Well I have been looking for the past 3 months for a good pack that I would possibly using while deployed, as well as something that I could use on some out-of-country trips and backpacking. I originally was contemplating an Eberlestock Terminator, as it had the capacity I needed, while being MOLLE friendly. Unfortunately, due to the fire in their warehouse NOBODY had them in stock (tried and failed 6 times w/ various sites). That being said, I needed a pack by May 15th, and no retailer could get a Terminator in on time. I began looking for other packs in the 65L-80L range and stumbled upon the Kelty Military Site. They had two packs, the Falcon at 4000 cubic inches (65L), and the Eagle at 7850 cubic inches (128L!!!). I was apprehensive about ordering the Eagle as it looked friggin HUGE so I went with a smaller pack that I could add MOLLE to if I needed more space. Here is a little review of the pack as I recieved it today:
Manufacturer's Specs:
Weight: 6 lb. 14 oz. / 3.1 kg
Weight without Lid: 5 lb. 15 oz./ 2.7 kg
Dimensions:
Length: 32" / 81 cm
Width: 15" / 38 cm
Height: 12.5" / 31.0 cm
Volume: 4000 in3 / 65.5 l
Volume w/ low volume hood: 3620 in3/59.3 l
Torso Fit Range: 16 – 21”/ 41 – 53 cm
The Pack - At first glance I was afraid the Falcon would be a a little small for most things. on closer inspection it shows that it can expand to accommodate a large amount of stuff. The color of the pack (coyote) brown is fairly dark (almost a little OD) and may conflict with some peoples pouches. The pack is about 45" tall when fully stuffed, but substantially smaller when less is packed.
http://i800.photobucket.com/albums/yy289/cogignis/Kelty%20Falcon/DSCN0561.jpg
The suspension and padding is typical Kelty - Well done and supportive! It has an excellent waist belt, along with very nice buckles.
http://i800.photobucket.com/albums/yy289/cogignis/Kelty%20Falcon/DSCN0562.jpg
The Scherer Cinch that Kelty uses is also very nice.
http://i800.photobucket.com/albums/yy289/cogignis/Kelty%20Falcon/DSCN0564.jpg
Next we have the main compartment, empty and with a small hiking sleeping bag. There are two drawstring pockets on either side and a long mesh pocket by the wearers back.
http://i800.photobucket.com/albums/yy289/cogignis/Kelty%20Falcon/DSCN0569.jpg
http://i800.photobucket.com/albums/yy289/cogignis/Kelty%20Falcon/DSCN0568.jpg
The top/lid of the Falcon makes good use of space. On the top are two rounded pockets that allow for water bottles or important things close at hand. The zippered divider can be removed to create a single large compartment in the top. there is also zippered acces through the pockets to a flat pocket on the floor.
http://i800.photobucket.com/albums/yy289/cogignis/Kelty%20Falcon/DSCN0566.jpg
The underside of the lid has a mesh map pocket, as well as the waist strap thats folded behind for use as a waist or "fanny" pack.
http://i800.photobucket.com/albums/yy289/cogignis/Kelty%20Falcon/DSCN0570.jpg
Next we have the "low-profile" lid thats hidden in the storm collar.
http://i800.photobucket.com/albums/yy289/cogignis/Kelty%20Falcon/DSCN0571.jpg
http://www.amronintl.com/images/product/large/Page2125-ITM-101459-large.jpg
The outside large pocket has numerous smaller ones inside, useful for pens/cellphones/etc. There is a large, fleece lined pocket thats great for small cameras, sunglasses, electronics.
http://i800.photobucket.com/albums/yy289/cogignis/Kelty%20Falcon/DSCN0572.jpg
http://i800.photobucket.com/albums/yy289/cogignis/Kelty%20Falcon/DSCN0573.jpg
Last is the stowable storm cover. this can tie down around the pack using bungies and t-straps.
http://i800.photobucket.com/albums/yy289/cogignis/Kelty%20Falcon/DSCN0574.jpg
The side of the pack shows the amount of MOLLE one could place. Sustainment or large SAW pouches would definitely be good additions for large volume space.
http://i800.photobucket.com/albums/yy289/cogignis/Kelty%20Falcon/DSCN0575.jpg
Overall impressions:
I am very impressed with this pack. It is definitely a military pack built by civilians, and uses a little lighter materials than say Eberlestock, but at the same time keeps its strength. The padding and suspension are the result of a company who specializes in that sort of thing and are VERY comfortable. I am excited to ruck, and hike with it, and hope to get a lot of use out of it. As a BOB, the size is perfect (any bigger would have been too big) and it is light enough to carry all day.
Please let me know if you want any other details or pics.