Review of the Maxpedition Vulture-II

This is a review of the VULTURE-II backpack from Maxpedition.

So what do you look for in a 2 - 3 day pack? Well, some of the things I look for are 1,000 denier construction - which the Vulture II has.

Double stitched seams - check. Having a pack come apart on you while on the trail is no fun. Double stitched seams helps make sure that the pack will stay together even during heavy use.

YKK self repairing zippers - check. In May of 2007 my son, my daughter and I went on a short hiking/camping trip. We were only about a mile from the truck. We hiked along a nice clear stream and setup camp next to a fishing hole. One the way to the camp site, the zippers on my daughters pack failed. The pack came open and some of her gear fell out and onto the ground. The whole situation was a little unnerving. Especially when I realized the zippers were not self repairing. Meaning, the zippers would not close back up.

Main compartment for storing stuff like a one man tent, hammock, and other stuff - check. Asking for a large min compartment might sound silly, but you need a place big enough to put your stuff.

Outer pockets for organizing smaller gear - check. This helps for storing your maps, GPS, compass, first aid kit, bug spray,,, things that you might need while on the trail.

Attachment points on the bottom so sleeping bags and bed rolls can be strapped on - check.

Compartment for a water bladder - check

Adjustable shoulder straps and chest straps - check.

One of the really nice features of this pack is the padded shoulder straps - those can make or break a pack. But you do not have to worry about the shoulder straps digging into your arms or shoulders. There is plenty of padding on this pack.

With a capacity of around 2810 cubic inches, this pack should be able to carry whatever you need for a 2 - 3 day trip.

Third Maxpedition Proteus Versipack Review

This video review of the Maxpedition proteus versipack is the third of a series. The one thing that I can say about this pack, I am really surprised at how well its built. The overall quality is outstanding.

The two outside pockets have attachment points where you can attach ALICE or MOLLE equipment. So I attached 2 - 1 quart US army canteens. This made the pack a little heavy. Regardless of the extra weight, you have to have water with you on those day hikes. I tried attaching a single 2 quart canteen to the rear of the back. But that was too heavy and pulled the pack backwards too much. So the 2 quart was removed and the only other option I saw was the 2 - 1 quart canteens.

The large inner pocket is big enough for a couple of MRE main entrees, a rain poncho and a few other odds and ends.

The smaller pocket all the way to the rear of the pack is large enough for GPS, compass and topo maps.

Its the attention to the little details that says "quality". Such as having 550 cord on the zipper pulls. This is going to be a really nice feature in winter time when your wearing gloves.

The two outside pockets 1 on each end of the pack - their just big enough for a cell phone or a small - medium sized GPS unit.

I give the Maxpedition Proteus Versipack an A+ rating. The only thing that I personally would change on the pack, is the belt buckles might need to be a little bigger. When compared to the buckles on an ALICE pack, these seem a little small. But then again, the Proteus Versipack is not as big as an ALICE pack either.




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Maxpedition Versipack Review

I must say one thing, Maxpedition gear is some of the best I have ever seen.






To discuss these videos, be sure to visit the Maxpedition Proteus Versipack review thread in the forum.