red house

Hi,

I've been thinking about getting a seagull large or ex-large bag (btw, anybody have one?). I was considering a PAC designs OS bag, but wow.. - so much moneys.
Anyhow, I want to get a really nice bag since I don't own a car, and I was wondering if anyone had any opinions as to which one was ''better'' (i.e. 'superior' / 'capital' / 'choice' / 'finer' / grander / greater / more advanced / paramount / preferable /prevailing / primary / remarkable / unrivalled.. you get the idea). Also, I was wondering if I could get the seagull large size customized w/ compression straps (they appear to only come standard with the X-large).. or maybe I'll just get the X-large bag. Anyways, pls your ideas and opinions on all of this.


thanks.

Landgolier

Seagull has been producing nice stuff, but PAC has been around longer. I'd go with seagull out of the two. Email or call them with specific customization questions.

666pack

i've heard great things about both, sadly i own neither.

but i think i've heard more about PAC being absolutely bombproof and resilient. but then again i don't really know. my r.e.load is pretty ultimate though.

TNCLR

Absolutely PAC. I say this without the even the slightest hesitation as I own one. But here's some more reasons why:

1) They have been making bags forever. 15-20 years iirc. Better design, more experience, and top notch craftsmanship.
2) Pat provides excellent customer service. I once snapped a plastic clasp on my bag on a cold day. I sent Pat an email and in 2 days had an envelope with a replacement. She also threw in several extras just in case I broke another.
3) In the 3 years of daily use my bag gets, it has not show one ioda of wear. It's just amazing how tough PAC bags are.

Seagull seems like they cropped up with the whole "track bike trend", along with a zillion other bag makers. That's fine. But, I'd prefer to spend my cash with someone whose been around the block a few times. Pat is someone with some real experience as a working messenger, and bag that has been tweaked and re-worked over the course of years. This appeals to me far more than some "hobbyist" or weekend-warrior type bag maker.

seagull_bags

I would love to hook you up with a bag. I guess it depends what you are looking for. If you have really specific custom options that you want it might be best to go with me. However, TNCLR's comment was true. PAC has been around the block a few times, but I also have bags that are still going strong after about five years of daily use. And I am a great deal cheaper than them.

I try not to be caught up in the "track bike trend" by making good solid bags. This trend will pass, but we aren't going anywhere. But i guess any business that appeals to that crowd right now is in the same spot. Oh well. Shoot me an e-mail and we will talk.

fatbat

I'm pretty impressed with the pac bags- there's a couple of things which put them ahead IMO:
-The straps which get the most wear (main and armpit) are designed to be user-replaceable with a scissors and needle- they're not sewn into the bag.
-The backpack inspired main strap system itself is the best i've seen- i'm pretty scrawny, and other single strap bags have a tendency to want to slip off my shoulder when full, but the pac is very stable empty and full.
-I don't use the x-strap or waist strap all the time, but i'm thankful for them when i've got a heavy load, especially when off the bike.

Downside: the pac doesn't have as many pockets, and the liner isn't floating, which compromises waterproofing somewhat.

The pac is more adjustable, and has more features than most other bags out there- (bagaboo excepted- looks like they borrowed a lot of design cues from pac, and make them cheaper), but these features come with a price and weight penalty, as compared to the simpler bags coming out of seagull and other bag cos.

Gyeswho

I stand by Pac. Here's my lil review of the Ultimate OS: https://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=291512

To be more specific of your quest, if $ is not an issue I'd say go all out on a PAC. They are great bags. Seagull is #2 and he really is a nice guy who will do alot for you. I have no experience with their bags but from this standpoint, if I was strapped for cash they'd be #1 on my list. PAC bags are super adjustable and VERY comfy due to its flexibility. As it was said Pat is super nice and gave me a $30 discount because there was a price error on the site. One was lower, the other higher; told her about it and she gave me a lower price and upgraded my shipping because they were running behind schedule. Truly an awesome bag. I've heard one guy told me his lasted 9yrs and then flipped it off to his friend. You get what you pay for in this bag.
*the x-strap really works wonders when you have a huge amount of crap in your bag and make walking with the bag more comfy then just have the main strap alone

since then I added a lil design to my bag:

gehrkead

i vote for seagull. i also want to say i dont own a pac. but seagull bags are crafted as good if not better than any bag i have seen (like my friends' reload, bagaboo, and chrome). if you want something custom im sure dan would be great at working with you, he is great at making sure you have had a positive experience.

plus, for the price of a pac bag you could just about buy a loft in nyc, sheesh!

red house

cool man .. I currently am using a (borrowed) Timbuk2 ''classic'' messenger bag. It is a nice bag (one of the older made in the USA ones), but it is not mine and I am looking to get something as big or bigger (but not too much bigger) and nicer for myself. Would you recommend the 'large' or 'X-large' ? I am a courier btw, would a 'large' likely be big enough for my needs?

red house

watchutalkinbout tjfix -?

dirtylaundry

PAC all the way. The absolute supreme best.

stevenwk

i want one of your bags real bad
but i dont want to wait 8 weeks

vaticdart

I've not used a Seagull, but I've used Timbuk2 (bleh), worn a Chrome and a Reload, and I have to say that the Pac Designs bag (the Ultimate) that I got a few weeks ago beats the snot out of them. The strap system is what really sets the bag apart and is obviously the result of years and years or refinement by people who ride bicycles everywhere. The capacity is huge, and the bag stays comfy when stuffed and heavy. I use it for commuting, long for-fun rides, carrying beer, grocery shopping and other general errands, and it is absolutely one of the best chunks of money I've ever spent.

The bag is big enough that it is somewhat awkward in everyday, off the bike, life. On the bus, or trying to fit it under a chair or table, you realize how big the thing is, even compressed down. I just have the standard Ultimate, the OS has got be absurd.

Gyeswho

Yes it is....