Outdoor Research  Freewheel MTB 5 L Hip Pack

Full disclosure - I did not ride with this pack - but I did give it a thorough survey against a few other older packs that I've used. The pack fits comfortably around the waist and adjustment is easy. Filled up with my usual collection of tools including multi-tool, frame pump, tire repair, extra brake pads and chain links, large iPhone, and a folding saw, it passed the jostle test as I fitted it tightly and jumped around -- seems like it would hold things securely. There is a lot of room to hold stuff, but with any waist pack, I bet if you put too much in there it will eventually start bouncing around too much. One side has a water bottle holder that includes a loop of shock cord to keep a bottle secure. The other side has a zippered pocket that is large enough to hold a phone, but probably better to hold snacks since you could easily break your phone if you fell on your hip. There are compression straps to help compress the back. The outermost pocket is large enough to fit a large iPhone. The write-up describes it as "non-scratch lining" but this is the same lining used everyone else on the bag. The main pocket is large, includes a key ring, and has two mini-pockets for securing smaller doo-dads. It also has a zippered inner pocket along with a space that could be used to hold a hydration reservoir. There is also a cargo net that is stowed in a velcro pocket on the underside of the bag. The cargo net has adjusters, but it seems geared more towards holding a jacket or knee pads or similar -- it won't snug up tight enough for smaller items.

I bought this as soon as you released it and took it on a mtb trip to Guatemala. First, it was a great small carry on for the plane - I could carry my water, book, jacket, and some snacks. But most importantly, it was exactly right for the rides. We were riding for several hours, so I carried my tools, phone, snacks, water bottle and small water bladder, and sometimes a light jacket. The phone pocket on the hip strap is well placed for accessibility and didn't get as dusty as I expected through the mesh. I'm 5'2", so the pack looks bulky on me, yet I never really noticed it was there. I didn't need to use the external mesh knee pad storage while riding, but I love that option and that it stows away. This is going to be the perfect pack for epic backcountry rides in the Giff.

So far I've taken this on one ride and most of the time I forgot it was there. It didn't bounce around and when I needed to get into it, it was easy to slide to the front to unzip without taking it off. It has ample storage, looks cool for a hip pack, and is very comfortable. I think any rider who likes hip packs would appreciate this one. Specs say that it's water bladder compatible, but it's not super obvious how it's intended to do that so a product demo video or something like that would be great to clear this part up. Increased water resistance would also be great for a future version of this product.

It’s a solid pack that would work well for someone needing a larger pack. The belt system is comfortable and easy to adjust. The side pocket is large enough for a phone but probably better for snacks. The pockets are good, including a few surprise mini pockets for holding small stuff. Underneath there is a Velcro pocket holding a piece that can be pulled out for if you need to stow a jacket or similar.

I used this all through Disneyland to carry battery chargers, phones, wallets, cords, hydration and everything else you can imagine. The 5L worked great and the belt was real easy to swap from a hip to a shoulder sling bag. I can't wait to use it hiking when I don't want to put on a back pack.

Solid storage for medium to long rides. Plenty of room for snacks, tools, and quick repair items. I wish it came with a hydration pack. It was just a little tough to find the perfect size for this pack. Great for anyone starting or folks who have been riding for ages!

Comfy fit and lots of storage space. Lots of pockets to store stuff. Can fit a bladder and a water bottle on the side.