Maxpedition Fatboy Versipack Review | The Christian Survival Guide

6Jun/101

Gear Review – Maxpedition Fatboy Versipack

My Maxpedition Fatboy

Specs -

Main: 8” x 6.5” x 3”
Frontal: 7” x 5” x 1.5”
SideA: 6” x 3” x 1.5”
SideB: 5” x 1.5” x 1”
SideC: 4" x 2.5" x 1"
Shoulder: Integral 2” Strap w/ Non-slip Pad
Attach: Integral Quick Release Belt Snap
Empty Weight: 17.6 oz.

I had originally bought this pack around 2008 to carry a full-sized Springfield Armory XD. I was new to concealed carry and that pistol was the big 5". I didn't feel comfortable carrying it IWB so I looked for alternative methods of carry. The internet had been on fire at that time about Maxpedition gear and I thought to give it a try being that the only decent IWB holsters for the 5" XD were $75+ and not easily returnable plus the added pocket space would be great for some gear I had wanted to carry but found too cumbersome to EDC on person.

All the stuff I had thought necessary for EDC

At that point I had little idea about what was really necessary for my EDC (or layering preps). I wanted to carry way too much. For instance I was really into Geocaching and wanted to carry my Garmin Etrex and a big camera with me, dunno why when my cell could do both jobs. But I could also carry an extra mag, flashlight, fixed blade, multi-tool, some pens/notebook, and a small FAK. With the light and extra mag going into the two "sheaths" on the side of the bag for quick access. It seemed like a no-brainer.

While I carried it around town I had assumed I'd get some looks. You know, "who's that dude with the purse" kind of thing. I even renamed it "The Tactical Manbag of Death" so I wouldn't lose my street cred. What I found out is that with my style of dress, few people cared or even noticed. I appeared to be any other 20-something college kid with a hipster accessory bag. The look was common around that area of Nashville (where I was working at the time). Every once in a while I'd get a once over from what appeared to be the LEO type, but no "shouldn't you be wearing a dress there, Sally" type comments.

Now, what I did notice is that off the body carry just isn't smart for the non-disciplined. I couldn't deploy the XD and be on target in less than 2.5 seconds, that was unacceptable. Also, retention is much more difficult. Then I noticed that the bag would swing forward with the weight of it if I bent down, causing me to plop the bag down if I was being active or leave it in the child seat of shopping carts to reach lower level shelves. I often found myself leaving the bag on a chair (with weapon inside and not on me) and finding excuses not to bring it into shops if I thought I'd only be a minute or two. Add to that no place to hold a nalgene or water bottle (the Jumbo has rectified that). So I eventually stopped carrying it.

While its not my favorite way to carry CCW and I use other means of EDC, the Fatboy does see use - as my dog walking bag. When I get home I rip off my uniform and get comfortable in athletic shorts and a t-shirt. Its convenient to sling the Fatboy already prepped instead of going through my pocket check routine for CCW.

Endpoint - This bag made me fall in love with the Maxpedition brand. The Fatboy is extremely durable and has plenty of organizational options. On person EDC is not as obtrusive or uncomfortable as carrying an attache case/messenger bag but does not offer quick weapon deployment or true retention. Unfortunately, while the bag is extremely well made and thought out, I really don't see a necessity for it in my carry options.