Nathan, thank you for this review. I have to say that this duffel bag is very interesting. Especially the clamshell design. I like the grey one, but for quality and weather resistance, I would definitely choose the black one if I had a choice. And I would possibly swap out that shoulder strap with a TB absolute strap that I use on all my duffle bags. Definitely helps save the shoulders. The aesthetics of this bag is very eye appealing. Not bad at all.
Hey Global Adventurer! Tom here - thanks for dropping by as always 🙂 Love the pro tip on the TB Absolute Strap - we'll keep that little hack in mind for future duffel reviews! Agreed - we'd definitely prefer the black version as well.
I really liked the clamshell design and the size of this bag. Quite clever with dual compartments and top-access zippers. The TSA pocket was also a rather interesting feature that hopefully is useful. However, the issues regarding the durability and build quality of the bag makes me a bit hesitant to buy. For now I am just going to continue using my Base Camp Duffel from The North Face, which also has detachable shoulder straps.
I'm surprised by the lack of quality on this thing. The layout itself looks to be fantastic but the zippers, stitching and fabric are pretty bad for something at this price point. Not to mention the magnet pocket issue which is a huge design fail imo. Also, if a 15" laptop is going to be a tight squeeze most of the time, that's going to wear down that pocket a lot faster than usual. It's a bit perplexing as to how all those negatives got overlooked. I wonder if this was a rushed product or if they were purposely looking to cut corners. If they fixed all those issues AND made it into a backpack configuration, I'd consider one. Great review as always guys.
Hey Nathan, great review! I thought it was very thorough and informative. Just a couple of quick comments... I think you misunderstood the purpose of the red strip of fabric on the TSA pocket. It's actually there to remind you to pick up your laptop after screening, not the other way around. Personally, my only criticism of the bag is that I thought it could be an inch bigger in width or height and still be carry-on size. But that would contribute to a potential issue that you mentioned; when fully loaded it may become uncomfortable to carry on one shoulder. You mention that as one of the 'Cons', but that's really more a function of it being a duffle and not a backpack, not a problem unique to this bag. I just received my Navy Pakt One a couple weeks ago and will be traveling with it in a few days. I inspected it very carefully when it arrived and did not find any of the loose threads you found. I am actually very impressed by the quality of materials and construction. Thanks again for the excellent review!
Hey Bob! Thanks for dropping by with your thoughts here - we're glad you're digging your PAKT-and really-all that matters is that you find the pack that works for YOU in the end! Keep us posted on the durability-our loose threads didn't become apparent until after 2 months of just-about-daily testing. Safe travels! - Tom
Nice review. You've touched on some issues that many don't. I hope that stitching problem is an anomaly. For the price, that is wholly unacceptable and I'll be returning my bag should I find same. Fwiw, I also think, especially based on how much chatter there was about intentional design yada yada, that there should be a pad and metal piece at the center of the bottom of the bag where it will (most?) make contact first. I can see wear and tear becoming an issue, especially for grey and blue models. It's a generally smart bag yes, but I'll be honest and say this is the first review I've watched where I started to really question my purchase.
Hey Tony - we're glad you dig the review. We really try to get in there and cover all of the details and share our honest findings. Great idea with the metal piece at the bottom. Let us know how yours turns out after some usage.
I bought one in each colour as part of the pre-release in 2018. My favourite is the blue. I’ve taken it on multiple long haul flights from Australia to South Africa and USA, Mexico and Canada (pre pandemic) and multiple domestic flights. I travel enough to be Qantas Platinum. It’s held up really well. Very few issues except with the zippers when I’ve overpacked. No stitching issues. No marks on the blue bag which I use 100%. No marks on the black which I take on about one trip in 10. I haven’t even used the grey one yet. Agree can be heavy when loaded. The red strip against the black makes it easy to point out to security if needed. Zero issues with the magnet pocket.
excellent review, informative without too much excess talking. The exposed/loose sewing ends already concern me though. We'll see how mine holds up, but I did also get the black bag
Interesting idea - we've seen these utilized in schools a lot, but not so much for travel yet. One benefit of a clear dopp kit / packing cube is that it's clear to you & TSA (if you have liquids) on what's inside. - Tom
Did you use it as your second carry on as your personal bag? I’m traveling with Delta in a couple of weeks. And want to use this with my carry one travel suitcase
Its a well designed product, but its made from shoddy workmanship and poorly sourced materials. It's a $40 bag priced at $275. I really like the design, but for the premium you're paying, someone else is likely to provide a more fairly priced equivalent.
Hey Thomas - we get what you're saying! The Pakt One has a great design, but unfortunately, it fell short when it came to the craftsmanship and durability of the materials. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us! What's your current go-to pack? We'd love to hear what works for you too. 😊 - Rebecca
Pack Hacker that kind of bags is only good as a sportbag if you go to sport.But for travelling it isnt good at the end you will get pain in your shoulder.I use kipling backpack with weels .Kipling is my favourite because you can do 15 years or more with it.And because you have to pay for big handbags that bag is to big when you go to fly.Anything without wheels dont work for travel
