Review on 🎒 Ultimate Maxpedition MXPT1430K BRK Falcon III Backpack in Khaki - A Ruggedly Efficient Gear Companion by Nick Howard

General Summary: The Falcon III backpack is exceptionally well constructed using quality zippers, buckles and materials. Heavy loads fit easily and the bag can be filled to capacity without fear of "blow out" or failure of zippers, stitching or other hardware. The design is well thought out including the placement and application of compression straps that provide excellent compression and load control. In addition, when not fully loaded, the backpack can be compressed to a very thin profile. At around 20 inches tall, the overall height is low enough for the bag to be used as both carry-on luggage and a daily travel bag. It is also well suited for the daily commute to school or the office. The hip belt is adequate but not padded, and due to the bag's overall lower height, the belt tends to sit across the hips and more on the stomach. Loosening the shoulder straps will help the bag sit better on the hips, but this may not work for tall people. Conclusion: Maxpedition's slogan is "Heavy Use Equipment" and in my opinion this backpack exceeds this claim. The Falcon III served as carry-on luggage and was the only piece of luggage I took on an 8 day trip to Disney World/Orlando, Florida in December. Items packed in carry-on baggage as well as other bags mentioned in this review are listed below for your reference. In general, the Falcon III easily supports the weight of objects. Additionally, the versatility of the bag was well demonstrated as it was used daily at parks to carry up to eight people's jackets, snacks, a couple of bottles of water and a couple of travel umbrellas. The main compartment's fold-out design allows the bag to be zipped open and laid completely flat. Not only is this a baggage requirement (for me), it also worked really well at the checkpoints in the park, allowing staff to check contents without forcing me to completely empty and repack my bag at each checkpoint. Since returning to work, I've often carried two 10-inch laptops at once, their power cords, and other work-related items to and from the office. Compression Straps: Compression straps and buckles are excellent. When closed, the buckles held the straps in place very well. The straps did not come loose and were extremely effective in creating a thin profile. And when I was fully loaded as luggage, I was able to reduce the depth of the bag (just a little) to fit easily in the airport's "Carry-On Test Box" (see photos). None of the airport employees even looked at the size of the hand luggage, let alone questioned it. The hip belt and the compression straps have an elastic band. When tightened, the loose ends of the straps can be pulled back into the elastic loop to keep the long straps from hanging around. 5 feet 5 inches, me too). Because the bag is short, the unlined hip belt ran a little over my hips when the shoulder straps were snug against my shoulders and chest. It wasn't comfortable and not where you need to tighten the waist belt. As soon as I undid the shoulder straps, the bag slid down onto my thighs. I don't know where the waist belt is. If you are tall this might be worth considering. The shoulder straps and back are well padded with "breathable mesh," according to the Maxpedition website. They're both comfortable and the straps are easily adjustable (both tightened and loosened). I've never had a wet back from sweat while carrying a bag, but it might have more to do with the daytime temperature (65-80 degrees Fahrenheit) than the mesh. The chest strap held the straps in place well, especially after the straps were undone to allow the waist strap to move lower on my torso. There are also load adjusters at the top of the shoulder straps. Bringing the top of the bag closer to my back helped a bit, especially when the bag wasn't fully stuffed like a daypack. However, when the bag was full and heavy (when used as luggage) they were less effective. Falcon III Compartments and Capacity: As shown in the photos, the rear/main compartment easily fits a US size 9.5 running shoe (and likely a size 10 shoe), a travel umbrella and the two rectangular Maxpedition bags listed below . These rectangular bags are also extremely durable and well made. As a bonus, a 15 pound dachshund fits easily in the rear compartment (see photos). The Falcon III's center compartment is Velcro compatible. One side of the compartment is the smooth part of the Velcro (loop side of the Velcro). The two Condor rip-away backpacks mentioned below have a "hook" or a rough Velcro side on the back. The Condor bags are firmly bonded to the Falcon III's smooth surface, which keeps the Condor bags firmly in place, one on top of the other so they don't migrate to the Falcon III's floor. This allowed the Falcon III to be more evenly wide from top to bottom, lighter to carry and much easier to compress with compression straps. Two compartments on the front of the bag: the bottom compartment is large enough to hold a 10.1 inch tablet computer (iPad, Samsung, etc.), passport, keys, pens, loose change, charging cable, phone, etc. The smaller top compartment is large enough to hold the contents of a 1 liter ziplock bag of shampoo, toothpaste, razor, toothbrush etc (all containers no larger than 3.5 ounces). Hydration Pocket: Located on the back of the bag, this pocket accommodates a 48-ounce hydration pack. In addition, there are two openings on both sides of the top/back of the bag for the exit of the drinking tube and two drainage holes at the back bottom for water to escape. You are not at the bottom. So if you put the bag on a wet surface, water won't get in as easily. In addition, there is a small strap at the top rear of the bag that allows you to attach a camera to keep it upright. Bottom: The bottom of the bag is made from even more durable fabric than the rest of the bag, which can withstand being placed on hard, rough surfaces and also prevents water from (temporarily) penetrating wet surfaces. It's not designed to be fully waterproof, but it's another great example of the attention to detail that Maxpedition has put into this bag. Used as a daily commute to school or work (see Laptop center compartment holds a 15" laptop (15" Apple MacBook Pro Late 2008 shown) Front/bottom compartment holds a 10.1" laptop Pick up tablet (Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 pictured) All three of the above devices can be carried simultaneously with all their respective cables/power adapters. For luggage, the following items have been rolled up tightly and packed into four smaller bags: good compression and padding when using thicker Cotton would be more difficult to fit around 8 days of clothes in the bag: 3 pairs of shorts 4 pairs of socks 5 polyester/nylon training t-shirts (compresses very well) 2 cotton shirts (doesn't compress either) 8 pairs of shorts - boxer shorts 1 pair of sneakers (Men's US size 9.5 - see photo) 1 Men's Lightweight Thermal Underwear Pearl Izumi Long Sleeve Zip Neck Bathrobe White S 1 Travel Umbrella 48oz Hydration Pouch Smaller T shown Bags: Maxpedition Medium Square (Leaf Green) Maxpedition Square – Small (Khaki) Condor Rip-Away EMT Pouch Red Condor Rip-Away EMT Pouch (Black)