Maxpedition Kodiak Gearslinger

I ordered the Kodiak and was extremely impressed with it. I own a Maxped Monsoon also, so I knew the bag would be amazing but it still was stunning. The Kodiak gave me the organization the Monsoon lacked and it was in a more streamlined design too. However, my joy was short-lived once I realized I could only carry one weighty item at a time because of the one-strap design comfort limitations with added weight. If I didn't already own the Monsoon I would've bought this in a heartbeat as my primary sling. The materials simply cannot be beat and with limited weight it is extremely comfy and completely maneuverable when swung around. Get it if you need a tough as nails bag that conveniently resists both water and stains; as long as you aren't carrying too many heavy items. Did I mention it looks good??

I bought this bag specifically to use as a camera bag. While I'm not a professional I am a serious amateur. After much experimentation I decided to put together a 'go' bag for my camera. It's the kind of stuff you'll need for a family gathering, wedding etc. I still have plenty of room in the bag but for me weight is an issue as well as simplicity. The 'gearslinger' feature allows you to pull the bag around front and access everything from the side. It is the best camera bag I've ever used. What I need is easily accessible and it rides well on my back. There is a small strap on the opposite side of the sling that stabilizes the bag very well when walking. Everything is within easy reach. I am having a padded insert made for the main compartment to house the camera, a few lenses and the strobe. I actually have several other Maxpedition products, they are all made extremely well. There were no problems with payment and shipping was prompt. Overall I'm very satisfied.

The bag is great, perfect size for me and awesome quality. I use it as a flight bag, it holds my headset, umbrella, 25' of 550 cord, light jacket, flash light, headlamp, small survival kit, 2 pocket knives, my kindle and some other random things. I will also sometimes throw my 14" Alienware laptop in and it fits perfectly(I have to take out my headset though) The reason I give 4 stars instead of 5 is that while the single strap is very convenient to sling it around the the front for quick access, it is not comfortable to wear. I only have to carry it for 15 mins at a time but it still tears up my shoulder, maybe its because I broke my collar bone 3 times growing up or I just have too much weight in it but I would not want to carry it for an extended amount of time. If I lost it would I buy it again? Maybe, but I might rather look for something the same size with 2 straps like a normal backpack.

I bought this bag to carry on my motorcycle and it has worked out very well. As is often the case, it is nearly impossible for most manufacturers to predict all the uses to which folks will put their products and I'm pretty sure that creating a motorcycle bag was not foremost in the minds of the designers of the Kodiak when they created it. Despite that it has worked very well in that application. One point specific to motorcycles; the single strap seems to create less of a funnel effect at the throat of the riding jacket, reducing the chilly air down the front. This is welcome in winter riding!

I have long ago learned to love any Maxpedition product! Sure, I thought they were all quite pricey but one cannot find better quality anywhere! How many times have I heard, "You get what you pay for"? The dollars one spends to own any maxpedition piece of gear is always money well spent. All this to introduce my newest maxpedition purchase: The Kodiak Gearslinger! The Kodiak is my new EDC bag; it goes wherever I go! It's as rugged a piece of gear as I have ever owned. It's 1000 denier ballistic cloth construction makes the Kodiak seem nearly bulletproof! Well designed with numerous compartments and the signature single shoulder carrying strap, this bag has become the answer for my EDC needs. Large enough to carry a decent sized laptop, the Kodiak also enables organization of many smaller necessities as well. It can carry a hydration bladder inside or a camelbak canteen in its outside intended pocket. There is also, of course, the compulsory concealed carry zippered pocket. Get a Kodiak. You will love its strength and versatility! I highly recommend the Kodiak Gearslinger.

One of the principle items I carry is my 15" Mackbook Pro. I was worried my laptop would not fit. The reported dimensions are only helpful to an extent. But it does fortunately hold the laptop with the plastic shells and sheath (very close, however). I cannot vouch for the Sitka, but if it is in more narrow than the Kodiak, it might not work.