Civilian Lab Alternatives?

[AddictedToTools]

As nice as the civilian lab bags are, they are very expensive. I love the style, with the ability to wear it as a shoulder bag or thigh holster etc., and the compartments that allow uncluttered carry of small and large items, but I'm just not prepared to spend that much on a bag. Does anyone know of any cheaper alternatives?

[AddictedToTools]

Update

I have decided that don't mind about the variable strap positions, so any suggestion that are just shoulder bags are fine. I would want a shoulder bag though, as opposed to something that's just a waist holster.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

I'd go for a bit of Maxpedition   Still a bit spendy, but much better quality and robustness than the CL gear imo (I've got one of there shoulder rig's)

[DaveK]

Sounds like you want a Maxpedition Versipack then

[Nikos]

Didn't Flashback have one that was trying to sell at some point?

[DaveK]

He did, but I think it was one of those shoulder rig things - can't remember for sure tbh

[Nikos]

I believe that's what AddictedToTools was after in the first place... I know for sure that FB had one at some point and that he was trying to sell it but I just can't remember if he actually managed to find a buyer in the end...

[DaveK]

Look what I found

http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,11324.0.html

[Nikos]

[AddictedToTools]

Look what I found

http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,11324.0.html

Thanks for finding this for me, but I've decided I would much rather get something from Maxpedition.

Thanks for all the help guys, does anyone have any particular suggestions as far as Maxpedition gear goes, and where to get it in the UK. I would quite like something that can hold an A4 sheet of paper flat, or at least A5.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

A5 will easily fit in a Maxpat Jumbo

Here's where I bought mine http://www.flashaholics.co.uk/maxpedition/jumbo-versipack.html

For A4 your really looking at a rucksack imo, here's the one I bought http://www.flashaholics.co.uk/maxpedition/maxpedition-pygmy-falcon-ii.html



You can get them for a lot less at http://www.edcdepot.com/ if you don't mind going international

[AddictedToTools]

Thanks, they have good prices on that Flashaholics website.

Does anyone know whether I can fit an A5 notepad into a Maxpedition Proteus? Also, could you fit a jumper in a Jumbo (or even a Proteus)?

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Thanks, they have good prices on that Flashaholics website.

Does anyone know whether I can fit an A5 notepad into a Maxpedition Proteus? Also, could you fit a jumper in a Jumbo (or even a Proteus)?

Proteus's are deceptively small I can just about fit a small novel in mine, and I do mean just

You could fit a thin jumper in the Jumbo, or strap it underneath the bag (work a treat as I do it all the time)

[Styerman]

The Proteus is the bag equivalent of a doll house , tho well made !

Chris

[AddictedToTools]

Thanks for the info!

[AddictedToTools]

What's the postage like at EDCdepot by the way (to the UK obviously)?

[cerbera147]

What's the postage like at EDCdepot by the way (to the UK obviously)?

$13 or $22 for super fast delivery

I got my Maxped gear from Marc @ EDCDepot for considerably cheaper than UK prices  I know others have bought from too, I highly recommend him 

I had no issues with custom either 

You should email him for a quote marc@edcdepot.com

Don't forget your 5% discount as well

Type multi in the coupon box 

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Yep Marc is a great guy to deal with, so have no worries on that score

[AddictedToTools]

Okay, hopefully this will be my last question! Can you fit an A5 pad in Maxpedition Fatboy, or would I have to get a Jumbo?

[Styerman]

At the risk of asking a dumb question , is an A5 5"x5" , if so ; yes .

Chris

[cerbera147]

A5     148mm x   210mm       5.8" x  8.3" 

I just tried it, fits just about 

I'll do a pic in a minute 

[cerbera147]

Some pics with a hard A5 book.



This one makes it look like it's sticking out loads but it's not.




With storm cover over.




Hope this helps 

I'd be interested to see the same in a Jumbo

[AddictedToTools]

This makes things very interesting... 

[AddictedToTools]

Right, four things:

1. Can anyone take a photo of an A5 notepad inside a Jumbo?

2. Does the standard Jumbo have a phone pocket?

3. Does the Fatboy have a phone pocket?

4. Which shall I get the Jumbo or the Fatboy?

Thanks in advance! 

[cerbera147]

Right, four things:

1. Can anyone take a photo of an A5 notepad inside a Jumbo?

2. Does the standard Jumbo have a phone pocket?

3. Does the Fatboy have a phone pocket?

4. Which shall I get the Jumbo or the Fatboy?

Thanks in advance! 

3. Does the Fatboy have a phone pocket?

Yes, you can see it the top right here.



4. Which shall I get the Jumbo or the Fatboy?

Depends what you'll use it for. I know a few that have got the Fatboy then wished they had got the Jumbo. I chose the Fatboy as I wanted my first bag to be subtle and not too bulky. With all my gear in there is still space left; not much there is still some left over I think I may need to get smarter on what I pack. Although on an average day it is nowhere near full. It is a shame you can't try before you buy 

My next Maxped bag will be the Pygmy Falcon II ideally or maybe the Falcon II

I do recommend the Maxpedition brand; you will get your money's worth  Additionally if you look after your bag they do appear to have a good resale value

[AddictedToTools]

Okay, I think I might get the Fatboy. Does it have a water-bottle holder? If not, I'll have to get a Mini RollyPolly (and TacTies) to go with it!

[nuphoria]

Okay, I think I might get the Fatboy. Does it have a water-bottle holder? If not, I'll have to get a Mini RollyPolly (and TacTies) to go with it!

It doesn't have a proper water bottle pocket and if you intend to carry a decent amount I would go for the Jumbo which is designed to carry a litre.... just throwing another spanner your way

You can always attach a phone pocket of your choice to a Jumbo too - lots of space for that.

I would also recommend googling images of both as you'll see lots of set-ups and maybe get a better idea about the practical volumes of the two

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

I'd opt for a Jumbo and a phone pouch too

[AddictedToTools]

I'd opt for a Jumbo and a phone pouch too

Alright, that's probably what I'll get then! Come to think of it, I'll probably get a Janus instead of a phone pouch. Now I just need money to get one! And a discount!

[DaveK]

Okay, I think I might get the Fatboy. Does it have a water-bottle holder? If not, I'll have to get a Mini RollyPolly (and TacTies) to go with it!

It doesn't have a proper water bottle pocket and if you intend to carry a decent amount I would go for the Jumbo which is designed to carry a litre.... just throwing another spanner your way

You can always attach a phone pocket of your choice to a Jumbo too - lots of space for that.

I would also recommend googling images of both as you'll see lots of set-ups and maybe get a better idea about the practical volumes of the two

This is exactly why I've just ordered a Jumbo!