Review on Maxpedition 5001 Typhoon Backpack in Black by Ashley Scott

This is a small, very expensive backpack with an unusual design. But - for certain situations - it's great. Before you give away your hard-earned money, take a moment and read on. First, understand that you are paying for explosion-proof construction and quality materials. If you work in the great outdoors (Ranger, Wilderness Firefighter, Military Agent) this backpack is built to take abuse you are sure to experience. For the rest of us (including me) it's obsolete. Do not get me wrong; I like the heavy YKK zippers and 1000D nylon webbing, but it's more than I really need in my suburban existence. It's up to you, the buyer, to decide if that durability is worth the price. Second, you need to understand the DNA of that particular bag. It started out as a sling backpack a few years ago and has since been redesigned into a regular backpack. The addition of that second webbing points to a fatal flaw with most leashes: they easily inflate to the point of discomfort. This is how the Typhoon has evolved from an uncomfortable carrier to a lightweight backpack. Redistributing the weight of 10-12 pounds hanging from one shoulder to two can seem like magic. Ask me how I know. Third, this is an old design. Outside pockets are not designed for smartphones or large tablets. Additionally, there are no elastic dividers or pen slots inside, and there is no dedicated laptop compartment either. However, there are rows of Molle straps throughout the pack. I've added a padded smartphone sleeve to the left side, and my Galaxy Tab S 10.5 rides in a neoprene sleeve that I tuck into the main compartment. I also added a couple of edc pocket organizers to address this additional disadvantage. I already had all of these accessories, but you might (correctly) refuse to buy any of these for an already expensive bag. Fourth, while the package is small, I don't think it looks odd on an average height male. If you had a similar sized line the Typhoon probably wouldn't be much different. I consulted with a specialist on the subject (my wife) and she said that I don't look any stranger than usual. :) I bought the Typhoon because I had given up my various sling packs in terms of comfort. I own (or owned) Maxpedition Noatak, Sitka and Malaga. I also have a Vanquest V-Slinger 2.0 (and yes I get help for my addiction). The Typhoon has greatly improved comfort. For reference, I'm 6ft 1in, 195 pounds and fairly broad shouldered. The backpack fits comfortably and is portable if I don't overtighten the straps. I am slimmer than many and if I were I would probably give up this backpack. It's quite narrow at the bottom (about 11 inches wide) where the straps join, which can cause chafing issues for those with a wide body. Finally, the Typhoon isn't as handy as a typical sling when very quick access to your belongings is important. And that's not the best option for CCW. However, if you just want to carry your tablet, phone, jacket, sunglasses, and EDC stuff in relatively weightless comfort, this MIGHT be an expensive option to consider. Either way, it will last long enough to pass down to your grandkids.