Pac Designs Messenger Bag: User Feedback Please

Well since there is not alot of info or reviews on a Pac (compared to other bags) I figured it could be concentrated here.

1. How is this bag as a whole?
   
2. Is it comfortable on foot just as it is on bike?
   
3. What is the best thing about it?
   
4. Is the price really justifiable?
   
5. How long has it been used and what is its condition?
   
6. Is the plastic main buckle strong enough to last? (I have a thing about plastic and over time it does crack or break)
   
7. 7. Is the Ultimate series waterproof, seems from what i've heard the other series are not 100%?
   
   

Could you list the size bag you have too. Any pics would be greatly appreciated as well. Thanks

P.s. - If you have the time to place your own personal review that would be nice too

1. This bag is the messenger bag industry standard. Bailey, Cocotte, bag-jack, Bag-a-boo etc are all inspired by Pac. It was the first 2nd generation messenger bag. It is designed by a Canadian messenger, and was the first bag to distribute weight evenly across both shoulders, and the first to use ballistic nylon on the bottom.

2. The super deluxe comes with a padded waist strap. So nearly as comfortable as a back-pack. For me, I have a problem getting the x-strap comfortable, but most people don't.

3. It is a very well designed bag, that looks really nice even when it's fucked.

4. Yes. If you think it's over-priced, get a f***ing Crumpler.

5. Don't understand this question.

6. I haven't seen or heard of the main buckle breaking. But if it did, Pat would probably repair it for you.

7. All the Pac bags are water-proof when new. They are all 3 layer, cordura-vinyl-cordura (ballistic on the bottom). The water-proof layer is in the sandwich. In messenger use, they stay waterproof for at least a year, if not two, and usually a lot longer. In civilian use, well, mine still is now, 4 years later.

If you want the best messenger bag available, it's the Pac. (Seeing as you can't buy Zo bags anymore)

As someone who's owned a huge PAC, a reload deluxe, a medium bailey, a medium chrome, and a small demartini I can easily say that PACS are the best. However, not by enough to warrant their almost $200 higher than anybody else price. My rec is go for a bailey. Super comfy, good velcro, great pockets all over and best of all for those of us who have fucked up shoulders, you can switch the strap from righty to lefty. I would say that if you want a big one make sure it has ballistic cordura on the bottom.

Thought I could post in here instead of new thread...

I've had an Ultimate for the past 3 years of being a Messenger in Auckland (NZ) (previously used a horrible Ortleib)
I'm looking at buying another PAC (especially with the free postage thing happening at the moment)
I'm leaning towards a Street Scene: Small. I only need it for mucking about on weekends and stuff, the Ultimate is kinda too big to lug about everywhere with me (plus it stinks, no matter how much I wash it)
What kind of sizes are the Street Scene bags? I have looked at the measurements on the website but I can't seem to picture them too well, does anyone have any pics of Street Scene bags in use? Or has anyone had any experience with one?

Very much appreciated.

1. This bag is the messenger bag industry standard. Bailey, Cocotte, bag-jack, Bag-a-boo etc are all inspired by Pac. It was the first 2nd generation messenger bag. It is designed by a Canadian messenger, and was the first bag to distribute weight evenly across both shoulders, and the first to use ballistic nylon on the bottom.

2. The super deluxe comes with a padded waist strap. So nearly as comfortable as a back-pack. For me, I have a problem getting the x-strap comfortable, but most people don't.

3. It is a very well designed bag, that looks really nice even when it's fucked.

4. Yes. If you think it's over-priced, get a f***ing Crumpler.

5. Don't understand this question.

6. I haven't seen or heard of the main buckle breaking. But if it did, Pat would probably repair it for you.

7. All the Pac bags are water-proof when new. They are all 3 layer, cordura-vinyl-cordura (ballistic on the bottom). The water-proof layer is in the sandwich. In messenger use, they stay waterproof for at least a year, if not two, and usually a lot longer. In civilian use, well, mine still is now, 4 years later.

If you want the best messenger bag available, it's the Pac. (Seeing as you can't buy Zo bags anymore)

HAHAHA, bill did you have alot of time on your hands this day????

I have an old metro PAC bag that is still waterproof after two or so years of me having it, god knows how old it is but its still going strong.

*you can fit a slab of beer in it perfectly ;)

I think the Street Scene is the new name for the PAC I worked with a few (6 or 7) years ago. It was big enough for most grocery loads. Could fit a case of 24 beers (just). No complaints with it at all.

Thought I could post in here instead of new thread...

I've had an Ultimate for the past 3 years of being a Messenger in Auckland (NZ) (previously used a horrible Ortleib)
I'm looking at buying another PAC (especially with the free postage thing happening at the moment)
I'm leaning towards a Street Scene: Small. I only need it for mucking about on weekends and stuff, the Ultimate is kinda too big to lug about everywhere with me (plus it stinks, no matter how much I wash it)
What kind of sizes are the Street Scene bags? I have looked at the measurements on the website but I can't seem to picture them too well, does anyone have any pics of Street Scene bags in use? Or has anyone had any experience with one?

Very much appreciated.

Was that the large one that you had? I'm thinking that might be the kinda size I'm after but it's quite a bit of money to shell out when I don't really know how big/small the bag is.

Yeah, I imagine it was the large. I have an Ultimate now, which is mucho bigger (although it's designed well enough that you can keep the size under control).

Here are the street scene measurements:

Street Scene bags are currently available in two sizes/capacities:

Large - 2400 cubic inch (13" high x 12" deep x 15" wide)
Small - 1800 cubic inch (12" high x 12" deep x 13" wide)
Mini - 740 cubic inch (11.5" high x 5" deep x 13" wide)

from http://www.pacdesigns.com/street.htm

i just got a pac from a friend. a nice worn in used one. its a large not ultimate i think. its good cos i can fit stuff in it. however. some points that are bad are these...

1 the strap is too narrow and lacks enough padding to be truely comfortable.
2 the way the strap connects onto the bag at the shoulder is crap. its got a stupid big plastic thing which digs into the shoulder when you crank up the chest strap tight or carry heavy
stuff.
3 there is a small zip pocket attached to the inside front of the bag. if you put anything more than a wallet in it, it makes the front of the bag sag down which is a royal pain when you want to keep the bag on your back and get something out of it.

when my friend explained these faults to me i thought it wouldnt matter at all and it'd be fine. now im using it, it fucking anoying. and to be honest if i had actually paid money for the bag, especially a brand new one in custom colours and stuff, i would have been so so angry and upset. basically im gonna keep using it, or perhaps swap it for a smaller one but im dam glad i didnt pay for it. i tried on an archies that object was using a couple of months back and it was plush and comfy. when i knew i was getting the pac, i thought about emailing scott and getting off the waiting list, now im staying on it and paying for a sweet bag i know im not gonna have niggling problems with. my two pennies. you're welcome.

oh yea i forgot, i used a crumpler before and got annoyed with that. but its more comfy than this pac on my back right now.

EDIT..sorry folks, didnt see the time line on this thread. still, im disgruntled.

1 the strap is too narrow and lacks enough padding to be truely comfortable.
2 the way the strap connects onto the bag at the shoulder is crap. its got a stupid big plastic thing which digs into the shoulder when you crank up the chest strap tight or carry heavy
stuff.
3 there is a small zip pocket attached to the inside front of the bag. if you put anything more than a wallet in it, it makes the front of the bag sag down which is a royal pain when you want to keep the bag on your back and get something out of it.

I don't understand point 2? I'm not sure you're wearing the bag correctly. There should be no plastic on your shoulder. Look at the image below.

Point 1 is a bit weird too. I guess there COULD be more padding, but it might be a bit much? Again, look below. That's quite a bit of padding. Compare that with a timbuk2 or something.

Point 3 is physics. Don't put heavy stuff in that pocket if it annoys you I guess.

And for the record, Scott's bag's are awesome. One day I hope to have one.

yup, Scott's bad

Maybe (and I hope I'm not out of line here) Scott needs to get some help in, staff even, then his waiting list will be reduced, and more of us will order his bags, thus making him more money and getting us all shiny new GroBags to sling our stuff in! I may be wrong, and I'm sure Scott will correct me. GroBags are the shizzle tho, designed for riders by a rider, is the best way!

Maybe (and I hope I'm not out of line here) Scott needs to get some help in, staff even, then his waiting list will be reduced, and more of us will order his bags, thus making him more money and getting us all shiny new GroBags to sling our stuff in! I may be wrong, and I'm sure Scott will correct me. GroBags are the shizzle tho, designed for riders by a rider, is the best way!
Scott won't get help in as he's a perfectionist. There also isn't a great deal of money in making bags so hiring someone, and therefore paying them a wage, is unrealistic.

The waiting times are indicative of the demand for the product though. If you look at other independent bag makers, such as zugster, they all have similar (or longer) waiting lists. Couple to that the fact that Zugster only opens his books for orders for a month or two a year and you could be waiting an even longer time.

As it is Scott doesn't advertise his bags, or even have a working website, but his waiting list keeps growing as people contact him wanting a bag that they know of through word of mouth.

And before any of you get all high and might, "But you live with him..."etc, I'd like to point out that I met Scott after I'd already placed an order with him. Irrespective of our friendship since then I still think his bags are some of the best on the market and taking the value for money into account a damn good purchase.

well....i love my mashtons pocket, and i can fit at least 500 of those stupid little mints you get a curry houses in it, which i was forced to drunkenly prove the other night.
and that is all i have to say about that.

You're opinion isn't valid as you've been known to sew through the waterproof parts of your pac.

fucking BAILEY WORKS!
And the holes from the sewing are where my bag ninjas live, and protect all my worldly belongings.
have you got any bag ninjas??? Huh?....fucking no.

I don't understand point 2? I'm not sure you're wearing the bag correctly. There should be no plastic on your shoulder. Look at the image below.

Point 1 is a bit weird too. I guess there COULD be more padding, but it might be a bit much? Again, look below. That's quite a bit of padding. Compare that with a timbuk2 or something.

Point 3 is physics. Don't put heavy stuff in that pocket if it annoys you I guess.

And for the record, Scott's bag's are awesome. One day I hope to have one.

ok so my bag doesnt look like that. maybe an older design, or perhaps a medium size? by the looks of that pic, there are two anchor points on the webbing on the shoulder end. mine has only one and its on the side of the bag at the top. so when you crank it up, the bag deforms and pulls the plastic adjuster into my shoulder. not wearing it right? not sure how wrong it can be worn. its on my shoulder, where its supposed to be. when you ride you pull it all in tight and high, then the plastic digs.

as for point two, well, i think there isnt enough padding. not thick enough or wide enough for a bag of this size which encourages you to put loads of stuff in it.

and point 3, yeah i see what you are saying, but i dont consider a small digi cam a heavy item or the old wallet keys phone combo. i think that its a badly placed pocket. it encourages you to put valuble items in it cos it inside the main bag and wont hit the floor when you put the bag down. then the pocket deforms and it sucks.

i guess we all have different experiences of things like this, mine just didnt live up to my expectations. just feels like some bad bits of design, but then maybe my bag is a super old design and these flaws are ironed out with the new ones.

and im in the mac shop. my mac is fucked, but its great that i get to use theirs for free to debate bags. sweet.

Maybe if Leonardo Da vinci photocopied his pictures instead of hand painting each one we could all own one....maybe if Gordon ramsey only served beans on toast we could all afford to eat in his restaurant...maybe if Vanilla cycles used a production line to make his frames we could all get our hands on one....maybe if Oswald Boetang had all his suits made in China we could all have his duds on our backs.

It's simply the nature of custom,handmade products that eventually demand will exceed supply...that however does not mean that supply then has to expand or be made quicker.
I'm not on a mission to see my bags on the shoulders of every bike owner in the world.
If somebody want's one bad enough they'll have to wait...if they can't or don't want to then i have no problem in recommending Project Tortoise,Zugster,Chicago Wig,Pac,Norman Porter,Lemolo....or any of the other fine bag makers out there.

If however i have a desire to take Archie's Grobags In a different direction one day and employ a factory full of people, so long as the quality and features can be maintained i may just do it.

Who knows what the future holds.

Maybe if Leonardo Da vinci photocopied his pictures instead of hand painting each one we could all own one....maybe if Gordon ramsey only served beans on toast we could all afford to eat in his restaurant...maybe if Vanilla cycles used a production line to make his frames we could all get our hands on one....maybe if Oswald Boetang had all his suits made in China we could all have his duds on our backs.

It's simply the nature of custom,handmade products that eventually demand will exceed supply...that however does not mean that supply then has to expand or be made quicker.
I'm not on a mission to see my bags on the shoulders of every bike owner in the world.
If somebody want's one bad enough they'll have to wait...if they can't or don't want to then i have no problem in recommending Project Tortoise,Zugster,Chicago Wig,Pac,Norman Porter,Lemolo....or any of the other fine bag makers out there.

If however i have a desire to take Archie's Grobags In a different direction one day and employ a factory full of people, so long as the quality and features can be maintained i may just do it.

Who knows what the future holds.

Thus quoth Scott Da Vinci Not Scot.
And I tell you what. I'd rather have a bag made by Scott than Gordan Ramsey any day.
So nyer.

Got a Pac bag and its awesome!

not wearing it right? not sure how wrong it can be worn. its on my shoulder, where its supposed to be. when you ride you pull it all in tight and high, then the plastic digs.

pac bags are designed to be worn on a particular shoulder, so maybe you're jsut wearing it on the wrong side? that would have the effect of the strap being effectively upside down, so maybe if you changed shoulders the plastic bit would be at the bottom, out of the way, and wouldn't dig into your shoulder?

..maybe if Oswald Boetang had all his suits made in China we could all have his duds on our backs.

It's Ozwald. Not being an arse Scott; I only know this because I was kept waiting for a package opposite his shop the other day and it caught my eye. The package was large and heavy and my Pac took it well. They are terrific bags.
But if I had money to buy a new bag I'd put my name on Scott's list; support your local artisan.

But if I had money to buy a new bag I'd put my name on Scott's list; support your local artisan.

Well said. In a world where everything is being outsourced and globalised I think it's important to support local businesses so we don't end up with the same few homogenised products. For that reason alone I think it's reasonable to wait a bit for one of Scott's bags.

Oh no, I wouldn't wait for it. I'd expect it next day. Who do you think I am,a bloody hipster?