Just Browsing - Canadian Cyclist June/July 1996 Although not a new manufacturer, this is the first time that PAC Designs has appeared in print. PAC was started by Pat McMillan in 1989. Pat was by then a nine year veteran of the Toronto courier wars and had decided to start to manufacture products, to quote the company motto, that make "Life on a Bike Just A Bit Easier". This has led to an innovative line of shoulder bag, hip bags and walkman/radio chest holders. The products are engineered to fill a need for the active cyclist. Regardless of the item, all PAC Designs feature nothing but the heaviest cordura, pack cloth, nylon webbing, foam padding and buckles. Even small details such as the buckles have been well thought out: PAC buckles are gently curved to conform to your body. Stitching is best described as excessive. Every part is double and cross stitched. This care allows PAC to provide lifetime warranties on all of their designs. The mainstay of the line is the Ultimate Deluxe Shoulder Bag (suggested retail $280 Cdn.). This is perhaps the ultimate bag for the urban cyclist or courier. Slung comfortably over one shoulder, the Ultimate Deluxe is designed to be conveniently swung from the back to the front to access the huge cargo area. (The photo shows a 40x40x20cm box contained inside). The Ultimate Deluxe (sounds like a burger) has so many features that it is tough to list them all. There are outer pockets, inner pockets, dividers, velcro closures and extra tie downs. Really neat is an innovative mechanism that allows one finger tightening and loosening of the shoulder strap. The Ultimate Deluxe is available in left or right shoulder swings. A waist belt provides even further stability. Three other shoulder bags ranging from $95 to $175 Cdn. are also available. The Hip Pouch and U-Lock Holster is just the ticket for the courier. An adjustable waistbelt features a side pouch with 5 separate compartments, 2 pen holders, a quick release key ring and an accessory hook. Just behind the pouch is a slot that takes a U-Lock. If you're on and off the bike and locking it all the time, this a must have product. PAC also offers two chest harnesses, one for walkmans and the other for radios. Both are fully adjustable for different sizes of electronic device and different sizes of user.   Back to top