One of the coolest things about being a part of All-City is the wish fullfillment aspect of it. I've been fortunate enough now to have been able to help make a dream track bike, road bike, and others a reality, but near and dear to my heart is the Captain Phil project.
here's my Phil hauling beer by a river in Germany last fall
You see, while I ride many bikes, my constant companion everyday is my bag. It's my man purse, and I always feel a little exposed whenever I leave the house without it. It's got all my tools, headlamp, snake bite kit (spare T.P.), pens, a cycling hat, pump, knife, wallet, can coozie, keys, phone, chapstick, camera, etc., You know, all the shit I use to make the most of everyday and to be able to say "yes" to whatever situation life throw's at me.
Since I received the first protoype it's pretty much all I've used, this bag was dreamed up to take care of all of my needs, and if you're reading this, chances are your needs aren't too different. It's big enough for carrying a bunch of crap to and from work, but it's still small enough that I'll happily take it on a multi hour ride with hardly anything in it. The whole bag is pretty much waterproof, but the main compartment is totally waterproof, which is why we call it "weatherproof." I've never had anything inside this bag get wet in a storm. Plus because of the cargo strap capability, it's very versatile in what kind of load you can carry.
The best part though is the cost, at only $99 MSRP it's not only one of the best and most durable bags out there, but one of the most affordable as well. And it comes with a cell phone holster as standard equipment.
Sorry to be up in your face with a sales pitch, but I love this thing and it's one of the products that I'm most proud of, I want the world to know that it both exists and rules and that it comes in white now.
hellbelly Says:
April 20, 2012
I have been a messenger bag carrying fool since…I was a messenger a million years ago (‘87). Actually, my pack was an Israeli paratrooper bag at the time that I got at a surplus place outside of DC. After going through a number of different companies and styles over time, I have stuck with Chromes for over a dozen years. I am however intrigued by a well-designed backpack and even more so to use it as a jerry-rigged hydration pack for my off-road shenanigans. Stability and comfort over rough terrain whilst being able to carry a lot of shit are paramount. Yes, I have used tons of different “hydration packs” however they have all left me wanting more. All of them either fit poorly, were uncomfortable, unstable and /or fell apart. I am now considering moving to something completely different and thus my inquiry. Please note that I did not mention anything about air-flow, weight or any other bs. It just has to do it’s job. I expect to get sweaty off-road and I carry enough gear to get me out of disasters when I do 6-8hr rides way the hell out. Let me know how your experiences may inform on this beyond your aforementioned statements. Thanx, Ray