Maxpedition Thermite Versipack

MaxPedition Thermite Versipack
By Arnie

	Stock Specifications
UK RRP	£32.99
Color Options:	Black / Green / Khaki / Woodland Camo / Desert Camo
Dimensions:	8" x 4.75" x 3" (main compartment)
Empty weight:	14.8 oz.
M.S.R.P.	39.99 USD

MaxPedition? MaxPedition were a relatively unknown name to me until I heard from Jack at Woodland Organics. Having a browse of their website when I heard from them I came across a range of products called MexPedition that they were selling and was impressed with the designs and pricing for these products. Obviously you can't appraise actual quality until you see the product yourself, and Jack kindly offered to send over a couple of samples for me to have a look at. This review is the second in a series from Woodland Organics. Up For review this time is the rather handy Thermite Versipack.

First impressions: The brief from the official MaxPedition website states that:

The Thermite Versipack by MAXPEDITION is a versatile waistpack that can be worn or removed with a snap of a quick release buckle. It comes with a leg strap for extra security but can also be shoulder slung as a sideways backpack. Nine separate spaces provide a wide variety of carrying configurations, with a pouch in front designed specifically with your PDA in mind.

As before their advertising information is spot on.. but as ever it'd darn boring to just leave things like that.

Product details: The Versipack range are a series of outdoor style carry bags. Specifically here we're looking at the Thermite but also available in similar stylings are the Proteus and Fatboy. The Proteus is similar to a pistol range bag, whereas the Fatboy is a larger version of the Thermite with a more diagonal.

The Termite is a drop leg pouch, but also doubles as an underarm bag if needed. Featuring a teflon fabric protector made by DuPont, the material is protected from stains, is breathable/durable and easier to look after. Available in Black / Green / Khaki / Woodland Camo / Desert Camo there should be a material colour scheme to suit most situations.

So what do you get? There's a main compartment under a fast release buckle flap with quick pull adjustment, with a water-resistant drawstring inner cover. Inside the main pouch is a front and rear divider to store any items you want to easily find such as papers or perhaps ID card of some form.

Left: pouch access that runs down the rear of the bag. Right: inner waterproof drawstring cover

In the flap itself you'll find a zip closed small pocket, and another zipped pocket along the back of the pouch accessable from the top for things such as maps. To the sides of the pouch are two smaller storage areas, closed over with a very secure adjustable velcro strap. These smaller pockets are suitable for things such as utility tools, surefire lamps, foldaway knives or standard pistol magazines. Underneath the main flap is front compartment with a simple sub divider within.

Left: smaller side pockets. Right: front compartment under main flap

The rear of the pack that rests against your body is padded and made of breathable material that helps reduce sweat and moisture buildup between you and the pack itself.

Left: front view. Right: rear view

The main/waist strap is a simple design with adjustable buckle and fast release buckle. The leg strap is easily removeable allowing you to detach it and store it away inside the bag itself if you're just carrying the bag over your shoulder. Whilst the leg strap is also adjustable there's a large expandable section with a strong elastic area built into it which allows a much better fit to your leg in a mobile situation.

How does it perform? Obviously like most outdoor products there are two applications for the Thermite pack.

The pack makes a handy addition to standard issue kit, with the bag equally adapt at performing as a medical pouch, electronics storage, or simply as a handy magazine pouch.

For non military and non law enforcement purposes, or for just outdoor useage the pouch makes a handy camera bag or similar for anyone looking for convenient outdoor personal storage.

It should be noted that the pack looks to be designed to be worn on the right leg (with the main belt buckle to the front). That said the Versipack can easily be worn on your left leg witht he disadvantage being that the main buckle would obviously be on your left towards your back (around the kidnet area) which might not be to everyone's tastes. The leg strap is removeable so easily reversable, allowing you to have that buckle pretty much anywhere you like.

Conclusion: It's a handy drop leg bag, suitable for pretty much any purpose, well built and made to last you won't be disappointed. MaxPedition's name and their equipment, whilst relatively new to me, are certainly growing on me and proving themselves to be suppliers of some pretty nicely made versatile gear.

Anyone looking for outdoor drop leg storage, or any serving members of the forces looking to pad out their issue gear won't be disappointed.

Update: It should be noted that Woodland Organics have decided to not stock MaxPedition gear (I am unsure as to why) but will continue to supply it on a limited basis. My advice is that if you're interested in their products to place an order quickly for the MaxPedition products before they are unavailable.

Since we announced that we were no longer going to be stocking MaxPedition gear, we have been flooded with emails asking us to reconsider. Thank you for taking the time and effort to let us know your thoughts!

We have decided, because of the response that we have received, that we will continue retailing MaxPedition products but on a limited basis. We will no longer hold physical stock and will be operating on a pre-order system only. Woodland Organics

Written by Arnie

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