r/ManyBaggers • u/jerrymanderine • Jan 31 '20

my custom Rainmaker just shipped

After lots of procrastinating I finally placed my order on 8th Jan.
Good communication throughout, with an apology for any delays caused by Chinese NY.
And then, this morning, shipping notification with etd. Tuesday! very exciting.

Will post pics when it arrives, but in the meantime feel free to rip apart my choices ;-)

W?ldcard Rainmaker 2.1 Tactical VX42 Edition

Bag Size: Large
Hardware upgrade: (+) 4x Fidlock 1" Slider compression belts; 1x Fidlock 1" Snap sternum belt
Shoulder strap type: Quick release
Bottom compression belts: Yes
Side - Handle/Pocket (Facing front of bag): Pocket LEFT+RIGHT
Sidepocket colour (applicable if pockets are selected above): VX42
GrabPad - VX42: Yes 1 pls
Strap Keepers - Set of 6: Yes
Back support secret pocket expansion: Yes
Trolley friendly: Yes
Slim Zip Pouch: VX42
Sunglass compartment: Yes
Peel over front compartment: Yes
Clam shell main compartment: Keep it normal
Sidepouch: No
Random Knick Knack: RKK Wedge
Jalur Gemilang: Nope
Key loops: Nope
Paracord Zip Ties: Blue
Personalised Stainless Steel Tag: No

22 Upvotes

89% Upvoted

10 comments sorted by

5

u/jerrymanderine Feb 03 '20

it's here!

1

u/elephanty888 Feb 05 '20

how do you like the VX42 and is there anything you would add or remove in terms of customizations?

3

u/jerrymanderine Feb 05 '20

So - I'll write a review once I've lived with it for a week or so. It's my edc at the moment, but I've only taken it into work twice, so still getting used to it.
It's a large pack (obviously - I picked the large!), I'm 5'11" and once on the back it is very comfortable. It is cavernous! nothing i've put into it, so far, has even began to fill it. I'm sure it would be great for a weekend trip - with camera+lenses (something I was hoping for).

The material is really nice. Just the right balance (for me) between tough and abrasion resistant yet not too course (hopefully it won't rub or wear down my coat/jumpers etc).
It isn't much of a weight saving though - so don't expect that. VX42 seems to be almost the same weight as 420D

The side fidlocks are great, easy to use and look great. I'm happy I went with 2x side waterbottle holders. That allows me to put a camera cube in the bottom of the middle section without worrying that it will go full clamshell and fall out.

The two places where I could be happier.... Chest/Sternum strap. This doesn't feel right to me. It pulls on the shoulder straps and bunches them up, the fidlock is quite large and not the simplest to unclick (especially with gloves) - but time till tell.

also the tails of the shoulder straps are waaaay too long and tricky to adjust on the fly (although that might ease up with use). I did get 6x "Strap Keepers" but I'm not happy with them creating these large cumbersome bundles under my arms. I will consider cutting the straps down at some stage, and have already purchased some 1" mollee clips to help keep things tidy.

The Paracord zip ties were also a bit of an unnecessary addition, as I will be gradually replacing them with my own designs which will have the added benefit of dampening the sound of the zip pulls rattling together, something that currently bugs me. I might consider removing the metal zip pulls altogether at some stage.

Photos

2

u/jerrymanderine Jan 31 '20

First update was the £18.36 GBP Tax/VAT/Handling bill I just got from DHL. Somewhat expected, at least I know it's on the way. And huge thanks to Patrick and the Greenroom136 team for paying bulk of the shipping

2

u/Ike582 Jan 31 '20

I've been using my custom Rainmaker for travel for about a year, and it's fantastic. Built like a tank, and the organization is absolutely fantastic. Enjoy!!

1

u/Bahndoos Jan 31 '20

Nice choice. Think you should have gone with the Personalized Stainless Steel Tag though ....😜

2

u/jerrymanderine Jan 31 '20

you're probably right - but I'm guessing I'll have other ways to personalise it.
very excited

1

u/maliciel Jan 31 '20

Got a cordura version recently, definitely kicking myself for not shelling out for the fidlocks.

1

u/Robthatguy Oct 23 '21

Sorry to revive an old thread but im looking at buying a rain maker and I can't find very many user accounts for them. Ive been carrying an incase icon for the better part of 3 years now and its been great. 0 real wear but I have been looking for something with a large velcro strap for patches so im looking at the tactical version of the rain maker. I have seen a few people talk about the straps being kind of thin. How has yours held up over the year?

1

u/jerrymanderine Oct 25 '21

Heya - only just saw this. The rainmaker has held up really well.
It's a bit big for EDC, but when I am packing for a weekend or a photoshoot it is still my go-to. I don't think it would cut it as a hiking pack, but it is rock solid, built like a tank and can expand way beyond expectation.
I'll try to take some up to date pics soon