We have been witnessing a trend in mountain bike (MTB) riders ditching backpacks as well as any other hot, sweaty back accessories in favor of other methods that they consider more accessible and streamlined. Although there are pockets in shorts and cargo bibs, lots of straps make it difficult to arrange things. In addition, sometimes, you just need an accessory that offers a little extra space.
An MTB hip pack is one of the best solutions that offer you the extra storage that is important for the trail essentials without the addition of any unnecessary bulk or coverage. There is a good variety of sizes with best fanny packs, including the slimline race belts offering you an excellent secure space for storing gels, while there are also larger mountain bike (MTB) hip packs that can carry hydration, a jacket, and any other tools.
How to choose the suitable MTB hip pack?
Pocket layout
The MTB hip packs can be found in a range of pocket layouts so that you can keep your food and other equipment closer. You can consider different items for quick access; therefore, you need pockets to accommodate these. The key consideration to make is packing those items that can easily be damaged, so a number of MTB hip packs have a specific pocket to keep such items safe.
Storage capacity
The amount of storage in the MTB fanny pack that is needed on the basis of different items is the primary consideration you should make. If you are going for a small race setup, then an MTB hip pack with a few pockets is enough, as you have to keep a few gels and multitool.
If you have any more extensive excursions, then there are specific MTB fanny packs that offer up to 7 liters storage for squeezing in extra layers, a range of spares, and expanding the capacity of water.
Hydration
A hydration option is a must for thirsty riders and has frame designs that may not be working well with water bottles. Although you can find different options for MTB hip packs, it is always up to your specific setup what can work best for you.
List of best MTB hip packs
Evoc Hip Pack 3L
It has been a while since Evoc is making high-quality fanny packs sand has therefore established itself as a favorite one on the trail. Plenty of thought has been put into ventilation by Evoc so that you will see substantial vertical channels as well as perforated EVA pads for airflow towards the lower back. There is also an adjustable Venti Flap system that allows on-the-fly adjustment when you ride.
When the adjustment strap happens to lose, you will see a gap opening up to reduce the build-up heat while you are descending. This 3-liter bag by Evoc has a pocket layout with a few compartments so that you can stash your smartphone as well as the multitool.
Dakine Hot Laps 2L
With the help of the Hot Laps lumber pack by Dakine, you can get enough storage to spend your good time on trail riding. This MTB hip pack has space to put a few tools, a packable jacket as well as a snack so that you can keep yourself equipped for a few hours on your favorite trail without any worries.
Although the design of its waistbelt is quite simple, it is helpful to keep the hip pack steady when you ride. You can get the option of hydration through the water bottle holder, while the non-racer aesthetic of this fanny pack can be appealing for the ones who want to spend their fun time when on a ride slowly.
Camelbak Repack LR 4
Camelbak is a brand with a reputation for making high-performance, tough bags; therefore, one should not be surprised that the same knowledge has been applied to its hip packs. The brand also offers to repack benefits through backpack development and is stable when you hip pack it thoroughly. On the hip, you will find a selection of pockets, while on the front, there is an integrated roll-style pocket.
There is a Camelback 1.5L CRUX Reservoir available with Repack LR 4, which is considered to be the best one, yet some riders find its screw-on cap to be quite large, eating all the storage capacity. There is a shut-off valve on the hose so that nothing leaks down the shorts, and until you drink something, a magnetic clip will hold itself.
Osprey Seral 7
Osprey Seral 7 is an MTB fanny pack designed for those who would like to spend big days out, as it sports a vast storage space of 7 liters. With Seral 7, you are able to get quite a bit of space for additional clothing because its slimline Hydraulics Lumber 1.5L Reservoir can be stored in a sleeve.
On the sides, you will see webbing attachments so that you can have two additional bottles, or you can secure any other tube-shaped items on top of a 1.5-liter bladder. The 7-liter cargo of Seral is managed by the Airscape Lumber pad that helps with airflow and a ventilated waist belt that well-positioned.
Bontrager Rapid Pack
We can see that the majority of hip packs have their bottle storage space on the side of the bag, but things are different with Bontrager. Here, the bottle is mounted in the middle. Bontrager has a good reason for this innovation, and according to them, when the bottle gets mounted in the middle, it gets support from both sides.
There are two pockets on both sides of the MTB fanny pack. There is a key fob and a phone sleeve on the right side, whereas, on the left, you will find a mesh pocket for gear. According to Bontrager, the pockets have enough space to fit any tube, and this also includes the fat bike tubes.
Final Words
When you feel that your backpack weighs a lot and you would like to carry some trail essentials like a mobile phone, some basic tools, and an energy bar, you should consider an MTB hip pack. Some people call it a fanny pack or bum bag, while others call it MTB fanny pack, so the best thing is that it offers you extra storage if you would like to ride bag-free and have all the essential items without sacrificing storage.