PAC Designs Delivers Two Bags for Review

First, I want to warn you that this initial review for PAC Designs has a crap-ton of photographs associated with it. Therefore, take your time and really browse the photos — you get an obvious notion that their bags are packed full of features, pockets, cubbys, nooks and zippers to stow your gear! PAC Designs shipped us a beautiful, bright (almost Jamaican style) Rasta Ultimate with PAC Strap Pouch and a PAC Designs Mini Bag.

Background on PAC Designs

We had the wonderful opportunity to communicate directly with Pat (Patti) McGibbon, the fearless leader at PAC Designs during our initial process of receiving their gear. The communication was brief, to the point, and without fail. We were able to ask questions, get answers, while all along drooling over the bags they stitch together.

Pac Designs messenger bags appeared on the streets of Toronto in 1989 when the founder of Pac, Pat McGibbon, was off work (from cycle messengering) because of an injury. To fill her idle hands she began sewing messenger bags for friends and co-workers. The bags quickly became popular with the other messengers in Toronto and Pat’s sewing career began. She continued to messenger for a total of 9 years, making bags part time. People called the bags “Pat-Pac’s” (If you look at the Pac emblem you will see the original “Pat” in the logo.)

Side note, I just noticed the original “PAT” in the logo, looked over at the bag while I was writing this initial review for PAC Designs and noticed it right there, PAT/PAC, kudos!

Specifications on each bag

Pac Ultimate Specs

Professional messengers are tough on their packs, which is why PAC shoulder bags are found on the most discriminating messengers worldwide. Our Professional series messenger bags have been designed around these riders. For those who require an un-compromised blend of durability, comfort and support we are proud to show you our ultimate shoulder bag.

• New one-piece flap designs for 2002, now even more waterproof!
• New lighter more supple inner rubber layer!
• The Ultimate shoulder bag is 2600 cubic inches (13”high, 12”deep, 15”wide, with a 2” expandable
  pocket on the outside).
• 3 layer standard construction: Dupont Cordura outer layer, rubberized truck tarp middle layer, inner
  pack-cloth lining.
• 4 th layer of black Ballistic nylon on the bottom of the bag.
• 15 mm EVA foam padded shoulder strap.  10 mm EVA foam padded rib strap.
• PAC’s one finger “D” ring shoulder strap adjusting system
• 2” quick release buckle with replaceable adjusting strap on main shoulder strap
• PAC’s “anti-sway” strap
• Velcro and clip flap closure
• Strap ends can be secured with Velcro to keep them from flapping
• Inner large mesh pocket
• Inner large collapsible divider
• Removable EVA padded back
• Large expandable outside pocket
• Inside Key clip
• Small outer zipper pocket
• PAC”S “DELUXE SUSPENSION STRAPPING”
• Removable waist belt option compatible – redesigned waist belt 2004
• Bottom compression straps
• PAC”S “X-STRAP” compatible
• Outer 2” accessory “D” rings
• Outer 1” accessory “D” rings
• Comes with PAC’s removable lined pouch
• Comes with PAC’S removable accessory straps
• Removable wagging reflective strips
• Vista light mount
• Custom colour options
• Custom embroidery options
• Overbuilt PAC tough
• Handmade in Canada by Pac Designs

Pac Mini Specs

STREET SCENE BAGS ARE STILL MADE WITH THE SAME “BOMB PROOF” CONSTRUCTION AS THE PROFESSIONAL SERIES BAGS BUT WITH FEWER BELLS AND WHISTLES.

STREET SCENE BAGS ARE GREAT FOR CYCLISTS, STUDENTS, AND URBAN PROFESSIONALS WHO WANT A SERIOUS OPTION TO “LUGGING AROUND” A BACKPACK.

• Street Scene SMALL bags are 1800 cubic inch (12”h, 12”d, 13”wide)
• 3 layer standard Construction: Dupont Cordura Outer layer, Rubberized truck tarp middle layer, inner 400 pack-cloth lining.
• EVA foam Padded shoulder strap
• Pac’s “D” ring shoulder strap adjusting – 2” Quick release buckle with replaceable adjusting strap
• Pac’s “anti-sway” strap
• Velcro and Clip flap closure, strap ends secure with clip to flap or bag base
• Inner zipper pocket
• Inside key clip
• Large outer zipper and Slip pocket – 11”w x 11”h
• EVA foam padded back-hidden between layers of fabric at back of bag
• Bag straps can be switched from “right” to “left” swing
• Available with colour contrasting triangle on main flap for no extra charge
• Outer 1” accessory “D” rings on bottom of bag
• Removable wagging reflective
• Vista light attacher on flap
• Custom colour options-ask what we have ready made in stock or make your own combination
• from any of our stock colours
• Overbuilt PAC tough
• 100% made of the highest quality North American Products
• 100% made in small batches in CANADA