slowly falling appart
I love this bag. I have been able to use and configure this bag across a wide spectrum of uses and needs.It is well thought out and has the ability to organize everything and an attention to securing and rapidly accessing anything in your bag. The problem stems for the straps and plastic buckles and sliders. The lower compression strap started to tear at the waist attachment and I had to remove them before they compromised the waste attachment point. Then the female buckle on the top"Y" compression strap cracked and would not keep closed.Then a slide-buckle on the lower shoulder strap broke, forcing me to tie the strap to the waist attachment D ring. Now the waist attachment is starting to tear away from the main bag, so it's only a matter of time to it fails completely. Wish it had lasted loner.
Great so far
I've had numerous packs the last few decades from being in the military and doing contract work in the Middle East. From my experience, the two main issues I've had with packs are the zippers and shoulder straps. The zippers on the Presidio are top notch. However I would say that over time, the shoulder straps will become an issue. They need to be more heavy duty and reinforced on the bottom where they are attched to the pack. As an addition, I would like to see Flying Circle add an additional compression strap on both sides in the middle. Otherwise I am very satisfied with the Presidio.
great so far!
I use this as a bug out bag mostly. thankfully I haven't needed it for that but you never know. I keep the load in it light since the shoulder straps are not made for comfort or to carry a heavy load, not to say that is a defect, just saying I would never have over 15lbs in it. I keep mine at 5lbs not including water and its perfect! I have carried it on multiple day hikes just to put it through its paces and zero issues. i am very tempted to get one in the type III so I can use it for work. In my opinion its a solid bag!!
I want to like this bag...
I used this bag daily while stationed in South Korea, but unfortunately it did not last the full year I was there. As a previous reviewer said, the straps eventually give way. In my case, both straps eventually broke off from the main bag itself. I used it for various FTX events and it was perfect other than the delicate nature of the straps. I even took it to a tailor to have the straps resewn onto the frame which proved to be a temporary fix.
Response from Flying Circle: Thank you for calling to let us know about this issue so we could replace your bag under our Lifetime Guarantee. Your feedback will help us improve our products.
Great EDC Bag
Use: Everyday bag for work. I commute through public transportation in various weather conditions. I carry a tablet PC, small laptop, composition book, sunglasses, protection, large headphones, hygiene, power cords, gloves, beanie, and other misc items.
I bought this bag to replace my other "small" bag that broke. Turns out this "small" bag was able to replace my bigger EDC bag due to it's comfort on my back, ability to better compartmentalize my items, and the ability to attach other molle bags to it. The compression straps makes it feel like one solid unit.
Straps Aint good enough
After about a year or so of carrying this as a first response medical backpack for EDC, the bottom right strap part where it attaches to the back has almost ripped off, so i had to make it one strapped. Seemed good for about 2 weeks, then its almost ripped at the bottom left. It was great at first but the bag i replaced i used for 5 years and yet it was barely ripped, only reason i switched was to get an OCP camo one for my uniform to carry around on base. Not good for 65.99 at the PX when my other one was 35.00 and never was ripped.
Response from Flying Circle: We are really sorry for the inconvenience. That fabric is a licensed product and its use requires us to pay a royalty, which is why it costs more. Additionally, that fabric is relatively new for us and we are still learning how to best use it in the construction of the pack. Your experience and feedback will really help us make a better product. Our bags are covered by a lifetime warranty. One of our representatives will be contacting you so we can send you a replacement bag.
Presidio Pack
I've had this pack for several months now & used it on a few missions. It was purchased it to replace a small Condor pack. The nylon exterior is VERY rip & abrasive resistant. The interior is lined with a thick water repellant material similar to whats used on river rafts. Multiple pockets store gear efficient & securely. The main storage area opens up completely & has a clear zippered pouch dedicated to a 10" touchscreen tablet. As said before the exterior is VERY forgiving. I've used it several times as a sandbag to steady the rifle. With just soap and water all traces of blast residue wipe away.
Now no product is perfect so here are two suggested improvements.
1. A flap or lip to cover the zippers. On my last mission I was caught in a HEAVY downpour. I'm talking about max 100 meter visual. A little water made it thru the zippers. By no means was I upset by the amount that made it in the bag, i was actually happily surprised.
2. Put release clips on the bottom & side compression straps.
I wholeheartedly reccomend this bag as a 48 hr bugout necessity.
Good Hunting Bag
I just purchased 2 of these backpacks for day hikes and hunting. Quality is outstanding on the bag, zippers and material are heavy duty better than 5.11.Only wish that the padding on the shoulder straps was wider and had more cushion. The quality of the straps vs bag are not in the same realms, 5.11 rush 12 and maxpedition falcon 2 straps are superior. Needs another compression strap on the sides to hold extra items ( jackets, fishing poles, sleeping pads) Great bag, but does no good if u can't use it properly due to comfort. Bag is good if you pack light. Wish they would upgrade straps, I would pay for it.
Well Made
I own 2 of these bags --these are awesome ,well made compact bags --heavy duty zippers, stitching, bag is just a very well made bag --hands down, superior to the 5.11 rush 12.
Outstanding Quality
I ordered one bag just before Christmas, loved it so much I ordered another for my son and had it 2 day air for Christmas! Customer service was great!! Very friendly and helpful. The quality of this bag is outstanding! I need to order the camel back for it now since I will be using this pack a lot! Semper Fi!
