Tumi Luggage Alpha Long Wheeled Garment Bag
Maxpedition Falcon-II Backpack
What's good about this bag (and its derivatives):
stays compact and keeps its rectangular shape
3 zippered storage layers with mesh pockets inside + hydration bladder pocket give you plenty of ways to organize gear
great for carrying flat items like books, laptops and other electronics
sternum and waist straps are removable (which is a plus on small packs)
Y-strap on top can be used to strap a jacket or something bulky outside the pack
MOLLE webbing for attaching all sorts of things to the outside of the pack or on the shoulder straps: bicycle lights, carabiners, storage pouches, etc.
the three storage layers can be compressed or expanded using straps on the side, so the pack is never shapeless
seemingly indestructible and water resistant fabric
What's not very good:
small, not enough volume for extended trips or bulky items
nothing is accessible from the outside as you are wearing the bag, unlike on hiking backpacks; there are no open-top or side pockets for water bottles, snacks, cameras, or other junk
the Y-strap, although useful, also gets in the way of opening the zippered compartments (but you can leave it undone)
a little heavy for its size
not a hiking pack in my book, more of an urban or travel pack
when full, the pack bulges out in a way that makes it thicker than it is narrow (hard to imagine it from photos, it looks very unusual) this is not bad, in fact I like this quirk, but other people also tend to notice the strange shape
Where this pack falls short of the Condor copy:
fabric is way too stiff and loud when in contact with something else
zippers are smaller and look flimsier
shoulder padding is less
less MOLLE on the shoulder straps = fewer options for attaching useful items there
stitches on the black model are light in color, showing off the MOLLE and making the bag look less discreet
loose straps and webbing, longer than needed, especially on the bottom (manageable, but why have to deal with it in the first place?)
there is a (second) pair of extraneous straps on the side which make it hard to open the main and middle layers (unless you keep buckling and unbuckling them, which gets annoying)
some really sharp stitches, especially on the carrying handle on top what were they thinking?
the hole for the hydration hose on top is closed with a velcro tab which is also very stiff and sharp right next to your hand on the carrying handle
because it is so stiff, it is harder to cram things into this bag than into one made from softer fabric
the small zippered pocket on the top outermost layer has a single instead of double zipper (really nitpicking here)
the Maxpedition logo stands out; I prefer bags without logos like the Condor brand more discreet and less of a theft invitation
I decided to buy the Condor by first playing with it in a store. I got this Maxpedition Falcon online, but I would not have bought it if I had been able to examine it in person and compare with the Condor version, both in functionality and price. (Confusingly enough, Maxpedition makes a backpack called Condor I am not referring to it but rather to the one made by a Condor brand.)
The Maxpedition Falcon II is a good pack, but in my opinion not worth the asking price given that you can find something very similar (and arguably improved) for half the price or even less. It just depends on what you have used before and what you expect. If you are not set on this exact model and look, try also 5.11 RUSH, Camelbak Linchpin, or something even fancier and pricier from Mystery Ranch.
Make sure you can examine the specific bag you want in person before you buy because there are wide variations in quality between brands even if they all look like this on photos (by the way, the selling point of Maxpedition is that they are normally very well put together) I know this review will be controversial because this pack has many fans, so I invite you to check out this and other bags in person before getting sucked into the hype found in online reviews.
All this said, I am being overly critical here of a great backpack. Most packs can only dream of being that well designed :)I bought this bag in 2009 from an Army Surplus store for more than they advertise here on Amazon. Worth every penny. I saw it in person before buying so the surprise was not the lack of size, it was the ACTUAL size once you filled her. This bag expands in just the right way to make everything from 72hrs worth of clothing to my 15 inch laptop fit.
The bag fits fully packed under the seat of a larger airliner. The load is comfortable, and with the external compression straps I've stuffed the bag but also held jackets, a tent and a water bottle. The Molle attachments are great because I can add additional compartments, bags, firearm magazine pouches.
I've been on multiple deployments and even more travels around the world with this bag and I do not fear it will ever break. The bottom is a rubberized/coated plastic and cordura. It does not have drainage holes. However, there is a water bladder pocket that is great for putting things you might fear could be pick pocketed or you want to hide, and it does have drain holes in case your bladder ruptures.
I also have carried this bag on my chest with a large duffel bag on my back comfortably. On the chest you can look over it just fine, and move your arms with no restrictions.
The only thing that annoys me at times but it's not a con in any way is the long straps. They provide a lot of extra strap material for "larger" guys. I'm not one of them so it just dangles and I have to tie it off every where. But I'd rather have too much than not enough.
If you are thinking of buying the 2289 COYOTE BROWN MEDIUM TRANSPORT PACK copy of this bag DON'T! This bag is worth the little extra cash. Would you risk your $1000 dollar computer in bag half this cost just to be sure at some point the bag will break and most likely when you least want it too. Don't skimp on this. Buy the Maxpedition if you want to know your bag will survive anything you throw at it.
I'm going to buy a second just for a Bug out bag to leave at home or in the car.
Buy Maxpedition Falcon-II Backpack Now
4.5 because of the the price, but may consider five stars. Very functional, well-fitting backpackseems well-made. I could cross country ski in this bag if I wanted to, because it doesn't restrict my arm movement at all, I am pretty sure Maxpedition guarantees their bags for life, and it feels like it when you hold it.I was hesitant about a "Foliage Green" bag, but surprisingly happy with the colormy wife thought it was grey. it looks a little greyish, green. The buckles have a definite greenish color, while the webbing is a little more towards beige. I don't know how else to describe the color.
* I added some pics to give you some better views of this pack.
Read Best Reviews of Maxpedition Falcon-II Backpack Here
This pack rides great. Very comfortable, even packed to the gills. It's my go-to day pack now, and hope to take it out on some 24-48hr stints, I think it's capable.Like all maxpedition products, it's tough as nails. Buy once, cry once. Know that it's a piece of kit you can rely on.I bought this backpack right before I left for Europe for 2 weeks. I bought the Khaki/Foliage Green bag and was impressed with how good it looks. After seeing it at first glance I thought I wasn't going to be able to fit that much inside. I was wrong. I was able to pack two pairs of pants, 10 shirts, 1 jacket, and plenty of socks and underwear for 14 days. Along with 2 books with maps, my camelbak (which has its own pocket), and other basic necessities. The clips along the side make it easy to tighten down and compress the overall size of the bag. It was very easy to carry around, not putting a ton of weight on my shoulders. My girlfriend brought her Jansport hiking backpack with us and it was more bulky and uncomfortable to carry. I would recommend this bag to anyone that goes hiking or travels with a backpack.
Athalon Luggage Deluxe Computer Backpack
Buy Athalon Luggage Deluxe Computer Backpack Now
This bag has so many pockets and I have found a spot for everything. I am a full time student and I can fit all my notes, hat, lunch, drink bottle, laptop etc. in. The quality of this bag also wildly surpasses any bag I have had in the past. With two years to go this bag will be great as an overnighter as well. Thanks Amazon for a great price too!Read Best Reviews of Athalon Luggage Deluxe Computer Backpack Here
Yes, the backpack itself is very sturdy...nice padded straps, steel cable enforced handles, quality fabric, cool design. BUT...the buckle on this pack broke after less than 2 week's use. It doesn't matter how great the rest of the bag is, when it's held together by a thin, cheap plastic buckle that's of no better quality than a cheap Kmart pack, it will break. The pack itself is designed to hold a lot of weight...the problem is, the buckle is not.And you can't replace the buckle. It's sewn between the two ends of the strap. And Athalon is NOT very accommodating about replacing their faulty product. I had to take several photos (just to make sure I wasn't scamming them), then after waiting 2 weeks for a response to my photos, I then had to CUT the logo off the backpack and send it back to get a new one. Haven't done that yet, doubtful it will get here quickly. In the meantime, daughter has had to jury-rig a caribiner fix and walk around with a hole cut out of her backpack.
Good move, Athalon. I won't be buying their products anytime soon.
Want Athalon Luggage Deluxe Computer Backpack Discount?
My daughter loves this bag because the graffiti is pretty cool. I love it because it is so sturdy and can accommodate all of her books. I hope the rumor that Athalon is no longer manufacturing backpacks is false, because this is a very heavy duty product I would buy it again in a heartbeat!UPDATE: On year two for this bag and it looks just as new as the day I bought it.
Lillian Rose-Flower Girl Backpack
Buy Lillian Rose-Flower Girl Backpack Now
This backpack will be perfect to put all of my flower girls gifts into. She will be 2 1/2 when we get married and it will be the perfect size for her.I ordered this back pack for my niece who will be the flower girl in my upcoming wedding. I plan on putting some toys and activities in it to keep her busy during the reception. She'll only be a few months over a year, but it will be the perfect size for her! I also ordered the ring bearer backpacks for my 2 nephews. Can't wait to see what they think of them!! :)STM Bags Jet Roller Wheeled Laptop Bag
Buy STM Bags Jet Roller Wheeled Laptop Bag Now
I have looked at this bag for years and thought I could make it work for my needs but in the end it is simply an odd arrangement of compartments that is not flexible and didn't work for my needs. Who carries a 17" laptop anymore? I thought I could put extra clothes in the laptop compartment, removing the bumpers in there, and then place my 13" MBP in a sleeve in the front compartment, but that space was not large enough to fit my Brenthaven Trek sleeve. A thinner sleeve might work that way. In any case, it was too small for my needs.Read Best Reviews of STM Bags Jet Roller Wheeled Laptop Bag Here
MAXPEDITION FALCON-II BACKPACK OD MAX0513G
I've been using this pack for day hikes and weekend trips. It's comfortable to wear and balances well, and its narrow profile makes it easier to move with than a wider pack. It easily holds my poncho and blanket, plus water and food and cooking gear. I still have plenty of room for other items like clothes, hatchet, flashlight, toiletries, first-aid kit, etc. Overall, I think this is a great pack and I highly recommend it.I had placed the pack on my wish list, and was surprised with it as a birthday present. Although the primary intent was for me to carry my gear when relic hunting, I took advantage of a zoo trip to show my wife just what the pack could do. I asked her into the kitchen where she watched me pack every item she wanted to take to the zoo into my new daypack. Being a Former (FMF) Corpsman with the Marines, I took a great amount of joy in not only packing what my wife thought was essential, but I also added other items she had not even thought of. Have two children ages 2 and 3, I included the essential changes of clothes for "accidents" that might occur if restrooms were not near. I can go on and on about just how efficient thig bag is, but you realy need to see for yourself. After showing the bag to a fellow relic hunter and demonstrating only a few of the features, he quickley asked where and how to obtain one. This bag is great for everyone, and easily adjusts to the needs of the occasion. Dads couuld think of this as the coolest diaper bag ever if they don't like what they are currently carrying.
Buy MAXPEDITION FALCON-II BACKPACK OD MAX0513G Now
this is one of the best buys on amazon. great, well built backpack and worth every dollar. it is a little pricey but it is definitely worth the money.Read Best Reviews of MAXPEDITION FALCON-II BACKPACK OD MAX0513G Here
Star Wars Imperial Order Backpack
SOC Gear Business Pro Garment Bag
I returned the product to Amazon for a refund. I e-mailed the same person I contacted before the sale to let them know my experience and received no response. So,Sandpiper has a lousy product and lousy customer service.The inside zipper does not go all the way around the area where you place your clothes. It makes the clothes wrinkled just trying to pack.
Buy SOC Gear Business Pro Garment Bag Now
I was all stoked to get this bag use it for my bike-ride to work. I received it yesterday and It is already coming apart! This is rediculous. I did read a review about another customer having the same issue but I ignored it. DON'T BUY THIS PRODUCT!.It's a great idea but poor execution.
If I didn't need it I would be sending it back pronto!Will hold multiple items, plus has additional pockets on inside and outside... Can carry a lot more than I thought I would be able to... Sturdy construction... Sized just right for carry onI purchased this to match my other 3 SOC bags and love it just as much. I have stuffed it full with 5 uniforms and had no issues. It does get a bit tight folding up but once closed and strapped, it doesn't go anywhere. The backpack straps are a big bonus as well, I find myself using those more than the shoulder strap.
Black Butler Messenger Shoulder Bag 17"x12"
- Black Butler bag with adjustable shoulder strap
- Extra Pocket in the front for easy storage
- Buckle Closure for extra protection
Buy Black Butler Messenger Shoulder Bag 17"x12" Now
I have a brand new niece and she wanted something anime for her birthday. Not yet knowing her to well I wanted to impress her this was the perfect gift.Read Best Reviews of Black Butler Messenger Shoulder Bag 17"x12" Here
I can't complain since I'm not carrying it. My daughter picked it and loves it. My daughter hasn't complained so neither will I.my daughter is so into Black Butler and she loves this bag for school. It seems to be sturdy enough, she goes though bags fast so will let you know how long this one last.Crooked Horn Outfitters MasterGuide II
Hello Kitty Glitter White and Pink Checker Rolling Backpack
Buy Hello Kitty Glitter White and Pink Checker Rolling Backpack Now
a perfect back pack for its price its practical and it has rollers ,i will recommend it to my friendsRead Best Reviews of Hello Kitty Glitter White and Pink Checker Rolling Backpack Here
My daughter was intent on finding a rolling hello kitty backpack. after a frenzied trip to target and several stores at the mall, we finally found this backpack. she was very happy with it, and still is. however the side mesh pockets have both ripped with little wear. the ONLY thing she has put in them is a water bottle. and even then its only been a handful of time. your pockets are guaranteed to rip, i havent found a solution to how to fix them yet, but i am definitely thinking about it. for the price we paid, the thing should have some decently sewed in pockets. other than that, its cute, functional, and stands up great on it own.Want Hello Kitty Glitter White and Pink Checker Rolling Backpack Discount?
O3 Kid's All-in-One Pre-School Backpacks with Integrated Cooler
Buy O3 Kid's All-in-One Pre-School Backpacks with Integrated Cooler Now
Great backpack.Lot's of storage space.
Functional
Great material.
Many colors to choose from.
Perfect for pre-schoolers 18 months and up.
Highly recommended!!
Read Best Reviews of O3 Kid's All-in-One Pre-School Backpacks with Integrated Cooler Here
I bought this bag for my son who just started K. The size is perfect as it can fit a regular folder and a few books. I use the front cooler for storing snacks. The only complain I have is the side pocket that's supposed to hold a water bottle is too small. You can only fit one of those poland spring 6oz pre-bottled water and it's still very hard to get it in and out. The re-usable bottle I bought does not fit at all. So, I just end up not using it and put everything in the front cooler. Otherwise, it would have been a 5 star rating.Want O3 Kid's All-in-One Pre-School Backpacks with Integrated Cooler Discount?
I love this Bag . i would Highly recommend it. it is very story and easily be clean even wash in the washer and everytime come out looking new.Peace Rocks Small Vertical Backpack - Blue
The buckle has a sharp point / arrow head design which can stick ya, but heavy duty... so the material will fail before the buckle.
Overall Great Product...
Description as of June 7th 2010 is way off.... ????
Product Features
512MB Built-in Flash Memory
Built-in, Flip-out USB No Cables Needed!
Automatic Voice-Activated Record (AVR)
Strange indeed!
J World Kitten Sling Bag
Disney Cars Backpack (CA40683SCBK)
The North Face Recon Daypack - Men's
Following is my breakdown of the Recon:
The main compartment is padded and capable of holding a hydration bladder along with a fair amount of room for a day hike. If you utilize the Recon for school or work it is capable of holding a 15 inch laptop where the hydration bladder would normally be positioned. Inside the main compartment is a mesh zippered area that will hold a wallet and other small items such as snacks, small pair of binoculars, fire starting equipment, first aid supplies, pens, pencils, calculator, etc.
The second compartment has a lot of organizational spaces for pens, business cards, 3x5 notebook, wallet and has a key holder. The compartment is a decent size and well organized.
On the outside of the pack is a small water resistant zippered pocket that can hold small items that you may need to get to in a hurry such as a wallet, headlamp, flashlight, gloves, hat, etc. Below this pocket is a large front mesh pocket that can be secured and used for items you will need fast or to place any wet items so they do not have to go into the pack.
On the side of the pack are mesh pockets that are made to hold water bottles. They will securely hold 16.9 fluid oz (500ml) water bottles. You can fit 32 oz. Nalgene bottles but they are more difficult to secure even when utilizing the cinch cord.
The back panel is padded and ventilated but you will still sweat. If using this pack for hiking I would avoid a cotton shirt and go with something like Under Armor to wick away any moisture. The shoulder straps have some padding called FlexVent(tm) shoulder straps and tend to be a little firmer than I like but not enough to be a deal breaker. The shoulder straps each have a D ring and one of the straps has a little expandable pouch that will hold items such a cell phone, multi-tool, flashlight, or a snack. The bag comes with a hip belt that can be stowed away if you desire and chest strap that aid in stability and comfort. All of the buckles are durable. The zippers are well made and very durable. All zippered areas have coverage flaps to minimize rain entering into the bag. The bag comes with side compression straps and straps on the bottom of the bag to attach items such as a jacket, sleeping bag, etc.
Overall, this is a very nice low profile bag. If you use it as a small E.D.C bag you will not stick out at all. There is no "military look" to this bag. It is functional, durable and very well made. I highly recommend the North Face Recon.At first glance this pack looks like your typical day pack. Whether you're going on a hike, or a day at the Zoo with your family, this pack serves multiple purposes. The medium size and excellent ergonomics throughout the pack are fantastic. This bag probably wouldn't make a great school bag due to its limited capacity in the large compartment, however if you keep only a few books and binders it would be great. The mostly 400d nylon is a great fabric for the majority of this bag. The bottom of the pack however also boasts an 800d nylon bottom making it very water resistant. YKK zippers throughout the pack give any user security in packing this bag to the limits, and not worrying about busting through the zipper.
There are two mesh water bottle holders on each side of the pack. Although you might be able to squeeze a 32oz. Nalgene in them they wouldn't be very secure. They have adjustable cinch straps that are elastic and you either love them or hate them. I personally feel that having the elasticity makes for a more secure water bottle. The pack has a nice exterior pouch for almost anything you want. It is a convenient pouch for a jacket that you do not want to carry or maybe a wet item that needs to dry. With the majority of the pouch being mesh, it allows for plenty of air flow and the ability to see what is inside. The buckle is also placed below the small front zipper pocket for easier access to your gear. The small zipper pocket on the front is a nice easy way to keep things easily accessed. I keep a pair of head phones, some OTC medications, and a LD20 in the zippered pocket with plenty of room to spare.
The two shoulder straps are excellent in distributing weight rather than "bunching up" and causing the majority of the weight to be applied to a small area on the shoulders. The chest strap has a few key features in that it is not only adjustable width wise but also in height. The quick release buckle is easily accessed and also features an emergency whistle. If you are not a big guy like myself, there might be an extra length of the strap that hangs down from the chest strap. I easily fixed this issue with a little bit of Velcro designed for organizing electrical wires. The hide-able waist strap is very comfortable on your hips. They have a nice lightly padded section of fabric that keeps the straps from pressing into your hips. The waist straps are very nice for when you have a heavy load, keeping the weight mostly onto your hips rather than your shoulders.
A plastic insert behind the padding on the back of the pack makes for a very comfortable day of hiking. The plastic insert allows that pack to maintain its shape consistently no matter what the contents. This especially comes in handy when you don't have flat items in the pack that might press awkwardly into your back. The padding on the back is generously thick and designed for optimal air flow down your back for those hot and humid days. There are also two cinch straps on either side of the pack angled down about 25 degrees with quick release closures.
There are two primary sections of the Recon. The smaller of the two is more of an admin pouch found in most back packs. This section boasts quite a few dividers including four pen pouches, two business card pouches, a pocket that would fit a pack of note cards, a large zipper pocket, and last but not least, a large open pocket with a small Velcro closure. The entirety of this section is great in holding quite a bit of my everyday gear (first-aid kits, pocket organizers, camera, hygiene bag, etc...). The large section of the pack has plenty of room for hiking gear with a lunch or maybe a couple binders and a few books. Inside the large pouch is a nice laptop sleeve with the ability to accept up to a 15" laptop that can also double as a water bladder pocket. This sleeve is also padded for extra security for your electronics. A small strap secures your laptop in place connecting to the top of the bag next to the water bladder exit flap. The only issue I have found is that when you max out the smaller front pocket, the larger section is difficult to put in or retrieve items from. Not a huge deal, however it is something to think about before you make your purchase.
Overall, a very nice everything bag. If you carry an EDC bag but don't want to look "Tactical" or maybe you are a student with a few books, this pack is definitely for you. With its excellent padding and ergonomics, loading this bad boy up to the max puts no extra strain on your shoulders or back. The excellent quality of this pack makes it easy to take this pack outdoors knowing it won't fail you when on a hike, especially when a broken strap could easily ruin your day. This pack is obviously a favorite since the basic design of this pack hasn't changed over the years and is still a top seller for The North Face. The price is definitely reasonable and this pack can be purchased on sale several times a year. I highly recommend this pack with a rating of 9 out of 10.
Buy The North Face Recon Daypack - Men's Now
I love this backpack. It will hold 2 thousand page textbooks, 2 one inch binders, and my MacBook Pro. The straps and back are designed so it's easy to carry around.Broken down:
The side pockets are designed to hold water bottles. They're mesh. There's a bungy cord thing that lets you adjust the size to fit your bottle.
The front mesh pocket is designed to hold whatever! I usually put the book we're reading for lit and my graphing calculator in there. There's a buckle at the top which is perfect for clipping a lunch box or a lanyard to.
The top outside pocket is where I put pens and pencils, it's really convenient and easy to access. I usually put my cell phone in there also.
The first big front pocket has an organizer for pens and pencils and electronics. It has a place to clip your keys also.
The back pocket has rooms for book and a back pocket that I use for my laptop.
I love this backpack. It's cute, versatile, and easy to haul around my 5 million text books and papers. Highly recommended.
Read Best Reviews of The North Face Recon Daypack - Men's Here
I recently upgraded my Jansport SuperBreak backpack for this one. I needed something with more functional pockets and water bottle pockets especially. As the title says, Im a nursing student and leave my house at 7 am every morning not to return until at least 6 or 7 in the evening. This backpack is amazing. First off, its a North Face product so you know it will last forever. Second. The Pockets!! It has a computer pocket, which I use for folders so they dont bend and get crushed by the enormous texts that fit comfortably in the main compartment. Then it has what I call the pencil box pocket. With enough room to store an abundance of pens and highlighters which also contains a zippered container where I keep my lady products and deodorant. There is also a tiny pocket thats perfect for my mints, gum and class clicker.Last but not least the outside netted pocket. This was the main reason I chose this backpack over the others. My stethoscope and pocket nursing book goes in here or some times I do some rearranging and put my lunch in there.I realize giving you the breakdown on how exactly I use this backpack is a little excessive but it gives a clear picture on how much this backpack can really hold without looking gigantic on ones back. I highly recommend this to anyone who spends more time away from home then they would like.
Want The North Face Recon Daypack - Men's Discount?
When I first got this bag around 5 years ago I didn't want to spend too much money on a backpack for college, but after being recommended this bag from a friend I decided to fork over the money to get it. Looking back at it, it was one of the best investments i've made in school. This bag is still going on strong and in great condition, I love the organizer and side compartments for water/drinks (esp helpful so you can bring your own fluids for school instead of buying overpriced things on campus). Where I think I really got the most bang for my buck, is on trips no matter if it was a little weekend trip or traveling by airplane this bag is built with great quality. It was fit clothes/toiletry's/laptop and keyboard without any problems for far away trips. For school the bag is great because of the amount of compartments help you keep things separated and i could fit 4-5 LARGE (300-400 page) books inside the bag. Now on to the drawbacks.Cons---The waist buckle broke about a year ago on a trip to chicago (still works but a piece of the buckle is broken)
My older model the front zipper is covered by the buckle, so you always need to do undo the buckle before getting to the zipper (TNF fixed this for the new models)
So in the end great bag for the price but only if you intend to keep it for a extended period of time, so you get a great return on your investment.

