Necessity is the mother of invention, and quite often in the cycling industry new companies pop up when an entrepreneurial individual just can’t find exactly what they’re looking for. Jon MacKinnon wasn’t quite happy with his options for cycling bags and storage accessories, so a few years ago he started Mack Workshop.
Mack Workshop is an independent manufacturer, eschewing mass production in favour of putting out hand-cut quality products made one-by-one. The brand aims to create simple, high quality goods for fair prices. MacKinnon tests all his products in real-world conditions, and his designs will likely continue to evolve, as we’ve already seen with The Sack backpack pictured above. Check out the bulk of Mack Workshop’s product line after the break…
The Sack backpack has been revised over the last 18 months, with several improvements added to the first-run version. Side pockets, a laptop sleeve, and a reflective panel under the roll top that hides the closure straps have all been added, plus the back and strap padding was also upgraded.
The Sack measures 12″ wide, 8″ deep, and its height is expandable from 16″ up to 24″. The main body is made from 1000D Cordura, with a floating PVC liner inside. 10mm closed cell foam and 4mm spacer mesh on the back and shoulder straps ensure breathable comfort, and the sternum strap is removable. The Sack is available in Black, Fluoro Yellow, or a rotating selection of other colors. The price is approx. $152 USD (all prices converted from British pounds).
The Duffel (above left) is a traditional design with a large zippered main compartment, but Mack Workshop’s also has an inner slip pocket and four outer pockets to divvy up smaller items. The bag is fabricated from heavyweight waxed cotton with a ripstop nylon lining and polyester straps. It’s dimensions are 24″ x 12″ x 12″, and if the handles aren’t sufficient a shoulder strap can be added by request. The Duffell sells for $91, and you’ll have to check the website for available colors.
The Tote is again, nothing too crazy design wise, just a handy over-the-shoulder tote for convenient everyday use (above right). It’s main compartment contains a smaller pouch with a key loop, and measures 13″ x 17″ x 4″. It shares it’s waxed cotton outer, ripstop nylon liner and polyester webbing with the Duffel, and sells for $30. Color options will vary, so check your options online.
Why stick your multi-tool and power gels in a pedestrian Ziploc bag when you can put them in Mack Workshop’s waterproof 1000D Cordura Jersey Pouch? The zippered pouch (above left) has a single compartment with an internal divider, and its dimensions are 7″ x 4″ x 1″. The price is pretty reasonable at $15, and check the website for your color options.
For small tools and supplies, Mack Workshop has three options for roll-style seat bags; the Road Roll, the Reflective Road Roll (above right), and the slightly larger Tool Roll. All are a simple two pocket rolls, just enough to carry a tube and small tools safely inside their waterproof 1000D Cordura lining. The road styles measure 4″ x 5.5″ when folded in half, and the Tool Roll comes in at 5″ x 6.7″. The Road Roll sells for $15, and the Tool Roll or Reflective Road Roll both go for $19. The Reflective style comes in silver, and colors will vary for the other models.
Mack Workshop rounds out their current product line with a cheap and simple Speed Strap (a 12″ Velcro strap for securing tubes/tools to frames, seat posts, etc.) and branded T-shirts. For more information, check out their website.
*All photos courtesy of Mack Workshop
