I apologize since I’m sure this has already been answered elsewhere, but a lot of searching over the past few weeks hasn’t turned up a good direct comparison of the two packs. I have read several reviews of the Falcon III which seemed to imply that there were changes they didn’t like and things they preferred about the old bag.

The differences I’ve been able to figure out is that the Falcon III is larger (not an issue for this use case), external hydration bladder pocket has been repurposed for CCW (per reviews, not great, and honestly drawing from a two strap bag seems weird to me. If I were going to carry off-body, I’d use my hipster-type pack), and a smattering of complaints about the zipper pulls.

Is there anything I’m missing?

From people who’ve owned both which do you prefer and why?