Maxpedition Fatboy Versipack (loads of pics)

[A.L.]

I reckon most of you are familiar with this already, and many reviews are made. Nevertheless, I think it's always a risk of doing a review that mentions something that the other didn't or inspires someone.

That being said, I've had this bag for about two weeks so it's more of an overview and initial impression thing.

I had to shoot this indoors with artificial light, hence the low quality and shock in some photos.

Here's one of the earlier shots (samurai kanji patch added):

And here starts the photos I took today, with the manly armygirl patch!

(reference photo) [but where is number 6?] D:

1

Here's the MOLLE(?) attachment point for smaller pouches and the clippy thing for hanging something like keys. I haven't yet figured out use for this part yet.

2

Here's the sidepocket with another attachment point for additional puches or knives or whatnot you have.

Peek inside the pocket reveals some ink pens, zippo, AAA-batteries and "hidden" bic lighter.

3

At the other side is the velcro pocket for pistol clip, multitool, flashlight or alike. The velcro allows items longer than the pocket itself.

In the pocket I keep my ledlenser can'trememberwhat flashlight.

 

[A.L.]

4

In the shoulderstrap is the cellphonepocket. I've noticed that this gets a bit on the way when you have the hand moving around there, but I usually swing my "manpurses" at my back allowing free movement for hand, so it's not really that much of an problem. edit: Also around this pocket are two penholders, one each side.

I like to keep my cellphone in the pocket, so I keep my travelling mans best friend in this pocket; Victorinox Swiss Champ.

5

I guess this is the emergency bail system, but me being paranoid with such things to embarrass me, I added an paracord failsafe system (double fishermans knot). The clip is strong, no failure but... It's the paranoid me, and I find no use for such clip.

6
But... where is it?

7
I did take photo of this pocket, but it was awful and my quality control is not that loose to let it here. It's just a very flat pocket where you can slip some papers or smallish handgun (like maxpedition promotes). It also has velcro attachment surface.

8

In the front zipper pocket I keep my benchie 530. Behind is the velcro attachment surface.

Opening the thing...

Opened fatboy. At the front is small pocket for papers etc, I keep my passport (ID) here.

This is the inside front pocket emptied. Notice the small sub-pocket for small items.

This is the same pocket with equipment in: cellphone recharger, zippo fuel, torx-screwset, tin with matches in plastic bag.

Entering the mainsection. I guess this is called the snowlock, protecting from elements.

Peek at the main compartment. I found this tadbit too small in all dimensions, but it's ok. This is after all, more of an gearbag than stuff carrier. Notice the two smaller sub-pockets. Inside is old trusty leatherbelt (not always there really), some "hidden" paracord and Otterbox 2000.

 

[A.L.]

Here's the padding for shoulderstrap, attached to the strap with three velcros.

At the back is the belt loop if one wishes the bag not to wiggle around.

BONUS for the curious - contents of otterbox:

It has: VIC hiker, paracord, light my fire, spare batteries twice, bic lighter, iron wire, led lenser keyfinder (flashlight)

---

Short conclusion:
+ Sturdy as hell. Good fit & finish, good materials
+ Looks good (Ja!)
+ Modular (for additional maxpedition / etc gear)

- Could be a bit larger for my taste (not really the bags fault)
- That clip for paranoid

I love it!
(any comments are most welcome!)

 

[LUW]

Thanks for the info, A.L.!

I'm currently thinking about getting a Versipack for myself, and your photos helped a lot for giving me an idea of actual size. From your pics, it looks like the Fatboy has a good size for what I want.

But what about actual carry of the pack? How comfortable do you think it is? Is it "loud", or do you think you can go unnoticed while sporting it? And do you have by any chance some shots of yourself while wearing it? I would like to have an idea of how it dresses.

 

[LUW]

And oh, one last thing: is the Otterbox 2000 the biggest you can fit in there?

 

[Calebklyne]

nice bag i was always a bit fond of these so its nice to see a good review. but i also wonder the same things as luw also do you think it would be possible to put a nalgene size or bigger bottle in the main compartment? or a jetboil cup?

 

[LUW]

Caleb, what about the Jumbo?

Basically a Fatboy with a water bottle pouch on the side.

 

[A.L.]

But what about actual carry of the pack? How comfortable do you think it is? Is it "loud", or do you think you can go unnoticed while sporting it? And do you have by any chance some shots of yourself while wearing it? I would like to have an idea of how it dresses.

Well, the zippers can do some noise I guess, but overall it's very tight package and doesn't rattle too much. As for the extra photos, I'll take some tomorrow so tune in again.

And oh, one last thing: is the Otterbox 2000 the biggest you can fit in there?

I have no experience on other otterboxes, but I think you could atleast fit the 3000 there. I cannot confirm this however.

nice bag i was always a bit fond of these so its nice to see a good review. but i also wonder the same things as luw also do you think it would be possible to put a nalgene size or bigger bottle in the main compartment? or a jetboil cup?

Thanks, but I have no experience of such bottles and their sizes. Maybe someone can help?
I'll try to find something universally comparable and get some more photos tomorrow for how big the main section is.

Thanks for the replies

 

[LUW]

A.L., sorry, I guess I made a poor choice of words when I wrote my question

. By "loud" I was trying to ask if when you're wearing the Fatboy, does it stand out much? I mean, is it inconspicuous and unnoticeable?

 

[Calebklyne]

Caleb, what about the Jumbo?

Basically a Fatboy with a water bottle pouch on the side.

i was just looking at these and i think im gonna have to go get my hands on one to see if i like it enough to buy it

 

[A.L.]

A.L., sorry, I guess I made a poor choice of words when I wrote my question

. By "loud" I was trying to ask if when you're wearing the Fatboy, does it stand out much? I mean, is it inconspicuous and unnoticeable?

Ah, I see.
It's really hard to say really, because I've never seen one else than mine.
I guess that depends where you go really.
A familymember thought it was camerabag since I photograph.

 

[LUW]

If it looks "just like a camera bag" I think it's good enough. I always prefer my gear, whatever it is, to be low key and be as inconspicuous as possible. I am (or try to be) a very discreet person and I just hate things that call too much attention.

Not wanting to abuse, but do you have any pics of you wearing it?

 

[A.L.]

If it looks "just like a camera bag" I think it's good enough. I always prefer my gear, whatever it is, to be low key and be as inconspicuous as possible. I am (or try to be) a very discreet person and I just hate things that call too much attention.

Not wanting to abuse, but do you have any pics of you wearing it?

Soon grasshopper, soon.
Got some errands to do, I'll try posting something this evening.

 

[LUW]

Terrific!

 

[A.L.]

Allright, here are the pics promised. Again shot in artificial light, sorry for the crappy quality (nordic winter, cold and dark).

Here's how I carry the pack, at my back out of the way. I find this also the most comfortable way to carry satchels and shoulderbags. It's kind of like small backpack when carried like this, with better accessability.

So I tried to think what's universal for comparison and...

Beer ofcourse!
Here's photo with otterbox 2000 and two 0,5L beer cans (those longer ones). It's pretty tight fit but it's there. You should be able to ram four regular cans there.

I hope that helps.

 

[LUW]

Dude, you just cost me money!
I was thinking about getting the Fatboy, but wasn't exactly sure it was what I needed, but after seeing your pics I'm positive it will work out great! Thanks :thumbup:!

I just won't order one NOW! because I'll be traveling from the 9th until the 22nd, and won't be around to receive the package, so I'll have to wait some days before ordering one .

 

[A.L.]

Maybe maxpedition should pay me some comission for promotion.
But seriously, Im glad I could be of help. It's really top notch and well made sturdy pack. :thumbup:

 

[pilote]

i have an s-type...the general size is great, i just wish the main compartment had a little bit more volume; a bit more width and depth...the jumbo takes it more than just a little bit...and i wish they had put a outer pocket where you could stuff the strap (like on the remora and lunada)...

i have attached an anemone pouch where they took the pouch off on the s-type, and a mini-rollypoly on the other attach location

because i have a netbook, i also got a lunada when i carry that around...fatboy ain't fat enough to fit a asus eee netbook...

 

[Wandering_About]

nice bag i was always a bit fond of these so its nice to see a good review. but i also wonder the same things as luw also do you think it would be possible to put a nalgene size or bigger bottle in the main compartment? or a jetboil cup?

I got a Fatboy S-type almost two months ago, just thought I might throw a couple of my thoughts on this thread.

I could get a 1-liter Nalgene to fit in mine, but you can't really fit anything else in afterward and it is a VERY awkward fit. I currently carry an 18-oz widemouth Klean Kanteen, which fits very well in the main body with a first aid kit and several other items.

My S-type came with a waist belt instead of the small belt clip on the one shown above. I like this, it really works well. You can secure the fatboy while wearing a coat, etc., whereas the belt clip is pretty well useless if you're wearing anything that covers your belt.

I have been wearing mine for hiking and hunting since I got it, and it is perfectly comfortable to wear all day. It doesn't seem to me too possible to load this thing up so heavy as to make it uncomfortable, unless you're stuffing it with bricks or ammo.

Here is a picture of mine next to a widemouth Nalgene:

 

[zackfraser]

Great review. I have a Jumbo as my camera bag, and am able to carry a D70, 18-55vr, 20-35 2.8, 24-105, SB600 flash, and still have room for batteries, chargers, cards, mulitool, and other items. Carries great, and I like the belt loop attachement as it comes in handy when shooting a party or even and you need to move around a lot.