DIM: Main compartment: 13" x 9.5" x 4"
Front upper pocket: 9" x 4" x 1"
Front lower pocket: 9” x 9” x 1.5”
Front slip pocket: 8" x 8",
Rear CCW pocket: 11" x 9"
Approximate overall volume: 660 cu. in.
Maxpedition comes around full circle with Malaga creating essentially a large Lunada, which was a large Remora. The result is a size closer to how the Gearslinger line began. Although the Malaga doesn't have as much depth, it is very similar in size to the Typhoon putting the Malaga in a class of small backpack.
The Typhoon was optimized for right shoulder carry, but the Malaga has everything centered to give ambidextrous ability. The main shoulder strap is nice and long like on the Lunada and can be connected to the left or right bottom D-ring as the user desires to setup. The cross strap is then put on the other D-ring to allow further security when riding a bike or generally on the go. The cross strap connects with an SRB that is also a distress whistle. I've said this earlier, but wanted to mention again the whistle part doesn't work very well at all. No big worries however, it works as an SRB just fine. There is now a main Y compression strap down the middle like on the Typhoon. It works well for compression, but for those who don't need this feature, like me, I'm glad I can easily take it off with the option to put it back on later. There are new side compression straps, however they are a bit more permanent. This will be preference as well where some will like them and some won't. Personally I don't think the pack is big enough to need them so I think they get in the way. Having them be removable using ITW repair SRBs would have been a better route.
The front lower pocket has received a lot of upgrades. Starting with the outside, there are PALS loops of 3 rows x 5 columns in which the middle column is long. This allows for a good amount of space to addon a couple of pouches or a bigger one like the TacTile Large. In between the PALS are bonus 1" loop velcro strips for name tapes and the Maxpedition logo is even on the webbing out of the way, sweet! The inside of the front lower pocket has drastically changed from the Lunada which has more mesh now. The back side has a tall sleeve pocket with a mesh sleeve sewn on top divided into 2 sections. One section is about 1/3 total length and the other is 2/3 to give more holding options. The usual plastic lanyard keeper is also attached on this side. On the internal front side is a built in mesh zippered pocket with elastic loops to hold items horizontally. This zippered pocket isn't very deep for easy accessibility. The upper frontal external pocket is laid out like the Lunada, just slightly bigger. This includes a sleeve pocket in the back and elastic divided into 3 loops. The inside of the main compartment is also very Lunada-like, however now people have enough room for that ever-so common legal size paper with out folding. The inside still suffers the inner front flap dilemma which now is even bigger with 2 external sleeve pockets. Users will like it for organization or hate it for covering up their internal CCW area. Speaking of CCW, the back external CCW area is now VAST. I couldn't quite fit 2 full size handguns back there, but I could put a handgun in horizontally just to display a "cause I can" factor. I don't have one laying around, but this is likely big enough to fit a PDW inside like a MP5K or MP7. I was happy to see a large D-ring on the connection strap which is much easier to grab onto than the 1" D-Ring on the Lunada.
So far I am digging the Malaga a lot as a small backpack. I was able to quickly mod it to my preferences and the PALS placement allows for easy pouch additions. It isn't as big and is missing some of the side pouches of the Typhoon, however many will find the customizability and CCW features of the Malaga a great gear option. Currently available in Black, OD Green, Khaki, and ACU.
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