General Description
The Maxpedition FatBoy S type Versipack is one of a number of products manufactured by Maxpedition Inc (Torrance, California-USA) for Tactical, Military and Mobile task forces. It fills a gap between dedicated sling packs, backpacks and shoulder bags by offering a carry solution for fewer items but in a highly functional and easy to access format. Although the FatBoy S is primarily designed with military and law enforcement personnel in mind, it's extremely useful for use in other domains as well. The most striking feature of this product is its deliberate accommodation of the user both from the standpoint of ergonomics as well as customization.The 'S' nomenclature denotes the version that favors carry on the left hip. The idea behind this design is that the bag will not interfere with deployment of a handgun mounted on the opposite side hip. Alternatively, the FatBoy itself may be used as a holster on the operator's dominant side.
The Fatboy is available in the Right-handed as well as the Left handed 'S' versions.The S-type has an additional anchor attachment point where the cellphone pocket is on the standard Fatboy. It also has a 2" wide Velcro loop patch on the front lid for attachment of ID patches. A number of expansion accessory pouches are available for increasing capacity. The accessory Maxpedition ,Medium Cell-phone pouch as well as Pug tri-fold wallet were included in this review- in addition to the basic Black Fatboy S.

Target Market
-Urban Commuter / Small electronics,notepad,digital camera + 1st 24 hrs emergency tools
-Active Outdoors /Hunting,Hiking,,Camping,Orienteering tools + 1st 24 hrs emergency tools
-Itinerate Student / Small electronics,notepad,digital camera + 1st 24 hrs emergency tools
-Professional Journeyman or Technician / Small tools, communication electronics, + 1st 24 hrs emergency tools
-Traveler /Travel document,Small tools,digital camera,GPS, communication electronics, + 1st 24 hrs emergency tools
-Law enforcement,Military & SAR/ communication electronics,small electronics, NLW,handgun, + 1st 24 hrs emergency tools

Form Factor & Build -
Sizes- Standard (Large available). Comparable to a Medium /Small digital camera case.
Geometry-Trapezoidal (reversed teardrop)with flared shoulder strap attachment point.
Material- Heavy duty fabric and construction.YKK zippers throughout. Medium Duty Velcro closures and adjustment straps. Duraflex buckles and heavy duty snap 'key keeper' .Nylon 'D' Rings and strap adjusters .Nylon web piping and double stitching (Nylon thread) throughout.

Ergonomics- A tapered strap eloquently conforms to body contours as does the trapezoidal bag itself. Mesh body-side liner fabric helps to keep the pack attached to the operator on the move in addition to keeping the contact surface between bag and user-dry and comfortable .A slightly concave curved padding conforms to the hip to make for a comfortable fit. Intelligently designed outside pouches and slim compartments allow for fast, blind-folded access to contents. Logical main-compartment arrangements support quick muscle memory deployment of contents.
In trials, the FatBoy S was easily positioned to the rear hip, side hip or front hip with no noticeable change in weight distribution across the chest, back or supporting shoulder. Positioned on the right side of the operator, it was only slightly less than perfect in fit but very usable as well.
Though the FatBoy S is ideally carried with strap across the chest, it was extremely handy to transport it with the strap simply draped over the dominant or weak shoulder for faster carry and dismounting. Aggressive shoulder pad rubberization mitigates against inadvertent slippage.

Affordances- All compartments are logically arrayed and may be accessed with one hand, leaving the other hand free to carry equipment or perform tasks. Zippers open and close logically to-present contents to the operator in a highly usable manner. Similarly, an oversized snap closure buckle allows for fast wrap-around strap mounting & dismounting or security of the main compartment. A pepper spray or handgun magazine pouch is designed to accommodate contents of varying length through a full-length section of velcro.Some girth flexibility is afforded by elastic side panels.On the opposite side, a zippered pouch ensures secure carry of a tactical flashlight or other similarly sized objects.Malice clip panels are conveniently placed at the strap flares to allow for the location of accessory pouches/pockets. As an example, the Medium sized Maxpedition cell phone pouch that we tested, could either be wrapped around the shoulder strap for sliding positioning across the chest, or alternatively, it could be positioned in a fixed place at the bottom of the front strap connector. Clever use of dual axis velcro on the Cell Phone Pouch made these two options possible without requiring the use of any additional connectors (e.g. Malice Clips). Other compartmentalization is graduated .A flat zippered 'back' pocket is protected by an oversized YKK zipper for smooth, fast and snag proof activation. A smaller zippered compartment on the case lid, accommodates tiny items such as coins, business cards and small, flat items. Inside, the FatBoy S is all practicality.The bulkiest or most fragile objects are invited to reside in the main cavity, flanked fore and aft by slip pockets for separation from smaller and thinner objects. Once committed to memory, the precise location of contents aids in organized,protected and easy to access contents. To accommodate larger objects in the main compartment, a normally collapsed nylon drawstring 'cuff' may be stretched open to hold such objects. The snugness of the main compartment lid is additionally adjustable by its snap buckle. A noticeable lack of padding translates into the most efficient use of volumetric space.

Human Factors & Usability -The FatBoy S conforms to most heuristics guiding excellent user-centered design in the industrial engineering of a carry case.In other words, the need for effective, efficient and easy to learn functionality are fully accommodated through sound consideration of the cognitive, reflexive and contextual aspects of this product's use. In addition, sound ergonomics contribute to a pleasant and transparent user experience.Usability has therefore been closely aligned to the operator requiring a task and goal-centric carry case.

Styling and Aesthetics
Within a number of contexts, the FatBoy S exterior appearance coordinates well with the user and their task- in order to create a harmonious visual ensemble that projects an image of normalcy and not discontinuity. We noticed in some trials that certain aesthetic features of the FatBoy S projected or telegraphed a less than ideal message .Specifically- the across the shoulder carry of the obviously tactical black case, coupled with tactical / military looking side-pouches signaled "fire arm" to many observers. The addition of the Medium Cell Phone Pouch added to this image. In situations where the FatBoy S was used with casual wear in everyday settings such as shopping centers, grocery stores and the like- store security was invariably alerted. We suggest that unless necessary, weapons should not be carried in the FatBoy S in casual everyday settings.

Environmental Stress- We evaluated the FatBoy S under everyday as well as rough field circumstances. The toughness of the fabric was well suited to casual brushes with metal surfaces such as those that might be encountered in a tactical, outdoors or professional settings. It fared very well in scuffs against concrete, trees, thorns and tarmac. We did not test against barbed wire, fire or other extreme interactions. The FatBoy S took fairly well to light rain but the outside pockets and main compartment are not totally impervious to torrential rainfall. Such a shortcoming was easily remedied with the use of waterproof interior zip closure bags (eg ALOKSAK) as well as fully waterproof boxes (eg OtterBox 1000)
PENDING: No data is currently available for snow proofness,freezing rain, sand storm,or mold . The contents of the FatBoyS are mildly protected against shock. The use of boxes and additional padding are recommended for extremely fragile equipment.

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Sales Source:http://www.maxpedition.com
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Specifications FatBoy Versipack S-Type (Standard & Jumbo)

• FatBoy S Pack dimensions -
  Main:  8” x 6.5” x 3”
  Frontal:  7” x 5” x 1.5”
  SideA:  6” x 3” x 1.5”
  SideB:  5” x 1.5” x 1”
  Shoulder:  Integral 2” Strap w/ Non-slip Pad
  Attach:  Integral Quick Release Belt Snap
  
• Fatboy S Jumbo Pack dimensions-
  Main:9" x 9" x 3" with front and back subdividers
  Frontal : 7" x 6.5" x 1.5" with mesh divider and internal keyper
  Side A : 6" x 3.5" x 2" with divider and double zippers to accommodate antenna
  Side B : 7" x 3.5" diameter with cinch (can be compacted for low profile carry)
  Top of lid pocket : 6.5" x 3" x 1"
  Shoulder : Integral 2" strap (min 40" / max 60") with non-slip shoulder pad
  
• Net weight: FatBoyS as tested with full load as shown-6lbs
• Empty Weight:  17.6 oz.
• Materials:
  1000-Denier water and abrasion resistant light-weight ballistic nylon fabric
  Teflon® fabric protector
  High tensile strength composite nylon thread
  #AS-100 high grade closed-cell foam padding
  High tensile strength nylon webbing
• Closure mechanisms
  YKK #10 high strength zippers and zipper tracks
  UTX-Duraflex nylon buckles for low sound closures
• Adjustability - Fully adjustable
• Colors- Black / Green / Khaki / Woodland Camo
• Accessories (As evaluated) - Pug Wallet & CP-M (#0101) Medium Cellular Telephone Sheath

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ABOVE:Left, FatBoy S with Medium Cell Phone Pouch ( Watch added) | Right, typical carry positions


ABOVE:Left,Maxpedition Medium Cell Phone Pouch (Strap mounted) | Center,Key Keeper | Right, Adjustable strap buckle

ABOVE:Left, Right-side view showing front pouch, side Pepper spray/magazine pouch
Center, detail of top flap buckle and 'D' ring | Right,Left-side view showing zippered pouch with accessory attachment bands

ABOVE:Left,Sample cell phone (Note Tritium Locator) | Right,2oz Pepper Spray

ABOVE:Left, Tactical flashlight & spare battery carrier (from FatBoy S Left-side pouch)
Right, scream whistle,Photon MicroLight,128MB USB Jump Drive, ScrewDriver Kit & Tactical knife (from Rear compartment)

ABOVE:Left,PDA & Maxpedition PUG wallet (from front zippered compartment)
Right,small items from top flap zippered pocket

ABOVE:Clockwise-Left to Right> 4oz pouch of water,Sangean SW/AM/FM radio in OtterBox 1000 case,Aluminum pill container,Particle mask folded & secured with aluminum foil,Notebook,Pen,Nutritional food bar,digital camera,spare camera battery and media,AlokSak zip closure bag with First Aid kit & water purification tablets (All from main compartment -core and slip-in slots)

ABOVE: Fatboy-S Jumbo version in use as a tactical sling. (Shirt- Scott e-Vest Performance T-Shirt)

Evaluation Results & Summaries

Ease of Use
Excellent. The user simply loads contents according to individual or task requirements. The design of the FatBoy S invites objects to be loaded in a certain way. the plethora of compartments accommodates everyday use tools as well as emergency provisions and tools. In common use, emergency tools are located where they are out of the way of everyday tools, but in a manner that makes them immediately available when needed.The intelligently designed FatBoy S makes it possible to carry - in a small space,an emergency nutrition bar, a 4oz pouch of water,medicines, first aid,a world-band radio,particle mask, a wallet, PDA, a folding tactical knife, pepper spray, digital camera,micro-light, scream whistle,Jump Drive,screw-set, cash,and cell phone - compartmentalized by category or by function. A set of keys may be tethered for easy access from the strap-mounted Key Keeper. An ID patch or badge may attached with hooked tape to a large patch of Velcro loop on the top of the case's lid.The Jumbo, though bulkier when full than the standard version, nonetheless retains the excellent balance of its smaller sibling.

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Task performance optimization
Not only are compartments arrayed in a usable fashion but the accessibility to each particular pocket feels tailor made. Zippers are graduated in size and seem carefully thought out . The zipper pulls expedite accessibility as well as closure. A content specific side pouch uses velcro for a vertical access dynamic that is different from that of a zippered pocket. Accessory pouch attachment points are strategically located to accommodate ergonomic and practical expansion of capacity. The shoulder strap slides freely to encourage precise positioning. A large Duralex buckle on the shoulder strap affords an alternative method for mounting and dismounting the pack. The shoulder strap as well as main compartment strap are adjustable for a snug fit. In everyday use, the FatBoy S becomes a part of the operator, affording handy carry of items that might otherwise have to be stuffed into pockets. It supplements the apparel (especially uniform) pockets and larger packs or carry bags by being the smaller organizer. The advantage that the FatBoy S has over a safari style vest, for example, is it's logical , layered and co-located approach. All too often one is caught searching one's safari vest in an effort to sort through the labyrinthine and scattered array of inner and outer , top and bottom, front and back pockets.Co-locating objects into a single integrated package, makes tool management much easier. As is the case in larger slings, the ease of front to side and back location of the FatBoy'S makes it comparable with equipment that may additionally be carried in a backpack. It is as adept at being a small camera bag as it is in hauling navigational electronics,handgun, binoculars, tools and so forth. The belt strap on the Jumbo version is an improved design that affords truly secure attachment to a belt. In addition, the locking snap closure on the Jumbo version discourages casual tampering.

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Accommodation for emergency provisions
NOTE: The larger version 'Jumbo' size not only offers more capacity but it is configured differently for the outer pockets. In addition, a 1 Liter bottle carrier pouch (not available on the standard size) affords hydration as an integrated part of the overall bag.
As noted in the picture captions, emergency tools and provisions may be logically clustered for easy but unobtrusive access that is sufficient for the first 24 hrs of a non-life-threatening emergency. This means that the absolutely bare essentials are packable while the core of the main compartment, as well as some outside pouches may carry every day tools. It should be noted that in addition to the wearable FatBoy S, a backpack or hand carry Go-Bag may be employed for the purpose of hosting additional everyday tools as well as additional and longer term or specialized emergency supplies. In emergency scenario drills, we were successful in extracting emergency tools in time to press them into use efficiently. The tools most critical to preservation of life, navigation, signaling and communication are located within reach in 5 seconds or less. Less critical tools are less accessible. As with any emergency Go-Bag, periodic training with the FatBoy S,ensures that reflexes and not thinking are used to locate tools such as a flashlight or particle mask under duress. Lesser provisions such as food and water are deliberately nested deeper and out of the way.Each individual will stock a bag such as the FatBoy S in their own way. Several websites list recommended provisions but in fact , the end user must customize their own list to reflect contextual prediction, occupational risk as well as personal preferences. We offer our observations and recommendations based on our trials in the section: Emergency Preparedness Provisions 24/48/72

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Fabrication Design and Construction quality
To characterize the FatBoy S as overbuilt would be incorrect since in comparison to garden variety slings it's in a class well above the norm. One would wish that all personal luggage would be built to such high standards. Certainly- all Maxpedition gear is manufactured to this high quality of construction. We deliberately tugged at straps, flaps and zippers in an effort to breach seams and to cause some malfunctions. We also tossed it in a slapdash manner into vehicles and on surfaces hard and inhospitable-all to no avail .These are 'Soldier Proof' cases that are likely to be as comfortable in low impact as well as high duress settings. Careful attention to design details- yields dividends to the discerning customer. Such refinements as nylon fabric piping over edges, heavy duty nylon stitching and double stitching in strategic areas in addition to the use of premium fittings- add up to a high value package that promises longevity and assures against failure in mission critical applications. Dedicated accessory pouches are built of the same quality fabric and are constructed with the same level of quality as the basic case. This modularity is a bonus in a world of tactical gear that often falls short of the operator's needs for interoperability, standardization and build quality.

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Items of Note:
Excellent Customer Relationship Management | Sleek surface weave is as pleasant to the touch as it is effective is shielding contents from harm | Small snap fastener is 'upside down' in functionality- reversing the standard Male pointing downwards into the Female pointing up arrangement. This makes deployment slightly slower than usual. In addition, the Male fastener tangs sometimes got caught on the edge of the Female connector, slowing connection further.