Maxpedition Falcon-II Backpack Review: Building a 72-Hour Bugout Kit From the Ground Up

ByJeremy

When Maxpedition sent over the Falcon-II backpack, I knew exactly what I wanted to do with it: build a full 72-hour bugout kit and walk through the process step-by-step. Before packing any gear, though, I wanted to take a closer look at the bag itself — and there’s a lot to talk about.

🎥 Watch the Full Video Review:
👉 https://youtu.be/9JkEd–DKrs

👉 Buy the Maxpedition Falcon-II Backpack on Amazon:
https://amzn.to/3JJfM29

First Impressions

The Maxpedition Falcon-II is built like a tank. It packs a surprising amount of storage into a compact 23-liter footprint, and the construction is exactly what you’d expect from Maxpedition — rugged, overbuilt, and ready for real-world use.

Key Features:

  • 150D nylon construction
  • YKK zippers with paracord pulls
  • Duraflex hardware
  • MOLLE webbing throughout
  • Multiple grab handles
  • CCW / hydration bladder / plate pocket
  • 23L capacity

This pack has pockets, compartments, and attachment points everywhere. It’s designed for organization, quick access, and modularity — exactly what a bugout environment calls for.

Packing the Bugout Bag

My goal was simple: fit 72 hours’ worth of essentials into the Falcon-II. If you know how big a Big Y grocery box is, that’s the pile of gear I started with. I wanted real calories, real tools, and an honest test of what the pack could handle.

Here’s what went in.

Food & Hydration

Objective: Enough calories for a full 72 hours.

Packed:

  • Be Ready 72-hour emergency meal kit
  • Two MREs
  • Emergency ration bar (3600 calories)
  • AquaGuard hydration packs
  • Camp stove + fuel canister

The Falcon-II handled more food than expected, swallowing two MREs, ration bars, and the entire 72-hour meal kit while leaving space for hydration supplements and the stove setup.

Fire & Warmth

Fire is a must-have in any bugout kit, so I packed several options:

  • Lighter
  • Two ferro rods
  • Jute twine
  • Tinder
  • Emergency poncho
  • Thermal blanket
  • Mylar blanket

All stored inside a Maxpedition Mini Double-Decker pouch, which slotted nicely into the remaining space.

First Aid & Personal Essentials

Packed:

  • First aid kit
  • Medication kit
  • Compressed gauze (x2)
  • Toilet paper
  • Three pairs of socks
  • Mosquito head net
  • Whistle
  • Pepper spray (kept in its protective case)

The front admin pocket handled toiletries, medications, small tools, and anything I’d want fast access to. TP sits on top for quick reach — because, well… priorities.

Tools & Survival Gear

Packed:

  • Flashlight (secondary)
  • Headlamp
  • Multi-tool (Felissa)
  • LifeStraw water filter
  • Survival cord (200 lb test)
  • Drop cloth (shelter)
  • Compasses
  • Strike-anywhere matches
  • Silcock key
  • Maxpedition “Bugout” Ranger Eye

This is still a proof-of-concept layout — I’ll refine and reorganize it further — but everything found a workable place.

The Final Add-Ons

I also added:

  • Survival knife
  • Small axe
  • Canned water

I’ll eventually upgrade how the knife and axe are mounted, and find a cleaner solution for carrying water, but for now everything fits and the load is balanced.

I even discovered I still had one unused pocket, showing how much carry potential the Falcon-II has.

Fit & Comfort

With everything packed, I strapped it on. The Falcon-II carries impressively well for a 23L bag. Weight distribution is solid, and even when fully loaded it didn’t feel bloated or sloppy.

It’s compact, capable, and confidence-inspiring.

Final Thoughts

The Maxpedition Falcon-II handled:

  • 72+ hours of calories
  • Fire-starting tools
  • Water and filtration
  • First aid and meds
  • Shelter
  • Tools, cordage, light, and signaling gear

…all without feeling maxed out or overstressed.

For anyone building a full bugout setup, a vehicle emergency kit, or a compact preparedness pack, the Falcon-II hits the sweet spot of durability, storage, and modularity.

Huge thanks to Maxpedition for sending it over — and thank you for checking out the build.

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Hope you’re having an amazing day, and I’ll see you next time.

Key Specs Recap

  • Capacity: 23L
  • Material: 150D nylon
  • Zippers: YKK
  • Hardware: Duraflex
  • Features: CCW pocket, hydration port, MOLLE panels, multiple compartments
  • Use Case: Bugout, preparedness, EDC, vehicle kit

EDC Takeaway

The Falcon-II blends toughness, storage, and versatility in a way few compact packs can. If you want a backpack that’s ready for emergencies and built for real-world survival, this one deserves a spot in your rotation.

#Maxpedition #FalconII #BugoutBag #Preparedness #EDCGear #SurvivingTheDaily

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