Maxpedition Noatak Gearslinger 8L

Used everyday for the last 4 years and it's never let me down. It's the perfect size for carrying all your edc gear and a jacket but when worn stays tight to the back without protruding. Mine gets absolutely sodden with dirt while Mountain biking so I just put it in a pillow case and wash at 30 . Once dry I spray with nikwax and it's good as new. Done this about 10X now and it's had no effect on the bag. No fading . Tearing or loss or durability. It's just brilliant

After using a Fatboy for over two years, I needed something that would hold an iPad and hold a bit more kit for days outnwith the family. After umming and ahhing over the Sitka and the Noatak, I went for the Noatak. I was amazed at the space and found it to be more versatile than my beloved Versipack. My only gripe was the lack of a top pocket, like on the Sitka; this was overcome with the addition of a Janus pouch, which easily clips into the tube sleeve on the top of the Bag. This gave me a mini looking version of the Sitka as well some useful extra storage. Overall, compact, versatile and a great all round day bag. Can't fault it!

After owning and liking a lot the Remora, I was looking for another similar bag but with higher capacity, the NOATAK fitted the bill. I love the practical design, the fact that you can swivel it to your front, access the inside without having to take the bag off. I use it to go to work & for mountain biking. The Y strap on the back is ideal to carry surplus items of clothing. The bag is almost perfect, the only addition I did, is a hook & loop 3x5 zipper pocket which is attached on the outside top velcro section, this is my MTB first aid kit, this is removed and attached in the same position on my Remora when I want a smaller pack. Usual bullet proof construction. Great pack for hiking, riding commuting, a lot easier to put on and take off than a conventional rucksack and for me the right size as a day pack. Fantastic quick service from Heinnie. I got the khaki/foliage one which means I can also use some of my other foliage green pouches that I bought for my Remora.

Only gripe is IMO the Sitka, I also own, is a bit more versatile. This one has a better bottleholder though, with water gromit and better fit at bottom, plus more velcro areas inside. Good bag!