Dimensions:
Main compartment: 26” x 13” x 9” with two padded dividers
Frontal/top compartment: 10” x 7” x 2”
Internal pockets: 8” x 6” x 2” (two)
Side slip pockets: 22” x 6” (two)
Approximate Capacity: 3200 cu. in.
I hope Maxpedition and you guys can forgive me taking so long to review this bag. I've used it for pretty much all my flight based travels and have been beating up on it a lot recently as a mail carrying pack. So far I have been enjoying it a lot being a well made large pack that still has backpack straps.
The general shape is lugage based, but some subtle curves have been added which let the pack open and close easy also delivering a comfy ride in shoulder or backpack mode. On that note, there are 3 main modes of carry: Main handle in the middle, Optional shoulder strap, or Integrated Backpack straps. The middle handle is nice and beefy with foam around it for comfort. This won't be the most used method, but is good for quick pick up and go action. I like how it is just in the middle and doesn't prevent access to the bag. The included shoulder strap is based on what Maxpedition usually gives which is pretty good. 2" webbing with plastic snap hooks and a pad that attaches with velcro straps. There are D-rings on each corner of the pack for a total of 4 to allow you to get creative with shoulder strap connection. I like to do it as shown in my first picture since this way my body mostly comes in contact with the bottom. It has a good amount of foam padding down there to aid in comfort with a dash of item protection. My fave is the backpack straps which allow the best mode of carry for long distances. The straps are connected to the bottom of the pack which then connect to lower D-rings with snap hooks. Even a sternum strap is included. When the straps aren't needed the user just unhooks the snaps and then can tuck the straps into its own zippered pocket. This makes the bottom nice and clean, great for air travel where a bunch of straps can result in a shredded bag.
Other external features include nice drag handles on the ends. They are big enough to grab, but not too big to be snag hazards. I'm usually not a fan of compression straps, but they make a log of sense for the DoppleDuffel. 4 SRB buckles allow you to smash things down nice and flat when your pack is empty. Although 2 buckles need to be released to open the main compartment, this is reasonable since when compressed this pack gets considerably smaller. For additional modularity there is PALS webbing on the top and middle sides. Slimmer pouch additions are appropriate for the top areas while larger ones can work on the sides. Although I see the PALS webbing formation is appropriate when the DD is worn in backpack mode, I wish the side PALS webbing was in the other direction and more of it. This way I could fit something like an Emdom Wide Load Fatty.
The main show is definitely the main compartment, but all the sneaky organizer pockets are quite handy as well. Starting in the top middle is a double zipper external pocket. Good for quick access items or when you have fully stuffed all of the other pockets. On the sides are long slim pockets with single zipper access. Inside are mesh sleeve pockets for further organization. Although slim pockets, one can fit a lot of tool items or weapon magazines in there. It is also a great place to put the shoulder strap when not needed. On the inside the main lid has 2 mesh zipper pockets integrated which are good for toiletries or electronics. For even further separation there are built in dividers in the main compartment. These can be zipped up when needed or zipped down and folded over when not. In the middle is a strap that connects with an SRB for lash-down options. For an extra detail the main compartment zippers are even lockable to keep those out who may have taken some "shipping tax". These zippers can get a little loud during heavy movement, yet can easily be fixed by cutting off the metal pull tabs and just reattaching the pull cords.
So far I have been appreciating the DD a lot as an interesting hybrid pack. There is stuff out there that is smaller and bigger, but not quite the same. It works great as my main clothing bag for mechanical travel, but I've just as easily run with it on for a couple miles. If I were to change something it would be the PALS webbing layout, luckily that is no deal breaker. It doesn't have any kind of waist belt, but I find this forgivable since it was never meant to be a rucking pack.
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