I need hip pack recommendations

[Eric Marth]

Hello — I have a bike I don't want to mount any bags to... for now. So I'm looking for a nice hip pack. Do you have one you like and would recommend? Let me know!

I do not want a bag with a roll top, zippers only please. Maybe snap buckles are okay.

I'd like to tote:

• Spare tube
• Tire levers
• Mini pump
• Phone
• Bandana
• Keys
• Small card case / wallet
• Earbuds case
• Snacks 

I'm currently using a Patagonia mini 1L hip pack and it's too small. I like the look of the Dark Realm cross-body bag but I think it's a bit too big! The What Happened Piolet looks perfect but at £230 + shipping + tariffs, that's a no-go. The Roadrunner Hip Bag Pro looks like a great size and shape but I do not like the texture of cordura fabrics. Blue Lug's Hip Messenger comes close! I like it, but again, cordura.

Okay, thanks for your help!  

[Chris Law]

I went through a similar search not too long ago and ultimately landed on an Axis by Mission Workshop. It's very good but not perfect. Getting to items stored towards the top of the bag while riding can frustrating because you have to pull the fabric back a bit. Otherwise it fits the bill 

[Brian Turner]

My favorite that I own, and use on the bike, is the Farsik Hip Pack Pro. It’s simple and lays fairly flat against your body, but it’s 4.3L, so it’ll still hold a lot. The zipper is along the top, but there’s a cool buckled flap that you can expand, and it’s easy to roll up a small jacket to stow, or if you need to shed layers on a ride.

https://www.farsik.ca/shop/p/hippackpro

-Brian

Lexington KY 

[Zac]

I have a PNW Rover Hip Pack that I mostly used for longer dog walks. It fits great, doesn't move at all, and the detachable water bottle holder is nice to have. I guess its not in production right now? There's still a page for it on their site. 

I barely used mine, if you're interested, lmk.

[Lucia Matioli]

I do okay with the Cotopaxi 2l hip pack. 

I cinch it down and stays fairly put. For $45 it’s a good deal, has a couple of puckers inside. I keep a spare, tire kit, compressor pump, keys phone wallet, tools and a couple other small things and they all fit neatly inside. I’d be curious about some of the other packs mentioned and it also looks like they, Cotopaxi, have newer updated designs as well. 

I bought a hip pack from Rivendell Mountain Works that is enormous. It might be good for bike packing but was larger than I expected, which was a bummer.

Great thread!

Lucia, oakland. 

Lucia Matioli

Sr Creative Consultant

goodthinkingco.com

linkedin.com/in/luciamatioli/

              

   

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[Jay]

Good topic, Eric.  I haven't seen hip pouches discussed but I think it's a good option for some.

I have an Evoc hip pouch I used mountain biking a couple years ago.  It's a little larger than the Patagonia one I had also researched.  I don't see it on their site any longer but they have some options there, and some colours other than black. I like the padding and ability to cinch it down tightly so it floated away.  I also liked the small mesh pockets on the belt for trash.  Not sure there were other good features per say.

I think a hip pouch is a good option on cooler days and for one with 2+ bikes.  Put all your items in it, leave it by your door so when you're leaving just grab and go.  If you usually use a saddle bag, but perhaps put on a removable fender that takes up real estate on the seat post (plus I have a Varia light), this eliminates need to use any bags on the bike. Can wear any jacket/layers and you don't need pockets.  Put a spare house key in their, clipped in for safety (the Evoc has that).

I may have to use mine soon!

Looking forward to read what you end up getting and your experience with it.

[Mike Rossi]

Not a hip pack, but my Chrome Industries Kadet Sling is my go-to. Holds a U-lock, a smaller bag that has tools (the bag in a bag), a water, my sock knitting project, and other odds and ends. These days, pics don’t prove anything, but here’s one anyway.

Mike

On Nov 8, 2025, at 7:59 AM, Jay <jason....@gmail.com> wrote:

Good topic, Eric.  I haven't seen hip pouches discussed but I think it's a good option for some.

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/cafc99a7-81c2-433e-8e8a-09d2e3a250d1n%40googlegroups.com.

[Brian Turner]

I happen to have a mint condition EVOC Hip Pack Pro 3L (with hydro bladder) if anyone is interested. $80 shipped, just hit me up!

Brian
Lex KY

[Takashi]

Montbell makes many variations of hip packs.

https://www.montbell.com/us/en/products/list?c=39&f=2%3A225

I've never used their hip packs, but I've used their trekking shoes, sleeping bags, backpacks, and especially their underwears.

My understanding is that they make good quality products at relatively inexpensive price.

Takashi

2025年11月8日土曜日 22:58:01 UTC+9 brok...@gmail.com:

[Jonathan Carmack]

I have one from Da Kine that works well for me

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[rlti...@gmail.com]

Code of Bell makes unique bags I think. A bit complicated maybe but they are well thought out and most can be expanded if more capacity is needed. I tend to wear mine as sling bags (over the shoulder) but most can be work around the waist. This is one that I own and like:

Robert Tilley

San Diego, CA

Sent from my iPhone

On Nov 7, 2025, at 3:40 PM, Eric Marth <eric...@gmail.com> wrote:

Hello — I have a bike I don't want to mount any bags to... for now. So I'm looking for a nice hip pack. Do you have one you like and would recommend? Let me know!

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[Pam Bikes]

Ron's fanny pack.  It was too big for me but it got a lot of stuff in there.  Chrome Industries has one but it is black.   Could cover with patches.   Take a look at Fishski.  Bright colors but lots of practicality.  https://fish-ski.com/products/black-red-backpack-pannier?variant=52340278395243  Not sure how to get just the hip pack.  Interesting idea.  

[Brian Turner]

Yeah Pam, I agree about the Ron’s Fanny pack… it’s so big and boxy, it makes a terrible fanny pack, but I find it to be a fantastic handlebar bag / light-duty rando bag. I’ve often wondered if I really need the hip belt straps, but they tuck away so nicely out of sight, I figure it’s best to keep the option.

Brian
Lex Ky

[Kesler Roberts]

Checkout nittany mountain works ( https://nittanymountainworks.com/collections/nmw-customizable-everyday-bag/products/hip-pack ) and rogov bags ( https://www.etsy.com/shop/rogovbags ).  I've been happy with everything I've gotten from both.

[Patrick Moore]

The Farsik looks like a very useful size and it’s reasonably priced.

I haven’t used hip packs for a couple of decades, since the old “fanny pack” days, though I had some high-end ones and large ones. I’ve never seen a hip/waist bag worn across the shoulder. 

Do bags like the Farsik worn like this stay in place better than messenger bags? I find that messenger bags slide around too much when you are wearing a slick fabric, as with my very light cycling shells or gilets.

On Fri, Nov 7, 2025 at 5:17 PM Brian Turner <brok...@gmail.com> wrote:

https://www.farsik.ca/shop/p/hippackpro

[Brian Turner]

Patrick,

I’ve found that any bag worn across your torso will slide around awkwardly unless there’s an additional stabilizer strap, like many of the better-designed messenger bags and musette bags do. I’ve long since stopped using messenger bags, but my Outer Shell Magic Musette rides perfectly on the bike due to that stabilizer strap.

Brian
Lex KY

[Patrick Moore]

Thanks, Brian. My 3 messengers all have stabilizer straps that keep loosening as I ride so that the bags slide around a supplex shell. Perhaps I should tack the should strap buckle in place … 

Aside: I switched from Velo Retro polycotton musettes to RH nylon musettes; the RH ones are better quality but they slide like Christie Yamaguchi on ice against those supplex shells. (I keep musettes wadded tiny in my repair kits for impromptu grocery store stops.)

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[Brian Turner]

Patrick, all stabilizer straps I’ve ever had have been designed to give a quick pull to cinch them up if needed. Easily done with one hand while riding. Obviously, things are going to shift while riding and will tend to loosen up, so this is a necessary feature… again, if it’s a well-designed bag.

Brian
Lex KY

[Patrick Moore]

Perhaps it’s just me, but I’ve got 3 older Timbuk2 bags, one old enough to be US made, and all slip and slide against light nylon wind shells, even with constant adjustment of the chest strap. All the other high end messenger bags I’ve owned, besides TB2, had the same problem. Perhaps I’m just less tolerant of slipping and continual adjustment than others.

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[Russell Duncan]

I’m partial to Mountainsmith Fanny/Lumbar packs. They’re MUSA and they’re well made. 

Russell Duncan

Western Massachusetts 

[Dorothy C]

If you sew, Core Fabrics Store have a free pattern in two sizes 

https://corefabricstore.com/products/core-belt-bag

[ascpgh]

"I’ve found that any bag worn across your torso will slide around awkwardly unless there’s an additional stabilizer strap, like many of the better-designed messenger bags and musette bags do"

Why I bought a Patagonia courier bag decades ago to carry odd things on a bike with limited capacity for such, it was a better investment than luggage for each bike I had at the time. Still have it, still use it, just like a little Lowe Mountaineering fanny pack with zip compartments that I used extensively on river trips when it was fully likely I'd be in the churning waters at times. It's no good at all if worn the current fashionable way, over the shoulder. Ends up hanging around your neck if your bike position is 15° forward of bolt upright. 

I still love my Dana Designs Jefferson hip pack I got for S24s on my mountain bike BITD. It has a tension rod system and a developed waistband that effectively controls loads without limiting my movement. I have lugged some serious poundage in that thing on hikes. Opposite pole from the OP objective, but dang, it does a superior job on foot and bike if you don't get nutty loading it. My go-to for stowing lofty or barrier layers I need on long winter rides, but don't have room for in my big rando bag as the day warms up. It has a shoulder strap that tucks into the bag, so I tend to put valuables and off-bike things in there too. 

 

Andy Cheatham

Pittsburgh

[J J]

Hey Eric — I recently picked up a Topo Designs Mini Quick Pack, and it’s been great for biking, hiking, and traveling. It’s solidly built with smooth, high-quality zippers and a tough strap. You can wear it as a hip pack, sling it over your shoulder, or across your chest — all work comfortably. Like most Topo gear, they come in wild color combos, but there are some clean solid options too. It fits all the essentials easily. I stumbled on mine for about $25 on clearance at REI, and it’s honestly been money well spent.

Jim

[Brian Forsee]

Eric,

I love my porcelain rocket hip bag for commuting and touring 'purse' usage. They are still being made and sold under rockgeist dumpling. 

[Drew Fitchette]

Hey Eric,

my wife got me one of these Chrome Helix bags

I actually use it almost exclusively as a hip pack/over the shoulder bag  to carry my wallet, keys, phone and my Fuji X100s while I ride. 

it's got a zipper and made of "tarp" material. 

[Jason Fuller]

I was eager to recommend the Swift Ardea pack, I love mine - but appears they stopped making it. If you come across one, it's really well thought out and a great size - plenty roomy without being big and bulky.  Plus it has Molle webbing for their accessories, which I used to add a water bottle holder 

[Hoch in UT]

Maybe you could fit those items in a Nalgene bottle? Then get a VO cage  if you don’t already have one. 

For hip pack, I’ve used a Mountainsmith Tour pack since the late 90’s. Works great. 

[Charlie]

+1 for Kessler's recommendation of Nittany Mountain Works. A few friends brought their hip packs - the larger size I think - on a week-long tour across PA and they worked really well. 

Charlie in Philadelphia

[Jay]

Eric, lot's of options--more than I thought I'd see, which is great--did you pick one up?

Question for the group - do you use yours to carry what can otherwise go in a saddle bag or other on-the-bike storage, or, do you use it for additional accessories, clothing layers, or for other reasons?

[Jim Willis]

I've seen the Mountainsmith mentioned a couple times on this thread. I have a few of these bags. On two of them,  I've cut off the hip belts (I don't wear it as a hip pack usually but it comes with a shoulder strap as well) but adding that it is an amazingly well-designed bag. I have one that I keep in my Wald basket up front just to keep stuff organized and it's easy to take in/out of the rack and one that I can use messenger bag style when I'm on a bike without racks, etc. Even if you end up not using it for your rides, you can find these on Ebay for under $50 and you will find a use for it with or without the hip belt. Highly recommend. 

[Brian Forsee]

Jay - I use my hip pack as a purse while commuting and touring. I store things like phone/wallet/keys, sunscreen, maybe a pair of gloves, a small multi tool (but not full tool kit), etc. For commuting it's stuff I want close at hand and don't want to have to switch between bikes depending on which one i use that day. For touring it's the stuff I want the most accessible and also things I'll want when popping into stores/restaurants. I enjoy a roll top design as the capacity can expand and contract with your needs.

Brian

[Russell Duncan]

I mentioned Mountain Smith and I own several packs made by the former Dana Design, which was also mentioned here by others, which can also be found on eBay. Be forewarned about buying on eBay, the packs maybe in good shape but the zippers may not be. I also own several packs designed by Dana Gleason, who started Dana Designs. He now owns Mystery Ranch, a great company. They build stuff here in the USA and outsource most things to Asia. Of course, there MUSA stuff commands top dollar. Here’s an anniversary example of what you are looking for:

https://www.mysteryranch.com/hip-monkey-25-legacy-edition

Russell Duncan

Western Massachusetts 

[ascpgh]

I am preparing for an overnight ride tomorrow, and my Dana Designs Jefferson will be in use again to carry lofty (bulkier) layers and off-bike essentials. I don't have to collect my wallet, sunglasses case, etc. from my rando bag to carry with me as I do in the warmer weather when layers of clothes appropriate for the 30°s aren't with me.

 

Andy Cheatham

Pittsburgh

[Drew Fitchette]

Eric - Lots of suggestions here, wondering if you've found something you dig? Presumably you're wanting it for when you're out on the Raleigh? 

[Eric Marth]

Drew — Haven't bought anything yet! Nothing's really hitting quite right. Interested in tracking down an old Baggu Crescent Fanny, no longer in production. I still like the Realm cross-body bag but it looks too big. Same for the Mystery Ranch Hip Monkey.  

Yes, I want to use it for the Raleigh and also for walking. I go on a lot of walks and need space to carry stuff. Recently on the Raleigh I've been using my Clap Trap from Ron's Bikes which has been great.

[Aaron Morris]

These are nice looking https://huntercycles.bigcartel.com/product/hunter-shred-pack-with-bungee-top (sold out but maybe can find one second hand)

Seems just bigger than the Patagonia in being able to "hold four 12oz cans"

[Danny]

The Slacker Chest Pack from Timbuk2 looks like it would work for you: https://www.timbuk2.com/collections/sling-bags/products/3951-slacker-chest-pack

No experience with the Slacker Pack, but I've got an older small Timbuk2 hip pack that has served me well.

Danny
Madison, WI

[Mike Rossi]

I am ordering a sling/hip pack from Mr. Lentz leather. I’ve had a chain wallet from him for years that has developed a beautiful patina. Looks like a perfect size. https://www.mrlentz.com/shopping/product/sling-crossbody-bag/

Mike

On Nov 27, 2025, at 1:20 AM, Danny <scre...@gmail.com> wrote:

The Slacker Chest Pack from Timbuk2 looks like it would work for you: https://www.timbuk2.com/collections/sling-bags/products/3951-slacker-chest-pack

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[Pam Bikes]

I looped a John's straps through the webbing on the Clap Trap and used it on the GAP trail.  I used the strap as a shoulder strap I tuck the strap inside when I get back on the bike.  

[Piaw Na]

The one that my family uses is the Osprey Savu 5: https://amzn.to/3YcZ9zv

Carries 2 water bottles and works even for our skinny no-hip waists, which is a big deal if you fall into that category of body type. They also sell versions with built in hydration packs.

[dylan green]

Rick Hunter has some that are made by Porcelain Rocket. If I remember correctly, the materials have varied over the years, so not sure if one is to your liking, but the size is great. 

[Mackenzy Albright]

https://www.atwateratelier.com/collections/accessories/products/pro-hip-pouch

I really like these bags. Atwater's craft is top notch. I use mine all the time off bike as well. 

[Lucia Matioli]

I actually just picked this hip/lumbar pack up in Japan and am digging it so far. 
It stays super secure and does not rotate around at all. Nice organizing options internally. 
Holds everything well and I do not need any other bags. 

https://www.montbell.com/us/en/products/detail/1133198

Cheers,

Lucia

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