I just received this from Mike a couple days ago - the SAG x MASH co-designed pack.
This is one of the more impressive products I’ve seen come through our doors as of late, and you can really see the thought both parties placed into the development of this product. Much like everything else Mike/MASH gets themselves into, they really do go that extra distance into creating not only a good looking but technically functional end-product. I remember Mike saying it was a two-year project between the two companies, in order to create a whole new product they were both satisifed with instead of re-hashing a colourway or tweaking an existing unit. The overall shape allows for quite a spacious expandable main compartment but doesn’t look oversized like some of the messenger backpacks available on the market. Tough outer PU coated poly webbing, contoured backing for a more comfortable fit (my chiropractor thanks you), reflective paneling.
Aside from that, there are a ton of features that took me about half an hour of dorking around to find - including a laptop compartment, side access panels, a skateboard holster, quick-access tearaway front panel, see-through phone/iPod pocket, removable straps for adjustment & washing, and more compartments that I probably haven’t discovered yet. Here, I’ll let the pictures do the talking.
I completely missed this one and only discovered this whilst shooting the photos - a beverage (beer) chiller comparment hidden away on the bottom of the pack. I guess you could slip your spare pair of shoes in there too if you’re running Sidis or cleats, so you’re not tap dancing all day long.
Look forward to sweating and running around with this over the next couple of weeks. Thanks Mike.
Nice pictures. Got mine 2 weeks ago. I really dig your review and i love this bag.
Great piece.
Was really unsure, if i should order this one or not. there were not so much good pictures to find. but yours are great and will be helpful for other customers.
btw. i’m not sure whats this velcro lines are for, in the main compartment. any idea about the usage of these?
you made a pictures of this part aswell.
i’m still not sure or is it as easy as visible? only for a softer feel?
have fun with your backpack.
best wishes.
sebastian.
Thanks Sebastian.
I wondered that too. When I last saw Mike he had a prototype version of this bag, which also had the velcro loops inside the main compartment. He had a few small pouches stuck onto them, I’m guessing it’s for adding on little modular pieces for more storage. Hope that helps.
I am having a hard time justifying the purchase of this bag. I have a great Clive skate backpack that has a main compartment and a front compartment, 2 side compartments a cell phone holder pen holders, some pockets and a mesh pocket, along with some awesome padded straps and a skateboard holder. I’ve had this bag for about..7 or 8 years I believe. So its starting to become pretty worn out.
I found your review very helpful, but I’m still not sure if I can swing $220 on a backpack. I’ve already ruled out messenger bags due to limitations with my back and such, and finding one with a laptop pouch that I feel secure with carrying many things as well is a task.
Do you know the dimensions of the backpack? I am an art student and my bike is my only means of transportation momentarily so I’m going to need some space for my supplies and such on a daily basis.
I love the quality of all of my MASH products I’ve purchased so far and I’m sure this one wouldn’t disappoint. I just don’t have the money to risk.
Sorry for the novel, any more information would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
-Matt
Hi,
thought about that aswell. It’s a good idea, maybe i’ll will find some velcro pouches to use.
Congrats by the way, your review made it on the MASH blog.
best wishes.
sebastian
Do you know if this is water resistant
Matt: It’s true, not a cheap purchase but I traded in my messenger bag for this too due to the way the messenger bag pulled my back one way and caused a lot of backache after riding. The bag is a little larger than a regular bpack, I’d give you dimensions but I don’t have a ruler here atm. I carry a laptop , charger, SLR camera, jacket, and pens in this back relatively comfortably. If you want a more basic pack try M Portage, but this is far more technical. I love the side access panels to the main compartment. It means you won’t need to take it completely off to access the main compartment. Hope that helps.
Sebastian: Thanks, yes, Mike emailed me to tell me the other day.
Gilbert: I believe it’s splash/shower proof, just from walking around in the rain in Tokyo with it. Unsure if it’ll hold up riding through a massive downpour however.
Much love - much love for this!
Hmmmm that’s cool.