Whatever you want to call them—hip packs, bum bags, fanny packs—they’re now among the most popular ways to carry supplies and remain hydrated while riding. Hip packs, whether you like them or not, are a method to do away with your backpack when mountain biking and offer a secure place to keep your best sunglasses when not in use.
Best Mountain Bike Hip Packs 2023
Mountain bike hip packs are a must-have accessory for cyclists looking to improve their performance and ride experience. These packs are designed to be worn around the waist of the rider, allowing easy access to essential items such as water bottles, snacks, tools, and other equipment.
The increased mobility provided by a mountain bike hip pack is one of its most significant advantages. Because it is worn around the waist, the pack does not restrict the rider’s upper body movement, allowing for a more fluid and dynamic ride. This is especially important when navigating technical terrain, as the rider must be able to move freely in order to maintain control and balance.
Mountain bike hip packs are a must-have accessory for cyclists looking to improve their performance and ride experience. These packs are designed to be worn around the waist of the rider, allowing easy access to essential items such as water bottles, snacks, tools, and other equipment.
The increased mobility provided by a mountain bike hip pack is one of its most significant advantages. Because it is worn around the waist, the pack does not restrict the rider’s upper body movement, allowing for a more fluid and dynamic ride. This is especially important when navigating technical terrain, as the rider must be able to move freely in order to maintain control and balance.
Best mountain bike hip packs are a must-have accessory for any serious cyclist. Riders can improve their performance and have a more comfortable and enjoyable ride with increased mobility, weight distribution, and accessible storage.
Read on to learn more about the best mountain bike hip packs to buy :
Osprey Savu Hip Pack
Key Features
- Simple
- No-Fuss Design
- Surprisingly Spacious
- 5 Liters Storage Capacity
Overview
The Osprey Savu hip pack has a lot of positive aspects, in our opinion. It features ample storage, a snug fit, and a bladder-free design that can store two bottles. While using a hydration bladder system can be convenient, there are times when using a water bottle is just as enjoyable. The best part is that it is reasonably priced. The 5 liters of storage in this pack are more than enough for the majority of half-day trips.
There is enough room for snacks and equipment; if necessary, you could even smuggle a well packed windbreaker inside. Even with a heavy load, we discovered that the angled hip belt and compression straps functioned effectively to keep the pack steady over uneven terrain. The hip wings also have pockets for quick and simple access to smaller goods. Also, it is constructed of recyclable materials that have received Bluesign approval.
When not in use, the water bottle pockets on the Savu can be collapsed. In essence, this makes the bag more efficient when you aren’t carrying bottles. This feature appears like an overdesigned aspect, thus, we could do without it. Beyond that, we didn’t find much about his basic and inexpensive pack that we didn’t enjoy. Check out the designs in our best fanny pack review if you’re looking for an even easier and less expensive alternative. Although they don’t have quite as many features as the Savu, they are inexpensive, lightweight, and excellent for shorter journeys.
EVOC Hip Pack Pro 3L
Key Features
- Well-Designed Storage
- Impressively Comfortable
- 4 Liters Storage Capacity
- 427 Grams Weight
Overview
Our testers rated the EVOC Hip Pack Pro 3L as having the perfect balance of comfort, fit, storage, and hydration. Filling and cleaning the bladder are made simple by the hydraulic bladder system with the quick-connect mechanism. This pack features two bottle slots in addition to the bladder slot. As a result, you can bring a lot of water or choose for bottles or a bladder. The Hip Pack Pro has a respectable amount of storage and can accommodate the essential tools and refreshments for the majority of shorter journeys. But what really stands out to us is the feature of comfort and fit.
Two broad, overlapping elastic bands that are part of the waist system are especially good at molding to the body and maintaining stability across uneven terrain. To keep you cool, the back panel includes a tuned ventilation system.
The Hip Pack Pro is fantastic, but it’s not faultless. First off, it costs a lot, is hefty, and has a limited amount of storage space. We advise searching elsewhere if you require a pack for lengthy rides and desire the capacity to carry a few more layers of clothing. Other than that, we believe this to be the greatest mountain bike hip pack available.
Osprey Seral 7
Key Features
- Solid Value
- Cavernous Storage Area
- Good Stability
- 7 Liters Storage Capacity
Overview
The Osprey Seral 7 is a top pick if you require a mountain bike hip pack for longer trips. It will keep you comfortable for long days in the saddle with its 7-liter storage capacity and 1.5-liter water bladder. In most of the packs in our review, it may be difficult to fit all of your trail necessities, a sandwich, and a jacket, but it is not a problem for the Seral. With an angled hip belt and compression straps that keep the load tightly against the body and amazingly steady, it also provides excellent comfort levels. To help prevent sweating, the back panel has a useful ventilation system and breathable air mesh on the hip wings.
The hydration system’s bite valve, which is fastened at the waist with an accessible magnet, swiftly releases water. Osprey adopts a straightforward strategy that allows for quick and simple filling and cleaning by routing the hydraulic line out of the corner of the main zipper rather than via a small hole in the side of the bag.
This pack might not be the greatest choice for smaller riders due to its size and width. Riders with a proportionally smaller lower back may find that the Seral takes up a lot of the limited area on their backs that is available for a hip pack. While we appreciate how quick and simple the magnet system makes it to reach the hose and bite valve, it can be prone to gathering up sand and tiny rocks, which can reduce its integrity and necessitate periodic cleaning. This isn’t the ideal option for cyclists who don’t bring much with them on rides because of the greater storage space.
Bontrager Rapid Pack
Key Features
- Form-Fitting
- Very Comfortable
- Excellent Value
- 64 Liters Storage Capacity
Overview
The Bontrager Rapid Pack is a no-brainer if you’re going for a fast ride after work or maybe slipping in a hot lap in between errands. Just the necessities can fit in this hip pack, such as a multi-tool, tube, energy bar, some CO2 cartridges, or a mini pump. It only fits one bottle and lacks a bladder system, contributing to its incredibly low weight, thin profile, and stability on the back.
Its small storage capacity also contributes to its lightweight and excellent trail comfort, making it an excellent choice for short rides. The absence of bells and whistles is incredibly refreshing, and the design’s simplicity is lovely. Oh, and this hip pack is reasonably priced as well.
The Quick Pack is intended for short rides and just holds the necessities. On longer trips or hot days when you need a lot of water, this pack is not what you want. Even if your bike has a bottle cage, storing enough provisions in this pack to last you for a half-day ride will be difficult. If you have a bigger, roomier hip pack or backpack for those long rides, this pack works best as a supplementary.
Leatt Hydration Core 2.0
Key Features
- Keeps the Elements Out
- Tough Construction
- Organized Tool Storage
- 7 Liters Storage Capacity
Overview
The Leatt Hydration Core 2.0 hip pack has a rugged appearance, feels robust, and is long-lasting. This backpack is an excellent option for protecting yourself from the weather if you are riding in the rain or mud. The Core 2.0’s durable construction also makes it a good choice for riders who occasionally crash. The 5-liter storage capacity plus pockets on the hip wings of the 2-liter hydration bladder provide enough space for longer journeys. A well-designed tool storage section, space for all of your snacks, and even a light jacket are all inside the pack.
We discovered it to be rather cozy on the path, with a silky texture that fits the body well. Moreover, the bladder has a quick-connect hose system that makes it possible to empty or clean the bladder without also removing the hose.
Not everything about the Hydration Core 2.0 is perfect. It’s a little strange how the hydration hose is attached to the waistband while not in use. Like the other options in this evaluation, it doesn’t employ a magnetic system or a common clip.
ION Traze 3L
Key Features
- Generous Storage
- Stylish and Clean Looking
- 3 Liters Storage Capacity
- 395 Grams Weight
Overview
A hip pack with a great amount of capacity, the ION Traze 3L is fashionable and comfy. Large, obtrusive branding are absent from the simple, understated style, and the finish feels robust and long-lasting. Because of the channeled and padded padding, this bag feels quite comfortable against the lower back. The mesh covering feels wonderful against the body, and the raised padding encourages airflow. This channeled and cushioned mesh material occupies not only the backside of the body of the pack but also the wings that hug the hips – a wonderful touch. The 3-liter capacity is roomy, with a main pocket that opens widely and a zip-out pocket and flap.
On the main flap is a tiny pocket that is the ideal size for a cellphone, and on each of the hip wings, there is a pocket. This pack buckles on the side at the hip, as opposed to typical packs, which have straps that clip together in the middle of the lower stomach, which is a wonderful and distinctive touch. The already remarkable comfort levels are improved by this.
The Traze looks great and feels great, but it isn’t perfect. Although the 3-liter storage capacity is sizable, the main compartment has a clunky feeling. Your multi-tool and CO2 cartridges/mini pump can just bounce about in tough terrain because there isn’t much organization. Some hip packs have compartments with small sub-storage spaces that keep everything organized; this one is more of a free-for-all. The Traze is compatible with bladder hydration systems; however, they can be purchased separately or with the Plus model, which is slightly more expensive and includes a 2-liter bladder/hose system.
Final Words
In conclusion, the best mountain bike hip packs provide numerous advantages that make them a must-have accessory for any serious cyclist. They can improve the riding experience by increasing mobility, weight distribution, and accessible storage, making it more comfortable and enjoyable. Mountain bike hip packs come highly recommended by cyclists who have used them, according to the reviews on this blog. As a result, we strongly advise readers to consider purchasing one to improve their performance and overall trail experience. A mountain bike hip pack is an essential accessory that can help you tackle any trail with ease and confidence, whether you’re a seasoned rider or a beginner. So, buy one now and take your riding to the next level!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a mountain bike hip pack?
A mountain bike hip pack is a small bag that is designed to be worn around the rider’s waist, providing easy access to essential items while riding.
What are the benefits of using a mountain bike hip pack?
Mountain bike hip packs offer increased mobility, weight distribution, and accessible storage for essential items, making them an essential accessory for any serious cyclist.
What can be carried in a mountain bike hip pack?
Mountain bike hip packs can carry a variety of items, including water bottles, snacks, tools, spare tubes, and other essential equipment that a rider may need while on the trail.
How do I choose the right size of mountain bike hip pack?
To choose the right mountain bike hip pack size, you should measure your waist size and choose a pack that fits snugly around your waist without being too tight or loose.
Can mountain bike hip packs be worn with a backpack?
Yes, mountain bike hip packs can be worn with a backpack. However, it is recommended to distribute the weight evenly between the two to avoid discomfort or back strain.