Maxpedition Janus Extension Pocket

I thought I would like the Janus Extension Pocket for my Maxpedition Gearslinger, but in truth I absolutely LOVE IT ! This unit has multiple ways of being attached to just about anything, but I normally have it slide through the shoulder harness. When I don't need it, it is pushed along to where it meets the Gearslinger. When I need something from it, the pocket easily slides up to where I can obtain the important things - the things I need right away.Here is how I use mine, and perhaps this might help you.There is a strap in pocket on the front and back, and this holds securely my wallet on one side, and my moleskine notebook on the other side. They are used frequently, but not as often as my cell phone, and my Blackberry Torch fits right between these two. At first I found that it was tight, and was afraid that I would "pocket dial" someone, but here is a trick. I have two USB sticks, one with applications that I use in the field, and the other holds data that I need from time to time. There are elastic loops that hold things in place. Why I do is place the USB sticks in so that they lay flat, but then turn them 90 degrees. This has for the past few weeks, made a pocket within the pocket. It keeps the sides from collapsing in on my touch sensitive Blackberry. This has worked very well for my purposes.There are additional loops and such to keep small items always very handy, but the details of this would be very much an individual thing.On the outside, there is a tight tube of material that very nicely holds my extra large Cold Steel Voyager Tactical Folder. It is largely out of the way so that things don't get caught on it somehow, and is not offensively in view. Yet, very easily taken out.The very bottom of the Janus pocket has another tight loop of material that would allow for "hiding" many things, but being far more academic than adventurer, I keep a sharpie which I load through one side, and an all important red pen from the other. They fit there securely, and have very good accessibility. You would be surprised the number of things that need my initials or signature on any given day. This I have found to be exceptionally convenient.The bungee like cord that crosses the hook and loop field, has held my leather gloves previously. When I start off hiking, I am already warm from the car; but with time it can get cooler, or even cold. Having such quick and ready access to my gloves is another advantage, and lets me keep walking without having to stop, and go through my pack. Even when I walk to work, this is a wonderful feature. I am sure that there are other uses for that; but this is the one that I use.Like all Maxpedition products, the pocket is made to very high standards. I am very happy with this purchase, and can see that it will easily be a permanent fixture to whatever pack I am using for the day.

I bought this to carry my cell phone in an oversized waterproof case on the shoulder strap of my backpacking rig. It performed just fine for that, despite getting caught in a rainstorm. Since that adventure it's become my "go-bag" for when I'm on call for work. It holds my essential tools, spare cell phone batteries, ID's, cards, and keys in a compact package that's easy to toss in the trunk or in a pack.The pocket is not waterproof, but does drain well.I've found the extension strap makes any of my Maxped bags' straps too long, so I don't use it. I'm 6'2" - 6'3" 220 lbs, medium build.The pouch works just fine attached via the webbing or slung on the existing strap on your bag or pack.Materials are all top of the line, reinforced where necessary and well assembled.This pouch is easy to overstuff.As with all Maxpedition pouches and bags, it is expensive for what it is. It's also the only one you'll need to buy because it will probably last the rest of your life.

Maxpedition makes quality gear, no questions about that. Lightweight, sturdy and compact. What else do you need?

I bought this Janus about 10 months ago to complement my Noatak Gearslinger. After strap lengths are all adjusted, it fits perfect. While most other people use the Janus for stuffing it with EDC items or medical items, I already have an EDC bag (the standard size Maxpedition) that I carry inside one of the large pockets on the Noatak. So, I primarily use the Janus to keep my Zen-Ray 8x42 monocular in front of me and ready for a quick grab. In addition, I keep a fairly small back-up knife (fixed blade Esee Izula) behind the outside front slot. While the monocular takes up most of the inside room, there is plenty of room on the inside bottom to keep my original Leatherman tool, and a 25' roll of 550 paracord. I also have a few very thin items that I can keep in the inside side pockets -- like two of my Fresnel lens, some emergency cash, ID card, and a credit card (NEVER keep all credit cards in one place like a wallet, because you may lose the wallet).Every piece of Maxpedition gear is extremely versatile, and the Janus Extension Pocket is no exception.I have read other reviews on the Janus on other forums, etc., where a few buyers were not satisfied with the size of the pack or use of the extension strap. Well, IMO, both are perfect. You just have to do your research before buying. I knew exactly how perfect it would be to have this pack in front, while the gearslinger is carried in back. I even double-checked the strap measurements to make sure it would fit and adjust properly.I won't speak to the construction or quality of the Janus as it is identical to all other Maxpedition stuff. If you know Maxpedition, then you know there is nothing better, period.