Received my new MMP today

[Rat]

Interesting...
I have never used the front panel as a stand alone front panel. I have used it as a small day pack and messenger style bag. For example, I can reconfigure the front panel in field to use as a day pack for fishing; everything I need is already at hand (shoulder straps, etc.) for this.

Gonna hafta try the stand alone front panel now...

[WV]

Yep, those stays are a ripoff of WV's mod.

... which, in turn, were inspired by Rat's hip-belt attachment stays.