific place for my handgun.

A cargo space of 21-23L

Compartmentalized storage is nice, this will also pull duty as my work/travel bag.

I'll set my budget at $300.00. Below would be nice, but if there's an American made bag that can check most of my boxes I'm willing to go over that too.

Thanks for any recommendations.
 
Ratatoskr said:
I'm a huge fan of the Umlindi, from HPG. I am pretty rough on gear, and it's one of the few bags I've ever owned where I simply do not worry about it holding up. It does not have any dedicated CCW space, though.
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I'll look into those, thanks for the recommendation.
 
I've been using a London Bridge Trading 3 day assault pack as my daily carry for probably 7 years (maybe 8); and it's still going strong. It doesn't offer as much compartmentalization as a Rush 24; but it works for me.
 
hhmoore said:
I've been using a London Bridge Trading 3 day assault pack as my daily carry for probably 7 years (maybe 8); and it's still going strong. It doesn't offer as much compartmentalization as a Rush 24; but it works for me.
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I'll look at those as well. Thank you
 
The hpg bags are great but ride slightly lower so terrain depending other stuff might suit you better, I've had a Tara and umlindi but recently went to a spec ops patrol style bag to ride on top my LBE
 
I own a GR1 and have used it as my daily bag for well over 2 years. The main body is wide open and th only internal organization are 2 zippered pouches on the inner flap. There is padded storage closest to your back; i use it to carry my laptop, but it can hold a bladder as well. I love the bag but my stuff always jostles around inside and I just deal with it. There are 3 rows internal molle on the upper inside and 3 rows on the lower outside of the bag. It's a VERY durable bag and will last for many many years. I'm happy to answer any questions that you might have. Oh, one more thing. The GR1 I bought was made in Vietnam. At the time, the USA-produced GR1 was sold out. I haven't had any issues with the bag and consider it to be as good as it's USA made counterpart.
 
echo victor said:
I own a GR1 and have used it as my daily bag for well over 2 years. The main body is wide open and th only internal organization are 2 zippered pouches on the inner flap. There is padded storage closest to your back; i use it to carry my laptop, but it can hold a bladder as well. I love the bag but my stuff always jostles around inside and I just deal with it. There are 3 rows internal molle on the upper inside and 3 rows on the lower outside of the bag. It's a VERY durable bag and will last for many many years. I'm happy to answer any questions that you might have. Oh, one more thing. The GR1 I bought was made in Vietnam. At the time, the USA-produced GR1 was sold out. I haven't had any issues with the bag and consider it to be as good as it's USA made counterpart.
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That's good to know. It's good to see the warranty on these as well. Maxpedition's warranty department has been found wanting in my personal experience. Have you ever had to deal with the CS department at GORUCK? Paying for repairs that inevitably arise isn't anything I'm worried about, but the lack of response from maxpedtion was a little disheartening.
 
I have a gr2 that I use when traveling. I like that it doesn't look too tactical, but it is really well put together.

However, I have a couple of "Red Rock Outdoor Gear" large assault pack bags that I use more. I use them for hiking and fishing, and the pockets are better for organizing, and the cinch straps will reduce it to a much smaller size.

Not made in the US, and not as polished as the GR, but still pretty rugged and the price is right.
 
Vanquest Trident 21. Has your basic compartments, plus the main compartment is hook and loop lined and it comes with dividers that you can stick inside to create your own compartments. Plus about a zillion internal pockets (ok, more like 32) for more organization you can shake a stick at, plus plenty of places to put the stick when you're done shaking it. 2 molle attachment places on the back and one on the zipper side. The top and side zipper arrangement is odd at first, but you'll find it works rather well, especially if you compartmentalize the main space because you can access them easily without having to stick your hand down the top and blindly rummage around trying to find something. The "laptop" compartment is also loop lined so you can arrange hook attachment holsters or whathaveyou for your CCW needs. It's only accessible from one side though. The waterbottle pocket is nifty in that it uses gusseted expansion rather than elastic or stretchy fabric, so it'll last forever without losing its grip or tear like webbing or spandex eventually will. The bag is also set up so you can use either the CCW compartment or the main one for a hydration bladder, or both.

I have the Trident 32 and it's one hell of a bag. If it has a fault it's that there's so much organization potential that you might forget where they hell you put something.
 
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Planterz said:
Vanquest Trident 21. Has your basic compartments, plus the main compartment is hook and loop lined and it comes with dividers that you can stick inside to create your own compartments. Plus about a zillion internal pockets (ok, more like 32) for more organization you can shake a stick at, plus plenty of places to put the stick when you're done shaking it. 2 molle attachment places on the back and one on the zipper side. The top and side zipper arrangement is odd at first, but you'll find it works rather well, especially if you compartmentalize the main space because you can access them easily without having to stick your hand down the top and blindly rummage around trying to find something. The "laptop" compartment is also loop lined so you can arrange hook attachment holsters or whathaveyou for your CCW needs. It's only accessible from one side though. The waterbottle pocket is nifty in that it uses gusseted expansion rather than elastic or stretchy fabric, so it'll last forever without losing its grip or tear like webbing or spandex eventually will. The bag is also set up so you can use either the CCW compartment or the main one for a hydration bladder, or both.

I have the Trident 32 and it's one hell of a bag. If it has a fault it's that there's so much organization potential that you might forget where they hell you put something.
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I do have a proclivity for not remembering where I put things, but in a pack I find that a good thing. Thanks for the recommendation, I'll look at these as well.
 
I prefer to not have overly "tactical" looking bags, despite having a job that warrants them. I like Vertex's packs because they have all the velcro and molle you could need, but they also have panels that can cover those parts up so you don't look overly tactical. they also have great customizable inner storage and are ccw compatible if you're looking for that. They're not USA made, but they're very well made and have taken a lot of abuse.

I also like my North Face Router, which is about as large as a daypack can get. It can fit my large steel toe boots, a heavy sweater and a couple days worth of clothes while fitting under the seat on an airliner.
 
Silent H said:
I prefer to not have overly "tactical" looking bags, despite having a job that warrants them. I like Vertex's packs because they have all the velcro and molle you could need, but they also have panels that can cover those parts up so you don't look overly tactical. they also have great customizable inner storage and are ccw compatible if you're looking for that. They're not USA made, but they're very well made and have taken a lot of abuse.

I also like my North Face Router, which is about as large as a daypack can get. It can fit my large steel toe boots, a heavy sweater and a couple days worth of clothes while fitting under the seat on an airliner.
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I appreciate the suggestion. I'll take a look at those as well.

I like the entity for it's subdued look too. I don't carry a bag in public all that often, and when I do it's at a park with the kids, so I've decided a more tactical looking bag won't be a big deal, especially if it comes with an increase in durability. Usually it goes from the house to the pickup, from the pickup to the bucket truck and back again.

Edited for redundancy
 
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Ratatoskr said:
I'm a huge fan of the Umlindi, from HPG.
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+1 for HPG; I've never had anything from them that wasn't exceptional. I also have had a couple of smaller Kifaru's that I really loved. For EDC though, I really like the grey man options. I have some stuff from Tom Bihn that's served me really well. I have a black Synick that I've beat the shit out of and it's still going strong. It has a pocket right in the from that I've concealed weapons in (though it isn't really designed for it).
 
StoneAndSteel said:
+1 for HPG; I've never had anything from them that wasn't exceptional. I also have had a couple of smaller Kifaru's that I really loved. For EDC though, I really like the grey man options. I have some stuff from Tom Bihn that's served me really well. I have a black Synick that I've beat the shit out of and it's still going strong. It has a pocket right in the from that I've concealed weapons in (though it isn't really designed for it).
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Thanks for sharing your experience. Hpg is definitely a strong contender for my replacement bag.
 
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