As you guys know, I’m not a huge sling or messenger guy. But lately, I’ve been expanding my horizons and exploring alternate forms of carry. This week I got my hands on the 1st Generation Code of Bell X-PAK PRO. This bag was launched via Kickstarter in 2017. At that time, I was really down on Kickstarter and did I mention that I’m not normally a sling guy? So I really didn’t pay attention to the launch. Now I wish I did.
Code of Bell X-PAK PRO
The Code of Bell design team did an amazing job with this pack. They used some of my favorite materials including VX Sailcloth for the waterproof roll top compartment, 1680D Ballistic Nylon for the rest of the outer fabric, and Hypalon for the attachment points.
The strap is comfortable and long enough even for a large guy like me at 6’4, 255 lbs to wear it cross body.
The Code of Bell XPAK-PRO’s strap is generously padded and great for single shoulder or cross body carry.
It’s also ambidextrous and therefore it doesn’t force you into carrying it one way. For instance, I can throw it over one shoulder without it fighting me and wanting to slip off, because I can connect the centered strap to the bottom right attachment point of the bag for right shoulder carry. Believe me when I tell you that most sling bags don’t do that.
If you like organization (and you know I do), this bag has it in spades. In fact, it might have too many pockets for some people. Code of Bell did release a Tourer edition that was simpler with different materials. But personally, I like most of the pockets on this version.
The X-PAK PRO has an insane number of features.
At 17.5″ X 10″ X 4″, some will consider this too large for a sling bag. On people with a small frame, that may be true and Code of Bell does make more compact options like the X-PAK ONE and the newly released X-POD. But, I will tell you that the size of the X-PAK PRO isn’t an issue as long as you don’t load it for bear. A tablet computer, extra layer, water bottle, and a limited amount of your EDC is all you should be carrying in a sling bag anyway. People get frustrated with slings when they load them down and predictably find them uncomfortable. If you want to do that, get a backpack.
If this bag perfect? No. As good as this pack carries, there are tweaks I’d make. Code of Bell is releasing a 2nd Generation simply called the X-PAK that addresses some of the feedback they got after the first release. It will be interesting to see how they were able to improve a design that is already, in my opinion, best-in-class.
The X-PAK is still available via pre-order here at an introductory price of $199 with an estimated delivery date of April 2019. I haven’t decide if I’m going to do a full review on this Gen 1 or the new Gen 2. But I’m putting this pack into the rotation one way or another so stay tuned!
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