Review: Maxpedition Noatak Gearslinger Pack
Kevin Felts 09.15.17
The Maxpedition Noatak is a sling pack that’s just the right size for day hiking and other short trips. The Noatak in this article and video has been part of my collection for several years. I have no idea how many miles have been traveled with this pack.
Maxpedition uses the tagline “Hard use gear,” and this daypack is no exception.
Specifications
From the Maxpedition website:
- Overall size:10″(L) x 5.5″(W) x 14.5″(H).
- Main compartment: 9.5″(L) x 4″(W) x 14″(H).
- Volume: 500 cu.in. / 8L.
- 1000-Denier water and abrasion-resistant lightweight ballistic nylon fabric.
- Triple polyurethane-coated for water resistance.
- High-tensile-strength nylon webbing.
- High-tensile-strength composite nylon thread (stronger than ordinary industry standard nylon thread).
- #AS-100 high-grade closed-cell foam padding material for superior shock protection.
The main compartment is large enough for a rain poncho, snacks, water filter, and a few other things.
The small outside pouch is where I keep TOPO maps, compass, GPS, toilet paper, and bug spray.
On the left hand side of the pack is a water bottle pocket that holds a standard 32 ounce water bottle.
If you want to add more space, the back of the pack has PALS webbing where MOLLE gear can be attached. There are also a couple of places on the shoulder strap where more pouches can be attached.
Likes
I’m not sure where to start, because there’s so much to like about this pack.
For one, it is just the right size for a day hike. If a pack is too large, it will sometimes end up filled with unneeded gear.
The sling makes the Noatak easy to put on and take off while wearing heavy clothing. During hunting season, this is my go-to pack. It is easy to put on while wearing a heavy coat, and is just the right size for snacks, water bottle, toilet paper, flashlight and skinning knife.
Paracord pulls on the zippers make the pack easy to access while wearing gloves.
There’s an emergency whistle on the shoulder strap.
PALS webbing for extra pouches.
Dislikes
None.
I have been using the Noatak since 2010 and have been very happy with it.
Full Disclosure
I was sent the Noatak at no cost to myself. Even though I received the pack for free, this does not influence my opinion.
If I did not like the pack, I would have stopped using it years ago and given it away in a forum contest.
As it stands right now, the Noatak is one of my favorite packs.
