Torture Chamber - Mountain Bike November 1997 With the hip and trendy choosing designer backpacks, the messenger bag's time in the all too narrow window of mountain biking fashion seems to be passing. But for some, the fit and function of a good shoulder bag is unsurpassed, no matter what the function police dictate. Pac Designs, a small Canadian company, remains true to the cause, diligently churning out deluxe courier bags made to order. The Ultimate Deluxe is the top-of-the-line bag, and although the price is steep, the features are plenty -- a 2,600 cubic-inch carrying capacity; heavy-duty, waterproof Cordura nylon; poly-vinyl and ballistic nylon four-layer outer (with a removable foam pad where the bag meets your body); a divided main compartment with a large inner mesh pocket (there are five compartments in all); a Velcro-and-strap closure system; and top-notch construction.   What sets this bag apart is its innovative strapping system. The well-padded, two-inch wide main strap (which is sewn so it fits over either the left or right shoulder) has tension feature that is quickly and easily adjustable/releasable with two readily accessed D-rings. Like most run-of-the-mill bags, the Ultimate Deluxe also has a waist belt, but Pac Designs adds an "anti-sway" strap and the optional "X"tra strap (which costs an "x"tra $15 and is recommended for heavy loads). Together they literally form an "X" across your body to stabilize heavy loads. We loaded our test sample with more than 25 pounds, and it stayed put and never swung around or shifted like other bags with less cargo. If all this sounds impressive, we've only skimmed the surface of all the useful features and options available with the Pac Designs Ulimate Deluxe. If you want a bag to profile, it's hard to justify the price tag and all the extras that come with it. But if you're a die-hard commuter, or count on a bag to help you make the rent, it seems a fair price to pay for a bag that will not only live up to, but exceed, your expectations for both practicality and durability.   --Ron Ige Hits: Quality construction; more features that one could hope for. Misses: The price of quality is high; overkill on the gadgets for some. Colors: Red, black, blue, green, purple (custom color combos available). Ideal Buyer: Pack Fiend. Contact: 250-358-7925   Back to top