on June 3, 2010 10:19 PM
Every tacticool wannabe on the planet has a bug-out-bag, so why not me?
Actually, mine is more of a combo range/hunting bag, but I'll keep it semi-stocked just in case.
I couldn't make up my mind between the Kodiak and the Sitka for the longest time. I didn't think the Sitka would be big enough, but I thought the Kodiak would be too big.
The Kodiak is probably just about the right size for me, maybe a little small if anything. Once I get some doodads and a change of clothes in it, it's pretty full, but the idea is to carry light, just the bare essentials.
Before I get too far into it, there are some pretty decent videos that do a good job of reviewing the bag. You can watch them here.
The number one feature of this bag, and other Maxpedition gearslinger bags, is that you can swing it around to the front and access your stuff without taking the pack off. Pretty cool. One of the reasons this appeals to a lot gun folk is that it has a pouch and velcro lining for sticking a holster to. This lets you pack a concealed handgun in there, and swing it around in case you need it. It's faster than taking off your backpack and digging through it for your handgun, but still pretty slow to compared to holster on your hip. On the other hand, if you grabbed the bag on your way out the door before something went down, and maybe didn't have time to get all your gear on, you'd at least have someway to carry. It's a good option to have.
The bag has tons of pockets for keeping stuff sorted. The bad thing about the bag is that it has tons of pockets and it's easy to forget which pocket stuff is in if you aren't in and out of it all the time, but at least you aren't having to dump everything out of it to find what where that gizmo you are looking for is.
Also it has a pocket for a hydration bladder, and also a Nalgene bottle. Two features I really like after last weekend. You can't have too much water here in summer.
Some people think the bag is not great for hiking long distances with anything heavy in it, and that might be true. I didn't find it to be uncomfortable, but I only have about 10 lbs in it and haven't carried it very far. I carried a backpack all through college with only one arm through a strap (only nerds use both straps) and I never had any problems, I can't see why this would be any different, but if you are packing for days out in the bush you'd probably want something bigger with two straps.
Pics:
Hydration bladder goes here, or you can put a CCW there.
CCW goes here.
I tried to blur out the whiskers and it left me without a face.
Whiskers, but I have a face ... half a face anyway.
Actually, mine is more of a combo range/hunting bag, but I'll keep it semi-stocked just in case.
I couldn't make up my mind between the Kodiak and the Sitka for the longest time. I didn't think the Sitka would be big enough, but I thought the Kodiak would be too big.
The Kodiak is probably just about the right size for me, maybe a little small if anything. Once I get some doodads and a change of clothes in it, it's pretty full, but the idea is to carry light, just the bare essentials.
Before I get too far into it, there are some pretty decent videos that do a good job of reviewing the bag. You can watch them here.
The number one feature of this bag, and other Maxpedition gearslinger bags, is that you can swing it around to the front and access your stuff without taking the pack off. Pretty cool. One of the reasons this appeals to a lot gun folk is that it has a pouch and velcro lining for sticking a holster to. This lets you pack a concealed handgun in there, and swing it around in case you need it. It's faster than taking off your backpack and digging through it for your handgun, but still pretty slow to compared to holster on your hip. On the other hand, if you grabbed the bag on your way out the door before something went down, and maybe didn't have time to get all your gear on, you'd at least have someway to carry. It's a good option to have.
The bag has tons of pockets for keeping stuff sorted. The bad thing about the bag is that it has tons of pockets and it's easy to forget which pocket stuff is in if you aren't in and out of it all the time, but at least you aren't having to dump everything out of it to find what where that gizmo you are looking for is.
Also it has a pocket for a hydration bladder, and also a Nalgene bottle. Two features I really like after last weekend. You can't have too much water here in summer.
Some people think the bag is not great for hiking long distances with anything heavy in it, and that might be true. I didn't find it to be uncomfortable, but I only have about 10 lbs in it and haven't carried it very far. I carried a backpack all through college with only one arm through a strap (only nerds use both straps) and I never had any problems, I can't see why this would be any different, but if you are packing for days out in the bush you'd probably want something bigger with two straps.
Pics:
Hydration bladder goes here, or you can put a CCW there.
CCW goes here.
I tried to blur out the whiskers and it left me without a face.
Whiskers, but I have a face ... half a face anyway.
For size reference, I am 6'1" and 250 lbs, ok 255 dammit.
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