Maxpedition Noatak Review [Pic Heavy]

[cerbera147]

I appear to be a Maxpedition collector of sorts. Not sure how it happened; I do like their gear. Their customer service has some reported issues but I think most agree they make good bags.

A Maxpedition Gearslinger has been on wishlist for some time now. I've got the Fatboy and Pygmy Falcon II, a gearslinger seemed the natural progression. I know, all the gear and no idea.

TBH I never thought I'd be lucky enough to get one my Maxped's newest bags, the Maxpedition Noatak. (http://www.maxpedition.com/store/pc/Noatak-Gearslinger-2p1436.htm) I got through a trade with a US friend from another forum.

This one is Khaki-Foliage. My other stuff has all been black with the exception of my khaki Spec Ops Pack Rat. I think this colour scheme is the best of those offered. Other colours include; Black, OD Green, Khaki, Foliage Green and Khaki-Foliage. I'm sure the Digital Foliage Camo will be offered later this year.

Sizewise this is the baby brother of the Sitka Gearslinger. Designed to be worn on your back and then pulled around to your chest for easy access to the pockets. The rear pocket is designed for a hydration bladder or concealed carry.

I got this during the week so have not been able to test run this just yet. I filled it with some stuff while trying to remain minimal. I want this bag to be my EDC bag not a BOB bag. I also reorganised my Maxped EDC Organiser whilst I was at it. The idea being the Organiser can be transferred between bags.

I still have to decide how to carry my camera. I have a Maxpedition M2 Waistpack (http://www.maxpedition.com/store/pc/M-2-WAISTPACK-6p152.htm) which I use as a camera case. It could go on the main strap on my chest or attached to where my GPS currently is. It could of course go into an exterior pocket but I do like having quick access to my camera. Perhaps in an exterior pocket will still provide that quick access; time will tell.

http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af203/cerbera147/EDC%20Setup/Bagsetc/S1053361.jpg

Note the security strap on the front pocket; a clever idea.
http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af203/cerbera147/EDC%20Setup/Bagsetc/S1053367.jpg

I borrowed the 'Triple Mag Holder' from my Fatboy for this. Like the Organiser it can easily be swapped about.
http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af203/cerbera147/EDC%20Setup/Bagsetc/S1053364.jpg

The main compartment.
http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af203/cerbera147/EDC%20Setup/Bagsetc/S1053371.jpg
http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af203/cerbera147/EDC%20Setup/Bagsetc/S1053372.jpg

My latest Organiser setup.
http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af203/cerbera147/EDC%20Setup/Bagsetc/S1053356.jpg

No cross strap
http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af203/cerbera147/EDC%20Setup/Bagsetc/S1053378.jpg

One cross strap, ta da. A very clever feature that allows you to tuck the strap into the rear pocket if not needed.
http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af203/cerbera147/EDC%20Setup/Bagsetc/S1053379.jpg

The rear pocket. On the opposite wall there is velcro for various attachments. One reviewer on Youtube said he keeps his iPad in this pocket.
http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af203/cerbera147/EDC%20Setup/Bagsetc/S1053382.jpg

Hydration tubing. Never had one of these before but got this 1.5l one for £5 from Millets UK http://edcforums.com/images/smilies/drinking01.gif
http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af203/cerbera147/EDC%20Setup/Bagsetc/S1053384.jpg

Some ad hoc comparison pics. Pygmy Falcon II on the left, Fatboy on the right.

http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af203/cerbera147/EDC%20Setup/Bagsetc/S1053391.jpg
http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af203/cerbera147/EDC%20Setup/Bagsetc/S1053392.jpg

Hope this review is of help. I think this bag has been out for 6 -7 months now but reviews appear to be scarce on the interweb.

All in I am really pleased with this bag and can't wait to get out in the wild with it.
Update when it's been field tested.

Dan

[Gizmo]

Great review Dan and thanks for the great pics! What I cannot understand with some of these designs is why there is no flap to cover over the top and prevent rain getting in.

[Hatethatgiraffe]

Strangely I've been looking at packs tonight!
Was looking at gearslingers but worried whether 1 strap will spread weight evenly and be comfortable enough!

[rojaz]

Was looking at gearslingers but worried whether 1 strap will spread weight evenly and be comfortable enough!

Likewise. Always used a small rucksack but like the idea of a small gearslinger for EDC and short (2 - 5 hour) walks. The times I have tried a single strap feels very wierd after a lifetime with a sack.