Saturday, March 5, 2016

This Ain't no European Carry-all

This is purse, a man purse. We he-men, typically don't refer to our shoulder bags as purses, but they all do the same thing. They carry our important stuff!

My purse is actually a large shoulder bag, called the Colossus Versipack made by Maxpedition. Coach, Gucci nor Michael Kors bags can match the diverse use these bags offer. These bags are made of 1000 denier ballistic nylon and are soil and water resistant.

For those familiar with Maxpedition's line of shoulder bags, the bag is larger than the Jumbo pack by about 25%. Another great feature the bag has are all of the paracord ties on the YKK zippers which make access quick into any compartment.

The rear compartment is designed to hold a 50 ounce bladder. Which means you can attach a sip tube to the reservoir and run it through the pals webbing on the top of the bag for a quick drink without having to stop.


I have carried this bag more than any other bag I own. It is a great day hike pack and has over 500 cubic inches of space on the inside. Two rows of PALS webbing on each side and three rows on the bottom make the bag expandable based on use and need. The padded, ventilated shoulder strap is adjustable and helps distribute weight evenly. Other uses are a range bag, bug out bag, every day carry bag, travel bag, carry on the airplane bag, camera bag, a most awesome tactical diaper bag and go to Disney for a day bag. As a medic bag it would easily accommodate the needs of a platoon.
2 full rows of PALS on each side


550 cord attaching poncho via the PALS channels on the bottom
of the pack, configured for a day hike.

The main compartment measures 8"X4.5"X10". What does that mean? It'll hold a lot, that's what.
The compartment is also padded and has some insulating qualities. But mostly it holds the gear you need to tote with you.
Another plus for the bag is it has a bunch of smaller compartments to hold ancillary gear needed to support whatever endeavor you embark on.


Fire starter kit

Flashlight and cigar compartment


The bags also comes in a multitude of colors ranging from Khaki, Foliage Green, Dark Brown and Black. As a general rule I despise black bags unless the interior is a contrasting color. It makes locating key items difficult at times when looking into a black abyss. The Khaki color has held up well, has not faded or stained and the light color contrasts well with gear stowed inside.

There are not many places I go that this versatile bag does not accompany me.


In the paddock at Sebring for an HSR race 2 weeks after
surgery 6.
Like Coach, these bags are not cheap with the Colossus checking in at $149 on Maxpedition's website. However I have seen them under $120 on Amazon and Optics Planet. The old adage "you get what you pay for" is proven with this bag.

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