Gear: smaller more mobile pack

[Ronin13]

So I'm in the market for a smaller, more maneuverable and modular backpack, and I've been looking at the Maxpedition Monsoon Gearslinger:
http://www.opticsplanet.com/maxpedit...nger-0410.html
I'm planning on getting the additional universal CCW pistol holder for the water bladder pocket so I can carry while out and about in the great outdoors. Not just for quick bugout or "recon" but also for hiking and climbing. Anyone have any experience with these? Thoughts?

[asmo]

I have a similar bag I'll sell you cheap (5.11 Rush 10). I thought I'd like the messenger style but ended up going back to a backpack.

[jhood001]

I don't have any experience with that model, but I have the Maxpedition Condor II. Their packs will last a lifetime and then some under the most rigorous conditions.

I personally don't care for the single shoulder setup. They're fine for light loads, but extended hiking with a heavy load tends to give me shoulder and neck cramps.

[Sawin]

I can't stand single shoulder packs or messenger bags.... but Maxpedition does make some nice bags. For climbing and hiking I have a Deuter Bike One 20. It's on the large end of hydration/cycling packs, so it works perfectly for a multisport bag. Definitely not a BOB though.

[Wulf202]

Slinger packs are not good for long hikes or climbs. If you want to do that get a pack with double straps and a waistband. If you want quick on and off sling packs are hard to beat

[StagLefty]

http://www.ar-15.co/threads/74227-LA...-99-plus-5-off

[HoneyBadger]

Another thing to consider with the single shoulder strap while hiking: the bag is less secure on your back and has a tendency to slide around, causing your center of mass to shift while climbing and scrambling over rocks etc. i almost lost my balance and fell into a stream while hiking because my sling-style camera bag shifted on me.

[Irving]

I'm also looking for something smaller to carry into work every day. Right now I'm using a messenger/soft sided brief case kind of thing and I really don't like it.

[StagLefty]

I'm hopefully waiting for a sale on the 5.11 Rush12. Looks like the perfect size for my everyday needs. http://www.511tactical.com/All-Produ...FYs7MgodkDoADg

[JohnnyEgo]

Another thing to consider with the single shoulder strap while hiking: the bag is less secure on your back and has a tendency to slide around, causing your center of mass to shift while climbing and scrambling over rocks etc. i almost lost my balance and fell into a stream while hiking because my sling-style camera bag shifted on me.

Ditto. I did a week long photo tour of Yosemite with a LowePro Slingshot, which is the camera-bag analog to the Gear Slinger. It was miserable for long days of hiking and climbing. Even with the waste strap engaged, which minimized the sliding, it still wore on my shoulder. It's all about the weight and it's distribution. I use a Maxpedition Fat Boy everything from a diaper bag to a laptop bag, and think they are great. However, I wouldn't try to carry anything more then you might otherwise put in a fanny-pack style bag if you were hiking all day.