Maxpedition Fatboy - perfect for EDC or too tactical?

[GradeMaker]

I'm in the market for an EDC "man-purse" and like the Fatboy but was wondering if its perhaps a bit too tactical in appearance. I know some of you guys carry one - was hoping to get some feedback/advice as to your experience with these. What color do you have/recommend? Has the Fatboy ever drawn unwanted attention to you? Any insights would be very much appreciated. Thanks.

[Vincent]

I just have a pack from the North face, works great for me and its really tough.

[dedguy]

I really like my Timbuk2 Toeclip Bag.
http://www.amazon.com/Timbuk2-Clip-Mess ... B000IJYCXY

[vampyrewolf]

Was using my fatboy for the last couple years, never got anything more than a good ribbing from my sister. Had a few guys at school and work harass me about my purse, but a lack of reaction on my part ended that.

I've got a decent backpack now, barely fits in my locker at work.

This next week I'm camping and you can bet I'll have my fatboy on me.

[bigkahunasix]

I don't think the Fatboy is "too tactical", especially if you buy it in black.
Looks like a messenger bag or really ugly laptop bag. :p
I carried mine at blade last week and it is excellent to carry all my goodies in.

Bigk6

[zenheretic]

If you get to worried about the "too tactical" look you could always add some sequins... :D

[clovisc]

i used my fatboy every day when i was in the peace corps in africa; you can't imagine what a severe beating that bag has taken... and it still rides at my side today.

as far as i'm concerned, there's simply no better way to hold tons of different pieces of gear in a way that anything can be accessed simply and easily. i don't know what i would have done without it.

to make it really versatile, put a couple mega roly-polys on the strap.

if you want to make it more civillian-friendly, put a couple patches or badges on it... or get a black one.

if you're even giving the fatboy slight consideration -- GET IT. it will probably last longer than you do!!!!!!!

[vampyrewolf]

I can cram more gear in my fatboy (with m2 pouch on strap) than I can fit in my vest... nuff said

If it wasn't for having food and drinks in my backpack, I could most likely fit everything I take in a day in my fatboy again.

[clovisc]

patrick, you gotta get a rolypoly or two for your fatboy... :D

used to hook a nalgene bottle or two on mine with a carabiner... always had food inside, too, just in case. many days i'd end up coming home with two mega roly-polys stuffed full of fresh vegetables from my farmers, riding on my fatboy's straps... strange as it may sound, i've had to carry full-grown cats around in them, as well... :eek: :eek: :eek:

in africa, my fatboy was always equiped with medical supplies, rain gear, plus everything i'd need to survive in the bush for a couple days, if need be... and more days than not, i was glad to be well prepared. if you like/need to have lots of emergency/survival gear on you at all times, the fatboy is the way to go.

[BOK]

A lot of people on the forums mention how 'tactical' it looks but the only comments I ever get from people are man-purse jokes. Gets old pretty quickly I might add.

I use mine frequently. Holds all the essentials.

[ozspyder]

I've got a Jumbo Versipack bought just recently. I find it holds a lot more than possible just by looking at the thing !. I think the Jumbo Versipack is just a very slightly larger version of the Fatboy.

Mainly food and notepad go in the big compartment, pens, knives etc, in the smaller one on top, wallet, torch etc in the front pouch, drink bottle in the....bottle holder :p . And still there is room to spare.

Managed to strap this baby on to my wife one day when she was running to nmy daughters netball training. She came back impressed by its quality and ability to hold enough food and drink for 5 people for afternoon tea ! ( I had to impress her so she wouldn't get mad at how much I spent on the pack :o :D )

Highly recommended man-bag, mine is in black.

[vampyrewolf]

jason: have a mini roly here somewhere... just have to find it :rolleyes: :p

Have a feeling I'll use my belt pouch this next week. Had a 6"x8"x2" pouch made a couple years back, holds quite a lot of stuff but doesn't work as well if I have to drive somewhere. Had it made to replace my old one ('95) that needs restitching. Don't notice the weight as much on the belt as you do hanging off your shoulder.

Usually have a good sized packages of jerky & dried fruit, and few granola bars tossed in a belt pouch when I'm out camping. Rather carry my snacks than have to buy something when I'm hungry.

[liberty911]

I usually carry a pink Hello Kitty bag stocked full of diapers and Goldfish. I think something a little more tactical looking would be great for me!

[GradeMaker]

Thnks guys - one last question regarding - can you easily carry the regular Fatboy (as opposed to the S type) on the LH side in addition to the RH. I realize that the S may be 'better' for lefties (one of which I am not) but would like to be able to alternate the side on which the bag is carried.

Also - Liberty911 - you forgot the wipes and the cheerios...(I've got 4 under 5 myself so know the drill a little bit).

Thanks again all.

[bigkahunasix]

They work well from either shoulder. Bigk6

[GradeMaker]

Thanks Gunny

[Jimd]

I have a versipack from Maxpedition, can't remember the name of it offhand. It's smaller than the Fatboy, but works nicely for carrying a camera and a few other odds and ends. One of these days, I'll pick up a Fatboy.

I also have a Falcon backpack from them. Both pieces of gear are extremely well-made.

If you're worried about the "tactical" look, pick one up in khaki - it's a fairly innocuous color that won't draw too many glances.

And yeah - the man-purse jokes do get old.

[zenheretic]

I usually carry a pink Hello Kitty bag stocked full of diapers and Goldfish. I think something a little more tactical looking would be great for me!

:eek:
Ouch, that will be me in about a month, perhaps a preemptive strike is in order! :D

I've noticed the "manpurse" is rapidly going mainstream in the last year or so. I had thought it was just the Asians I see visiting, but my wife listed off all sorts of Americans that we know who are carrying them. Thankfully we can choose ripstop nylon and tactical coyote tan. :cool:

[ozspyder]

Had 5 under 6 myself ! (they are now 5 under 8 yrs old :O)...you need nappies (diapers), wipes, towels/ facecloths, snacks, drinks.....etc :eek: :p

The regular and S type work well on either shoulder. The "better for right side carry" thing I spose would apply for the CCW component :confused:

Nuf said..get the manbag/ manpurse. It's fricking awesome, and for tactical mall-assault grab two...one regular and one s-type on either shoulder :D

[Darkfin]

Better a Man-purse than a Man-bra....