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Uglyduck
17 June 2010, 18:28
Last year I started a thread titled Concealed Carry Murse (http://www.weaponevolution.com/forum/showthread.php?1112-Concealed-Carry-quot-Murse-quot&highlight=murse). Through the discussion I decided to purchase the Maxpedition Sitka as it had some features I was looking for. It's designed for concealed carry, having pile lined pockets in several locations and has quite a few pockets for organization including a mesh zippered pocket in the interior. I needed (read wanted [:D]) something I could take on a ay hike and use for EDC. I've been using it in both roles for the past year and below are some thoughts on it.

Construction

The pack is well built using 1000D Cordura and is secured with binding tape on all internal seams for strength. The build quality is acceptable and I found no major flaws in its general construction or material quality.


http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii318/uglyfireduck/P1010001.jpg

Pockets and organization
For EDC I typically carry my laptop, charger, headphones, iPod charger, wallet, keys, and various paperwork. Since I use it to tote all this too and from work and my dept. has a policy against weapons on the premises, I don't carry my pistol in it. I also prefer to carry on my person rather than in the pack for security reasons when moving around town. After using the pack in this role I've come to the conclusion that there are better bags out there (like a messenger), this pack was really designed to carry equipment rather than paperwork and even in that role it could be better.

Starting on the outside. The smaller top pocket has elastic loops in it for securing small items, although the pocket is too small for full size M&P .45 mags or pens and the elastic is a bit too small to secure my cell phone (its a beast though). This pocket has a strange sleeve on the outside with velcro on it for an ID panel(seen above). Why Maxpedition added the sleeve instead of just sewing velcro directly on the pocket I don't know.


http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii318/uglyfireduck/P1010002-1.jpg

The larger pocket has a small sleeve and a key lanyard. I use this for stowing my laptop charger and various cables. The outside of this pocket is covered in PALS, which aren't to the popper dimensions of 1.5" wide per column, and leads to any pouch being attached having some play to it and flopping around.
On the left of the pack (as you face it) is also a water bottle pouch and on the right is more PALS webbing. This webbing is also not to the correct dimensions. Its too wide for a single pistol mag pouch (which again, would flop around) and too narrow for a rifle mag pouch. I don't see the point of putting PALS on if you can't attach the accessories intended for it properly.


http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii318/uglyfireduck/P1010003.jpg

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii318/uglyfireduck/P1010004-2.jpg

The main compartment contains a smaller zippered mesh pocket behind which is a pile lined panel (not visible in the terrible photo below). Its large enough to hold a 13" Macbook in a padded sleeve.

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii318/uglyfireduck/P1010006-2.jpg

The concealed back pocket is accessible by zipper and can hold a 100oz. water bladder, contrary to Maxpeditions description. It is also lined with velcro pile on one side for accessories.

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii318/uglyfireduck/P1010005-1.jpg

After using the pack I've drawn several conclusions.

As stated earlier, this pack leaves a lot to be desired in the EDC role, at least for me. By increasing the main pockets dimensions standard PALS dimensions can be used, although I shy away from PALS on a concealed carry pack as it screams "tactical" and takes away from the intent of being discrete. Maxpedition could also ditch the water bottle pocket and add PALS in place of it, increasing the packs modularity.

The pockets would be well served to be lined with velcro pile. This would make the pack easy to customize to the users tastes and mission by placing mag pouches, pockets, or admin panels wherever they like, very similar to what Blue Force Gear has done with their DAP line of products. The combination of velcro modularity and the sling design would create a very useful and adaptable pack. I found myself dropping items into various pockets like a "Mary Poppins" bag as the organization sleeves and dimensions of the smaller pockets are unsuitable for some items.

I really like the single strap sling design, transitioning the pack from back to front is fluid and load carriage comfortable. The small stabilizing strap really secures the load and I found a 3 mile run with it on to be more comfortable than when using a standard backpack. This strap limits lateral sway that a conventional pack doesn't. The pack can carry my small aid bag, a pistol, water, wet weather gear, snacks, and then some with ease and comfort. I also find that if I want to carry my pistol on my hip that the sling stays out of the way of my draw stroke. In addition, the use of a true spacer fabric instead of layered mesh would really improve wicking and breathability, but I think this of all packs. The outdoors is where I found this pack really excels primarily due to the fact that its carrying gear rather than pens and paper. With that said, it could be even better with the options given from being velcro lined. I also believe 500D Cordura would be suitable for this pack and some of the features (like the draw cord security amongst others) could be removed for a welcome weight savings. Granted, this could be done by the user.


http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii318/uglyfireduck/P1010004.jpg

Finally, I've decided to retire this pack from EDC and go to a messenger bag, but I will continue to use it in the outdoors. I may also tear it down and add the velcro as stated above and see if it becomes better suited to dual duties.

Maxpedition Sitka Product Page (http://www.maxpedition.com/store/pc/Sitka-Gearslinger-2p926.htm)

Stickman
24 June 2010, 11:24
Good info, thanks for posting it.