Review on Maxpedition 0513B Falcon II Backpack Black by Andy Quade

My experience: I have more than two dozen tactical bags, backpacks and bags, most of which are Maxpedition - several Versipacks, laptop cases, messenger bags, ARG gear, etc., some of which I have use for about ten Years. I am extremely active, take my Maxpedition bags with me for all sporting activities, use them extensively off-road and take them with me on my regular international trips around the world. Maxpedition gear is without a doubt the toughest gear I've found in ANY price range. Some of their pocket layouts are dated and not always an efficient use of real estate (Fatboy), but I can honestly say these are the only pockets that I can honestly say have NEVER failed me or even hinted at a failure to have. I bought this Falcon II primarily to be my international carry-on and to replace my four-seat Max laptop bag that didn't hold enough travel gear. And although I only unpacked my new Falcon II a few hours ago, I can already tell you that this is my new favorite backpack and a great job. FIRST IMPRESSION: Again, I just got it. But then again, I've owned Max gear for years. I can define/feel quality and that is quality. As always, the bag is rigid and compact. Max bags usually take a month or two to soften a bit, but they never "soften". Thick, high-quality material that does not offer itself. I have a 9 year old Versipack that I've ripped out of my life over the years and it still looks brand new. Of course it's covered in white scabs - that's my old dried sweat salt that I used in the field and never washed. A police officer friend of mine bought his Max bag just before he entered the police academy ten years ago and still uses it to this day. Fills it with spare/tactical gear, ammo, magazines and stuffs it in the trunk of his squad car every morning, and a decade later it's still not falling apart. . This bag is the PERFECT size for me. We've all seen the photos, so we don't need to get too specific about the compartments - there's a main compartment, a middle one, two smaller pockets on the outside, and a hidden compartment on the back for hydration or a hidden pistol pocket. Structure For my needs, I needed a backpack that would fit my laptop and that would comfortably accompany me both on the plane and off-road, where I can also move quickly. It's a long but narrow pack, not bulky at all even when fully extended, and the perfect size for balancing storage and maneuverability. I know some people have said they will use it as a holdall and I'm sure I can handle it, but I seriously wouldn't want it to be my main bag if I were to find myself in a situation which there is at least the slightest chance . that I might have to stay out of the house for more than one night. Then I switch to my Samsonite Airlight shoulder pack and a smaller tactical backup for my electronics/weapons gear. The only thing the secret pocket is used for - and very effectively - is to store my boarding passes and other airport documents, which I don't like to keep in places that are more accessible to thieves (like the outside pocket). The hidden compartment is perfect for this. Just toss the bag aside and take my papers. It will be very, very difficult for a thief to get to the zipper and layout without my knowledge. My main issue with the main compartment would be that it would fit in my sleeve for my 14 inch laptop, a sweater/fleece and maybe a few beers. that I always sneak onto the plane. Now I can tell you IT DOES. The middle compartment is perfect for my 10.1 inch Samsung laptop and Revain Kindle. Like the main compartment, this compartment is quite large and surprisingly roomy, so you can fit a surprising amount of stuff in it. I removed all of the shoulder straps and tucked them into the bottom of this compartment in case I need to use this backpack while running. Obviously I don't need to be strapped into scaffolding when walking around an airport. With external pockets, the larger (lower) of the two has an internal wall where I'll probably just store a couple of pens and a flashlight, plus my first aid kit and travel toothbrush kit. It can hold a lot more. The smaller one will be for all my travel USB cables and chargers, or if I might land some sunglasses. You could probably fit at least two couples in it. OVERALL COMFORT: This is not a bag designed to carry heavy loads. I would probably be hesitant to load anything over 30lbs in this backpack as it just isn't designed for that kind of payload. The straps are well made and designed but not thick enough, soft or strong enough to carry much weight and while I have no doubt that the bag's structural integrity and materials can handle 50 pounds of crap in one bag, i doubt it . it would be very convenient. This is a lightweight bag for a person who needs to maneuver a lot in dynamic situations. HOW: 1) Size, layout, expected maximum quality and predictable durability. 2) ON THE TOP IS A REAL WELL-MADE CARRY HANDLE! That's always been my only criticism of Maxpedition gear - ask anyone with a Fatboy Versipack, or pretty much any other Max pack. But the Falcon II has as stiff a grip as you could ask for and it's AMAZING. 3) Fits everything I need as an Air Tactical Bag, no more no less. DON'T LIKE: 1) This isn't really a criticism as it plays a functional role in this bag, but LOTS of straps hang here and there. Again, I removed the shoulder straps and left them in the middle compartment. If you don't have the special equipment to tie or tie all the loose straps, just get creative and fold, twist, or otherwise fasten them into one of the many existing and functional loops. 2) Again, this is not a criticism but an encouraging suggestion. If, like most other Max backpacks, they could fit a small side pocket or two on the outside (yes I know you can buy one separately and I have them) that would be great. Somewhere to keep my Leatherman or tactical flashlight for quick and easy access, or maybe a small camera, or even pepper spray. Small side pockets are always useful, they don't take up much space and they don't stand out on such a thin backpack. I rarely get new gear and I'm so excited about it that I spend the next three hours playing with it and writing about it on Revain. , and as I mentioned before, this is not my first tactical bag. This should tell you everything you need to know. If the size and layout suit you, don't worry about it. Simply click on "Order" and you will receive your new favorite bag.