Imago Metrics: Go Bags & Go Kits-Pygmy Falcon

Third Level personal Preparedness (Go-Bags)>Backpack
Maxpedition - Pygmy Falcon> Highly Recommended

Introduction :Third level Preparedness - Go-Bags>BackPacks
This section is dedicated to the analysis of some currently available options for portable carry bags that have the design distinction of two shoulder straps to allow for carry of a bag on the back of the user. This method of carry allows for hands to be free and has the distinction of equally balancing the load on both shoulders. Such manner of carry also allows for unhampered climbing and running with the load. With the use of additional load distribution straps such across the waist and chest - some of the burden may be redistributed across the sternum (chest) and pelvis (Wasit). Backpacks are an ancient design that have endured due to their logic and simplicity.The most conspicuous advantage of backpacks is that they allow for enormous loads to be carried for great distances with good balance and free hands. From the point of view of an everyday bag that also doubles as an evacuation Go-Bag, they are hard to best. Not only have backpacks become accepted luggage for the hauling of everyday necessities, they continue to be popular within all domains that call for luggage that conforms to the user's back and leaves their hands free to perform tasks other than carrying a bag. A well designed backpack also transfers some burden to the hips- via a waist belt and shoulder strap displacement is controlled through the use of a sternum strap. Most modern backpacks are constructed of some type of durable synthetic weave fabric such as Cordura Nylon. For use near water, specialized backpacks exist that are completely impervious and are submersible as well. Naturally, the possible design range stretches all the way from a simple one compartment rucksack all the way to sophisticated Military and Professional packs designed for a narrow domain of uses.

Key benefits: Large main compartments| Quick access to main compartment | Multiple compartments for customized contents| Symmetrical carry on both shoulders| Can be very ergonomic |Highly controllable | Allow for hands free operation | Ideal for a range of commuter/travel end uses

General Description
The Maxpedition Pygmy Falcon is one of a number of products manufactured by Maxpedition Inc (Torrance, California-USA) for Tactical, Military and Mobile task forces. Intended to be used by anyone that requires a narrow, modest capacity backpack, it fills a gap between slings, hip-packs and larger backpacks. We have identified the Pygmy Falcon as typical of a 12Hr (0 Nights) day pack , As such it may accommodate a day's worth of necessary gear, plus food and water. In warm climates it may be effective as an overnight or 24Hr pack as well. The Pygmy Falcon (#0505) is a compact rectangular urban day pack with distinct military styling and 1400 cubic inches (23 liters) of carry capacity. The Y-shaped compression strap that MAXPEDITION is famous for contributes to the bag's form and structural integrity while a row of sewn nylon hard points in front allows users to attach other MAXPEDITION pouches and accessories with our "snap and anchor" modular expansion system.
Comfortable back padding and supple curvaceous straps supported by 1.25" nylon webbing minimize the load on shoulders. Two side net pouches with cinch cord can be used to carry water bottles. Experience the workmanship, materials, design, and super durability for which MAXPEDITION is best known.

Target Market
-Urban Civilian, Military, Tactical + 1st 12 hrs SAR

Form Factor & Build -
Sizes-One size.
Rectangular.
Material- Heavy duty Teflon treated Cordura fabric and construction.YKK zippers throughout. Heavy Duty Velcro closures and adjustment straps. Duraflex buckles and heavy duty metal 'D' Rings and strap adjusters .Nylon web piping and double stitching (Nylon thread) throughout.materials & design
- 1000-Denier water and abrasion resistant light-weight ballistic nylon fabric
-Teflon® fabric protector for grime resistance and easy maintenance
-High tensile strength composite nylon thread (stronger than ordinary industry standard nylon thread)
- #AS-100 high grade closed-cell foam padding material for superior shock protection
- High tensile strength nylon webbing
-YKK #10 high strength zippers and zipper tracks
-UTX-Duraflex nylon buckles for low sound closures

Ergonomics-While the overall shape of the Pygmy Falcon is a vertically oriented rectangle, an ergonomic back cushioning conforms well to the user's spine. This not only creates a form fitting comfort zone, but also helps to stabilize the pack and minimize friction that would cause chafing. The shoulder straps are curved- so as to minimize stress and fatigue on shoulders. A chest strap helps to stabilize the pack as well as to share part of the load across the user's chest. When both the shoulder straps and chest strap are snugly adjusted, the Pygmy Falcon seems to become part of the user. This allows for efficient freedom of movement for activities that include hiking, climbing and even running. Due to its narrow width , the Pygmy Falcon exhibits less lateral torque in motions that involve off axis tilts of the back as well as sudden twists. This feature makes it a prime choice for climbers or any operator that must maintain good balance when in motion. Because the Pygmy Falcon rides high on the back, a large enough space is left over in the small of the user's back. This space may be used to carry a hip pack or other waist worn accessories without interfering in the usability of the Pygmy Falcon or the comfort of the operator.

Affordances- All compartments are logically arrayed . The pack is perfectly symmetrical, allowing for a balanced distribution of cargo.Two pouches on either side of the bag, may contain a variety of items- though they are specifically intended to carry 1 Liter Nalgene bottles. There are three compartments of graduated capacity from very small to medium and large sizes respectively. These are stacked logically with the small one uppermost and the largest one, innermost. All compartments are closed with variously sized zippers. Over the entire stack of compartments is a 'Y' shaped compression strap. This not only serves as added security, but also keeps partially loaded compartments from 'bouncing' contents around.The compression strap may also be used to secure small garments a hat or a pair of gloves for easy access. An elastic 'bungie' cord web at the bottom of the pack is ideal for stowing rain gear, gloves, a hat or small materials. The shoulder straps are well padded and meshed. This allows them to conform well to the user's shoulders. In addition, the mesh serves to grip underlying clothing- minimizing slippage and therefore chaffing.

Human Factors & Usability -The Pygmy Falcon conforms to most heuristics guiding excellent user-centered design in the industrial engineering of a backpack .In other words, the need for effective, efficient and easy to use 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 12Hr Day pack

Styling and Aesthetics
The Pygmy Falcon is unremarkable in that it sacrifices styling for functionality. And yet, its distinctively narrow shape differentiates it from typical teardrop style packs.

Environmental Stress- We evaluated the Pygmy Falcon under everyday as well as rough field circumstances for over 9 months. 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 Pygmy Falcon took fairly well to light rain but the outside pockets and main compartment are not totally impervious to torrential rainfall as the zippers are not waterproof. 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)

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Sales Source:http://www.maxpedition.com
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Specifications: pygmy falcon backpack

Capacity: 1400 cu. in. / 23 liters
Hydration: Two side pouches for 1L Nalgene
Support: 1in Adjustable Sternum Strap
Dimensions: 18"(H) x 9.5"(W) x 5.5"(D)
Main Compartment: 12"(H) x 7.5"(W) x 2.75"(D)
Front Pouch:12"(H) x 7.5"(W)
Slip Pocket
Empty Weight: 36.9 oz.
M.S.R.P. $79.99

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Evaluation Results & Summaries

Ease of Use
Excellent. The user simply loads contents according to individual or task requirements. The main compartment may contain nutrition bars, rope and perhaps an outer shell garment. The medium compartment is ideal for First Aid, documentation, Carabiners etc. The smallest compartment is ideal for small objects such as flashlight, compass, wallet and mobile phone. The side pouches effectively prevent 1 liter bottles from being inadvertently ejected. The bottom elastic web is very handy for stowing gloves , a light outer shell or a SiliTarp. The zippers are smooth to operate and never snagged in 9 months of hard use.

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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. Gaining access to various items inside the various compartments of the Pygmy Falcon was easy due to the simple configuration of the three compartments. Because the Pygmy Falcon rides rather high on the back, it must be doffed in order to gain access to contents- including the water bottles. We used the Pygmy Falcon in a variety of scenarios that included mountain rescue, bike mounted searches and foot patrols. Even worn for an entire day- it doesn't fatigue the user or cause chaffing on shoulders.

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Accommodation for emergency provisions
NOTE: The Pygmy Falcon is recommended as a day pack. As such it is limited in its capacity and should be loaded with enough provisions to accomplish the task at hand from sunrise to sunset or over 12 hours with little expectation that it may contain provisions or equipment that may be more effectively carried in a 24-36 Hr pack. We therefore recommend it as a light and fast pack- large enough to carry essential survival, First Aid, navigation and communications equipment only.

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Fabrication Design and Construction quality
The fabrication and build quality of the Pygmy Falcon is in keeping with other maxpedition products- tough. The heavy duty Teflon treated material is smooth yet abrasion resistant. Stitching is strong and the zippers are smooth to operate.

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Items of Note:
Excellent Customer Relationship Management | Superb fabrication quality | Excellent ergonomics | Heavy wearing materials