PAT COM REVIEW--The 2008 Critical Mass Bag

My history with the Patagonia Critical Mass Bag goes back to about 2001 when I received as a gift my first Critical Mass. Since then I've had the updated version which was the first with a dedicated laptop compartment, the Half Mass, and the Lightwire Tote. In fact I even found a great bargain and strayed to the fashion side of the spectrum--not exactly the "Dirtbag" culture that Patagonia expounds, sorry--with a Jack Spade bag for a little while (very utilitarian for a fashion bag but far from the functionality Patagonia offers). I've finally come back to the Critical Mass and received the new Fall 2008 version yesterday. I'm going to give some positives (and there are many) followed by a couple of concerns. Here are my thoughts about it.

SIZE

First of all, it's big. The Patagonia website has it listed as 21 x 16 x 6.5 giving it 2,800 cubic inches of space. It seems significantly larger than the previous version. My guess is that the redesigned top flap adds to that feeling because it now overlaps the top opening to increase the ability to prevent water from entering.

When I put it on my shoulder, it looks almost as if I am carrying a folded garment bag--it's that big. Now I knew what I was getting into. I very well could have gotten the Half Mass with about half the volume of the Critical Mass, but I like knowing that I can throw whatever I want to into the bag and it will handle it just fine.

COLOR
The color of the bag from the Patagonia website and catalog pretty accurately portray the bag's actual color (my screens are on an iMac and a Lenovo T60 in case you're wondering if your screen would show the color in a similar way). I ordered "gravel" and it's a nice grey in natural light and has hints of brown in artificial light. For the record, I visited eBags, a popular internet bag retailer, and their pictures are completely overexposed. Don't rely on their pictures for the colors as the actual bags are several shades darker.

DESIGN
When I saw the first pictures of the CM this past winter, I noticed that the interior "wall" of the bag was cut lower than the overall height of the bag. I was concerned that this might lead to contents spilling out. Upon testing however, it seems like that side is high enough to adequately keep files and other contents safe. I don't know how the Half Mass would do with this, but it appears fine on the CM. Note the top portion of the regular sized white binder that peeks out the top. The wall offers plenty of coverage against spilling.

I also like the extra expandable pocket on the front, the first time the Critical Mass has had this. It has a stretchy top border that gives it some extra volume and a Velcro patch to keep contents secure.

Yes, that's a regulation NFL football (go Chargers) that is being swallowed up by that pocket. Side note here: the stitching on the top border of that pocket is zig-zagged. Reminds me of the stitching on my college roommate's Tevas that he wore back in 1993. However, I'm guessing that the stitch pattern helps to add durability to the piping.

LAPTOP COMPARTMENT
I like the new laptop compartment. It now has a flap for added security/water deflection but the biggest and best change is that the padding on the bottom of the compartment is now sewn in place and not a flap that can get flipped up or down. The older version was not sewn in place so when I put my laptop in, the padding would sometimes be between the laptop and the ground and sometimes would not and would be useless. Nice change.

Also, the compartment is big, which I don't mind because the next laptop my company is giving me will have a widescreen. Here's the compartment with my current 15 inch Lenovo T60:

Note that I pushed it all the way to the left so you can see the extra space on the right. The laptop looks a bit shrunken in that wide pocket. One other hidden gem that I found (and that I don't think is listed on the website or in the catalogs) is the inner mesh pocket that would work well for carrying the power cord or a water bottle. Great idea.

OTHER FEATURES
The other new feature that I like is the zippered external side pocket that replaces the old mesh pocket.

It has a mesh pocket inside as well as a slot that is mildly protected with a Velcro strap (which I flipped up in the picture) and a nice key ring holder that detaches (visible just at the top of the compartment). I think pen slots somewhere in there would have been convenient too but perhaps Patagonia doesn't view this as a serious office bag (like the Lightwire Tote and the Lightwire Brief).

The other end has the traditional pleated pocket slot though if I'm not mistaken, this one differs from past versions in that the pleated portion is now stretchy mesh as opposed to the fabric that is used on the rest of the bag, thereby giving it a bit more capacity.

I have placed a typical 24-ounce cycling water bottle in it so that you can see the relative size of the pocket.

Another feature is the back pocket. I like that it's now secured with a zipper. And like the rest of the bag, it is big. Again, a regular sized one-inch binder fits easily. I angled it in the pocket to give some proportion.

I also like that newly padded top handle. And the zipper pulls are still the best around--dual density and grippy.

The zipper on the front flap of the bag has been moved lower for easier access. From the website pictures, I thought that maybe that would also shrink the capacity of the pocket if the area above the zipper was not open or rather, was sewn shut. However, it is indeed open.

A potential problem could be that items may get shuffled around (especially when raising the flap open) and move above the zipper so that when you unzip the pocket, little things may get stuck above the zipper making them awkward to reach, especially if the bag is hanging on your shoulder. I haven't yet had the bag for long, so I'll have more experience with this once I get into the daily grind.

There are also a couple of Velcro patches on the underside of the top flap. I believe this is to secure the top flap and keep it half-open so it's easier if you're constantly putting things in or taking things out. Clever thought.

CONCERNS

That all leads me to a couple of possible negatives with the bag. First, take a gander at the stuff on one end of the shoulder strap:

Not exactly "the cleanest line." There's a buckle, excess strap, a clamping mechanism, and a stretchy band to collect the excess strap. I realize that part of this was to correct the biggest gripe about the old version and that was that the strap could not be shortened enough. This solves the problem but makes for a somewhat unsightly bundle. Also, the fabric for all of the straps is now a seatbelt-looking material. If the seatbelts on old cars are any indication, fraying could be possibility down the road. Time will tell.

My biggest concern though has to do with the fabric and this could be major because what good is a bag if the very material from which it's made isn't tough enough? This fall 2008 version of the bag is made with recycled polyester which I applaud. That's consistent with Patagonia's philosophy and an example to all of us of making the most of our precious few resources.

However, the fabric is now 1,200-denier polyester as opposed to the 1,680-denier fabric used on previous versions, including even the spring 2008 bags. The difference is literally tangible. My bag feels much more pliable and less rigid than previous versions. The waves in the fabric and the resulting shadows in the pictures above give a sense of this. In this case, rigid is better if it means that the fabric is going to be more durable. Also, the lining is now 200-denier polyester as opposed to the 210-denier that older versions used. In fact, my first version of the bag back in '01 had 1,680-denier ballistics fabric on the outside with 420-denier packcloth on the inside--a tough, tough bag and that was what I LOVED about it.

Again, the recycled factor may partially justify the lower denier and maybe the difference between 1,680 and 1,200 won't appreciably affect durability (only the good folks at Patagonia could probably tell us that), but still. So the fabric toughness has deteriorated while...

The price is $21 more! The previous two versions were $99 and this one's $120. That hurts, that really hurts. I love the quality, I love the improvements, I love that they listen to their customers. But if you're listening, Patagonia employees (and I'm hoping my buddies and blog supporters Free and localcrew might be), please watch the prices! I know quality costs more, but $21 more? In these economic times? For what appears to be lesser-quality materials? I realize no one forced me to buy it, but I hope that the company does take note of the fact that their customers take note of the price hikes (the Prefontaine jacket is now $90?!).

I hate the "Patagucci" stereotypes and from all I've seen, that's just not the way the company is interested in coming across, nor is it consistent with the company's values. But something like this only adds to that false perception.

THE BOTTOM LINE

In the end, I really do like this bag and plan to get a lot of use out of it. In fact, this weekend I'm headed out of town for an overnight trip and I'm guessing that this bag is going to be ideal.

My love affair with the Critical Mass is back on. In my humble opinion, it's overall been improved and well-thought out as Patagonia has considered customers' input and re-designed accordingly. On the whole, (with one final note of price protest!) a job well done.

PAT COM REVIEW: The Lightwire Tote

Awhile back, for various reasons, I gave up my Critical Mass and went with the Half Mass.  Recently, I decided to leave the Masses altogether and purchased a Lightwire Tote.  It's been a really great bag and has turned out to be ideal for my laptop, files, iPod, wallet, Altoids, etc.

I picked the Midblue color which is darker than this picture shows.  My first impression was that it's bigger than the pictures from the Patagonia catalog and website might lead one to believe.  It has a generous amount of room and the zippers are beefier when looked at up close.  I put a quarter on it for comparison:

They look like they would withstand the angriest guy at work who just had an argument with his boss and quickly packed up his things, taking out his frustration on his laptop bag's zipper.  I think they'll last a long, long time and if they didn't, you know that Patagonia's guarantee would take care of any failure.

Next, the laptop compartment is firmly padded and has hook-and-loop closure (Velcro) to keep it safe and secure.  I have an IBM (Lenovo) T60 and it fits beautifully.

The main compartment has room for several files and has two mesh zipped pockets for small items.  This is a neat feature that allows me to see what's inside those pockets so there's no grab-bag surprise when I'm looking for the items I put in there.  Toward the bottom of this compartment there's also an expandable pocket.  This feature has me a little puzzled as I'm not quite sure why it's there.  Really, it just kind of gets in the way when I'm putting files in.  But overall, this compartment is great and holds more than it looks like it would.

Among the other features are a back zippered pocket, a sleeve to slide the bag over the handle of a carry-on, and a heavy-duty strap with a split shoulder pad that allows the strap to be secured to the top-handle for when you want it out of the way.

 

What I like best about the Lightwire tote though is the organizer pocket on the front.  It's filled with slots and pockets (one larger mesh one at the bottom) for little things and pens, and has a padded pocket that fits a cell phone or music player.

This is a really handy bag, particularly for the person looking to take it to the office with a laptop.  The ShiftLayer fabric is different than some of the other Patagonia bags, but it does seem really durable.  If you are in a working environment that is lax and will allow a more rugged looking bag, then the Masses might be the ticket.  But if your office requires a more professional look, then I would strongly recommend the Lightwire Tote.

Leaving the MASSES

It took me a few years, but I finally had to do it:  I no longer use either bag in the Patagonia Critical Mass family.  While I'm quite happy with my new product, the Patagonia Lightwire Tote, a part of me still longs for those old friends, the Critical Mass and the Half Mass.

Below:  Out with the old, in with the new.  The Half Mass (left), and the Lightwire Tote, both in Midblue (though the colors are actually quite different).

I received my first Critical Mass as a birthday gift about 8 years ago from my mother-in-law.  Truth be told, I had requested it.  It had a great look to it and its volume was impressive.  I like bags that have more than enough room for everything--carry-alls.  Then when the redesigned Critical Mass came out in, what, 2004 (?) I eBayed the old one and bought the new.  The old one brought in some $56 dollars if I remember correctly.  

Then came the roots of the eventual divorce.  The new one just wasn't as functional as I was hoping it would be.  It didn't stand up (as the catalog claimed), the top zipper was literally right on top which made it tough sometimes to get stuff in and out, but most bothersome was the smaller opening to the bag.  It narrowed toward the top making it less accommodating to being overstuffed.  I realize that was because the folks in design were trying to seal it better to keep out water, but still it just didn't work well for me.  

Then in spring '07, it was revealed on The Cleanest Line blog that there was a redesigned Critical Mass in the making.  I was excited about that possibility and very much looking forward to doing the ol' ebay-the-old-and-save-up-for-the-new.  So in the winter when Patagonia.com started putting some of the new spring items on the website (including the new and improved completely redesigned better than ever Critical Mass), I was ready to roll.  

Now, the new $119 price tag compared to the old $99 price-point?  Yes, sacrifices would have to be made, but baby, it's the new Critical Mass!

Old bag on eBay?  

Check

Saving some money to upgrade to the new?

Check

Ready to purchase on the Patagonia website? 

Check

Patagonia website have the new Critical Mass in stock?

Uh...

Patagonia stores have the new Critical Mass in stock?

No

The website kept saying it would be in stock on February 5.  Then it said February 12.  Then it said February 25.  Then March this and March that.  By then I no longer had a bag for work, and the Patagonia Winterfest Sale hit.  

I was desperate.  I was needy.  I was lonely.  Okay, that was due to factors other than the Critical Mass.  But still!

So I broke down and bought the old Half Mass that was a measly (comparatively) $39 during the sale.  Yes, it carried my stuff.  Yes it was still stylish.  But yes, it still had the same deficiencies and carried even less.

By the time the new Critical Mass made it to the Patagonia website and stores toward the end of March, my money was gone (mouths to feed, you know).  

I enjoyed my Half Mass, but when I saw the Lightwire Tote for $49 on the website and was lured by its many friendly features, I knew it was time for a change.  I bid adieu to the Half Mass (actually, eBayers did the bidding--hardy har) and...left the MASSES.  

Don't get me wrong--I love the Lightwire Tote.  Functional, roomy (over 1,000 cu/in. compared to 950 with the Half Mass), and sensible, but lacking that messenger/bike guy/ready-for-a-trip-to-Yosemite look of the Masses.

So look for an upcoming review of the Lightwire Tote.  I'm enjoying it and getting a lot of use out of it, but it's kind of like driving a Ford Taurus after having a Mustang.

Man, it looks like a bowling ball bag.

Day of Miracles, a Day Too Late?

Well, it appears that the day has finally come. The Patagonia Critical Mass bag is in stock (after a long delay) on the Patagonia site and ready to ship. Back when it first appeared on the site, I sold my older Critical Mass to get ready to buy the new one. The new one appears to have some features that are definite improvements over the last one.

But that was almost a month and a half ago and in the meantime I've spent the money on some other necessities (including the older Half-Mass that went for $39 on the Patagonia site during the Winterfest sale). As a result, I don't have $119 (before tax, mind you) burning a hole in my pocket, dying to be spent. I DO have mouths to feed and bills to pay. I hate to say it, but it appears that Patagonia may have lost a sale with me.

Patagonia Now Available at Zappos

Maybe I'm out of touch and this is old news to all of you but...
The mother of all internet shoe retailers, Zappos.com, is now carrying Patagonia products though, ironically, not Patagonia shoes. Seems that Zappos has branched out into selling other products such as clothing, bags, and accessories. They carry over 500 shoe brands and 90,000 styles, something no brick and mortar store can come close to touching. With the introduction of different types of products (clothing, bags, and accessories), it won't be long before they are the equivalent of your internet Wal-Mart.

As for the Patagonia items, they carry men's and women's sportswear, activewear, outerwear, and travel bags. The much-loved Half-Mass bag is offered in most of the latest colors. Items range from a few dollars more than Patagonia.com to a few dolllars less. The Half-Mass goes for $79 at Patagonia, and $82.95 at Zappos while the Lightweight Travel Tote sells for $80 at Patagonia and $73.95 at Zappos. Here's the kicker though: Zappos is currently offering FREE OVERNIGHT SHIPPING if you live in the contiguous 48. That ain't bad. I've ordered running shoes from Zappos in the past and their service is exemplary.

The other nice thing is that the Zappos site offers a "Multi-View" option when viewing individual products. For example, you can see the Patagonia Rain Shadow jacket in each color and from several different angles (even the inside pocket), something at which the Patagonia site is deficient (usually one picture and once in a while two).

So we have another option for finding Patagonia products. I'll let you know once Zappos starts selling bread, eggs, and toilet paper.