There has been a lot of talk about the Maxpedition Versapacks over on Glock Talk. Here is a compilation of things I’ve posted there on this topic.
For those who are considering one of the Maxpedition shoulder sling Versapacks, but are unsure of which one to purchase. I previously ordered the Fatboy Versapack after several others recommended the Jumbo Versapack (due to size considerations). The Fatboy is a great little bag, but it is fairly small. It is very useful for day trips where you don't necessarily need to pack water, etc., or for a ccw with a smaller firearm. I originally wanted the Fatboy for hiking, and/or as a “get home bag”. I was a little disappointed that there wasn't as much room in the pack as I had expected from looking at the pictures. I found it difficult to pack all of the things that I wanted for a hike. As a result I ordered and just received a Maxpedition Jumbo Versapack. The Jumbo is very much what I was looking for. The size if perfect, and should prove much more useful (sizewise) for hiking. As I said above the Fatboy is great within its limitations, but if I plan to spend a day in the woods, I'll grab the Jumbo. It easily fits my Katadyn Hiker water filter, and MRE in the main pocket with room to spare. The Nalgene water bottle pouch is a very good use of space in my opinion, as it leaves you room in the main pouch for other important gear.
Since the post above the packs have become primarily supplements to my bug out bags, as well as day hiking pack. Currently the contents for each of the packs are as follows:
Maxpedition Fatboy Versapack
Main pouch:
Bible
2 meal replacement bars
2 small packages of beef jerky
Mini Mag Flashlight
Bota H2O On Demand Water Filter Straw w/container cup
25ft of paracord
10x Tasco monocular
Tacoma Mountain Rescue Storm Shelter “Instant Pocket Tent”
Front zippered pocket:
AMK Rescue Flash signal mirror
AMK Fox 40 Rescue Howler safety whistle
Silva Companion compass
Sportsman emergency windproof butane lighter
collapsible cup
First aid kit (contains an assortment of band-aid, tape and gauze bandages. Also assorted antiseptic wipes, Tylenol and aspirin packets)
1 body warmer
2 hand warmers
rain poncho
AMK 2 person emergency blanket
mylar emergency blanket
small led light
bottle of hand sanitizer
Side zippered pocket:
Emergency candle
Large glow stick2 extra small glow stick
magnesium fire starter w/ flint
bottle of potable aqua water purification tablets
bottle of potable aqua water naturalizing tablets
100in roll of 2in duck tape
1 box of waterproof matches
Fishing kit inside 35mm film canister
Tinder cubes inside 35mm film canister
Small pouch in front of front zippered pocket:
1 small tablet
Vecro flap side pouch:
Surefire G2 Flashlight
Clip pouch above velcro side pouch w/ side pen holders:
Leatherman Wave (original model)
Track phone
1 permanent marker
1 pen
Rear zippered CCW pouch: modular holster for Glock 26
Hanging from carbiner: Nothing
Maxpedition Jumbo Versapack
Main Pocket:
Small Bible
Small Tasco Binoculars
SAS Survival Guide Handbook (mini-edition)/U.S. Army Survival Manual FM 21-76
25 ft paracord
1 (MRE) Meal Ready to Eat (entrees)
2 MRE heaters
3 packages beef jerky
1 Meal Replacement Bar
2 Power Bars
Bota H2O Water Filter Straw w/cup
AMK 2 person Heat Sheet Emergency Blanket
Tacoma Mountain Rescue Storm Shelter “Instant Pocket Tent”
Emergency Candle
Glow Stick
Box of firestarting sticks (no matches necessary)
Frost's Military Mora (Clipper Version)
Front zippered pocket:
2 hand warmers
1 body warmer Rain poncho
Mylar Emergency blanket
100in roll of 2in duck tape
small bottle of hand sanitizer
Campers silverware
bottle of water purification tablets
AMK Rescue Howler Emergency Whistle
Kershaw magnesium Firestarter & striker
Waterproof match container filled with emergency matches (add box)
3 tiny glow sticks
AMK Rescue Flash Signal Mirror
Silva Fisheye Compass
1 small led light
1 book of MRE matches
Leatherman Folding Knife
1GI type can opener
Small pocket front of zip pocket: Empty
Side zippered pocket:
Mini Mag Flashlight
Sportsman windproof butane lighter
Leatherman Wave (original model)
Small Fishing Kit
First aid kit (small zippered pouch contains an assortment of bandaids, tape and guaze bandages. Also assorted antiseptic wipes, Tylenol and aspirin packets
Small pocket front of zip pocket: Empty
Pouch behind side zip pocket: empty
Large Side Pouch: Nalgene Water Bottle
Top zippered pocket: Empty, but will hold digital camera, and other odds n ends.
Zippered pouch on flap: Small Sun Micro II Compass, clamp and key chain clip for Doug Ritter Freedom Photon led light
Rear zippered CCW pouch: modular holster for Glock 17
Hanging from carbiner: Nothing
Sounds like a lot of stuff, but I think it demonstrates the viability of using the Maxpedition bags as "Emergency Get Home Bags", or day hiking packs. The packs are pretty much full, but not overly so. The Jumbo still has an entirely empty top zippered pouch, as well as a lot of room left in the large front zippered pouch. Still room for additions. Many of the items are quite small, light and don't take up a lot room. The Fatboy tends to be my car pack while away at work. The Jumbo is used for day hikes. Both also supplement my car Bug Out Bags.
As far as weight goes, according to my scale with the contents I've listed, the Jumbo Versapack weighs 8 ½ to 9lbs. The regular Fatboy is going at just around 6 lbs. That is without the Glocks, and with an empty Nalgene water bottle of course. Not too bad IMO, and a lot better than a full Alice pack pulling at my shoulders when I want to poke around some of the more remote local historic sites.
I've included a picture may help anyone interested in comparing the size difference between the packs.