Introduction
Mid-year, after my trip to New Zealand, I decided it was no longer feasible for me to lug my whistles around in an aluminum case. I still use the metal case when I go traveling, since I figure as a bearded man I’m bound to be ‘randomly checked’ at the airport anyway!
So I started surfing and weighed up some options. While Annie’s Sassafrass Whistle Rolls are stunning (and functional!) I wanted something to carry everything I needed to bring to a seisun – pens, paper, plumbing tape, etc. – not just my whistles.
As luck would have it, I happened across some whistle bags being sold on eBay by Joan Hackie. They looked great, but weren’t big enough for low whistles (click here for an example). So, I contacted Joan to see if she could make me a custom bag, and a month later the ‘Hackie Session Pack’ was born. It’s exactly what I was after, and I’ve been using it ever since I picked it up from the post office!
Pics
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Review
As you can see in the photos above, there’s oodles of room for whistles and flutes in the ‘Session Hackie Pack’. It’s also got enough room to spare for all those other necessities like pens, pencils, notepads, and CDs. There’s room enough for a minidisk recorder, iPod, music books, or, if you’re so inclined, cigarettes, lighters, voodoo dolls, life rafts, etc..
At the moment (i.e. not in the photo) I’ve got a Tipple flute, Howard low D and GFM low F sitting comfortably in the large compartment, my Burke DABST and Dixon Trad in the next two slots, and my Susato D/C/Bb set in the bottom right-hand compartment. On the other side of the pack, I’ve got some tippers and a screwdriver for my bodhran and some plumbing tape in the top part, and pens, pencils, notepads and some blank CDs in the bottom – with lots of room to spare.
I’m very, very happy with my Session Hackie Pack. I carry it like a quiver to my regular session, where it sits handily (and discreetly) on the back of my chair. It’s lightweight, secure, expertly constructed, and looks fantastic!
Details and Materials
When I told Joan I’d be reviewing the Pack for C&F, I made sure to ask for more details about its materials and construction. The exterior material used is called ‘Commander’, which is a durable water-repellent fabric used in making outerwear. The fabric is lightweight, long wearing, washable and holds its shape well. The individual instrument sleeves are lined with velvet for added protection of the instruments, plus a couple of padding layers of Polyester Batting 1/8" thick for extra cushioning of instruments. All seams are double-stitched for strength, and encased in binding so that there are no raw edges or fraying. The adjustable straps are made of 1 1/2" Black poly-webbing.
The Session Hackie Pack is 26" long and 10" wide. The internal sizes of the compartments are as follows:
FRONT
– One 24" x 4" compartment (or 2 or 3 low whistles/flutes)
– Two 12" x 2 1/2" compartments (or 2 soprano whistles in each)
– One 12" x 5" compartment (or 4 soprano whistles)
BACK
– Three 12" x 9" compartments (top half)
– Two 12" x 2 1/2" compartments, one 12" x 5" compartment (bottom)
Cost and Ordering
My Session Hackie Pack cost $90 CND, and it was worth every cent. It keeps my whistles safe and easy to carry around, and best of all it sits on the back of my chair (or on the back of the door) when I’m not using it. It also looks great, and is durable and easy to clean.
Along with the ‘Session’ Hackie Pack, there are two other sizes: ‘Standard’ (7" x 14", big enough for 8 or so whistles or a 3-piece flute and a whistle, with a pocket on the back) and ‘Large’ (11" x 14", with five 9" x 2 1/4" compartments and a big pocket on the back), and other sizes can be custom built.
Hackie Packs are available in a variety of different colours, and are available from Joan directly via email at rjhackie@mts.net or hackiepacks@mts.net. She’s a pleasure to do business with. I really can’t speak highly enough about my Session Hackie Pack. Bottom line: it looks cool, it keeps my whistles/flute safe, has enough space for everything else I need at a session, and is a steal at the price!
If anyone would like some higher quality photos, let me know. I’ll take some of it in action at the session on Sunday. Otherwise, best wishes for the festive season!
B.