Jumbo Versipack

I purchased this as a replacement to a M40 Gear Rover sling bag that lasted me two years before it started coming apart. There was a period of adjustment and, at first, I didn't want to like it but then, after my first day of using it, I can't imagine how I didn't just get one of these in the first place. Let's start with the good. Good doesn't begin to describe it. It's been with me through a rainstorm and most of my contents were pretty dry when I checked them. The nylon on this thing is stiff but then again, I've also run it through a gamut of abuse and it still looks like the day it arrived. Even though some of the nylon is a little on the stiff side, it's durable. Nothing short of a tactical nuke will take this thing out. The MOLLE webbing isn't much but it is great for hooking some carabiners through it to hang keys and other things from. There is a key hanger on the rear of the strap and it's not bad at all. No complaints about it, it's really secure. A huge plus about it that I noticed immediately was the top pocket. I can pop a spare pair of glasses into it in a hardshell case and never have any space issues there. The inner main compartment is roomy. I mean Roomy. I store my main compartment stuff in there (Kindle, shemagh and small kit in a Plano 3400 series dry box and still have plenty of room to tuck away small things I pick up on a daily basis. I can even put a couple of shirts rolled up into it and not worry about space. The side compartment at the front of the bag is big enough to hold a multitool and a few odds and ends. I use the concealed carry pocket to house my rain poncho, flap pocket holds some flat first aid items and then there's the compartment behind the flap. Notepads, pens and other small items live in that thing. The buckles all hold well and feel like they're built like tanks and then, the water bottle pouch holds my 20 oz Nalgene bottle with zero issues. What I really love about this product is that waist strap. I thought there was no way it would fit me but it does. I let it completely out and managed to get it around my (presently) 42 inch waist with a couple fingers worth of room to spare. Once I throw on a hoodie or a jacket, I can't use the waist strap. My current exercise regimen should change that at some point. Here's the really strange part, I can't find a single con with this item. Not one. Normally I can find a few things I'd have a complaint about but not with this one. Even the waist strap, can't be mad at it. In summary, if you're looking for a Jack Bauer Manpurse aka An EDC Bag, this should be your go-to. If you're looking for a small bugout kit or get home kit, start here. You'll have that peace of mind of knowing that it won't fail on you.

The Maxpedition Jumbo Versipack (Khaki/Foliage) has rock solid construction and materials and I believe I got what I paid for and then some. I got the bag for EDC (Every Day Carry) and as a compact GHB (Get Home Bag) to keep in the car when I leave the house as I don't feel the need to carry the bag on me when I'm out and about around town. I can see myself carrying on me on vacation though as an EDC and camera bag. If I didn't work from home full-time, I'd have no problem taking this into work with me as my EDC bag. Over a typical Swissgear, Targus, or Eastpak backpack, I like this Jumbo Versipack because it is compact be roomy and versatile for its size, and if I do have it on me everything is accessible to me while I'm wearing the bag from my Nalgene in the water bottle pouch to the front zipper compartment where I keep some lens cleaners and hand sanitizer to the compartment under the main buckle where I have pens, note pad, knife, flashlight, and chargers for my devices to the side zipper pouch where I keep a multi-tool and a small med kit with mainly a few doses of OTC meds for pain, allergies, heartburn, diarrhea, upset stomachs, colds, etc, to the main pouch where I keep my iPad, disposable poncho and/or gloves and beanie depending on the season, and some Clif bars or other snacks. I'm always tweaking my bag to keep emergency things on hand as well as things I find I use constantly or want to have on hand when I'm on the go. As far as comparing to a typical messenger style bag while they are both accessible while wearing, the Jumbo Versipack has the durability to last longer and has storage and organizational options a typical bag can match for my uses. I think this bag is at home not only on the hiking trail but in the urban jungle also as more and more men carry packs and bags for their on-the-go jobs or on-the-go lifestyle in general. If you are worried about standing out in the urban environment with this bag, get a color that would blend in with typical messenger bags men may carry. I don't think you can go wrong with black in that regard. This bag is probably for you if you want something on the hip like a messenger bag but has the durability and options for organization and hydration that tactical military/LE bags have.

11-14-11 Update before reading my original review: This pack just gets better and better the more I use and understand its wonderful benefits. I am sooo glad I went with the green and khaki colored pack because it looks great in the woods and doesn't look like a man purse. I can go into the woods or into a supermarket and it looks apropos in both places. I purchased the khaki-colored American flag that sticks directly on the front of the flap, via Velcro. It looks great and it carries great. Lastly, I did order a snap that fastens to the strap with Velcro. It holds a tremendous amount of weight, but I use it mostly to hook my camera strap into for safety, placing my camera in the pouch. The strap makes it easy to quickly pull out the camera and take pictures. I have fastened heavy objects to this snap to carry electronics, flashlights, etc., and it was no strain at all. Don't delay, this is the pack - just right in size for most of us. Not too big and not too small. An everyday, every-man/woman pack. ===== First, if you do any kind of hiking or trailing where you need hydration, this is the pack you want. I can fit a 32 oz bottle easily into the pack, as well a fill it with a ton of things. In fact, you can get it so full that it is noticeable on your shoulder. What to do? Unsnap the Velcro shoulder pad and move it forward to rest on your shoulder better. Also, there is a buckle placed such that the Velcro straps can go on each side of it so that it stays in place. I was a little concerned when I first put it on because it didn't hit my shoulder at all. When I realized I could unzip the Velcro and move the placement of the pad - presto! Instant joy. I am currently carrying this full, as well as a backpack with approximately 12 to 15 lbs of weight to do training for a thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail next year. This pack sits low on my side and back and doesn't interfer with my backpack. I really want to take it out on the trail with me so when I purchase my thru-hike bag I will take this with me to see how all fits together and shoot for what works best. Regarding color - I am very glad I didn't get the flashy colored packs - though they are very nice. I opted for the green/khaki. It is perfect for outdoors - blends in very well with all the green and dirt around and doesn't stand out as something out of a women's department. It looks perfect on my side with my hiking poles and backpack. I ordered the American Khaki flag to stick on the front - just peel the Velcro off and stick it right to the front of the bag, because I wear a schmag (scarf issued to Special forces) ordering a Desert colored one via Amazon. In fact, I ordered several to match this pack and I would never go hiking or backpacking again without one. I can't tell you how many uses it comes in handy for, but if you do decide to get one - take into consideration the color of your pack. One last thing - there is a lot of places to stick things in this pack - including a conceal carry weapon for those who have a permit or it is state accepted. This pack would be the smallest I would use for that. However, for electronic digital equipment, headphones, MP3, Android, keys, wallet, water, peanut-butter and jelly sandwich - this is absolutely the bag you want. After wearing it one week you will wonder how you ever did without it, and it is outstandingly made with quality materials that will only get softer the more you use it. I don't think I will ever have to replace this pack - but I will have to get one for my spouse! #:D Update: The more I use this pack the more I love it. One interesting fact. When I first received it I thought the shoulder padding was not in the right place because I was trying to wear the back on my side. I was wrong. After wearing it I realized that the back slips around behind my back and rides against my upper hips. I felt a little sheepish, but did want to share. It is easy to pull around to your side when you need to get to things in it. This is a much better pack than the smaller one that does not have a place to carry a water bottle, for me anyway, because I do a lot of hiking on Mt. San Jacinto (over 10,000 feet high) and the water bottle carrier is a godsend. Also, I now like to take my pack most places with me, even Starbucks to get coffee, because I carry two digital cameras and a digital recorder, not counting power bars, knives, and on and on.... Living in California I have come to the conclusion that if their is an earthquake that might bring down the freeway overpass I want my back in the back of the car to 1. provide power bars and water, and charged digital cameras to record everything I experience. Also a few extra charged batteries for your smart phone are a good idea, as well. The smaller pack without the water holder would have not worked near as well. Also, if you don't think you need the water for just going out, you can put other things in it. Lastly, I carry a small pair of high quality binoculars. There are so many things in this world to see, especially in nature, that we just pass by. It helps to have a small digital Sony recorder to go along with recording, then taking photos to share with others with sound once you have enjoyed the view. Good luck and you can't go wrong with this pack for day hikes and everyday going out. The more I use mine the more I like it. I have the yellow tactical - it goes great in the desert. Also get a Shemagh of the same color to cover your head, keep dust out, be a sun block, throw rocks with - you get the picture. Here is a link to those on Amazon: [...]

I purchased the Maxpedition Jumbo Versipack to function as a quick-hike pack alone, or to accompany my backpack when I want more room for stuff, and/or to have quick-access to things without having to take off my backpack. Think... binoculars, camera, phone... This pack is great for that. It's a little bigger than I expected, but not too big. What you cannot see in the picture is that it also has an adjustable waste strap that you can use in conjunction with the over-the-shoulder strap. I suppose that would be very helpful for really active hiking where you don't want this thing flopping around, but so far I haven't used it. Also not shown in the picture is an interesting integration in the main pocket. This is harder to describe, but in addition to the zipper on top that holds everything in, they also sewed in a "bag" of sorts that you can either ignore and lay it flat against the inside walls, or cinch tight with a draw string to add further protection to your items inside. The material looks to be water proof, so I think that it is designed to help keep things dry in a serious rain storm (strong enough to soak through the canvas). Also, this pack has a handy pocket that rests against your body that is designed for a concealed carry of a firearm. To use this pocket (in addition to getting proper training and license to carry!) you probably need to purchase the Maxpedition Universal CCW Holster, like I did. Do a quick search and you'll find it. That item mates up perfectly with the pocket on this Versipack and makes for secure carry capabilities. Alternatively, you can use this pocket for thin stuff, like a wallet or iPhone, so don't shy away from this pack if you have no intentions on carrying a firearm with it. I have two regrets in purchasing this item. First--do NOT purchase it from Warrior Survival via Amazon. Those guys never completed my order and never responded to any emails from me or from Amazon. Big credit to Amazon--they immediately responded via their A-to-Z Customer Satisfaction policy and I suffered no ill consequences, other than having to re-order it from another vendor, and wait longer for it to arrive. I ended up re-ordering this item from Green_Valley_Place and they were excellent. My second regret is that I didn't learn about this pack earlier!! I wish I had known about how great these over-the-shoulder packs really are. I still like/need my larger backpack with hydro, but this pack will certainly reduce the need to lug that thing around for many day hikes in the woods.

I had been looking for a quality shoulder bag to carry my myriad of gadgets and personal gear in. I had tried fanny packs, daypacks, nylon briefcases and many other styles of 'bags'. Each had strong points but each also suffered from the inability to carry what I wanted, how I wanted. Call it being picky but why put forth the effort if you can't be successful. Try a different approach. And that is where the Maxpedition Jumbo bag comes in. Is it the perfect bag you might ask. Answer is plainly NO. But it so far has met all my needs with little to no difficulties in performing as required. Pros: Constructed of heavy canvas and strapping, it looks like a man's bag and not a unisex purse or ladies gear in use by a guy. It has heavy duty zippers so I fear not of having the proverbial blowout when zipping thing up. It has lots of room in the main compartment. With the few extra pockets external to the main compartment, I can safely say you can overstuff the bag to the point where it is heavy to carry. Lots of nice colors to meet most needs. I chose the nuetral biege color which helps it 'blend' in to avoid the helpful comments like 'Nice purse ya got there buddy' and such. It features probably the best designed shoulder strap and cushioned pad I have ever used. The strap slides within the pad and allows the bag to move with you not against you and then return to hanging vice falling off your shoulder when on one shoulder. And when cross carrying, the strap doesn't bite into your neck. I have carried this while out for the day and not had any problems like before with other bags. Also I have both hands free when cross carrying and can't lay it down and forget it like a briefcase style bag. Body side of bag has nice large padded cushions to make carrying comfortable. A list of what I carry includes .... Large biker style credit card / wallet organizer Checkbook VX-2R Dual band handheld Ham Radio transceiver (size of pack of cigarettes) & accessories in a small pouch in main pocket. (I'm a ham radio operator) Diabetes care kit (meter, strips, alchol pads, record book, etc) in small pouch Tube of glocose tablets Vial of spare medication Eyeglass hard case Blackberry STORM2 cellphone AC charge cable for STORM 2 small notebooks (appx 2.5"x3.5"x3/8" ea) Small 10x/20x magnifier loupe (for examining coins - I'm also a numismatist) Small leather holder for my business cards A few pens and pencils Small LED flashlight Large lockblade folding knife Small foldup screwdriver/hex toolkit Large ring of car & lock keys Even with all this, there is still room in the main compartment for a few more small things. Cons: It would be nice to have a couple more small closable pockets on the outside say for storing my cell phone. In the company's defense, they do provide optional (@ additional cost) accessory pouches and such to 'expand' the carry volume. But that would approach overload to the streamline design of the bag in a day to day carry as I use it so I opt to NOT add those. Since the bag is design primarily as a over the shoulder hiking bag, it has a water bottle pouch which is non-functional for my day to day carry needs. I use the water bottle pouch to provide easy access my eyeglass case and cellphone. A couple more clip on rings or snap hook places would be a very useful addition. All in all, overall a 5 star rating but I dinged it 1 star for the cons in my opinion.

I did a lot of research before I bought this bag. Very high quality materials and high quality construction (and I am way picky, so that is saying a lot). Made of extra tough materials. The materials are so tough (fabric, zippers, belts) that it can rough up your hands if you are not careful - but that is good, nto bad. I got the foilage green; love that color. Was going to get black, but everyone seems to get black or khaki...wanted something a little different. Check youtube for video reviews on this bag; they are all accurate - great bag. Is it worth the 'list price'? maybe. Is it worth the 'amazon price'? yes, absolutely. I would not buy one of the cheaper knock off bags; go for this; smarter in the long run. Having seen a knock off bag, and having owned this one, there is no comparision. If you have the money, get this one. I wanted a tough and reliable bag that I could use for day trips: out and about, or out to the range, or out where ever; this is THE bag for that. Just the right size. Not too big; not too small. Can easily carry anything you like for a day trip. Can easily add other maxpedition pouches, etc. to it. I added a mega rolly poly. I like that you can use the water bottle holder, or squash it down and secure it to make the bag a bit smaller. Zippers are very smooth and easy to use. Buckles snap securely with a nice solid click. I can see having this bag for many, many years. Only downside is that the waist belt is kind of short. Just fits on a 44" waist. I won't be using the waist belt, but I mentioned it in case you might want to. Note that in some pictures this bag looks very big on some of the models; it is not very big (and that is ok if that is what you want). Check out the measurements before you buy to ensure it is what you need. If you want something bigger or smaller in the same style, there is a max bag for that. All in all, a great bag and a good buy at the amazon price. Note that there are cheaper versions of this bag (same dimensions) made by maxpedition. Pay attention to the differences to see if they are important to you. For example, the cheaper models do not have the cinch top in the main compartment as this one does - but that might be ok for you. Another thing worth mentioning is that the bottom of the bag is just fabric - no padding. That might not be an issue depending upon what you carry. But, if you have sensitive equipement like a camera, you might want to put something on the bottom of the bag to serve as padding when you put the bag down (could be something as simple as an old towel). Lastly, buying maxpedition products can become 'addictive'; they are really good.

I bought this mostly to carry my iPad. As a bonus it can carry a bunch of other stuff including water and some granola bars. I bring this when I go downtown, sometimes I stuff a light long sleeve shirt in there in case it gets cold. The buckle on the main strap is great for when I’m wearing a motorcycle helmet, I can quickly detach the strap to take it on or off or to just change the position/orientation of the strap. It works great when on a motorcycle, I have it adjusted so it rests on the seat behind me and takes the weight off of my shoulder. It’s a great bag and worked exactly as I expected. I own and have owned dozens of maxpedition products in the past so I pretty much knew exactly what I was getting. I’m looking at the bag now to see what else I can add. Oh it fits a tall 40 oz stainless kleen canteen with a stainless cup on the bottom. Also holds 32 oz nalgene and a double insulated vacuum (can’t remember the brand) this was the most important thing for me. Of course the bottle pouch holds anything much smaller than a nalgene as well. I think this is great for boating too, holds all the legal stuff for boating, flares/flare pistol, registration and a handheld vhf fit nicely inside. This is great for day trips. However I wouldn’t use it if you’re going too far on a bicycle as the bag will have a tendency to swing and throw off your balance and chafe your shoulder. In that case I use my pigmy falcon backpack.

This is the *third* pack I've purchased from Maxpedition... and I suspect that I may purchase more in the future. Last Winter I bought a Maxpedition Noatak Gearslinger , which quickly my favorite bicycling and day hiking companion. Then last month I bought a Maxpedition Fatboy G.T.G. Versipack for daily carry- it usually has a camera, iPod, notebook, pens, and various other items in it. I liked the quick access of the Fatboy, but I wanted something as roomy as the Noatak for hikes in the woods- and I think I've found it in the Jumbo Versipack. This bag is large enough to carry everything I need for a day in the woods, yet it still carries as easily as the smaller Fatboy. In addition to the gear listed above, there's room enough here for a rain parka, a meal or two, fishing gear, even a small lightweight shelter tarp. I've found it makes a good camera bag for use in the woods. There's enough room for a DSLR and several lenses, and it carries much better than any camera bag I won (and I own a *lot* of camera bags!) I like it even more than my Lowe Slingshot, as the camera is right there where you can reach it, without rotating the pack- and yet it carries better than any of my over-the-shoulder bags. I suspect it would make a great hunter's companion; for shotgunners, the largest compartment could carry a box of shells and still have room for all the spent ones. Deer and small game hunters could carry ammunition, and a sidearm in a Maxpedition holster in the hidden compartment. Right now I'm looking at some of the largest Maxpedition Versipacks for use as an emergency "bugout" pack- the kind of thing you keep packed with the necessities of life in case you have to leave your home in a hurry due to natural disaster, fire, whatever. They have room enough to carry a few changes of clothes, emergency rations, radio, water, emergency shelter and more.