This 3 bag series came about with the concept of simple general purpose shoulder bags. Quality is of course the usual high standards expected from Maxpedition, however pricing is more affordable by keeping extra pockets and compartments minimal. The three sizes covers a good spread of filling user needs so there is pretty much something for everyone. Whether it be holding tactical gear, electronics, paperwork, or whatever, this gear bag series is quite adaptable.
MAXPEDITION - Jerobam Small Gear Bag
SPECS: Bag overall size approx. 11” wide x 6.5” high x 9” thick
Main Compartment - 9” long x 6” high x 5” wide
Full opening front pocket (8” x 4.5” x 2”) with internal mesh pockets, key ring, dual zips
Half opening rear pocket (8” x 4.5” x 2”) with internal mesh pocket, dual zips
For a smaller bag the Jerobam gives some nice heavy duty gear holding possibilities. The size footprint works well for medical or small range bags and if you end up weighing it down with all ammo, luckily a padded shoulder strap is included.
The main compartment opens up with dual zippers that go all the way down to the bottom, but not quite clamshell style. This allows for a nice wide opening and as a bonus the zippers are even lockable. The main compartment inside is pretty simplistic, however does include padding on the bottom and a sleeve pocket on one side. Rather than right down the middle of the compartment, the zipper is on an angle. Using the offset space on the sides, there is a D-ring for the shoulder strap on the thinner side and 2 rows of PALS webbing on the wider side. There is no stitching in the middle of the PALS so they are loose perhaps in favor of mounting size fudging. On the sides are secondary pockets with dual zipper openings. One has loop velcro on the exterior and only unzips halfway down the sides. The interior has a simple mesh sleeve pocket. The other side has a full clamshell opening and has a mesh sleeve pocket as well, but also has a key lanyard and a single zippered mesh pocket. For ease of grab-and-go, 2 beefy webbing handles are up top which appear to wrap around the main compartment.
When stuffed full the Jerobam heads towards a cube shape which isn't the most fun to wear with a shoulder strap, but I certainly can't complain that one is included for the ability. The angled main zipper seems to allow a slightly larger opening without getting into a full on clamshell setup. There aren't a lot of heavy duty bags in this size so the Jerobam offers some nice options to the size class.
MAXPEDITION - Methuselah Medium Gear Bag
SPECS: Bag overall size approx. 14” long x 9.5” high x 10” thick
Main Compartment Features- 13” long x 9” high x 6” wide
Full opening front pocket (12” x 7” x 2”) with internal mesh pockets, key ring
Half opening rear pocket (12” x 7” x 2”) with internal mesh pocket
Being a part of the Gear Bag series, the Methuselah is pretty much a larger version of the Jerobam. This "medium" size is meant to give those who were eyeing the laptop holding size of the MPB, yet wanting something a little more compact and simple to offer a cheaper price. Forgive me as the features are very similar so here comes a copy paste fest!:
The main compartment opens up with dual zippers that go all the way down to the bottom, but not quite clamshell style. This allows for a nice wide opening and as a bonus the zippers are even lockable. The main compartment inside is pretty straightforward, however does include a sleeve pocket on one side and a padded side compartment for goods such as laptops. An elastic and velcro strap is included for retention on the laptop compartment. Rather than right down the middle of the main compartment, the zipper is on an angle. Using the offset space on the sides, there is a D-ring for the shoulder strap on the thinner side and 3 rows x 2 channels of PALS webbing on the wider side. On the other sides are secondary pockets with dual zipper openings. One has loop velcro on the exterior and only unzips halfway down the sides. The interior has a simple mesh sleeve pocket divided into 2 parts. The other side has a full clamshell opening and has a mesh sleeve pocket as well, but also has a key lanyard and a large single zippered mesh pocket. For ease of grab-and-go, 2 beefy webbing handles are up top which appear to wrap around the main compartment.
This "medium" size allows for a nice array of holding options. I've been putting a lot of random stuff inside, but at the moment this bag is making for a mean ass documents / paperwork bag. One can geek out and make it a laptop bag that also holds all the accessories and more or go full tactical and just pile in gear and ammo. Of course there is always the option of somewhere in between. Besides having less compartments I'd say the main other way it differs from the MPB is the main compartment opening style. Some users will appreciate the full access style opening of the Methuselah more.
MAXPEDITION - BALTHAZAR Large Gear Bag
SPECS: Bag overall size approx. 17” long x 13” high x 11” thick
Main Compartment Features - 16” long x 12” high x 7” wide
Full opening padded front pocket (14” x 10” x 2”) with internal mesh pockets, key ring
Half opening padded rear pocket (14” x 10” x 2”) with internal mesh pocket
If one needs something a little bigger, the Balthazar offers substantial holding capability. It has all of the design features seen on the Methuselah, just sized up appropriately. About the only functionality change that needs to be mentioned is the PALS webbing on the sides are 3 rows x 3 channels to give more pouch holding options. The size feels somewhat like a thick laptop bag allowing one to hold not only a laptop, but a good load of other cargo as well. The functionality becomes somewhat like a laptop bag and duffle bag mixed together, while still being further unique with the large main compartment opening.
