Multitool.org Forum
Non Tool Forum => Sheaths, Bags, Packs and Carry Methods => Topic started by: Grant Lamontagne on February 28, 2017, 02:21:31 PM
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Some time ago I started doing some research into trying to find out what kinds of bags Multitool.org members liked so that I could consider producing some Multitool.org branded (or even designed!) bags for member use. Some of you will remember that I started a thread to see what kinds of bags members liked (http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,65191.0.html). As was recently pointed out (http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,70503.0.html), I have been testing some options.
I started off with a sling bag, largely because the pricing was better and because I have recently become somewhat enamoured with sling bags thanks to my MEC sling bag (http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,64468.0.html) and the Maxpedition Sitka (http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,66687.0.html). I ordered this black and silver version which features a silk screened MTO Tenth Anniversary logo, a rubber hole to run your headphone wire through and a mesh water bottle holder on the side.
(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Bags%2C%20Packs%2C%20Cases%20and%20Sheaths%20/MTO-Bags/Sling-Bag/20170109_092609_resized_by_AVG_Image_Shrinker.jpg?m=1483980066)
I thought it was a pretty sharp looking bag, and at a similar price to the MEC Sling Bag, I thought it could be pretty darned good. In fact, I was so impressed with the MEC Sling Bag that I bought one each for my nephews (http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,69716.0.html) for Christmas this year.
(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Bags%2C%20Packs%2C%20Cases%20and%20Sheaths%20/MTO-Bags/Sling-Bag/20170109_092615_resized_by_AVG_Image_Shrinker.jpg?m=1483980027)
When the bag arrived I was quite pleased with the way the logo turned out- they did an excellent job on that. Unfortunately, the MTO Logo was the only good thing about the bag.
(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Bags%2C%20Packs%2C%20Cases%20and%20Sheaths%20/MTO-Bags/Sling-Bag/20170109_092629_resized_by_AVG_Image_Shrinker.jpg?m=1483980027)
Where to begin....? The strap is not padded at all, by itself the bag is shapeless, with no interior pockets to speak of except a saggy little baggie pocket that I wouldn't trust to hold a cheap MP3 player.
(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Bags%2C%20Packs%2C%20Cases%20and%20Sheaths%20/MTO-Bags/Sling-Bag/20170109_092651_resized_by_AVG_Image_Shrinker.jpg?m=1483980073)
The stitching, zippers and pulls aren't bad at all, but the material between them is the same stuff you find in the super cheap reusable shopping bags. It's probably ok for a few uses, but anything with corners is going to start to poke through in short order. The "tougher" exterior of the pack is what should have been used for the softer interior, and the exterior should have been made of something much more robust.
(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Bags%2C%20Packs%2C%20Cases%20and%20Sheaths%20/MTO-Bags/Sling-Bag/20170109_092624_resized_by_AVG_Image_Shrinker.jpg?m=1483980027)
Due to the poor design and overall shapelessness of the bag, it won't even see the couple times worth of carry that it could have seen, as I really don't have any faith that it will hold anything at all. For example:
(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Bags%2C%20Packs%2C%20Cases%20and%20Sheaths%20/MTO-Bags/Sling-Bag/20170109_092801_resized_by_AVG_Image_Shrinker.jpg?m=1483980080)
The water bottle pocket won't even hold this small half litre water bottle securely. What happens when I try to put my 1.18L Kleen Kanteen in it? Easy- I go buy a new 1.18L Kleen Kanteen to replace the one I lost.... :facepalm:
So that one was a complete waste IMHO. But, I was certainly not going to give up on the concept after one fail, so I ordered another sample, this time a backpack. It was quite a bit more expensive than the sling bag, but then the sling bag was also a hunk of garbage, so I figured I'd see what a few extra dollars got me.
(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Bags%2C%20Packs%2C%20Cases%20and%20Sheaths%20/MTO-Bags/Backpack/20170116_111946_resized_by_AVG_Image_Shrinker.jpg?m=1484584382)
All in all it looked like a pretty good bag, with dual water bottle pockets on the outside, MOLLE attachment points for extra gear (but not looking overly tactical), padded laptop compartment, hood cover that was actually a rather sizeable pocket and actual pockets inside!
(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Bags%2C%20Packs%2C%20Cases%20and%20Sheaths%20/MTO-Bags/Backpack/20170116_112051_resized_by_AVG_Image_Shrinker.jpg?m=1484584348)
Like the sling bag, the company did a great job with the logo, although this time it was embroidered on, and, since it was a larger area, I was also able to add the web address and the years, just in case you were wondering which ten years we were counting! :D
(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Bags%2C%20Packs%2C%20Cases%20and%20Sheaths%20/MTO-Bags/Backpack/20170116_111954_resized_by_AVG_Image_Shrinker.jpg?m=1484584348)
Inside there are quite a few organisational pockets for pens, ID's various cards and other things, so I was pleased to see that someone actually put some time and effort into this bag.
(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Bags%2C%20Packs%2C%20Cases%20and%20Sheaths%20/MTO-Bags/Backpack/20170116_112011_resized_by_AVG_Image_Shrinker.jpg?m=1484584348)
And the top pocket is quite large as well- in fact, on our recent Sugarbush Hike (http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,70503.0.html) I managed to put my SVEA Optima stove in there, along with the Mountain House meal that we had intended to eat.
(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Defventures/Gatineau/Sugarbush-Trail-Hike/20170129_101707.jpg?m=1485724963)
There was even more space, but as we weren't going far I didn't feel the need to try and maximise space and pack it that densely.
(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Bags%2C%20Packs%2C%20Cases%20and%20Sheaths%20/MTO-Bags/Backpack/20170116_112027_resized_by_AVG_Image_Shrinker.jpg?m=1484584349)
Overall this one suffers from some of the same problems as the sling bag- the construction is just not as heavy as I'd like. It is however, much better than the sling bag, as this one is actually functional. The stitching is good, the zippers and buckles are good, and the outer shell of this one is tougher than the sling bag. It is well worth carrying and using for a while, and I have faith that everything I put into it will probably be there when it's time to take the stuff back out of it. It holds my 1.18L Kleen Kanteen quite well and it also holds a 1L Primus fuel bottle just as securely.
(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Bags%2C%20Packs%2C%20Cases%20and%20Sheaths%20/MTO-Bags/Backpack/20170116_112059_resized_by_AVG_Image_Shrinker.jpg?m=1484584349)
The straps on this one are only slightly padded though, and have a large brass ring connecting them to the bag itself. I am not sure how comfortable with that I really am, but it seems to have held so far.
(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Bags%2C%20Packs%2C%20Cases%20and%20Sheaths%20/MTO-Bags/Backpack/20170116_112110_resized_by_AVG_Image_Shrinker.jpg?m=1484584350)
It is overall a useful bag, although I would like to see it sturdier. Maybe I am spoiled by Maxpedition and similar type bags that are built to withstand minor to moderately sized nuclear detonations, but this one just doesn't cut it as an actual Mutltitool.org issue bag for me. And, the pricing is a bit steep on it- we would have to offer them to members at around $60 just to cover the costs of having them made, and this does not strike me as a $60 bag. I would consider it a $30-40 bag at most. By way of comparison, I got Megan a nice Columbia backpack for Christmas that was regularly $60, marked down to $40 and it is far superior, with better materials and construction.
Still, while it may not go into production, I am sure this is not the last you will see of this particular Multitool.org backpack, nor of the Multitool.org Bag Program, as I fully intend to keep searching for a bag worthy the Multitool.org name.
As always, suggestions, comments, questions and observations are always welcome!
Def
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Good write-up boss. :cheers: Shame the sling bag is such a piece of crap, but at least the rucksack does the job. Let the hunt for a MTO bag begin. :tu:
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Good write-up boss. :cheers: Shame the sling bag is such a piece of crap, but at least the rucksack does the job. Let the hunt for a MTO bag begin. :tu:
+1
Just an idea, if the cost are to high, how about a small organizer. Like the ones Maxpedition made. Not sure if that was done before or not. Would be cool to find a nice sling bag with the MTO logo on it.
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It isn't ready yet, but there is very likely going to be a way for you to express the MTO love on Maxpedition and similar bags soon.
An organiser would be cool too, and something I hadn't really thought of.... although I did strongly consider this interesting organiser with woven elastic straps all over it that was basically infinitely customisable. I can't recall the name off the top of my head but they were pretty cool... and unfortunately also quite pricey. :ahhh
The search for MTO Swag continues! :D
Def
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I :like: both of them :gimme:
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If quality is a concern, you could always repurpose surplus bags or simply put the MTO logo on a surplus bag
Something as simple and cheap as this would be cool https://www.varusteleka.com/en/product/polish-breadbag-surplus/9250
or this https://www.varusteleka.com/en/product/british-pattern-37-small-pack-used/10500
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It isn't ready yet, but there is very likely going to be a way for you to express the MTO love on Maxpedition and similar bags soon.
The search for MTO Swag continues! :D
Def
Velcro patch?!
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If quality is a concern, you could always repurpose surplus bags or simply put the MTO logo on a surplus bag
Something as simple and cheap as this would be cool https://www.varusteleka.com/en/product/polish-breadbag-surplus/9250
or this https://www.varusteleka.com/en/product/british-pattern-37-small-pack-used/10500
I would be interested in getting something like those done. I really like those. The question is, how do we get the logos done on them then, and still manage to keep them reasonably priced?
Def
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It isn't ready yet, but there is very likely going to be a way for you to express the MTO love on Maxpedition and similar bags soon.
The search for MTO Swag continues! :D
Def
Velcro patch?!
Anything is possible.... :whistle:
Def
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Yeah if you know anybody that sews, you can just design a patch that then attaches to the surplus bags..I think they have heat activated glue for fabric but I don't know how well it works.
The bags are like 10-12 bucks and a patch probably costs around 3-5 bucks so at most 17 bucks...maybe sell them for 30
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I was excited by the title then kept reading :facepalm: I've been wanting a good sling bag so hopefully you can find the right company to make a quality bag.
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Oh, while you're at it...
I'd love a MTO pocket organiser :D
:bnghd:
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Maybe you could look into knock off Maxpedition stuff... I mean, decent copies aren't expensive and will probably hold up a lot better than the sling bag you found. Also I love the surplus pack idea!
Enviado do meu iPhone usando Tapatalk
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Glad the rucksack was good and to bad about the sling bag :facepalm: :D
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Some time ago I started doing some research into trying to find out what kinds of bags Multitool.org members liked so that I could consider producing some Multitool.org branded (or even designed!) bags for member use.
Def
No idea what the cost would be but I'd be all in for designing some bags! Sick and tired of looking at stuff that doesn't really suit my needs. I'm not terribly demanding, either!!
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We could keep the costs down to a reasonable level if everyone who ever registered at MTO would commit to buying a thousand of them.
Def
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Some time ago I started doing some research into trying to find out what kinds of bags Multitool.org members liked so that I could consider producing some Multitool.org branded (or even designed!) bags for member use.
Def
No idea what the cost would be but I'd be all in for designing some bags! Sick and tired of looking at stuff that doesn't really suit my needs. I'm not terribly demanding, either!!
Maybe not designing one from the ground up, but adapting some other? Like making pockets for multitools and SAKs...
Enviado do meu iPhone usando Tapatalk
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We could keep the costs down to a reasonable level if everyone who ever registered at MTO would commit to buying a thousand of them.
Def
:o Riiiight; a dream just got broken. :-\ :cry:
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Some time ago I started doing some research into trying to find out what kinds of bags Multitool.org members liked so that I could consider producing some Multitool.org branded (or even designed!) bags for member use.
Def
No idea what the cost would be but I'd be all in for designing some bags! Sick and tired of looking at stuff that doesn't really suit my needs. I'm not terribly demanding, either!!
Maybe not designing one from the ground up, but adapting some other? Like making pockets for multitools and SAKs...
Enviado do meu iPhone usando Tapatalk
Well, that's what I had in mind really; improve on some existing designs by adding/changing details and using materials of choice.
One day, some day... :D
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We could keep the costs down to a reasonable level if everyone who ever registered at MTO would commit to buying a thousand of them.
Def
:o Riiiight; a dream just got broken. :-\ :cry:
So 5k members * 1k bags per member = 5 million bags? :o
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We could keep the costs down to a reasonable level if everyone who ever registered at MTO would commit to buying a thousand of them.
Def
:o Riiiight; a dream just got broken. :-\ :cry:
So 5k members * 1k bags per member = 5 million bags? :o
Don't go bringing sense and maths into this! :twak:
:D
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We could keep the costs down to a reasonable level if everyone who ever registered at MTO would commit to buying a thousand of them.
Def
:o Riiiight; a dream just got broken. :-\ :cry:
So 5k members * 1k bags per member = 5 million bags? :o
Don't go bringing sense and maths into this! :twak:
:D
Screw logic, let people be happy! :twak:
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Velcro and iron on patches to convert our own gear to MTO tributes FTW!
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Velcro and iron on patches? What great ideas.... why didn't I think of that? :whistle:
I'm heading out today to look at some new bags that we may consider, along with some that may go for another project that I'm not allowed to talk about yet (not MTO :pok:), but will be really cool and exciting.
If anyone has any ideas or specific features they would like to see, let me know and I'll try to keep it all in mind when I'm poking about. :D
Def
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Velcro and iron on patches? What great ideas.... why didn't I think of that? :whistle:
FB does have some advantages after all :whistle:
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Velcro and iron on patches? What great ideas.... why didn't I think of that? :whistle:
FB does have some advantages after all :whistle:
Yeah nar.
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Velcro and iron on patches? What great ideas.... why didn't I think of that? :whistle:
FB does have some advantages after all :whistle:
Yeah nar.
Not saying that the pro's outweigh the cons...
We should get a "welcome back, zoidberg" patch too!
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Velcro and iron on patches? What great ideas.... why didn't I think of that? :whistle:
FB does have some advantages after all :whistle:
Yeah nar.
Not saying that the pro's outweigh the cons...
We should get a "welcome back, zoidberg" patch too!
Except nobody would buy that.
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Check out eBags for "custom" bags. Their branded stuff is just phenomenal quality with a pretty much unlimited lifetime warranty. And then they also have pretty much every other brand available as well.
Velcro and iron on patches? What great ideas.... why didn't I think of that? :whistle:
FB does have some advantages after all :whistle:
Yeah nar.
Not saying that the pro's outweigh the cons...
We should get a "welcome back, zoidberg" patch too!
Except nobody would buy that.
(https://i.imgflip.com/1lc6k1.jpg)
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We should get a "welcome back, zoidberg" patch too!
Except nobody would buy that.
Somebody's had a rough day/week/month/year/decade/life, it seems...
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We should get a "welcome back, zoidberg" patch too!
Except nobody would buy that.
Somebody's had a rough day/week/month/year/decade/life, it seems...
Yes.
Everyone, do feel free to let me know when I'm negatively impacting your forum experience.
Cheers.
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We should get a "welcome back, zoidberg" patch too!
Except nobody would buy that.
Somebody's had a rough day/week/month/year/decade/life, it seems...
Yes.
Everyone, do feel free to let me know when I'm
negatively impacting improving your forum experience.
Cheers.
FTFY, and you make me smile/laugh with lots of your posts. :cheers: :salute:
Just thought I'd let you know. :drink:
Wait, the cats are chasing the bear again, I'll be back in a sec.
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You do you, Doc. :hatsoff:
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:b2t:
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... If anyone has any ideas or specific features they would like to see, let me know and I'll try to keep it all in mind when I'm poking about. :D
Def
Well... *Takes a deep breath*
Plenty of little things, really. They do add up and that’s part of the problem.
- A shaped bag, about 30-40lt. with a boxy frame, let’s say around 45*35*30cm. and preferably not black but that’s the last thing for now.
- Wide zippers, protective flap optional.
- Wide, padded straps, maybe with some sort of reinforcement inside (a plastic sheet?), perhaps slightly contoured. Better avoid yoke style?
- Padded back, relatively rigid.
- Removable sternum straps or at least adjustable as to height.
- Removable waist straps.
- Protective layer on the outer bottom side, double layer of fabric at least.
- Double stiches everywhere.
- Minimal use of mesh pockets, preferably only on the interior side.
- Two main compartments minimum, one to two smaller outer compartments are welcome. At least one bottle holder pocket on the outer side. A quick access outer slot and a small items pocket would be nice.
- Hard wearing material for interior pockets, maybe of different colour than the bag. Double stiches everywhere.
- Some MOLLE webbing.
- 600 den fabric -cordura?- and up.
That’s all I have for now :ahhh
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Oh, and a couple of compression straps. That goes without saying!
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:think: You clearly haven't given it enough thought firiki :pok: :D
I never would have thought of any of that :ahhh But that shows I don't carry a backpack near enough now doesn't it :D
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You forgot the part where you insist that all of that has to come in at less than $60! :ahhh
Def
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You forgot the part where you insist that all of that has to come in at less than $60! :ahhh
Def
:D
Me: "$75 Canadian apiece, shipped to each buyer. Buy two and get a third one for free."
Them: "Suure, we can do that, at a quarter-million bags."
*firiki bites his lower lip in agony*
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:think: You clearly haven't given it enough thought firiki :pok: :D
I never would have thought of any of that :ahhh But that shows I don't carry a backpack near enough now doesn't it :D
If they threw in a decent rain cover for free, that'd be great :whistle: :D
Backpacks are useful, maybe you should start looking at some. :pok: :angel:
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Velcro and iron on patches to convert our own gear to MTO tributes FTW!
First I must find some gear worthy of the name's load, ya kno'?... Seriously :)
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Velcro and iron on patches to convert our own gear to MTO tributes FTW!
First I must find some gear worthy of the name's load, ya kno'?... Seriously :)
Just buy expensive, that's what you should've been taught by now!
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Velcro and iron on patches to convert our own gear to MTO tributes FTW!
First I must find some gear worthy of the name's load, ya kno'?... Seriously :)
Just buy expensive, that's what you should've been taught by now!
Huh? I was taught that the best knife-based multitools are cheap. ;)
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Velcro and iron on patches to convert our own gear to MTO tributes FTW!
First I must find some gear worthy of the name's load, ya kno'?... Seriously :)
Just buy expensive, that's what you should've been taught by now!
Huh? I was taught that the best knife-based multitools are cheap. ;)
Yes, but because of that you buy multiple.
Result: ...
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Velcro and iron on patches to convert our own gear to MTO tributes FTW!
First I must find some gear worthy of the name's load, ya kno'?... Seriously :)
Just buy expensive, that's what you should've been taught by now!
I'm open to suggestions :) I understand that cheap or expensive in a function of cost/use derived/affordability.
Actually, I'm pretty happy with my two large backpacks that cost me €45 (Mil-tec Patrol pack) and 60€ (Pentagon Re-Storm) respectively. I just can't use them for urban EDC because of their size, mainly. Several of the higher end bags I've seen didn't meet some of my criteria, price being one of them (if I pay more than €100 for a bag I expect it to bring me breakfast in bed every morning).
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Velcro and iron on patches to convert our own gear to MTO tributes FTW!
First I must find some gear worthy of the name's load, ya kno'?... Seriously :)
Just buy expensive, that's what you should've been taught by now!
Huh? I was taught that the best knife-based multitools are cheap. ;)
If you mean SAKs I agree: they hold excellent value :climber:
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Just get something good. I would much prefer a high quality bag being offered rather than something shoddy.
I can get shoddy. That is pretty easy. But a bag that high quality from a board that I like? Pretty rare.
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That is indeed the plan.
There's not really anything wrong with this bag- I have been carrying it on all of our adventures since I got it, and I even had it on this past weekend's hike through the woods, and it is holding up quite well. There are no worn spots, no tears, no fabric picks.... it's not bad at all.
That having been said, I stick to my earlier comments that I just don't think it'll hold up to anything too long term or heavy. Still, i haven't been babying it by a long smurf. Here it is this weekend in the back of the Jeep with an MP400, a Kleen Kanteen, snowshoes and poles and a couple of Crazy Carpets. :D
(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/albums/Bags%2C%20Packs%2C%20Cases%20and%20Sheaths%20/MTO-Bags/Backpack/20170402_112326.jpg?m=1491249419)
Def
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(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Bags%2C%20Packs%2C%20Cases%20and%20Sheaths%20/MTO-Bags/Backpack/20170402_112326.jpg?m=1491249420)
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I think my preferences are an outlier in this thread, and I think such a project should aim to make many members very pleased, rather than aim to make it “fair enough” for all or most. I'll still voice my opinion, of course. :D
- Please, no MOLLE or PALS. They attract dirt and the tactical look grows very old in an urban environment. External pouches are a hassle, and did I mention the look is a problem?
- I prefer minimal or no internal organization. Lots of organization restricts use, and takes up space and weight. If I need organization, I have plenty of color coded packing bags and stuff like that.
- I don't live in the magical land where it never rains, which seems to be a big customer for lots of bags. Everything I buy need to be able to stand up to snow and rain.
- Open external pockets are excellent places to collect snow and rain, and a favorite for thieves. So, not my thing.
- Waist straps belong on ruck sacks of around 50l and up. For messengers and light backpacks, no thanks.
I have (way) too many bags and packs already, but it's the MT.o way to really demonstrate nothing is liked by everybody and everything is liked by somebody. :D
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I have (way) too many bags and packs already, but it's the MT.o way to really demonstrate nothing is liked by everybody and everything is liked by somebody. :D
:worthless:
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Sorry about the photo quality. Photography is not my thing.
These are three of my most used bags. RedOxx Gator (shoulder bag), a Fjällräven A5 sized shoulder bag, and RedOxx Rock Hopper (the sling bag).
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Btw, the push buttons RedOxx uses are pure genious: The part attached to the pocket is on a little sling, so you can close the pocket properly with only one hand.
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Thank you for the pics, Steinar :cheers:
Slingbags aren't my thing but the other two seem interesting -depending on the use. :tu:
I'm not sure I understand what you say about RedOxx push buttons; is the "male" part -let's call it that- sitting on a tab stiched to the pocket?
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Yes, that's correct, firiki.
Here's an illustration from the RedOxx site: (http://images.redoxx.com/f/726/69420/10d/www.redoxx.com/assets/images/alternates/91096-3_lg.jpg)
(From http://www.redoxx.com/Briefcases-and-Garment-Bags/CPA-Briefcase/91096/130/Product in case deep linking doesn't work. (One of the Gator's bigger brothers.))
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Yup, that's very handy. Easy to repair, too, if needed.
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@Grant Lamontange,
You probably have already seen them, but Helikon-Tex has a bushcraft series and their shoulder bag has gotten several good reviews. The price is right around $60 USD iirc. So, you could probably get a discount for volume then maybe have a third party (or maybe them, who knows?) do the embroidery and hopefully end up not too far from the $60 mark. I am new here, but I'd rock that set-up with your logo in a hott second! Something to consider?