Maxpedition Falcon 11 with extensions

[Kursac]

Wanted to do a dedicated thread for my pack evolution. This is my newest pack, the Falcon 11


I put a Triad Admin pouch on the front

Added a medium Rolly Polly for trash or whatever

I added a 12x5 for a cook set

This is a 10x4 on the other side for water

 

[The Warrior]

Looks cool, but seems like a lot of weight for that little pack. I found mine to be uncomfortable with 30ish pounds in it, but 15 was fairly comfortable.

 

[FTR-14c]

Great thread for me, I was trying to decide between the 12x5 or 10x4.
This really helps out with the scale.

 

[neeman]

Looks cool, but seems like a lot of weight for that little pack. I found mine to be uncomfortable with 30ish pounds in it, but 15 was fairly comfortable.

How tall are you to give a scale to the size of the pack

 

[The Warrior]

How tall are you to give a scale to the size of the pack

6'2", about 265 then. I have around a 21 1/2" torso length. It's a smallish pack. Here it is next to my MAP 3500, which is 2300c.i. I could easily put the Falcon II inside the MAP:

 

[Kursac]

6'2", about 265 then. I have around a 21 1/2" torso length. It's a smallish pack. Here it is next to my MAP 3500, which is 2300c.i.:

I claim to be 5' 10" but I'm closer to 5' 9" at about 185 lbs. I wasn't finding my pack that uncomfortable but I also haven't loaded it out yet either. Considering your a bit taller than I am it certainly makes perfect sense.

 

[The Warrior]

I claim to be 5' 10" but I'm closer to 5' 9" at about 185 lbs. I wasn't finding my pack that uncomfortable but I also haven't loaded it out yet either. Considering your a bit taller than I am it certainly makes perfect sense.

I hear ya. When I had 30 in it, I didn't need everything I took, I just wanted to feel the pack out. Actually, at first, it was comfortable as can be, but later on, after about 4 or 5 miles, it started hurting my shoulders. Forum member daug told me about hooking up a Proteus to the bottom, to take some of the weight off my shoulders. It does work, but I didn't like the way it felt, so I ended up getting the Kelty: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...on-Falcon-II-Question?p=10041046#post10041046

 

[neeman]

6'2", about 265 then. I have around a 21 1/2" torso length. It's a smallish pack. Here it is next to my MAP 3500, which is 2300c.i. I could easily put the Falcon II inside the MAP:

Thanks

I have a Kelty 3000 cu in Hunting pack in real oak stuff
Very comfortable and a little too 'colorful' for backpacking
It is basically a Redwing 50 but it holds a bow ect

If I would have been able to choose again, i would go with the Kelty Redwing 50 for the price

 

[Kursac]

I do like the idea of the Proteus but I would rather use that space under the pack for my sleeping gear when the time came. I have found the cutting board that I will be installing into the bladder compartment of my pack to act as an internal frame and a portable food prep surface. I wear a Ka-Bar Fannypack as my primary EDC carry. It is the holster for my S&W 1911 so the fact that this pack doesn't interfere with my Fannypack was a positive for the pack. This Falcon 11 is a work in progress and I did a lot of research before I put this pack together. It is evolving but I wanted to take into consideration reality & fantasy of my lifestyle

I have to say the reality is this pack is carried by the handle on the top most of the time. When the weather breaks and I'm on my bicycle most of the time that will likely change. This is the 3rd and largest bag setup in my system. Bicycle ridding is my primary sport & it is frequently combined with camping. I have a nice old high top conversion van that I use as a base camp vehicle for all my adventures. That being all said when I desided to put this bag together it was with the intent to connect my day to day activities with my recreational activities.

I am not a multi day backpacker, more of a day hiker or overnighter. I do camp out in the van frequently on the beach, in the woods or simply visiting friends and family. I like my own space.

I guess you could consider it a Bug Out Bag. I am not an alarmist myself so I hesitate to use the term, I do however like to be prepared for natural disasters and this bag would aid in that situation. Never the less I tried to make the best choice as a foundation to build my pack off of & take into consideration all the aspects of my activities. The advantage of this type of bag lets me adjust along the way to figure out what works and what doesn't. I like to use my gear everyday rather than put it together for a specific task. These are my thoughts when putting this together.

 

[The Warrior]

Actually, mine was purchased to be a bug out bag. I carried it by the handle more myself, to and from my truck. Just recently, I took it on two hikes.

BTW, I need to get a new bicycle. I love to go riding. I purchased a mountain bike several years ago, because they were popular at the time. I need a new bike, geared more for street riding. Knobby tires are pretty much worthless around here.

 

[Kursac]

I did take and cut down this cutting board to fit into the bladder compartment. I cut the length to 14 & 1/2 inches & then ripped about 3/8 off each side so that the board is just over 8 inches wide. I sanded the cut edges and founded the corners with a belt sander. I finished it off with a vibrating sander to take the curse off all the edges.

 

[Kursac]

Actually, mine was purchased to be a bug out bag. I carried it by the handle more myself, to and from my truck. Just recently, I took it on two hikes.

BTW, I need to get a new bicycle. I love to go riding. I purchased a mountain bike several years ago, because they were popular at the time. I need a new bike, geared more for street riding. Knobby tires are pretty much worthless around here.

I was heavy into bodybuilding and reached the best shape of my life 5 years ago. I own a very impressive gym that I currently have set up in my warehouse for my employees. I am 50 years old and have no excuse for the current state of my body. I am in good shape but as a former bodybuilder I am ashamed of myself. If you are going for a single bicycle to cover general riding go for a touring bicycle and I don't mean a hybrid. Hybrids have their place but they a slower and geared down for off road riding and not very comfortable with flat bars. A touring bike is closer to a road bike in look and gearing. The are usually triple ringed on the cranks for more gearing options for carrying gear but with the potential speed of a road bike. The tires are closer to a hybrid to cover greater terrain options and a more comfortable ride. Touring bikes are a better overall bicycle, not a road bike and not a hybrid but the best of both.if most of your riding is on the street this is the way to go.

I own 3 high end bicycles, my road bike is a Specialized Sector Elite. It is aluminum and carbon fiber, very light and very quick.

My touring bike is a Trek Hybrid FX series, this bike has been modified for long distance ridding in poor weather.

I have a dedicated mountain bike. It's a Marrin bobcat trail. It's a hard tail mountain bike, aluminum with no mods. I have to admit it is my least used bicycle.

 

[RatDrall]

Looks cool, but seems like a lot of weight for that little pack. I found mine to be uncomfortable with 30ish pounds in it, but 15 was fairly comfortable.

My experience was the same. There are way more comfortable 'packs for hiking with 25lbs or more.

I still have the Falcon II, but it seems better suited to leaving it half empty (very comfortable with 15 lbs max) and only loading it up in an emergency.

 

[desmobob]

I have to say the reality is this pack is carried by the handle on the top most of the time.....


I guess you could consider it a Bug Out Bag....

Then I think this pack is great for those needs. I have a large selection of packs and bags I've accumulated over the years and the Falcon II does have its fine points, although carrying anything bulky or hauling a lot of weight aren't included. I love it as a day-pack, but don't use it for much else.

It is the perfect way to have a LOT of smaller things, all well-organized, along when you need them. During warmer weather, I use mine as a day-hike bag because it is permanently packed with all the basic survival and emergency gear, plus has room for an extra layer of clothing and plenty of food and snacks, plus plenty of water.

I love it for the early archery season, and for putting out trail cameras. There are plenty of pockets and organized space to bring everything I need. The funny "Y" strap over the top that I used to find a nuisance, I find perfect for strapping on a down jacket and/or waterproof shell.

Stay sharp,
desmobob

 

[bored2deth]

Then I think this pack is great for those needs. I have a large selection of packs and bags I've accumulated over the years and the Falcon II does have its fine points, although carrying anything bulky or hauling a lot of weight aren't included. I love it as a day-pack, but don't use it for much else.

It is the perfect way to have a LOT of smaller things, all well-organized, along when you need them. During warmer weather, I use mine as a day-hike bag because it is permanently packed with all the basic survival and emergency gear, plus has room for an extra layer of clothing and plenty of food and snacks, plus plenty of water.

I love it for the early archery season, and for putting out trail cameras. There are plenty of pockets and organized space to bring everything I need. The funny "Y" strap over the top that I used to find a nuisance, I find perfect for strapping on a down jacket and/or waterproof shell.

Stay sharp,
desmobob

I do much the same as you do, except bought a few add-ons I bought. Brought it up to 2,300 ci. Holds 2-3 qts water, 72 hrs worth of good calories, 2 changes of clothes, maxped first aid kit, maxped beefy tool kit, etc. I agree about the y strap, it does hold down a jacket well..or a roll of paracord. All in all, fully packed, it weighs in at about maybe 25 pounds (doesnt factor in proteus weight).