Every once in a while, I get really excited about the launch of a pack. I see something innovative in the design or I’m convinced it’s going to great because the company has a track record of making outstanding gear. It happens a few times per year and in 2016, the release of the Prometheus Design Werx SHADO was one of those times.
The hype around the SHADO was incredible due to the strong following that PDW enjoys. And rightfully so. Patrick Ma, who founded Triple Aught Design, is a driving force behind the company and they have released some very cool gear over the past couple of years. I generally try to ignore marketing and fan driven buzz but I have to admit that I got caught up in it when the SHADO was announced. Therefore, my expectations were very high when the SHADO arrived in the mail.
The Prometheus Design Werx SHADO
The Prometheus Design Werx SHADO is 21″H x 14″W x 8″D and 28L (1,708 cubic inches) in volume. It’s a nice size for a larger Everyday Carry pack. To give you an idea, here is a shot of the SHADO between two other favorites – the Vertx EDC Gamut (on the left) and the Camelbak Dispatch (on the right).
And one next to the current version of the Triple Aught Design Fastpack EDC.
As you can see, the SHADO has a very streamlined design. It carries smaller than you’d expect due to its capacity.
The Gamut is not as deep as you can see in this side view….
It can’t haul as much in the main compartment (the SHADO is 2″ deeper), but it’s still my favorite (large) pack for commuting on crowded planes, trains, and buses.
I like the Dri-Lex backpanel of the SHADO. It’s very comfortable. But, I honestly don’t know what it’s designers were thinking when it comes to the straps. Without a doubt, they are the Achilles’ heel of this pack.
Unlike the yoke design of the Gamut or the innovative variable width D-Fit harness on the Dispatch, the SHADO’s straps are typical of what you’d find on most backpacks. It wouldn’t have been my first choice but they are functional. They lack the padding that you’d expect on a pack designed to haul heavy loads. Think more Tom Bihn Synapse than Mystery Ranch’s Futura harness or even the straps on the new Triple Aught Design’s EDC (pictured below).
The Synapse is a good pack but it wilts under heavier loads (over 12-15 lbs). I wouldn’t say the SHADO is that bad but the straps definitely don’t help. The other issue is they are long. Really long. If you are on the shorter side, you will have little adjustment to play with to keep this pack from riding below waist level. I had to pull the straps tight within a couple of inches of the pads and I’m 6’4. I don’t know how anyone under 5’8, unless they have a freakishly long torso and short legs, could wear this pack properly.
If you can adjust it to your liking, you’ll find some interesting features on this pack. The Prometheus Design Werx SHADO’s stretch water bottle pockets can fit a full size Nalgene or Hydro Flask.
Both stretch pockets also have a small admin area with loops for pens, etc. They are insanely difficult to reach and I probably wouldn’t use them. It’s almost as if the designers threw them in as an after-thought. Or as incentive to buy accessory pouches that will almost certainly follow the pack’s release.
The interior of the SHADO is fully lined with a signal orange 70D oxford material for easy interior visbility and for SAR marking. The main compartment’s only zippered mesh pocket extends the full length of the pack. Great for a rolled jacket or extra layer. Not so great for smaller loose items that would just fall to the bottom of the pack. Several smaller zippered pockets would have been more versatile.
The laptop sleeve is padded and slightly raised from the bottom of the pack.
The bottom of the main compartment is not padded so if like me, you carry a laptop and a tablet, putting both in the padded sleeve is really the only option if you truly want to protect both devices from damage.
The padded sleeve also doubles as a hydration carrier. However, the tube routing is to the side and I found it awkward since I like to route my tube along one of the pack straps. You’ll find it easier to stuff the tube in one of the stretch pockets.
The rear compartment has hardware to hang an accessory panel like PDW’s own EDCO, which can be used to mount MOLLE or Hook and Loop pouches, holsters, mag holders, etc.
The problem with the EDCO is that it lacks structure. Under the weight of my M&P Shield and one magazine, this is what happened shortly after the above picture was snapped.
Not exactly what you want when conceal carrying a firearm. Other companies do make similar panels that are stiffened with HDPE. For instance, Hill People Gear makes a product called the AstonInsert. It fits in the SHADO (with just a little stress at the corners).
As does their smaller TaraInsert.
Both clip into the existing hardware using a Grimloc.
They’re not as sexy as the EDCO, but at $30 and $25 respectively, they are cost-effective and much more functional despite the absence of the extra zippered pockets that are present on the back side of the EDCO.
Regardless of what panel you opt for, the laptop compartment steals space when full making it difficult to reach whatever you store there without fully unzipping it.
The PDW SHADO does have a sleeve for a frame sheet but it is not included with the pack. PDW will offer one as an accessory at an additional cost. I re-purposed a frame sheet from the Vertx EDC Ready Pack just to see how the pack would carry with the extra structure that a frame sheet provides a pack of this size.
The sheet inserted fine into the sleeve after bending it a bit to slip past the opening.
The addition of a frame sheet absolutely transformed this pack. The straps are still a liability but the additional structure definitely made a huge difference in the weight distribution under load. To the point, that I’d advise that the “optional” frame sheet is an absolute MUST HAVE for SHADO owners.
After adding the frame sheet and tightening the straps, I found the SHADO to ride comfortably with my normal 15 lbs work EDC loadout.
The 6’4 author wearing the Prometheus Design Werx SHADO
As you can see, it conformed nicely to the shape of my back and fit me well. As I said before, someone of smaller stature will probably struggle with the SHADO’s 21″ length and lack of strap adjustment. For some in between, it will truly be a crap shoot.
SUMMARY
PROS
Pack and strap length ideal for taller individuals
Streamlined Design
High visibility Interior
Ability to accessorize
Comfort (when used with a frame sheet)
Padded, raised laptop sleeve
Lightweight
CONS
Length and limited strap adjustment for shorter individuals
Lack of structure
Minimal strap padding
Overall Cost (Many pack features require investment in expensive accessories)
Lack of comfort (without optional frame sheet)
Limited built-in storage for small EDC items
No bottom padding
Pack almost too lightweight. Lacks quality feel (500D).
Many who have purchased and returned this pack have complained about how “cheap” it feels compared to other similary priced packs. I attribute this to PDW’s use of 500D Cordura and lighter weight materials versus the overall build quality. PDW did use quality materials. But aesthetics do matter and some will take issue with spending nearly $300 on pack that doesn’t feel as “bulletproof” as EDC packs from other manufacturers.
As you can tell, the PDW SHADO was a mixed bag for me. Cost is relative to everyone and not something I generally bring up in reviews, but PDW’s decision to piece out this pack by offering the internal organization, beavertail, frame sheet, and load bearing waist belt as “optional” accessories is interesting considering there are many other packs available (including some pictured in this review) that offer the same features at a lower cost. A fully loaded SHADO with all those items would price out well north of $400. Perhaps even $500.
i also question some of the design decisions. It’s almost as if some were made with the accessories in mind, which makes them being “optional” a farce if you want a fully functional pack for EDC use. Of course, you may not use this pack for EDC and if that’s the case then you might be able to get away with not purchasing the beavertail, EDC panel, or pouches. And perhaps that’s the point.
The Prometheus Design Werx SHADO retails for $289 and can be purchased here. It is available in Coyote Brown and Black. The extra accessories like the EDCO Panel ($54), TOF Belt ($59) and Gear Trap ($49) can be purchased here.
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