Maxpedition Thermite

The Maxpedition Thermite is a small-sized multi-carry bag. It carries as a fannypack, leg drop sheath, or slung over the shoulder.

There is a main pouch with a water resistant drawstring pull tent that holds a 1L GI canteen -- or one 32oz Nalgene fits almost perfectly -- and a front pouch that holds a micro-sized Otterbox.

There are two velcro-assisted sheaths on the sides.

This is a small, small bag.

I was looking for an "man purse" EDC to carry around urban environments (i.e. the mall) -- knife, medical kit, flashlight, bottle opener, pen, snacks, water, cellphone, PDA, odds and ends. Ideally, it should fit as much as a standard women's day purse. I didn't want a full-size messenger bag.

The photos online are deceptive -- the model they use must be 5'0"! It holds about as much as an evening purse -- more than a clutch, but less than a day purse.

Like I said, the main pocket holds a 32oz Nalgene bottle and not much else. That should give you some idea of the size.

The side sheaths will fit a 4" bladed folder, or a 2-cell Surefire or equivalent (using two CR123's), but will not fit a 3-cell light.

The main pocket will hold a 8" fixed blade in sheath (about 8.5" top to bottom). Since there is a drawstring on the inside tent, it holds less than the fold-over flap would suggest, especially when cinched down.

I am trading it for a Fatboy, the next size up. Hopefully it will be spacious enough.

In its benefit, the Thermite is convenient, light, and definitely handles VERY well either slung, on the hip, or on the leg. Even without the strap attached, when the pack is slung off the hip, it is stable and barely bounces. It'll hold a small number of supplies -- say, a medical kit, flashlight, a paperback book, and a PDA -- but not much more, and if that's what you're looking for, the Thermite should be one of your top options.

It really does hold less than one might think from the photos.