Last Minute Survival

MAXPEDITION’s Jumbo Law Enforcement Officer S-Type Versipack (~$86.00)

http://www.maxpedition.com/store/pc/Jumbo-L-E-O-S-Type-4p1607.htm

Call it a shoulder bag, go-bag, or man-purse, MAXPEDITION’s Jumbo LEO Versipack is a hit with low profile operators around the world.  The bag is designed to provide easy and quick access to essential items you would want to have on your person no matter the venue.

I have used this kit bag for over a year now both stateside and overseas professionally in a variety of environments and find it very simple, user friendly, rugged, and with just enough space to force you take what you need, but only what you need.  My team has been provided many different carry bags, but this one tends to be the daily go-to bag.  I have found the bag to wear best over one shoulder with the pack resting on your weak side to prevent obstructing quick access to a concealed handgun.  Wear in this manner places the radio and phone pouches facing forward so that they are quickly and easily accessible.  However, the bag will function in an ambidextrous manner.

The design is well thought out and extremely rugged.  It has good retention over the shoulder via an ample padded shoulder strap and has a detachable waist strap that is great if you need to walk or run with the bag for an extended distance hands free.  Although, I have seen one quick-release buckle for the flap snap on a previous model (easily repaired with a spare clip kit), mine has performed flawlessly and the plastic is tough.  Stitching, material, and workmanship are all high quality and live up to MAXPEDITION’s reputation as a premier maker of tough equipment.  The heavy nylon is coated with Teflon so it sheds water and cleans off easily.  In fact, my bag still looks relatively new even after being drug through all kinds of dirt, sand, rain, and snow. Note that the bag is not waterproof and any submersion in water will certainly soak everything inside.

The layout of the bag is well thought out.  The pouches are the right size for the right items, where you need them.  Further, the pouches are all dual purpose.  For example, the magazine pouch on the side provides quick access to M4/M16 30 round magazines, but also holds a radio or water bottle equally well.  Internally, the bag is nicely compartmentalized and suitable for carrying various items in a host of organized configurations.

Everyone will have their own needs and specific configuration, but I find that any slim line Kydex or leather concealment holster fits nicely inside the zippered or main compartment.  The rectangular main compartment stores a host of items nicely to include a laminated street map, extra magazines, a survival kit, an extra water bottle and some power bars.  Depending on what I am doing, I usually have a few additional special items I carry in addition to the basic load and often toss in a lightweight windbreaker/rain jacket.  The zippered side pouch is perfect size for an individual first aid kit.  The zippered top pocket makes a nice storage spot for a GPS without restricting reception and or sunglasses.  The front zippered pocket is ideal for storing items like a note pad, reference documents, ID’s, a SureFire style flashlight, a multi-tool, spare batteries, keys, and a lighter with plenty of space to spare.  The side magazine pouch makes a good spot to put additional water, a radio, or as intended, two M4 30 round magazines.  The cell phone holder has good retention, but is not suitable for larger smart phones.  However, it is ideal for slimmer basic cell phones like Nokia, Samsung, and T-Mobile often sell.  Finally, you have a few slim pockets that can support additional documents, weapons, pencils, etc.

Tactically speaking, the bag can quickly be shouldered or taken off and doesn’t impede movement when wearing body armor.  It allows single hand access to the bag and its contents while keeping your shooting hand free to manipulate a weapon, steering wheel, door, or anything else.  Unlike a backpack, the bag can be spun instantly in front of you to quickly access additional magazines/ammo, first aid kits, or even just your radio or water bottle without having to first take it off and while still on the move.  The bag has a less tactical look and is appropriate for low-pro operations, but doesn’t sacrifice on the “pro”—tection or functionality.  Being less “tactical” in look, it makes this bag completely suitable for running around town without raising eyebrows.  Nonetheless, I would like to see MAXPEDITION produce this bag to look completely commercial and perhaps using some colors other than green, brown, and black.  For military and police, having the Molle straps for additional gear mounting is great, but for true low visibility activity, I would like to see them removed or appear much less noticeable.  The Velcro strip on the flap also has the tactical look making one expect to see an IR reflective American Flag stuck onto it.  This should also be removed for a bag to blend in better with the crowd.

For the prepared person, I would recommend this bag as an ideal one person kit to carry anywhere, be it in the mall or while commuting to work.  It has enough space to carry the key supplies for survival, but won’t weigh you down or draw unwanted attention making it something you can and will keep on you.  After all, a bag not on you when you need it is of no use.

The company’s website lists the below product features:

•Special edition of Maxpedition Jumbo Versipack that has been optimized for use by the Law Enforcement Officer

•Designed based on hundreds of L.E.O. customer feedback

•Excellent for active shooter scenarios

•Better For Left Side Carry

•Main: 9″ x 8″ x 3″ with front and back subdividers; bottom drainage grommet

•Front: 7″ x 6.5″ x 1.5″ with divided 2″ elastic webbing to carry 4 handgun mags; web subdivider

•Side A: Mag pouch with lateral elastic retention; fits two M4/M16 30rnd mags or radio

•Side B: 7″ x 3.5″ x 2″ with double zipper slides, 3 rows & 2 channels of PALS

•Phone pouch: Accommodates up to 5″ cellphone excluding antenna

•Top of lid pocket: 6.5″ x 3″ x 1″ inside lined with loop field; 3/4″ webbing grab handle

•Rear/CCW Compartment: 9″ x 8.5″ with 7″ x 8″ loop field

•Shoulder strap: Integral 2″ quick release (min 33″ strap alone / max 56″ strap alone ; min 45.5″ loop / max 69″ loop) with 2″ non-slip shoulder pad

•Multiple PALS attachment points

•Removable/adjustable waist belt of ¾” webbing; max. waist size 48″ circumference

•Optional accessories (sold separately): #3501 Universal CCW Holster, #3502 Triple Magazine Holder, #3503 Dual Mag. Retention Insert, Grimloc Carabiner D-Ring

•Also #9846 Jumbo L.E.O. (Better for Right Side Carry)

Product Materials

•Tough PU-coated 800-denier nylon fabric for approx. 15% weight reduction

•Teflon® fabric protector for grime resistance and easy maintenance

•high strength zippers and zipper tracks

•UTX-Duraflex nylon buckles for low sound closures

•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

•Internal seams taped and finished

•Paracord zipper pulls

•Stress points double stitched, Bartacked or “Box-and-X” stitched for added strength

Cleaning Instructions

•MAXPEDITION’s nylon fabric is treated with Dupont Teflon for superb water and grime resistance.

•To clean, simply wipe down with a damp cloth. Allow gear to dry naturally.

•Do not machine wash.

•Do not use detergent or bleach.