Maxped Condor 2 or Vulture 2?


JGonyea13

JGonyea13

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I'm looking to get either a Condor 2 or Vulture 2. Can't decide which one, does anyone have pros & cons for either of these?

I already have a Maxped Kodiak that I use for my urban pack and a Lunada that I use for EDC. I have a Kelty Redwing 50 also (just saying because it is bigger than both the Condor & Vulture).

I already have (2) 12x5 Maxped bottle holders that I want to put one on each side of whatever I get (one to hold a water bottle & the other my Jetboil flash) So I'm wondering how they fit on the sides of these bags too.
 
My vulture II with two 12x5s.

firefly003.jpg
 
I am also trying to decide between the two packs. I am liking the Vulture 2 more for many reasons.
The main thing I like about the Condor is the 2 separate compartments on the back of the pack.
Now what I like about the Vulture. 1. larger and you can put less in a big bag but you can not put more in a smaller one 2. Main compartment opens like a clamshell where Condor is more of a top loader. 3. Dose not come with lashing straps on the bottom of the pack that will always be to short for what you want to strap there. So you cut them off and use your own anyway. 4. Lashing points on the bottom of the bag also look much sturdier than the Condor. 5. I think the Vulture is a little bit taller pack and will fit my torso better. I have heard people complain about the Condor being kinda short.

I have not touched either of these packs first hand. I have looked at quite a few reviews before I drop the cash for my main pack. I have decided the Vulture is the way to go for me. YMMV.
 
I have the Vulture II and I am happy with it, I also have the Kodiak for EDC usage.
As joncarbaugh stated already, You can always put less in a larger pack but not more in a smaller, The Vulture II is perfect for overnighters or weekends.
I love seeing gear pictures so here is my Vulture II:
BushcraftPackloadedtogoexceptforshelter.jpg


And my Kodiak:
DSCN0200-1.jpg

I think tomorrow I will take a picture of both side by side if I remember and post it here as well.
Either way, You can't go wrong with Maxpedition
 
LMT66 said:
If you like the Kelty and it's organization, Have you considering getting the next size down from the Redwing 50? I think it used to be the 2650?

I've had the Vulture 2 and it was a nice pack.
Click to expand...

The Redwing 50 is great but I was looking to attach gear (mainly my bottle holders)
 
Mountain Wildman said:
I have the Vulture II and I am happy with it, I also have the Kodiak for EDC usage.
As joncarbaugh stated already, You can always put less in a larger pack but not more in a smaller, The Vulture II is perfect for overnighters or weekends.
I love seeing gear pictures so here is my Vulture II:
BushcraftPackloadedtogoexceptforshelter.jpg


And my Kodiak:
DSCN0200-1.jpg

I think tomorrow I will take a picture of both side by side if I remember and post it here as well.
Either way, You can't go wrong with Maxpedition
Click to expand...

Very nice. Love the stuff sacking of the Vulture II. More rucksack-ish than the Condor II. Compartments can be very useful, but I like the sleek Vulture.
 
I'm partial to the Condor II. Have carried it pretty extensively on two day hikes in the past two weeks. It is plenty for a day hike.
 
The Condor is a great pack and I love it but I prefer the size of the Vulture for weekend trips. If Maxped made the Condor a bit taller and wider they would have a truly exceptional pack.
 
I agree Koa....... Imo a bigger maxped pack then even the vulture would be nice. Although a super sized condor would kick butt. If I had to choose again, id get the vulture out of those two.
 
Agreed Koa and J. I like Maxped gear, but their pack line could use some improvement.
 
I have both of these packs, the Condor 2 is a really nice for an overnite pack or a big day pack. If you want to carry for a few days in the woods get the Vulture 2.
 
muddog15 said:
I have both of these packs, the Condor 2 is a really nice for an overnite pack or a big day pack. If you want to carry for a few days in the woods get the Vulture 2.
Click to expand...

Well, of those two, yeah. BUT, if you want to carry for a few days in the woods, I'd say get neither. Get a real backpack, for cheaper: get a Kelty. For a price similar to the Condor II, you can get an Amron International Kelty MAP 3500 which has frame stays, and will carry a Condor II with room to spare. Without having a Vulture, I'd venture to say it is similar in size to the Vulture, but with internal frame stays, a better hip belt, and better straps.
 
dogboy said:
Well, of those two, yeah. BUT, if you want to carry for a few days in the woods, I'd say get neither. Get a real backpack, for cheaper: get a Kelty. For a price similar to the Condor II, you can get an Amron International Kelty MAP 3500 which has frame stays, and will carry a Condor II with room to spare. Without having a Vulture, I'd venture to say it is similar in size to the Vulture, but with internal frame stays, a better hip belt, and better straps.
Click to expand...

Dog I was doing a search for a larger pack (I have a Condor II) and I just came across a review on here about Kelty MAP 3500...I just ordered one in Foliage Green...Here is the review...

Kelty MAP 3500 vs Maxped Condor II
 
I like and have owned both packs. As others have said, The Vulture 2 is great for overnighters/cool weather weekenders, but it lacks a little for my needs in really cold weather weekenders. Yes, I carry too much gear!

I have a Vulture 2 in Foliage if you are thinking about going that route. I'd be up for selling or trading to a Condor 2 in Foliage. I miss the Condor for day trips. I wish I hadn't traded it off.
 
Tank29 said:
Dog I was doing a search for a larger pack (I have a Condor II) and I just came across a review on here about Kelty MAP 3500...I just ordered one in Foliage Green...Here is the review...

Kelty MAP 3500 vs Maxped Condor II
Click to expand...

BINGO!!! That was the post I was alluding to when I said it would carry a Condor II. I have both, love both, but the MAP is in helluva pack that I recommend to all my friends. You won't be disappointed. I want to get a second (backup) in foliage or ocean gray myself, but can't afford to right now.

I'm sure you will be pleased with it.
 
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wow - i was sold when the kelty ate the maxped


i love my falcon II for day trips but am now SERIOUSLY considering that kelty for overnighters - damn fine link provided
 
I really like the Condor as a day pack (most of my hiking these days..), but I use an old Kelty for overnights. The Condor is just not big enough for longer outings...
 
and the longer I spend around here....the smaller my packs get! lol!

I'm pretty sure in another year around here I'll be able to head out with buckskin briefs, a ferro rod, my Turley. :D
 
MANIMAL said:
wow - i was sold when the kelty ate the maxped


i love my falcon II for day trips but am now SERIOUSLY considering that kelty for overnighters - damn fine link provided
Click to expand...

I love Maxpedition stuff, but the Kelty is VERY hard to beat, especially the suspension. The only thing lacking on the Kelty is PALS, if you're really into attaching MOLLE gear. But you an still hang some stuff off it decently, using webbing and some creative fastex plastic ware.
 
yeah im sold on maxped, have much of their stuff - but their largest bag now seems small compared to this kelty. my eyes opened a bit and i dont have such maxped tunnel vision now - that kelty is now on my list to hunt down as Ill need something for long weekends
 
Get a Vulture II! Just because of the extra room if you need it and if you don't need all that space then you can just compress it.
 
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