I'm not a dude and I don't carry concealed. However, my husband is and when I needed a small but functional gym bag that I could fit spin shoes, as well as a large water bottle and a few other essential gym items (ear phones, protein bars, diaper and wipes, extra pants for my potty training 2yr old etc) he suggested I borrow his bag like this one. I am often carrying in my baby and 2 yr old to the gym daycare and needed something I could quickly put on without worrying about it shifting around while I'm rushing in nearly everyday. I liked it so well I ordered my own bag. I love that I can pull it to the front and quickly access my gym ID cards and money. my hydro flask water bottle fits nice and snug and doesn't fall out when I'm pulling it to the front. Obviously, I don't really need all the extra straps and webbing but all in all, I use this everyday and am very happy with the purchase.

Construction is typical Maxpedition quality, which is to say excellent. I returned it though because it wasn't as big as I thought it was. It would not fit a standard size laptop even. Also the cross body carry with wide strap really projects a definite military look, drawing attention and (in my opinion) isn't a suitable look for walking around in the city, riding the bus and definitely not for taking to work. It would be acceptable for hiking/camping, but in those instances I need a larger one than this, so I can't really see where one could use it without looking like a mall ninja or some kind of fanatic.

I really like this pack as an EDC. It's slightly smaller than the packpack I was carrying, which forced me to re-evaluate what I actually needed on a daily basis. Many reviews say it's uncomfortable on the back and shoulder, but for me it's a relief.
I didn't want to just jam a bunch of kit loosely in it, so I've made use of a Condor organizer, which fits snuggly in the main compartment. Even with that, I'm able to carry a notebook/journal, a few sets of small pliers, a Maxpedition pocket organizer I use for a first aid kit, and still have space for a good length of Paracord. In the top outer pocket I have another Max organizer with my lockpick kit. In the pocket below I carry my medications and energy bars.
I'd have to rethink it if I were EDCing a firearm - probably have to lose the Condor. But my personal protection preference is a small-medium fixed blade knife, which I can strap right to the outside.
Of all the rucks I've carried, this one is my favorite so far.

By far the best, most effective, and tactically designed back bag I've ever owned. If you are looking for an edc that has real life combat qualities, This is the one. Not to big, not to small and can hold tons of gear. When slung in front of the body it covers the vital organs almost perfectly and has a couple sections that would easily fit a small armor plate. Idk if this is on purpose or not but the idea of having an armor plate ready without really being able to notice your wearing one is an awesome feature. Also when in front position It works as an arm rest for a cqc rifle stance (at least for me). I absolutely love maxpedition and this is another testament of why I'm such a fan.

This beats the knock off versions all day long, I tried a knock off to see if i would like the set-up, I got the real Sitka, now the next one i get is the same but bigger one extra full layer of room, the Kodiak! its bigger. for bow hunting the Sitka perfect, gun hunting you can shoulder right hand rifle! perfect! you can access your gear without taking your pack off! You just slide it around in front get what you need then slide it back no more having to take the whole thing off. also this sling pack when on your back sits vertial not tipped like many i have seen. This is an outstanding outstanding1000 Deneir fabric heavy duty pack.