5 New Hip Packs We Love for Gravel
With loads of cool new bags being launched in recent weeks we sorted through them all to bring you our top five hip packs for the adventure cyclist. All of these packs are extremely versatile and handmade in the USA from high quality materials. If you have experience with these or others not mentioned here let us know in the comments below. And always remember.. pack it in, pack it out!
1. North St. Bags - Pioneer 9 Hip Pack
We’ve been using the Pioneer 9 from PDX-based North St. Bags for a few weeks now and love the features and durability it offers. Available in both Cordura Nylon or X-Pac fabrics, like this black one, the Pioneer 9 offers 2.65 liters of capacity for plenty of snacks and other gear you may need. We also went with an optional Bottle Sleeve that easily attaches via two secure velcro straps to extend hydration. The possibilities continue with an optional handlebar strap kit, if you prefer to keep it off the fanny. The Pioneer 9 is handmade in Portland, Oregon and comes with a lifetime warranty.
Go find the Pioneer 9 Hip Pack - $68 - $83 and Optional Pioneer Bottle Sleeve - $30
2. Outer Shell Adventure - Hip Slinger
Outer Shell Adventure is well known for great looking backs with intentional design. And being so, we were glad to see the release of the Hip Slinger with its unique rolltop design for expandable storage. The Hip Slinger easily transforms from 1.5 to 3 liters of capacity by cinching down cargo with two well placed elastic hooks. Front and rear zippers access the main compartment and a multitude of interior organizer pockets. Available in a 11 colors, the Hip Slinger is handmade in San Francisco.
Go find the Hip Slinger - $90 - $100
3. Spurcycle - Hip Pack
Spurcycle’s aptly named “Hip Pack” utilizes ultralight materials including Dyneema and X-Pac fabrics. The Hip Pack has a 4 liter capacity, weighs 250 grams and is handmade in the USA. A heavy-duty zipper closure provides one-handed access and the inner perimeter features four pockets for easy access to gear or nutrition. The bag also features an internal zipper pocket and external shock cord for added utility.
Go find the Spurcycle Hip Pack - $135
4. Mission Workshop - The Axis
The Axis is Mission Workshop’s waist pack that offers slick compatibility with their Arkiv modular pack system. Features include internal zippered compartment, a key clip and a rear mini U-lock holder. The Axis also utilizes an ultra-thin waist belt that easily tucks away to allow it to be fastened to one of the brand’s Arkiv bags with an optional 4 piece clip set. Like the other products in our list, The Axis is made by hand in small batches in the USA.
Go find The Axis - $130
5. Orucase - Lokus Hip Pack
You may know Orucase for their award winning Airport Ninja Airport Travel Case. In 2019 the brand expanded their bag lineup to include a saddle bag, handlebar bag, feed bag and the all new Lokus Hip Pack. Made out of Dimension Polyant VX42, waterproof YKK zippers and Hypalon attachment loops, the Lokus is as durable as it gets. The Lokus uses a 2” waist belt and cobra buckles in hip pack mode, while also doubling as a handlebar bag with two 9” Voile Nano straps. Additional features include two zippered pockets and an internal mesh divider and key clip. The Lokus measures out to 9x5x3.5" for a total capacity of 2.5 liters.
Go find the Lokus Hip Pack - $100