I loaded mine up. Bino pouch (I don't really like the HPG), IFAK on the bottom, and a small ESEE knife. I carry a 1911, Leatherman, compass, and other things in it. After about 2 hours of hiking with it alone it gets sort of annoying. If I'm wearing my backpack, I use the counterbalance straps and I don't feel it at all. Having the IFAK on the front made it too bulky in an outward fashion. On the bottom it works great. I love it!