Maxpedition Kodiak Gearslinger

[kev]

This is a basic Maxpedition Kodiak Gearslinger Review. I'am hoping to post a more indepth review after I take it out on a hiking / camping trip. Before I took the pack out on a real hiking / camping trip I wanted to give it a basic overview. That first overview is what this thread is about.

The Maxpedition Kodiak Gearslinger is part of the gearslinger series - which includes the Sitka and the Kodiak. Unlike a regular backpack that has two shoulder straps, the Kodiak has a single shoulder strap, and an under the arm strap.

Maxpedition-Kodiak-Gearslinger-5-25-2010-1.jpg

The single shoulder strap supports the weight of the pack, while the under the strap helps to keep the pack in place.


Some specs from the maxpedition website:

* Single shoulder backpack designed to maximize utility when rotated towards front of body
* Main compartment: 17 high x 10 wide x 4 thick with internal organization
* Top front: 4.5 high x 9 wide x 2 thick with internal organization
* Bottom front: 10 high x 9 wide x 2 thick with internal organization
* Approximate Capacity: 1100 cu. in.
* Fits up to 15.4" (diagonal screen size) laptop computer.
* Main compartment and hydration compartment can accept CCW accessories
* Shoulder strap designed to go over left shoulder for better weapon shouldering
* Bag can be worn in front and contents comfortably accessed while sitting down
* Water bottle pocket sized to fit 32oz Nalgene bottle
* Compatible with 100oz hydration reservoir
* Theft deterrent devices built-in to capture zipper pulls
* PALS modular webbing throughout to for attaching accessories
* Top and side handles

YouTube- Maxpedition Kodiak Gearslinger Part 1

Before the pack was taken out on a hiking / camping trip, I wanted to get a feel for it. So I grabbed some Eversafe meals, GPS, topo maps, water filter, map compass, hammock,,, and put everything in the Kodiak.

Top smaller outer pouch that is on top of the pack - my bug spray, topo maps, GPS and map compass fit in there just right.

In the larger outside pouch, my first aid kit and water filter fit in there just right.

In the main compartment, I had the 2 Eversafe meals, rain poncho, rope, and hammock. If this pack was being fitted for a real camping trip, I would have to strap a poncho liner or fleece sleeping bag to the outside of the pack, add a multi-tool, and a couple of other things and it would be ready to go.

I like the pouch on the side for a 32 ounce water bottle. Plus, there is a compartment for a water bladder. So if your heading out in hot weather, you should be able to carry plenty of water.

The strap that goes sunder your arm has an emergency whistle on it - which is a nice addition.

Things that I would like to see changed:

The Kodiak Gearslinger really needs some straps on the bottom. I found it awkward trying to strap a fleece sleeping bag to the pack - when the bag was put on the top of the pack and strapped down, the pack deformed so that it would not have fit my back properly. Having some way to strap something to bottom would really be nice.

Take a couple of the straps on the side and turn the vertical - this would make strapping something to the side much easier.

Maxpedition-Kodiak-Gearslinger-5-25-2010-2.jpgMaxpedition-Kodiak-Gearslinger-5-25-2010-3.jpg

[keepingmyguns]

I just bought one of these today and already i love it!

[Steverino]

I just got the Sabercat..... awesome pack...

[AKpredator]

For those that want something to CCW in and have a days worth of stuff for a hike or GHB, these are pretty awesome. You can access everything on the move and they are comfortable with 15 lbs or so. Great for fisherman. I get tired of taking my pack off or wading to shore because I don't want to lose anything. Sitka and Kodiak are nice.

[DBR]

I had a Malaga Gearslinger and have owned a lot of Maxpedition Gear over the years, some pieces for about six years now and have no complaints at all. I had to get something to hold more stuff so I went to a Spec-Ops T.H.E. Pack and traded my Malaga and Wifey got the Pygmy Falcon II, another excellent product from Maxpedition.

Great gear.

[Steve_NH]

Kev,

Do you have any experience with the KISS versipack?

Jumbo KISS versipack

[kev]

Originally Posted by Steve_NH

Kev,

Do you have any experience with the KISS versipack?

No, I have never tried that pack / man purse before. I'am not quite sure how it would wear for the types of hiking / camping trips that I do.

[Denverbill]

I once had a single strap backpack as well as a currier bag.

I don't like them at all. The reason is that they put pressure only on one sholder which causes neck and abck pain beause of a lack of even distrobution.

The only time I'd use a currier bag is if I were a bike currier.