Sandpiper of California Long Range Bugout Backpack - Durable Hiking & Survival Backpack for Outdoor Adventures, Camping & Emergency Preparedness

This is not written to be a negative review. I simply wanted to raise the attention to people before they make a purchase on this. This bag is HUGE.I originally owned the SOC BOB (black) and I have owned it for years. It has flown with me, carried textbooks and gear, etc. FANTASTIC BOB! No joke. SOC makes awesome gear and it's make in the USA. I wanted to upgrade (because I'm a stupid materialistic American). To be honest the side pockets were what intrigued me since my BOB didn't have any and my middle and small pockets were filled with gear (always EDC everywhere you go).I traded in and got this pack. My... god... it's massive. I mean I'm staring at it now and it's almost as large as my laundry hamper, and it's sitting on the floor leaning against my book shelf. When I have it fully up and on my shoulders, strapped down, any gear that is not strapped down inside you will feel around your bum. That's how low it will hang. And I'm 6ft 2in. I truly love the pack - no joke. I do. But looking back in hindsight it is actually too much for what I wanted, which was just some added pockets to my already great BOB. I cannot however, let my wife know this as she will cut my head off for getting rid of a perfectly good BOB to "upgrade."The one thing that king of bugs me about the LR is the waste strap. I weigh in at 200lbs and with the waste straps fully tightened WITHOUT going over the thick cushion parts of the belt (same foamy material as the thick part of the shoulder straps), it does not tighten fully on my waste. To get it tight I have to tighten the straps OVER the thick foam to get a tight fit. It is obviously meant for someone wearing a bit of gear.It truly isn't a big deal for me though as I just use this as my EDC/BOB/Work Pack. I removed the waste straps and folded them up into one of the small side pockets (... oh what purpose they serve now...). That way if I find myself wearing a kit I can pull them out and hook them up.So... I love the pack. But with me and my big head/ego, it is too much for me. I wish I had kept my BOB or at least tested this thing out before I purchased it.It is damn tough though, and the straps have been improved in design and stiching.