I bought my PAC Ultimate in 2004, before the prices went up and then up again. With shipping and her including the X strap and a phone holster for free, the bag was only $225. I know they are amazing bags but I would still be a bit startled by the current price. I switched out to a Freight backpack about 16 months ago but feeling the desire to carry this bag again. I wish that PAC made a backpack because it would be amazing and I think I had a dream last night about designing a backpack based on the PAC ulitmate.