Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - PAC ULTIMATE OS Review

Oh boy, am I satisfied. This bag is beautiful, a true work of art. In the month and a half it took to wait, I was desperately looking for any review I could find just to get a slight feeling of actually knowing what those other owners were experiencing. When it was down to the final days before getting it, I was like a crack addict just craving for it to be in my hands. Well this morning I received it and was surprised the box it came in was so narrow (I dunno, I figured it would be square box shaped).

What features on it:
• X-strap
• Secret pocket (and they sure do mean it. I found it only by accident after searching a about 3 min)
• Lock Loop
• Waist-Strap

First Impressions:
• That’s it? I thought this thing would be bigger (overall size).
• Wow, what a WIDE bag.
• Hosh dang! That orange is bright ( I got the color for night time riding)
• WHAT THE…..!!!!!(as I loosened the compression straps)
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I like to think of this bag as a popcorn kernel now because when strapped down it is small but let the straps loose and POP! This thing is BIG!!! Read on for its true nature...

Part II - Features

I’m surprised that this bag can be so small and yet so huge. The compression straps are really a beautiful thing that makes this bag manageable. Of course the amount of straps on it can be very overwhelming. I think I’m going through the Amazon forest with all the dangles that come from it. I love the construction of this bag as it looks very tough as they promise. It is a bit stiff but with more use it should soften up. Pocket space is beautiful and this was my main issue with the Kremlin. Now this has all the pockets you need and more. I still don't know how to fill them but i will find a way. The mesh pockets are a nice way to organize things as well. The outer expandable pocket has a great amount of space and the lil zipper pocket is good for those lil special things. I'm a utilitarian kind of person and like to travel with alot. This is now my man purse. I really love their caption which is a pleasant thing to see in a bag.
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Part III - Capacity

Opening it to its fullest is amazing. its so big. The strap system is amazing at carrying massive weight. Even though the example is not practical for some, it shows what this bag can do. I have yet to ride to ride with a large load but I look forward to it. (Note: there is a lil water to show how waterproof it is. If it is not leaking to the outside, water will not come inside. Also there is more space for me to put things!)
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Part IV - Comparison

Okay so I can only compare this bag to my Chrome Kremlin and honestly it is superior to it in every way. Space, size, looks, function, features. It seems you can serious live off this bag because there is so much space. My biggest thing again was pocket space and Chrome def lacked in that area. The shape of these two are so diff that it is immediate to know which will be the more comfy bag. I like that the main strap on the Pac is centered in the middle as opposed to having it on the ends like Chrome. This is why the suspension system is so effective because the straps can be synched tight and the bag is solidly on you as opposed to having some space that can’t be tightened when the load is large. Kremlin clocks in at 3000 cubic in and Pac is 3600. I’d say who cares about #s just fill the thing and see who holds more. The shape of the two play a huge part also in comfort. Since Pac is boxed it can fill square objects much more better then the curves of the Chrome. I modified the Chrome to have a fake x-strap and it worked pretty well for me but its only an immitator (This bag i will sell so if your interested you can PM me. I'll give you the scoop on the condition of it)
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I've got the ultimate, and after seeing how big that was, i figured the OS must be truly gigantic. Reality does not disapoint. Is there a way to laterally compress the OS?

One issue- you might want to wrap an extra velcro strap around your pump to the strapping on the bottom of the bag. I had some problems with my pump coming loose over bumpy roads, and it sucks to backtrack a couple of miles to find out where you dropped it.

Part V - Conclusion (this was a corny review so go easy on me for those who love to roast)
The bag was $400 but would have been more expensive if I didn't catch the error on her site which had a lower price. This is THE BAG and it has only been the first day. I have yet to carry a large load on bike but I can write about that later on. Now I can officially say that I have a trunk to my car now. I hope this helps anyone who may be considering a new bag. Yes, its very pricy but the features, usability, and comfort will make this worth it and probably the last bag you will ever need. It can be adjust to be both small and big so this show the versatility of it. It functions as an EVERYTHING bag becuase you can do everything with it. This bag is the serious bomb.
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http://pacdesigns.com

I've got the ultimate, and after seeing how big that was, i figured the OS must be truly gigantic. Reality does not disapoint. Is there a way to laterally compress the OS?

One issue- you might want to wrap an extra velcro strap around your pump to the strapping on the bottom of the bag. I had some problems with my pump coming loose over bumpy roads, and it sucks to backtrack a couple of miles to find out where you dropped it.

not that i could find now. this thing is like a coat cuz it wraps my whole body. yea i figured that would happen. i may try and make something to solve it or just buy the official one from Pac. this bag is amazing. how long you had yours?

I was totally on board until you got to the price. Damn. That's a month's mortgage....
I guess it is probably worth it if you want a huge-ass bag that looks like it'll last for a decade... but ... damn. That thing better spin straw into gold for that price.

I was totally on board until you got to the price. Damn. That's a month's mortgage....
I guess it is probably worth it if you want a huge-ass bag that looks like it'll last for a decade... but ... damn. That thing better spin straw into gold for that price.

i added extras for it to come that high:
x-strap (a must imo) - $25
secret pocket - $30
lock loop - $20
waist strap - $25

so base price is $345 (* #s are off because on her site there are 2 prices; 1=$345 2=#310. I told her about the error and she gave me the discount). still very high i know, but in the long run it pays off, :beer: i think so

* lol yea but consider this. if you had a car(im assuming you don't) your car insurance and gas would pay for the bag in 1 month. so this is an investment.

too much for what it is sorry to sa it but there are other bag makers out there that will make the same thing for alot cheaper

too much for what it is sorry to sa it but there are other bag makers out there that will make the same thing for alot cheaper

you are very right. i went for it cuz of the history they and loved the look of it as a whole. Seagull, Chicago Wig, and Zugster are also really good looking bags.

Very comprehensive review.

wait, your zullo was initially cheaper than the bag?
i guess they kinda even eachother out...
i'm lovin' the zullo!

thanks

thats a ridiculous price

you get what you pay for. the difference between PAC and most bags is PAC uses three layers of material throughout the bag. the liner between your stuff and the truck tarp makes the bag last a lot longer.

if you were to ask for a quote from any bag maker for similar size and options it would probaby be at or more than PAC is charging. and PAC has been making these bags long enough to know what they are doing. and in spite of the complexity of all the straps it is easy to use and makes for a much more comfortable, versatile bag.

while some things in the bike industry have high prices for other reasons (exchange rates: rapha; rarity: njs) the high price of PAC bags is because of the quality of construction, and the time and thought that is put into the diesgn.

the reason for this diatribe is i don't think people should act like someone is a fool for paying that much for a PAC.

I love my Fjällräven Kånken backpack even more

Nice review. In Ireland, i met a guy from New York that had just recieved his ultimate from PAC. Unfortunately, something happening and there was a huge rip in the top of the bag that went through all three layers :( It was hard to even look at. It made me feel so sick. But, it was still a nice bag.

Great review. Impressive.

Nice review. In Ireland, i met a guy from New York that had just recieved his ultimate from PAC. Unfortunately, something happening and there was a huge rip in the top of the bag that went through all three layers :( It was hard to even look at. It made me feel so sick. But, it was still a nice bag.

Wow, when you thought shipping processes couldn't get any worse...

Hosh Dang!!!! hahah

looks nice, but holy damn the price..

you get what you pay for. the difference between PAC and most bags is PAC uses three layers of material throughout the bag. the liner between your stuff and the truck tarp makes the bag last a lot longer.

if you were to ask for a quote from any bag maker for similar size and options it would probaby be at or more than PAC is charging. and PAC has been making these bags long enough to know what they are doing. and in spite of the complexity of all the straps it is easy to use and makes for a much more comfortable, versatile bag.

while some things in the bike industry have high prices for other reasons (exchange rates: rapha; rarity: njs) the high price of PAC bags is because of the quality of construction, and the time and thought that is put into the diesgn.

the reason for this diatribe is i don't think people should act like someone is a fool for paying that much for a PAC.

yea. the comfort and range of adjustability is amazing. i recommend getting the waist strap too as i just used it today and now the bag feels like it doubles as a bookbag. comfort is something that really is included in the price. its better to pay an obscene amount now and have long time comfort instead of paying alot less and have discomfort later. if you want 5 things that is very important in a bag, im sure comfort will be in the top 3 guaranteed.

durability is another thing that prob will be in the top 3. i personally vote comfort, then durableness (if that's a word), followed by features. the straps are confusing at first but later the hang of it will come. (similar to the learning curve of riding fixed)

*price is very steep, i will admit, but think and see what you get for it. its alota $ for alot to get back. i think its worth all the $ but this is just me. if a bag last 5-10yrs STRONG then $400 is not alota in the long run especially when you have gas prices that equal that in a month or two.

Meet Diane. She is 5'9 and can fit in my bag. Have fun.
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I don't get the gigantic bag thing. Maybe I'm just old and weak (sigh) but carrying a case of beer on my back is not something I want to do unless it's a beermergency. Racks, geeky as they are, do a helluva job of carrying stuff around.

The liner liner is a great thing, though. Vinyl cracks and shreds far too easily.

yea, i'm beginning to think that truck tarp material is a very bad choice for a liner.

I don't get the gigantic bag thing. Maybe I'm just old and weak (sigh) but carrying a case of beer on my back is not something I want to do unless it's a beermergency. Racks, geeky as they are, do a helluva job of carrying stuff around.

The liner liner is a great thing, though. Vinyl cracks and shreds far too easily.

i dont have a car so this along with bike functions as one.

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+1

That's awesome. Way better than showing how much beer you can jam in your bag. "I can fit two cases." "I can fit a person."

The ideal bag for the hitman who rides. Is it stain resistant?

Haha.

The ideal bag for the hitman who rides. Is it stain resistant?

Haha.

lol the red liner is a good cover up. if it drips:
Officer: what's that red stuff coming out of the sides?
Me: Oh nothing to worry about officer, i just spilled some water and the ink from the fabric is leaking that's all
Officer: hmmmm...very well then, ride on

FYI We had those same couches and tables at my high school. Figured you'd want to know.

FYI We had those same couches and tables at my high school. Figured you'd want to know.

and your point is....? i dont get it

i dont have a car so this along with bike functions as one.
you've got a passenger seat as well now. :D

what is the point of the internal divider that velcros to the back
?

what is the point of the internal divider that velcros to the back
?

Organization.

Say you've got some envelopes, folders, etc....something flat you don't want getting messed up by bouncing around with the boxes and tubes in the main compartment. Put them behind the divider - voila.

what is the point of the internal divider that velcros to the back
?

separate things to keep in order. It's really handy believe it or not

separate things to keep in order. It's really handy believe it or not

i understand what a divider is

what sorts of things does is separate
?

envelopes and anything else
?

clothing from books, sharp items from soft items, different body parts:D...you get the idea

Today I had to clean it up and boy was it dirty. I got so tired of getting sweaty and having the bag stink stick to a clean shirt and then the odor follow me the rest of the day when I take the bag off:notamused:. I washed it before with baking soda and soap but it didn't do the trick but I hear this stuff is where it's at. It sure smells nice:D
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So it's been a little over a year now since I got it and I feel the price of the bag has more than paid for itself with what I have been able to do with it. At the time I paid $430 shipped (it would have been more but there was an price error on the site that I called on and I got it for $30 less) but it'll be a higher now with currency rates. If the price turns you off here's a quote someone on this site has that should be somewhat persuasive:
Quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten.

I still stand by recommending it to any who are looking for THE BAG of all bags. If girls/guys can pay $500 for a designer bag that is bought only for the name, why can't you spend the same amount on a bag that can do things no other bag can? Not only is it very comfy with the degree of adjust ability, but its handy when your walking around with it and can do some shopping with odd sized things that would making holding it in a hand bag annoying. I don't own a car or even have my permit so I think it's a worthy thing to have for those living car-free. Here's a reel of what I've been able to do with it:
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And of course my personal favorite:
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A very nice looking bag. Its good that you updated this thread with more info because a review of a new bag that hasn't seen a lot of time on your back isn't useful to me. Here is one thought though. For the price of that bag you could get a smaller messenger bag. A great double strap backpack which is way better than any messenger bag when off of a bike and I would guess cab rides for a couple of years for the very rare occasion when you have a really really big parcel to carry.

Either way I am sure the bag is great. The problem with expensive purchases however is that people will like them no matter what, which makes the reviews hard to judge. It's like asking someone if they like their ferrari, at the cost of the purchase 99 % of people will justify the purchase regardless of whether or not it was really worth it. Good review though.

Thanks. You have a point, but I think if a person knows they're going to use a product to its full potential then the price put out won't matter in the long run, because usually with the price tag comes quality as well. I've spoken to a few messengers who have had their Pacs for over 5yrs plus and they still perform like the day they received it. The amount of features included with it outweigh a backpack to me, but that's only because I prefer the feeling of a mess bag on the bike instead of backpack. I do have a backpack for when I do some walking as well though.

awesome review. seriously

however, i see right through your ploy!

you just like taking pictures of your self...

awesome review. seriously

however, i see right through your ploy!

you just like taking pictures of your self...

haha thanks.

I thought the price sounded crazy at first, but it's really not that bad if you think about it.

You're getting a practical custom hand made bag with a lot of really useful features to make the bag more comfortable, hold more stuff, etc.

While there are people out there spending thousands of dollars on designer bags that aren't versatile at all just because of a name.

yep.

I totally see a ninja turtles top tube pad. Amazing

So I still stand by the buy. It's a fantastic bag which allows a host of things to carry in it. Some more photos of what is possible with it (I posted these in the carry thread, but I figured I'd centralized it since the bag is the topic
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Again, carrying with weight is very stable and manageable due to the range of strap adjustment allowance

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