Since becoming EDC obsessed, I’ve gone back and forth on Maxpedition as a company. One of my first serious bag purchases was the Maxpedition Sitka Gearslinger. I liked the idea of that bag, but as with most of my sling purchases, it didn’t work out for me. Same with the Kodiak. Then I ultimately gave the Versipack line a shot and bought the Maxpedition Jumbo EDC. I loved that bag and still do. In fact, it’s been a mainstay in my bag collection. I would change very little about it. So, I was intrigued when Maxpedition announced the specs of their new frame packs. I have never seriously considered any of their backpacks because for me they were too short (Condor II, Pygmy Falcon II, Typhoon), too box-like (Falcon II) or too large for EDC (Vulture II). The Maxpedition Xantha Internal Frame Pack and the Zafar, its slightly smaller sibling, on paper are none of those things.
Maxpedition Xantha Internal Frame Backpack
The Maxpedition Xantha’s dimensions are 11″(L) x 8″(W) x 22″(H) and 2,000 cubic inches in volume. The Zafar is 11″(L) x 8″(W) x 20″(H) and 1,700 cubic inches. That puts them both roughly in the same territory as other mid-sized packs I’ve reviewed (and liked) such as the Triple Aught Design Fastpack EDC, Vertx EDC Gamut, and Camelbak Urban Assault. I opted to have Maxpedition send me the Xantha for review because I wanted to day hike with it, but if I was opting for a more daily carry EDC pack, I would have gone for the Zafar. Your mileage may vary depending on your carry.
The 6’4″ author wearing the Maxpedition Xantha
If I’m being honest, out of the box, I didn’t care for Maxpedition’s use of their Teflon treated 1000 Denier Cordura for the Xantha. Maxpedition uses it in many of their packs and I’ve never been a fan. The coated heavier material is stiff, noisy, and for the most part unnecessary. 1000D Cordura on its own is plenty durable and I prefer the untreated 800D that Maxpedition uses in the Jumbo EDC because it’s lighter and more flexible. The Xantha weighs 3.7 lbs empty. Granted, it’s lighter than the 4.5 lb Triple Aught Design Fastpack EDC but that’s a pretty low bar. In comparison, the Tom Bihn Guide’s Pack we looked at in an earlier review weighs 2 lbs, 8 ounces. The bottom line is if you’re someone who counts ounces when you hike or EDC then the Xantha might not be the right choice.
Another thing I immediately noticed after a quick check is that the Xantha doesn’t have any small item organization. I was surprised because Maxpedition is usually good about including elastic loops in certain pockets to secure things like knives, multi-tools, pens, etc. To satisfy that need, I opted to add a Monkey Combat Admin Pouch (MCAP) to the external MOLLE. Some long time Loadedpocektz readers may be doing a “WTF” on that decision given how it placed in our Admin Pouch Death Match. Well, certainly there are better options out there but the MCAP pairs well with the pack since it centers perfectly on the Xantha’s 5 X 6 PALS webbing panel and I really don’t plan on getting in and out of it constantly (accessibility was the primary pain point mentioned in my review).
Other than those few missteps, Maxpedition did a lot of things right on the Xantha. Those of you looking for a pack this size that can take a full-sized Nalgene bottle can rejoice. The Xantha’s side bottle pouches, which include bungee code closures, can secure a 32 ounce Nalgene as well as taller/skinnier water bottles.
You could even carry two although I usually use the other pocket for my Tripod. There are also 14″ X 5″ long zippered side panel pockets that run three-quarters the length of the pack behind them on both sides. They are very stealth. Half the time I forgot they were there but I applaud Maxpedition for including them. Every inch of this pack has a purpose.
Maxpedition also included 1″ upper and lower compression straps on the Xantha (pictured above). They only block access to the main compartment. No elastic keepers were included to keep the excess webbing under control, which was a minor annoyance.
The ergos on the Xantha are outstanding. The wide 2.5″ adjustable shoulder straps are heavily padded and feature breathable air mesh for comfort. They include 5 channels of PALS webbing, 1″ D-rings, and 2 x 2″ webbing loops (on each strap). Plenty of options to route and secure a hydration tube or lash additional pouches, carabiners, or other items on the straps if desired.
The raised egg crate back panel on the Xantha was comfortable and kept my back from getting overheated on warmer weather excursions. Kudos to Maxpedition for including a removable 4″ padded adjustable waist belt that includes zippered side pockets, which are great for keys or a smartphone.
It did a great job of taking the load off my shoulders when I packed heavy. And it doesn’t leave any hardware behind when it’s removed, which is great if you want to EDC the pack in urban settings.
The Xantha’s egg crate padded back panel and waist belt
Maxpedition also includes a 3/4″ sternum strap, which I unfortunately removed and forgot when I did the shoot for this article (always do a thorough gear check before you head out folks). I wish they had not moved away from the beefier 1″ sternum strap, which I liked so much that I was recommending it as a replacement for the wimpy straps that other pack companies include on their packs. I digress but I might start a letter writing campaign. Memo to Maxpedition: bring back the kick-ass sternum strap!
The bottom of the pack has two more adjustable compression/cargo straps for a bed roll, poncho liner, extra layer, etc. The bottom panel is reinforced with Hypalon, which is highly abrasion and water-resistant. It also provides some structure, allowing the pack to stand upright when laid on the ground.
Moving inside, the Xantha has two compartments in the main body of the pack. The front panel features is a clam shell design with pockets on both sides. The two mesh sleeves, which measure 4″ (L) x 5.5″ (H), are a perfect place to hold gloves and/or a wallet. The 7.5″(L) x 7″ (H) mesh zippered pocket has a key keeper, which I used to attach an Adventure Light but it would be a good place for keys also. The entire compartment is 9″ long so more items can be stored in the bottom below the pockets.
Inside the main compartment, there is yet another zippered mesh pocket and a soft sunglasses pouch that is reached via a zipper on the top of the pack. The sunglasses pouch was large enough to hold my Edge Blade Runner XL’s, although it does get in the way of the mesh pocket’s zipper.
The entire main compartment is relatively spacious at 11″(L) x 7″(W) x 22″(H). It was large enough to hold an extra layer and a first aid kit that I keep in a Maxpedition Janus pouch with plenty of room to spare.
The elastic sleeve includes a hanger for a hydration bladder. The pouch doesn’t run the length of the compartment but for EDC I was also able to slide my 12.5″ laptop in there. Certainly most netbook and tablets would also fit but understand that it isn’t padded so there’s no protection for the device.
Behind the sleeve is zippered access to the pocket that has the Xantha’s removable polypropylene frame with single adjustable aluminum stay. The frame is stout and provides excellent support.
The top of the pack has a large box stitch reinforced grab handle and a button-lock zipper capture strap for added security in crowds.
SUMMARY
In my opinion, the Maxpedition Xantha Internal Frame Pack is the companies best effort to-date in the backpack category. At the full $257 retail price, it’s a viable “budget” alternative to more expensive packs like Triple Aught Design’s Fastpack EDC and overall has better ergonomics than Hazard 4’s Patrol Pack, which we reviewed this time last year.
The Xantha is sold on Maxpedition’s website and at other retail outlets. It’s available in Black, OD Green, Khaki, Foliage Green, and Khaki-Foliage.
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