Maxpedition Condor II hydration pack

In all I borrowed three Maxpedition packs from UK importers Heinnie Haynes – the cross shoulder Malaga Gear Slinger, the Falcon II day pack and finally the Condor II. This is the largest of the three at a capacity of 32-litres and also more simplistic as it does not have the plethora of internal pockets and pouches of the other two. For hunting needs the Malaga suits me well as it has a place for everything and everything in its place, as does the slightly more conventional Falcon II.

However, the Condor II though offering the identical high quality and innovative build and with a number of identical features concentrates more on carriage than it does on multi-compartment stowage. Or to put it another way if you are out all day and need to carry a bit of extra gear then this is the one for you!

Three Way Split

The storage is split into three main areas – main compartment which shows a rounded top measures 17.5 x14 x 6.5” in a semi-clam shell build. Inside is a small, zip-closed mesh cargo net, with a larger open-topped pocket opposite. Outside is an upper front pouch (5.5 x 9x2”) which is plain inside, below this is a larger 8x9x2.5” pouch with pen/document holder slots.
Closure of all three is by YKK high strength zippers and zipper tracks and a Y-strap with QD UTX-Duraflex nylon buckle for low sound closures is used, as they are on other areas. As ever the build goes for 1000-Denier water and abrasion resistant light-weight ballistic nylon fabric.
The sides and back of the Condor are covered in PALS webbing straps for full MOLLE compatibility. Maxpedition offer a number of accessories that use this QD retention system. The rear section that faces your back is padded and zips open to reveal an improved, 100oz (3-litre) hydration system pocket, which includes a reservoir hang-tab, and a Velcro bi-directional drink tube port. The bladder is not included though this system will take Camelback or similar designs.

Strapped

Carriage is by wide, breathable shoulder pads with sternum strap and QD waist belt. This last feature is removable and I like the option of it not being there when you don’t need it. There’s an integral grab handle on top that covers the drinking tube outlet and on the sides are compression straps. The base also features twin cargo straps for items like ground sheets, small tents or sleeping bags etc.
Available in the usual colour options; black, OD green, khaki, foliage green and my favourite ACU-Compatible Digital Foliage Camo (US Army Pattern). The Condor II adds nicely to the range with a more heavyweight capacity and less involved design, but still without sacrificing quality and ability, which is what Maxpedition is known for.
I’d check out their website and look at what Heinnie Haynes brings in, as it’s not just packs but a whole range of practical, stylish and useful accessories and carriage systems.

For: Larger and simpler day sack with full Maxpedition features so you can expand the capacity
Against: If you like camo it will cost you a bit more
Verdict: As ever tough, practical and well made and some of the best gear I have ever used

PRICE:
£120.95
£127.95 Digital Foliage Camo version