Fanny Packs For All? High Above's Lookout Pack - Review

Feb 20, 2018
by Mike Levy  
High Above Lookout pack


There was a time when you either put all your ride necessities in your jersey pockets or, depending on what year it was, possibly in a strange, cycling-specific backpack that looks the result of a 1990s windbreaker having unprotected sex with a child's school bag. Nowadays, the trend is to make your bike carry that stuff instead of you having to do it, but there are also more options than ever when it comes to being your own sherpa.

It's only been in the last few years that the infamous fanny pack has gone from 'weird dad on vacation' status to being a functional solution for us mountain cyclists, and High Above's $100 USD Lookout pack is just one of many bum-mounted storage solutions these days.
Lookout Pack Details

• Removable, multi-position bottle holder
• Waterproof VX shell material
• Heavy duty nylon webbing
• Three divided interior pockets
• Weather resistant external pocket
• YKK weather resistant zips
• Long para-cord zipper pulls
• Top-mounted utility straps
• Aprx. 204 color combos
• Dimensions: 9" x 3" x 5.25''
• MSRP: $100 USD
www.highabove.net


High Above Lookout pack
High Above's Bottle Rocket system lets riders carry a single bottle on either side or two at the same time.


High Above designs and manufactures their bags at their Bellingham, Washington, headquarters, including the Lookout pack that's reviewed below. You can call them whatever you want - fanny pack, bum bag, hip bag - but the gist is the same: get the weight off of your back and shoulders and down into your hips where it's lower and less likely to flop around like a sack of doorknobs. The Lookout can also carry a bottle, which not all fanny packs can do, and you can get the 9" x 3" x 5.25'' bag in a few hundred different color combos.


Design

The Lookout ain't your pops' old neon butt pouch, with High Above designing-in a handful of mountain bike-friendly features that make this little bag more functional than its size might have you believe. The most noteworthy is High Above's 'Bottle Rocket' system that lets riders carry a single bottle on either side or even a bottle on both sides for rides that require more fluids.

It's a nifty little modular setup that consists of some fabric tabs on both sides of the Lookout and plastic clips that lock it into place. This allows you to mount the Bottle Rocket on either side of the bag so you can use your dominant hand to grab it, or you can stick one on each side.


High Above Lookout pack
High Above Lookout pack
The bottle holder clips onto fabric tabs where the wings meet the bag. It's quite sturdy.


There are two separate, zippered storage pockets, with a smaller one on the front face of the bag and the main pocket being accessed from the top. Both sport YKK weather resistant zips, and extra-long para-cord pulls should make them easy to grab no matter how clumsy you are or how numb your fingers might be. Opening the main pocket reveals a few dividers to keep things separate, as well as another para-cord pull with a key clip on the end of it.

The adjustable waist strap is wide so as to keep it from feeling like it's splitting you in half, and even wider supports on each side are used to have it be as steady as possible. One of the issues I've had with fanny packs is that there's usually not enough room to stuff a jacket inside of them when I get too warm, but High Above has solved that with a set of adjustable para-cord straps on the top of the Lookout that you can use to carry a jacket or even a larger pump that won't fit inside of the bag.

My tester has even used them to carry a folding saw on many rides to clear trail debris. He's such a good Samaritan.
High Above Lookout pack
There's room for loads of stuff inside, and you can strap a jacket and other things to the top of the Lookout as well.


High Above Lookout pack
High Above Lookout pack
Heavy duty, water resistant zippers should keep Mother Nature out, and a strap to clip your keys onto means that you'll even be able to drive home after you're done.



Performance

I think of on-body storage in three different ways. The most obvious, and probably the most common, are backpacks that vary wildly in carrying capacity and are surely the best way to go about it if you need to carry a ton of stuff. At the other end of the spectrum are pockets, including those built into bib shorts, some of which can even store things like a large-sized water bottle.

Somewhere in the middle are fanny packs, with most offering enough room to carry whatever you might need for most types of rides that don't stretch into all-day epics.


High Above Lookout pack
This isn't your old man's fanny pack.


The Lookout pack has a good amount of storage room that we found to be enough for nearly any ride that doesn't call for a water bladder, and the jacket-stashing straps on top of the pack is a big reason for this. It's not uncommon, at least here in southwestern B.C., to have to put on and take off your jacket multiple times during a ride, but you'll need a place to put it when you're not wearing the damn thing. No backpack needed here, though, as the straps on top of the bag do the job perfectly.

They were also used to hold a folding saw, goggles, a pump, and a few other things as well. Not at the same time, of course, but it never once lost its grip on those items.

Internally, there's enough room for a bunch of energy bars if you like to eat gross stuff, or a sandwich or burrito if you're a sane person who likes real food. Other things stuffed into the Lookout included a multi-tool, tube, pump, wallet, some TP because you never know (you did eat the burrito, after all), and even the newest phone that might as well be a tablet.

There's space for much more than just that stuff, however, with it being surprisingly roomy inside. You can also fit a small-sized bottle inside, just in case you're doing a three-bottle-ride on a warm day, but it's a bit tight with everything else in there.
High Above Lookout pack
It'll depend on how prepared you like to be, but there's enough room in the Lookout for most solid adventures.

The pack also proved to be quite water resistant. High Above uses the word ''waterproof,'' but I wouldn't go that far. Sure, no moisture got inside, which is important if you bring your phone with you on rides so you can call someone to come get your body when you scorpion, but I don't think I need to tell you not to throw the Lookout into a lake with your stuff in it.

The modular Bottle Rocket system is the most interesting bit about the Lookout, and while it's not perfect, it does work pretty well. Not a single bottle was lost, regardless of how rough the trail was, and it doesn't flop around at all. In fact, it's essentially invisible until you need fluids, and that brings us to the Lookout's only real issue: the sleeve is so tight that you need to stop riding to get your bottle in or out of it. The idea is that it'll never drop your drink, of course, but good luck getting a sip while on the move, which is kind of a bummer. The sleeve isn't stretchy or adjustable, either, so think of it as more of a water storage spot instead of a drink-on-the-go feature.

Our test bag was equipped with a single Bottle Rocket setup, but we'll probably get a second for the opposite side as the days get warmer and rides get longer. There are other fanny packs that can carry a bottle, and even some with a bladder, but High Above's seems to be the most unobtrusive. Well, at least until you want to take a drink without stopping, that is.


High Above Lookout pack
High Above Lookout pack
Those wide, red wings and the tall waist strap help to keep the Lookout from rocking back and forth.


What's the weirdest thing about a fanny pack besides the fact that it's a fanny pack? It's how some tend to want to tilt backward or even spin in one spot, especially when fully loaded with tools and mid-ride donuts. This is usually down to either not enough support where the straps meet the bag, or the straps being sewn too low on the bag. Due to the large wings (the red bits on our test bag), and the fact that High Above is smart enough to know not to attach the straps too low, the Lookout essentially refuses to tilt or rotate backward. It did take a few rides to get the waist strap adjusted correctly, but the pack was pretty much invisible after that, even on the roughest of descents. Velcro strap keeps also keep the waistband from backing off, which is a nice touch.



Pinkbike's Take:
bigquotesNo matter what style of bag you prefer, it should be all about utility over appearance. After all, we're pedaling bikes in the forest, so it shouldn't matter if we're rocking a fanny pack, as long as it performs well, and the High Above Lookout bag does exactly that. At $100 USD, it's not an inexpensive choice, and the water bottle access could be a little easier, but the essentially custom color combos and made-in-the-USA quality make it a neat, effective option when it comes to carrying your ride essentials. Mike Levy






Author Info:
mikelevy avatar

Member since Oct 18, 2005
2,032 articles

216 Comments
  • 121 25
 Nope, still weird dad....
  • 165 11
 Fanny pack...............$15.99
MTB fanny pack........$100.00
Ok....?
  • 13 5
 @cky78: bingo

Got a mountain warehouse one for £10 and been going strong for 3 years now. Great for those summer eve / commute minimal short rides
  • 47 4
 @cky78: but is it enduro specific???
  • 15 5
 Basically they are trying to get us robbed and never get laid. Hey nice fanny pizzle my bizzle!
  • 28 4
 Tramp-Stamp of the MTB Fammunity.
  • 6 1
 @cky78: ENDURO edition +25% to MTB price Wink
  • 79 9
 For sure. Why would anyone in their right mind want to brand themselves with something that has traditionally been viewed as less-masculine than a full backpack?... and for what?...less weight, no back swamp on hot days, better ventilation for the back, a lower centered and secure carrying mass, more movement and flexibility in the shoulders and upper back, a personal preference that may prefer a "fanny pack"? Pashaw! Cause at the end of the day nothing is more manly than not using a product because of how others may view you or said product regardless of function. (Oh.... and you can buy a bike for $100 but turns out a specialty bike designed for a specific function, in smaller batches and of higher quality costs a whole lot more...but yay capitalism because turns out no one is forcing you to pay for the more expensive and specific versions and if you would like to use a $100 bike and $15 fanny pack giver!)
  • 9 9
 @snl1200: Pretty apt description of the average PB user's train of thought. Must say an understated flat black hip pack actually looks pretty badass when worn right.
  • 5 0
 Whatever the sex organ it's called I love my man sack- It's the compromise between bagless and bags fully loaded
  • 2 0
 Weird for one may be essential for another.
On a different note, why not just use a military mole waist with mole bag/bags for $25? $100=SMH
  • 13 1
 @bonkywonky: agreed - any type of bag in 80s fluro nylon will look shit, and most modern bags look quite normal.
As normal as one can be when wearing matching shirt and shorts, a large styrofoam hat, and riding an oversized child’s toy that cost more than my car.
  • 6 3
 @bonkywonky: ummm, did you just say a fanny pack looks pretty bad ass when worn right? You're kidding right?
  • 3 2
 @lightsgetdimmer: when worn right. As in underneath a back back
  • 1 0
 @lightsgetdimmer: ^pack^ stoopid phone
  • 2 0
 @richierocket: haha this is it.
I could get a pretty good MTB specific large backpack from EVOC for those 100 bugs. Nope I go for the military mole waist instead..
  • 2 0
 @cky78: weevil burrosak $58
  • 1 0
 @nozilla. If you don't like the looks of a fanny pack, consider the fatty pack:

odditymall.com/dadbag-dad-bod-fanny-pack
  • 1 0
 @Flowcheckers: all ready gots me a real one! Big Grin
  • 44 3
 No comments with UK flags so far; they're probably still too busy sn*ggering Smile
  • 27 1
 You hit the nail on the head.
  • 16 1
 Sorry he said Fanny...hehehe ;-)
  • 5 1
 @biglev: Brick get back here!
  • 10 2
 Bum titty bum bum, bum bum.
  • 8 2
 The French think it's fine to name a baby girl Fanny. Until they speak to me.
  • 4 3
 Then again, Bob's your uncle and Fanny's your aunt.
  • 8 2
 @fartymarty: If I paid $100 for a fanny pack I'd look and feel like a fanny!
  • 25 15
 They should be renamed Trump packs because he’s a complete c**t
  • 4 7
 Check out my bike specific vagina pack. Pretty rad eh!
(Says the man who is known to use one riding occasionally!)
  • 6 5
 @sewer-rat: I'm gonna start calling mine a Trumppack.
  • 8 4
 @sewer-rat: I'll forgive your prop bait because it's impossible to argue against. But, does America know what Trump means in English?
  • 1 0
 @BenPea: PPPAAAAARRRRRPPPP
  • 1 0
 @fartymarty: Admitting that you have one is the first step. Well done.
  • 22 2
 Honest question hipsters (PUN INTENDED).

Are Mountainsmiths too passe? I would think an old one would cement your O.G. hip-pack credentials.
  • 7 1
 I rock a 90's fanny pack. Holds a 1.5l water bladder, tube, pump, tool and phone just fine. A little heavy at first with the bladder full, but that convinces me to drink more.
  • 3 0
 I use a Mountainsmith Vibe lumbar pack. It's newer, but it's rock solid and carries everything I need for 90% of my rides. I have an Osprey pack for "epic" days, but use the Lumbar for anything under around 20 miles/2-3 hours. I think a light lumbar pack is far more comfortable than a backpack, but once you need more than 1.5-2 liters of storage, a backpack works better. I don't give a hoot what people think is cool.
  • 3 0
 Still rocking my 30 yo Mountainsmith tour pack! This looks like a very similar design.
  • 1 0
 @PHeller: what fanny pack are you uaing?
  • 1 0
 Mountainsmith has always had the best fanny packs in the game! I use the Tour TLS for mtb, xc skiing, hiking, etc. If you're smart about packing it'll fit all you need for most full day rides - usually I can fit 2L water, rain jacket, layers, repair kit, pump, tube, and food. The only time I use a backpack anymore is for all-day desert rides (hot, no access to water) or long cold weather rides where lots of layers need to go on/off.

These new mtb-specific ones don't look bad, but the better they get, the more they look like mountainsmith copies (whether intentional or not). The bottle holder clips are kinda slick though.
  • 28 9
 Hello - This is 555 Fashion Police, what's your emergency?
  • 54 1
 I can't find the ball. I think it may have gone under the couch. I barked at it several times but nothing has happened.
  • 14 0
 I've fallen I think I must have hit my head and gotten amnesia. I can't remember how much I used to hate fannybumbarpacks and now I'm considering spending $100 on a new one. I'm worried I won't be able to carry enough weed to sell at the trailhead. Can you help?
  • 20 5
 @number44: Sir you should bring the weed to the precinct as soon as possible. We must check if you haven’t suffered a nonmipsical concussion! Does your bicycle have a wheelbase long enough for you to come here safely or should we send a drone?
  • 7 0
 @WAKIdesigns: As a middle aged, bumbag wearing, weed dealing creeper I'm required to ride an old BMX bike everywhere (except within 600' of any school). Does that meet the wheelbase requirements? Oh NVM - great news! - the NSA was reading this thread and just sent a van for me. Too bad they took the bumbag, but I can get a replacement at Walmart for $10.99.
  • 1 2
 @WAKIdesigns: help, my bike is being eaten by all the road bikers! Send the SWAT team
  • 6 1
 The emergency is we bought a Capra and can't put a bottle in the frame.
  • 2 2
 what's a pinkbike article without wakidesigns comments
  • 2 0
 @colincolin: That's a tragedy! I'm so sorry for your loss.
  • 3 2
 @colincolin: WHat is the shock above the Swat box?! Air or coil? Answer me! If coil, we’re sending se CHOPPAH!!!
  • 14 1
 Here's what I don't get: they add the lumbar wings which is nice...but why not spread out the actual pack to be wider? I find a heavy lump right in the center of my lower back to be far less comfortable than the same weight distributed around more widely across my waste.
  • 13 0
 If you wanted a wanted a wider pack you could check out the Cascadia pack, also from High Above. I’ve been rocking one of those for the last season, and it has been great, lots of room in the pack, bottle rocket is great, fits well.

My assumptions as to the change to this new less wide format? 1) I know initial reviews of the Cascadia pack had some saying they found they were tagging their bottles on trees in particularly tight sections of trails. Never resulted in crashes, but it definitely plays with your body English. (I’ve never experienced this issue)
2) The Cascadia has a nice, big, wide storage space... that kinda becomes a black hole with a bunch of stuff in it. (At least I find so) The Lookout pack seems to remedy this with better/more pockets.

I’ve got myself a new Lookout pack to try vs that Cascadia. Initial home “setup” seems it will be less blackhole like (which I’m stoked about) and it’s still just as comfortable. Buuuuut, I think I’ll keep my Cascadia around for those goofy rides that I need to fit a bottle of Jameson in there for!
  • 21 0
 Another idea would be to spread it out a bit wider, but also quite a bit taller. A couple of additional straps could run vertically and loop over your shoulders to help stabilize the load. This kind of design could include enough space to carry many of the items we're currently strapping and taping to our bikes. We could be on to something!!
  • 3 0
 @VtVolk: I very seriously read this... well played. Well played.
  • 2 0
 @VtVolk: The problem with your idea is the taller part. Backpacks get super sweaty, my fanny pack does not. Taking on and off a backpack can be a pain for food, access to phone or GPS, etc, where the fanny pack just spins around for quick access. I also like the fact that the fanny pack is rather compact when I'm not wearing it so it's easier to keep in the back of the car without taking up much space. This isn't to say that I never wear a backpack, but for 1-2 hours rides by myself I usually wear the fanny.
  • 1 0
 I've been using a Macpac Module since autumn. I can fit about 1.5 litre of water in it with tools, tube, light battery and pump. It's so much better than a backpack.
  • 1 0
 Camelbak made one 15 years ago, that is better than all the new ones. Nice wide mesh belt and small flat pack (fits under a jersey easily unlike the behemoths they make these days). Used to get mocked for wearing it, until became fashionable again. Who's laughing now eh bottle-cageless fools!
  • 1 0
 waste or waist?
  • 1 0
 @lepak1corner: The wasted waist pack... to carry all your "supplies".
  • 1 0
 agreed, weevil burrosak solved that.
  • 10 0
 I have the original Cascadia and it works well. I also have the Radpack which is smaller and if you're self conscious about wearing a fanny pack, it's can hide under your jersey. I'm OK with the price, hand made in Bellingham by a great dude. Thumbs up. I've tried a few brands and these are the only ones that don't move, and have the lowest profile.
  • 5 0
 I've got the Radpack, too. It's perfect for short rides, and I have never experienced bouncing or movement, either. It's so well constructed.
  • 14 3
 So those bags should be "utility over appearance", but the main benefit is "essentially custom colors"??
  • 4 0
 sense of irony is strong in this one, yes
  • 12 1
 Denial, anger, bargaining, depression & acceptance. These are the five stages of fanny packs.
  • 1 0
 Ha, without a doubt the biggest fashion controversy in the history of mtb. There wasn't even this much uproar over lycra.
  • 10 3
 I really like mine. It wasn't cheap, but it's quality and I appreciate that it is made in the USA. It's taken a ton abuse and still looks new. I have the opposite problem as Levy though - certain water bottles keep popping out.
  • 4 0
 Is yours a LookOut or Cascadia? Just curious if the bottle rocket is newer as they state that the new Rockets have a tighter tolerance and I'll be damned if my bottle moves in mine - it's tight. Also all of the bottles that I run are Specialized Purists, so maybe they've got a slightly larger diameter?
  • 1 0
 @brule: I have a LookOut and a Cascadia. they seem to be the same.If anything it's my old beat up water bottle stays in, but my new "smooth" one bounces out. When I'm on my hard tail, it's worse.
  • 2 1
 @wibblywobbly: Thanks for the feedback as I have never had one even move after about 150 rides. I guess that I should be happy Smile
  • 2 0
 @brule: it doesn't happen often, but when it does, it drives me nuts. For longer rides, I just use the bottle on my bike and refill it from a platypus collapsible water bottle i keep in the pack and take off the bottle rocket.
  • 4 0
 this is something we’ve been working on. The sewing needs to be essentially perfect to be that Goldilocks-like perfect. Not too tight, not too loose. We hate keeper straps dangling all over our bags, but hate shoehorning bottles in pockets more. As a compromise, we use a slightly looser pocket that when used in conjunction with the new (and removable) keeper straps, keeps a bottle put.
  • 9 1
 Isnt the point of a fanny pack to be light weight and more convenient than a backpack, who packs that much shit into one? Dakine Hot Laps is all I need...
  • 3 0
 Very true. I have a hotlaps as well and I tried a larger CamelBak recently. The hotlaps is quite small but it tucks under a shirt. The CamelBak doesn't and it's a big thing for me. I could try drinking less beer to tone down the belly but we all know that's just not going to happen.
  • 2 0
 @defineindecline: And that's what I love about my Hotlaps.. tuck it under a larger jersey and no one even knows its there.. I personally don't see the appeal of having a less convenient backpack.. especially the fanny packs with bladders... wtf is the point?
  • 7 2
 I took a shot at the "fanny pack" option. It was not good. Bothered my lower back. While it would be great to not need a pack, I have to admit I'm so used to wearing one after 20 years that I'm accustomed to wearing one and have no need for the fanny pack.
  • 1 1
 Yeah, I borrowed my buddy's once and it drove me crazy. Bouncing up and down all the time. I'll take a backpack for rides over an hour, I'm used to it.
  • 9 1
 Go on Mike, take a break, have a sip of water, enjoy the view. Anyone who wont wait up isnt worth riding with anyway Smile
  • 11 2
 Do white new balances come standard?
  • 10 3
 "backpacks are overkill"....until you crash and land on a rock with your exposed back.
  • 4 0
 My EVOC FR lite backpack might be a little bulky but I carry a lot of stuff out on the trail and nothing at all when I race. It's nice to have a bit of spine protector deep in the woods, riding alone. And beers and a big fixed blade knife.
  • 2 0
 Exactly my thoughts. Actually i am so used to my (great Deuter) backpack, that it feels weired, not to have your back protected. As PB is oriented more to the hard core biking crowd, i think that it should be very concerned about the back safety. IMO these fanny packs might even worsen the damage in case of landing on your back.
  • 2 1
 Where’s that picture of the guy holding his bent shock pump over the x-ray of his broken spine?
If your bag doesn’t have a spine protector built in, like the evocs, camelback kudu and others then it isn’t going to help you
  • 1 0
 Agreed. Not generally wise to put a metal bar across your spine when riding in the woods @AyJayDoubleyou:
  • 2 0
 @endlessblockades: "It's nice to have a bit of spine protector deep in the woods, riding alone. And beers and a big fixed blade knife." If I didn't know better, I'd say you were up to no good.
  • 1 0
 @AyJayDoubleyou: It does and it might be even better than the one in the Evocs btw. Its called Deuter attack and I absolutly love it.
  • 1 0
 @IluvRIDING: I like my Kudu but others hate the shape of them. Good to know more brands are getting in to the game. Only camelback and evoc when I bought mine 2years ago (I think)
  • 1 0
 @AyJayDoubleyou: Well actually i think deuter might be one of the first maybe even the first to do this. I have an old one for about 10 years. And now I bought a new one and I am blown away of the progress they have made.
  • 4 1
 I've got one and I love it! I've found that bottles can bounce out (it only seems to happen in sections where I'm pumping) but for being able to carry everything and then some for a 30 mile ride I can't complain! Haven't used my hydration pack since!
  • 3 1
 You pump with your fanny pack on?
  • 1 0
 @lightsgetdimmer: pumped your mom with his fanny pack on

i believe they meant pumping as in pumping the section of trail somewhat like on a pump track. not pumping a tire if that's what you were insinuating.
  • 1 0
 @bblaney372: Did you hear that?
  • 3 0
 I've tried a handful of bum bags and while the idea is good the execution often leaves something to be desired. None of them stay put perfectly and this becomes worse when loaded down. In such situations, they flop around like you've tied a Christmas ham to your waist and/or endeavor to cut you in half. The only one that I found less annoying was the Race Face Rip Strip which by design is less of a pack than just added pockets. It doesn't move around, but doesn't carry that much either. Still it's been handy for park laps or sub 2 hr rides. Combined with a Back Bottle it is barely noticeable, but now since my bike has a bottle mount and a OneUp EDC, I rarely employ it.
  • 3 0
 A friend has one of these and he likes it. Seems to work well. I had a Palos for a bit and never liked using it. Having a belt cinched tight enough to prevent it moving just wasn't very comfy. Then I tried SWAT bibs and haven't worn a pack for the past year. EDC, pump, tube, and small bottle on my frame, plus 1l bottle (sometimes more), phone, wind jacket, and maybe spare gloves fit comfortably in the bib pockets. By the time I'm going downhill the pocket bottle is somewhat depleted and I just don't notice it. In the winter my bottle stays warm while a bike mounted bottle gets so cold that this sweat chilled rider can barely drink it. The bottle in the pocket stays clean under my shirt do matter how sloppy conditions are as well. I do look pretty deformed with a large bottle under my shirt.
  • 4 4
 Bibs are worse looking than fanny packs, imho.
  • 3 0
 @Thustlewhumber:

What, the SWATS are all mesh and are very cool in the heat. No baggies needed.
  • 1 0
 yeah man. I wear SWAT bib under my short, tool kit in steerer tube, pump and water on the bike. Small camel pack only on long summer epic. Full packs only on long winter rides. otherwise everything in the pockets. And its mesh tight with nothing loose bouncing around. The lightest and sturdiest solution whatever what. I don't see how you can go fast, up and down, with a full pack, weighting you down and retaining heat. For me, you perform better with less crap strapped on you basically.
  • 3 0
 @Thustlewhumber: just wait till the spandex wearers start wearing the fanny packs
  • 9 1
 I make these bags. AMA.
  • 3 0
 $22 bones for this and fits just about everything in my old fanny. themtblab.com/2017/11/dakine-hot-laps-gripper-bag-review.html

Bottle on frame and good to go for most rides. Bye bye fanny for most my riding now (1-3hr rides)
  • 4 0
 So what's the best fanny pack out there? Id like to get one and don't want to regret my purchase. Best meaning comfortable, carries the basics of what I need, and some water.
  • 4 0
 Here is a good review of some. Anything with water bottles seems like a compromise.

enduro-mtb.com/en/best-mtb-hip-pack-you-can-buy

My favorite so far is the Dakine Low Rider. 70 ounces of water and the outside straps can carry clothing when you heat up.

www.dakine.com/en-us/bags/backpacks/bike-backpacks/low-rider-5l
  • 9 0
 @Flowcheckers:

enduro-mtb.com/en/best-mtb-hip-pack-you-can-buy


I'm thinking of subscribing to Fanny Pack Action Magazine
  • 8 1
 ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS
  • 4 3
 We’re a company of one (gotta use the editorial.... man), use the best materials available and make them in Bellingham WA. There are tons of budget friendly options out there, if quality isn’t in the list of things you look for in a bag.
  • 2 0
 @HighAbove: So Osprey, Salomon etc are much lower quality then...?
  • 4 2
 In terms of materials, yes. @bonkywonky:
  • 6 0
 I'm going to start using a saddle bag again!!!
  • 3 0
 Bar ends and pedals with toe clips are next. Be advised.
  • 2 0
 I love mine, super comfortable, lightweight, can use for all day rides. I get a lot of neck strain and pain with a full hydro pack. Some things work better for some people than others, we are the ones that put labels on it all.
  • 2 0
 I definitely like the DaKine Hot Laps fanny pack for short rides, carrying minimal tools, phone, wallet and water bottle. I barely notice that I am wearing it. However, for longer more epic rides, I feel that I backpack is more comfortable for carrying the weight of extra gear, food and water. I've tried a weighted fanny pack on longer rides. It's not ideal having all that weight cinched tightly around the gut.
  • 2 0
 @HighAbove - I used to have an old Dana Design version the first (or second) time hip pax were okay, and its design was plainly superior: I'll explain.

Every hip pack distills down to a rectangular shape, and when anchored by straps mounted flush to the back, has a rotary axis that leads to bouncing/instability. My Dana pack's straps were anchored from the seam farther from the back, allowing compression via the main waist buckle, and the load rode tight and stable.

You're welcome, or what do I know? I'm just an end-user.
  • 1 0
 I worked for Dana. I’ve got a little experience with their design and sewing methodology. Mine works just fine, but try and see for yourself!
  • 3 0
 I own one, lol. I don't care. I love it. It's super functional, it cares everything I need and it's made in the USA. I'm also 40, I have a son and a hot ass wife so I really don't give a fudge about looking good.
  • 1 0
 Cannot locate wife picture in your photos.
  • 1 0
 @endlessblockades: well played mate
  • 1 0
 @endlessblockades: lol good one. What's your email and I will get some pictures over to you.
  • 2 0
 $100 For a hip bag!?!? LoL That's a misprint, right?

I ride with a pack and it stays where I put it. Guess where all the weight goes to? Right at the bottom. Where I put it. I can pack as little as I need or enough for a few days. I like cold water on my rides so the fact that I can stuff an ice pack in with my 3l bladder means I never have to freeze another water bottle again.
  • 2 0
 Ever get into an argument with someone on PB, give the person the benefit of the doubt that they arent an idiot and then later down the road, said person you gave the benefit of the doubt that they aren't an idiot says they wear a $100 Mtb specific fanny sack? Yea..
  • 1 0
 For some people that's not alot of money for what they consider an important component.
  • 4 0
 Ive taken to hiring a pit bike to ride ahead and set up tea and crumpet stations and carry my gear. #dentist
  • 1 0
 After huge evolution of backpacks, why should i end with something like this? 2L of storage and 500ml water capacity?! No thanks. I'll search for the best-fitted backpack for me.
It's like drivetrain gearing, we reached 30spd and someone said that 11 or 12 is enough...d@mn you marketing
  • 4 0
 I just checked their website and that fanny holds Reese's Pieces! Must order now!
  • 3 1
 All this fanny pack needs is the addidas track suit ensemble and presto you got the drug dealer look going on. Sorry but my back pack has saved my back too many times to be worrying about a bit of sweat.
  • 1 0
 There are many reasons for some people to prefer a fanny pack over a backpack, but you're arguments for not doing so are very weak...
Using a fanny pack doesn't mean to make compromises on your back protection. I'm using a bliss back protector which covers more than my evoc pack.
And i'm not doing so to avoid a sweaty back. I don't care at all about that. But after a big whiplash i got massive problems in my neck wearing a back pack. The fanny pack gives me the freedom in my upper back/neck that i need to enjoy my rides and i still feel well protected, honestly much better than with my evoc.
And on top i do several enduro races a year, and i feel so much better with no weight on the back.
The good thing is, there are enough options for everyone out there.
  • 1 0
 I still have a Lowe Alpine bum bag from the 90's .It ended up being used recently as I recovered from a clavicle fracture and found backpack shoulder straps uncomfortable.Now my clavicle is OK it is going back in the cupboard where it should stay.
  • 2 1
 Love my fanny pack! I have the Evoc with the bladder and its great. Perfect for the 1/2 day ride. All you haters keep hating on the fanny pack like you're like Silky Johnson at the Player Haters Ball. Nobody is forcing you to buy one so bugger off!! Backpacks move around just as much as a fanny pack so that argument sucks! Don't be mad cuz you aren't cool enough to wear one. Lastly, don't knock it till you try it. You just might find yourself a convert.
  • 1 0
 Have you tried a USWE hydration pack? Love my F6 Pro! Have had it for a couple of seasons now and that shit don't move on your back riding up or downhill. Though I can't deny your back won't sweat on climbs but hey, moutainbiking ain't easy and it' ain't for everyone. I personally like to be prepared when I go out riding though so I probably take a little too much stuff but....
  • 1 0
 I for one welcome our hip-pack wearing overlords...

I destroyed my AC joint in a crash a while back and now have a chunky metal pin halfway along my collarbone.

Backpack straps are very uncomfortable, so as well as being a messenger-bag wearing hipster on my regular commute, I can be a hip-pack wearing enduro-bro on my MTB rides! \o/
  • 2 1
 Don’t worry you’re back will stay cool. It will be exposed to the elements. Fanny pack etiquette dictates you must roll with white sunglasses, flock of seagulls haircut and pink belly shirt. However ones lady junk may get swetty from the parachute pants. #alwaysatradeoff #makethe80’sgreatagain
  • 1 0
 I have a Lookout pack I love it . Built to last...I usually stuff my shell into the bottle holder . Prefer the hip pack to my old evoc backpack it's night and day and I still can carry all I need to make sure all the riders who don't wear or bring anything can get home.
  • 1 0
 Shoulder surgery left a lovely pin and anchor in my clavicle securing some cadaver tendons. Fought the fanny pack for a couple years now, finally got tired of the numbness in my arm from the pressure of the strap resting directly on the hardware. Just picked a Hot Laps 5L this week; figured ill give it a try, it came with a free "Denny Blazin cassette tape........Now if I could only find my old Vuarnet sunglasses and Vision Street Wear shorts.
  • 3 0
 Why do we hate backpacks again?? Just want to keep up on the reasoning for the latest PB flavor of the week...
  • 2 0
 Supposedly cuz they make your back sweaty, and it's harder to access things. I don't notice the sweat, and I don't often need to access things in my pack...
  • 1 0
 @skelldify: see above comment.
  • 3 0
 Use the outer straps wrapped around the the bottles indentation and they won't fall out.
  • 1 0
 That’s what we do.
  • 3 0
 Bontrager rapid pack..half the price and it wraps around your waist a bit very comfortable
  • 4 3
 $100 and it doesn't even have a bladder??!! I paid $20 for one on ebay about 4yrs ago...just as much storage AND has a hydration bladder and tube that clips onto the belt. Works great!
  • 7 0
 I use duct tape and a sock I found in the lot at the trailhead. Don’t even notice it except for the smell. ...And when you try to take it off.
  • 6 2
 If only it had shoulder straps to keep it secure
  • 3 1
 That's a great idea. Make it more complicated and cumbersome and I'll buy it.
  • 1 1
 Could it also make my back very warm and sweaty unless I dress in such a way that my arms and hands get cold?
  • 3 0
 Fashion over function is what they say, when you're rocking a fanny you can have it both ways Wink
  • 5 2
 $100 with no bladder option, seems outrageously priced with Dakine offering similar storage and a bladder for less money.
  • 3 0
 Stellar looking bag with great craftsmanship, but quite High Above my pricepoint for such an item.
  • 1 0
 How long until we start putting MOLLE webbing on bike packs and equipment? It's a highly modular system that allows for the attachment of a wide variety of accessories in a multitude of positions.
  • 1 0
 You should check out Pentagon backpacks, not bike specific but they work really well for riding.
  • 2 0
 Wanted to like them. Tried to like them. No, Uncomfortable. Water on the bike and tools in the pocket for a couple of hours. Back pack with a back protector fpr missions.
  • 4 1
 Got me a fanny pack, just waitin' for my Oakley Razor blades and neon shorts to arrive in the mail.
  • 2 0
 Pics or it didn’t happen.
  • 1 0
 I prefer my lovely evoc backpack. In the event of a crash it has a spine protector inside and ways almost nothing! Crashing on a full fannipack must be pretty bad in how it bends your back backwards!!
  • 1 0
 Even if you wear a backpack with back protector it does not cover the area where the fanny pack sits. And using a fanny pack doesn't prevent you from wearing propper back protection. I crashed once with an evoc back protector. Same shape as the protectors they use in their backpacks. My back got bend over a square edged rock right below the end of the back protector. Luckily nothing severe happened, but it was a very scary feeling and left a nice scare. I wish i wore a fanny pack back then!
  • 2 2
 I have to say the beauty in a fanny pack is the cost to stoke ratio. Relatively cheap options that are just as functional as the "cycling" ones and you get the weight over the rear Axel. Win win.
  • 2 1
 camelbac in crash situation = good protection. Fanny pac in crash = injury waiting to happen.

I'll stick with my camelbac thanks.
  • 1 0
 anything can happen crashing . and there spine boards if you must have back protection .
  • 1 0
 @cheetamike: nice thing about the backpack and water bladder. Offers great back protection on the event of OTB through rock gardens, roots. Trees. Rocks drops ect.
Would Be slightly worried about bending my lower back around fanny pac.
  • 1 0
 have a mount tam enduro "belt" (without hydration bag) - works great and reasonably priced. not sure if they still sell or not
  • 3 0
 Good on them for using molle webbing.
  • 4 1
 Gotta stay tacticool.
  • 3 0
 I must have missed it. Where is there MOLLE?
  • 1 0
 @JMslo: Pics 3, 4 and 5.
  • 1 0
 @chrisrobin: FYI, that's not MOLLE.
  • 4 2
 What part of NO do you not understand boy? I said you are not getting that stingray corvette, and that's final.
  • 4 3
 love my fanny pack! way more comfortable than a full bag and i found my camelbak fanny w bladder on amazon for $20, can't go wrong
  • 2 0
 Fanny packs don't work so great if you have a bit of a beer belly. They don't stay up. I will stick to my Dakine Nomad.
  • 2 0
 Has anyone noticed low back pain from wearing one of these things? I have not tried one due to that concern..
  • 2 1
 Never
  • 2 2
 In fact I found the opposite, after switching from years of wearing backpacks. I'm sold.
  • 2 1
 ???? my local big chain sports outlet has a almost identical pack in the marathon running department for £11.99 and that Not only holds 2 bottles it comes with the bottles!!
  • 3 2
 Go for it! Grab us some tires from there too! They’re totally fine, right?
  • 2 2
 @HighAbove: yes they are they have a nice collection of schwalbe and Michelin at the lowest prices in town. I and many of the local riders go there as there as cheap as the big online guys but you can get your stuff there and then
  • 1 0
 I guess they are not for everyone.

I bought one and it was $$$ well spent if you like waist packs

. Quality is top shelf, same with customer service.
  • 2 0
 If all you have ever known is driving your Fiero, you wouldn't and couldn't understand the value of the Gallardo
  • 1 0
 What's better for your back if you have back issues?
A bum pack or a back pack?
I like the extra protection I get from a back pack if I crash and do a turtle
  • 1 0
 I prefer my lovely evoc backpack with a spine protector inside. Weights almost nothing! But crashing on a full fannypack and bending your back backwards must be pretty bad
  • 2 0
 I just enduro-ed all over my desk.
  • 1 0
 one of the kids at my shop rocks the backpack AND the fanny pack all the time. So modular....
  • 2 0
 Those enduro moto guys do it all the time, and yet no one is talking shite to Jonny Walker!
  • 1 1
 I've tried so many hip/fanny bags, they're all miserable for me....I'll give this one a shot though, there is bound to be a good one.
  • 2 0
 Thanks! They may not be perfect, but the reviews can do the talking. We are stoked to get a cust bag built for you.
  • 1 0
 @HighAbove: I would send the stikman's for free if I were you!!!!
  • 1 0
 Ah no, with this packs i can't swing my hips right
  • 1 0
 does it come in faux leather to complete my 80's look
  • 5 4
 A lot of pots were smoked to come up with that one.
  • 2 1
 @HighAbove - the clue's in the name and in his midnight fighting talk
  • 15 16
 I'd like to meet anyone who purchased this fanny pack so I can laugh at them for being stupid enough to spend $100 on a fanny pack.
  • 6 3
 Rocky-Urbam@ Exactly. . . . . . at a $100 for a fanny pack. Really?
  • 3 5
 But you’d spend $100 on a tire? Or just CST rubber for you? There will always be a cheaper option mate.
  • 5 0
 @HighAbove: I don't think I'd ever consider a fanny pack mandatory equipment or a performance item for mountain biking... Kinda lame comparison.
  • 1 0
 @HighAbove: You do realize Maxxis tires are made by CST right? Did you know that? Well now you do.
  • 1 0
 @HighAbove: I actually do run cheng shin tires mate!
  • 2 1
 Guys, c'mon! They're called hands free belt satchels!
  • 7 6
 one hundred dollar scroat sac.. no thanks.. not this kemosabe
  • 1 1
 Check out Source's Hipster. Nothing else stays that put and has a light weight bladder.
  • 2 0
 MEC Trail LT/HT $28-32.
  • 1 0
 20% discount at the moment.
  • 2 0
 Salomon fannies FTW.
  • 2 1
 High Above's quality is made to last forever. Buy one.
  • 1 0
 Thanks, @a-m-c !
  • 1 0
 That bottle holder actually works way better as a beer can holder
  • 1 0
 So, storing my gear on my bike isnt cool anymore?
  • 1 0
 Weevil BurroSak...
  • 5 5
 This article is soooo Enduro. Make me wanna Enduro my Enduro.
  • 5 5
 Big fanny packs are good for giving you the shits trail side !
  • 6 1
 Or maybe.. so you can carry that roll of toilet paper youve had to leave behind..until now
  • 1 0
 Haha ya form and function ! Shit yourself thin the new diet that’s sweeping the scene! @weebleswobbles:
  • 2 3
 Fannys are where it's at. If you go full backpack you look like a Knob.
  • 4 2
 I'm torn between looking like a knob or a fanny. Maybe it's better to carry all your shit in a bib and just look like a bum.
  • 7 7
 Def NO!
  • 2 3
 #backpackforllife ... just dont get it?
Below threshold threads are hidden







Copyright © 2000 - 2024. Pinkbike.com. All rights reserved.
dv56 0.535574
Mobile Version of Website