As with all Maxpedition packs, the Condor II offers top notch quality, expandability and quality workmanship.
The pack is a top loader, so you can cramp in your gear until its full, stomp on the top, then cram some more.
The bottom of the pack has lash points so you can attach a bed roll or sleeping bag. I used a couple of nylon straps and attached a 32 degree sleeping bag to the bottom.
The pack is covered with PALS (ladder system) to attach MOLLE or ALICE equipment all over it. I have the Maxpedition map and GPS case attached to the small outside pouch. While on a hiking trip, I can lay the pack on the ground, open the map case, get the GPS out, drink from the water bladder and never have to open the main compartments of the pack.
The compression straps work well for keeping the pack slim, and for lashing a tri-pod stool to the side of the pack.
I see no reason why this pack can not be used for an over night pack or even a 2 day pack. The main compartment is big enough to carry extra clothing, one man tent, MREs, hammock, rain poncho, poncho liner, tent stakes. While the other compartments are big enough to carry a first aid kit, flashlights, GPS, topo maps, map compass, water filter,, and other odds and ends.
The water bladder compartment is big enough to fit a 2 quart bladder and have plenty of room left over.
The shoulder straps have plenty of padding.
Overall, this is a well built, well designed pack that I highly recommend.
From a durability standpoint, Maxpedition got this pack right. I'm sure others will whole-heartedly agree that these back packs were made with being indestructible in mind. I just want to give a brief rundown of the important items pack owners should know.
Zippers never caught on excess material and seemed to open and close with absolutely no problems. The fabric is ridiculously stiff and heavy duty, I don't see a hole opening up in a long time. The buckles didn't exactly instill confidence as they seemed a bit thin for my liking. The shoulder straps are made of the same material as the rest of the bag. This is good for keeping it from fraying out on you after a few days of rucking around. However, the reason why I gave this pack 3 stars is because of this very feature. Due to the stiffness of the fabric, the straps will not conform to your shoulders/chest. I typically lug around a much larger Gregory Baltoro 70 loaded up with around 60 lbs with no problems. The Condor II on the other hand, is only loaded with 25 lbs of gear and was simply unbearable for any length of time. Two totally different packs I know, just wanted to make a point of the comfort levels of the shoulder straps. These bad boys cut, pinch and chafe your shoulders and the upper part of your chest. The waist belt which usually offloads the weight from your shoulders didn't help much.
Take note, back packs seem to be priced according to comfort, durability and materials used. The Condor II is all about durability, materials seem to be in the middle and comfort is nonexistent. My suggestion is this, if you're willing to shell out $130-$140 and are using this pack regularly it would behoove you to look at a pack with an internal frame and more comfortable shoulder straps. Forego the almost unnecessary indestructibleness of this pack, attach your own molle strips and you'll be happy. Or (if you can find a way), remove the straps from the Condor II, attach something more comfortable, add a stiff interior frame and you're set. I was actually thinking of doing this, but I need a solid color bag and Gregory straps come in gray.
This backpack is designed to be indestruble plain and simple, if that's what you're looking for and comfort can take a back seat you'll be in heaven. If you need something that is bomb proof AND comfortable, prepare to pay more for it. I decided that I wanted something more comfortable and could stand to lose the molle attachment points and some durability.
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My situation involves commuting about thirty five miles into Chicago by train for graduate school and other responsibilities. I have to carry my laptop computer, text books, notebooks, and other small items. I wanted to combine this role with EDC and BOB roles. In particular, I wanted a bag that carries what I need to get back home in case of a disaster, attack, whatever.
I bought this bag instead of the Vulture 2 because it has more molle straps on the back. I affixed the following Maxpedition items:
* 6 x 9 padded pouch, affixed to left side, carries substantial first aid supplies
* 10 x 4 bottle holder, affixed to right side, carries soda and snacks
* Monkey admin pouch, affixed to bottom back pocket, EDC role
* Map pack, affixed to top back pocket, maps and compass
I added the 3 liter water bladder as well. After adding all of my three-day items, the bag weighs about twelve pounds (guessing, no scale on hand). It is a little bit of weight but not as much as one would think if I spread out all the gear on a table. The computer and books together weigh quite a lot more than my pack and gear. Because I bought this Condor instead of a Vulture, the aspect ratio is inverted. It is wider than long by a ratio of around 1.5 width to 1 height.
Beside the positive of the attachment possibilities, this pack is highly durable, water resistant, and not easily damaged. This bag can easily meet most outdoor and urban challenges.
You can essentially pimp out this bag to carry everything you can possibly need on a trip. It can easily be converted into a three day bag. It is awesome for outdoor roles, especially with the map case, first aid pouch, and water bladder. There are straps on the bottom of the bag as well. It is something overlooked by a lot of reviewers. While this strap probably is insufficient to hold tent or sleeping bag gear (and this is definitely not a good bag for serious hiking/camping), it can easily hold a tripod, blanket, or any other item commonly taken on one day hikes. I have seen some molle camera bags which I imagine would make this an excellent outdoor photography pack.
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I purchased this pack to take with me, basically everywhere. I wanted to put together a modular pack system that held items that could get me through a night or a month. I knew that the pack was not large, but since I was putting together a modular system, I thought it would be about the right size. The main pack carries quite a bit of gear. I do have a few pouches attached to the outside of the pack, which allows me to quickly take what I need if I do not need the entire pack. I have a first aid pouch. A water bottle pouch (where I keep a stainless steel bottle with nested stainless steel cup & my eating flatware , and an utility pouch (where I keep my fire starting kit).
In the main pack I Have 8 x 10 tarp, two heavy duty reflective survival blankets, roll of plastic sheeting attached to bottom of pack with the packs bed roll loops), file, knife sharpener, two knives, Kukri machete, carpenters ax (ax and machete attach to molly loops), hand saw, fishing pole W/reel, fishing kit, sling shot, water filter, stainless steel backpacking cook kit, flash light, whistle, 300' of para cord, two rolls of tarred line, compass, three bandannas, two 50 gal trash bags, wetfire tender, candle lantern w/3 candles. one #5 & one #10 sealine dry bags, shammy towel, hand & dish soap, heat sheet, 12 cotton candles, needle nose vice grips,.22 pistol, 20 snares, 12 carabiners, three bungee cords, cable ties, hydration bladder, two days of food and a change of clothes. Add that with the first aid, water bottle, & fire kit pouches and I have a great system & weighs about 32 pounds (with no water in bladder). As you can see this pack holds quite a bit. I keep hearing people say that this is a "DAY" pack. I can tell you that if it is set up right it can be more than a day pack.
The pack is well made and is comfortable, for people with normal or short torso's. If you have a long torso the waist belt will not take the weight of the pack off of your shoulders and makes the pack unbearable after a short time (if you are over 6'tall, this may not be the pack you want). The pack has molly loops all over it making it easy to attach most pouches & accessories. The pack is not water proof, you do get some moisture making its way through the zippers (reason for the 4 stars), but it is a minimal amount. The nylon sheds water well and so far my gear has stayed dry. (I always put a dry bag in at the top of the bag to help keep the moisture from the zippers away from the rest of the gear).
The longest trip I have done with this set up is 6 days, I added a ultra light sleeping bag, and another set of cloths to the pack for that trip. It so far I am pleased with the performance of this pack. Over all this pack is a great base for my system.
UPDATE:
I Have given this pack to the wife and she loves it, and I have to admit that is seems to fit her better than it did me. It was for the most part comfortable, but the longer I had it the less I liked the fit. It seems that maybe 5'10" is at the tall end of this bag. I still stand behind the construction, it is a great pack.
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This is a great pack. It's not as large as I'd hoped, but that's my fault for not reading the description a bit more closely. Though not terribly large, this pack is tough as nails. I clearly over stuff it, but it holds together without protest. The zippers are very sturdy, and the stitching seems to be holding up no problem. I also own the Colossus Versipack, and between the two, I haul all my gear back & forth to West Africa (Boots included). They definitely live up to the name "Hard-Use Gear."
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The top loop that you can hang it from broke off within 3 days and I never keep it full. The material is thin, I expect the rest of it to fall apart sooner than later, but for now it's okay.
