For those old enough to remember the 90s, it’s hard to believe that fanny packs have returned. Sure, they’re called hip or waist packs now, and they’ve evolved on the features front. Nonetheless, I’ve been slow to embrace the waist pack trend until recently. Turns out they’re pretty functional for mountain biking and adventure rides.
Hydration Waist Packs for Mountain Biking
It’s the rare day that I need (or want) a full hydration pack (read our review of the Camelback Chase Vest) on my back when mountain biking or gravel riding, but it’s common that I wish I could carry some extra water and a layer. A small waist pack for cycling does this pretty well, even if you still think of them as fanny packs.
We lined up three mountain bike waist packs for review: the Patagonia Dirt Roamer 3L, the Osprey Seral 4L and the Dakine Hot Laps 5L.
Patagonia Dirt Roamer 3L Waist Pack
The smallest and lightest of the three test packs, the Patagonia Dirt Roamer waist pack makes up for its small 3-liter size with dual hip belt pockets to complement its main body storage. The result is a good layout for organizing small stuff like snacks, tools and keys. It’s also the only one of the three packs designed to hold two water bottles versus using a water bladder.
The main pocket is big enough for a light jacket, gloves, a tube(s), CO2 and the usual multi-tool and emergency tire supplies, plus your phone. The hip pockets are slim, and while they will hold a modest phone, they are best for smaller and softer items like sunscreen, lip balm and snacks. Filling a hip belt pocket with a rigid thing like a phone reduces the body-hugging effect of the waist belt. External accessory straps carry pads or a rolled-up layer and stow away if unnecessary.
The Minimalist Pick
Overall, the fit and feel are secure and comfortable, with minimal padding in the hip belt and back panel that lets the pack conform to your body. Adding water bottles impacts its overall light, minimalist feel. In fact, I preferred it with one or no water bottles. It holds the bottles securely, but reholstering them is easiest while stopping. I found myself drinking from my one caged bottle on the bike and replacing it with bottles from the waist pack as needed versus drinking from the holstered bottles.
The Patagonia Dirt Roamer waist pack is for the minimalist. If what you’re looking for is modest carrying capacity and a low-profile design, it’s the obvious choice. It also felt good as a multi-sport pack for hiking or Nordic skiing.
Patagonia Dirt Roamer 3L Waist Pack $69
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Osprey Seral 4L Waist Pack with Hydration
Osprey is well known for building bomber gear that’s loaded with features. And while the Seral mountain bike waist pack is well made, it’s on the clean and simple side regarding features. Its clean design helps keep it light and maintains a nice low-profile feeling around your waist. It includes a 1.5L water bladder and enough storage for the usual stuff you might need for a few hours of riding, like basic tools, a tube, a light jacket, sunscreen and snacks.
The hydration bladder sits in a drop-in zone, but it shares the space with the main storage area, so storage is a bit tight when the bladder is full. An internal zip pocket secures keys, cash and small stuff you don’t want to fall out when grabbing snacks or a layer.
The Hot Laps Pick
Overall, the Osprey Seral 4L waist pack is my pick for quick-hit mountain bike laps and days when you need more water but are not looking for loads of space. It’s also the pick for those who prefer to pack light, no matter the mission. It fits very comfortably and sits snugly against the small of your back with almost no bounce or noticeable movement. At 1.5 liters, the water bladder holds the equivalent of two large water bottles, basically doubling most bike’s hydration capacity. The pack uses a magnetic connection to keep the bite valve in position for easy access.
A single hipbelt pocket and straps for a jacket or pads would be nice additions, as would an external zip pocket (versus the internal zip pocket). Nevertheless, the Osprey Seral is well-designed and sized just right for hot laps with basic essentials.
Osprey Seral 4L Waist Pack $90
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Dakine Hot Laps 5L Waist Pack with Hydration
The largest of the three hydration waist packs in this review, the Dakine Hot Laps 5L pack is also the most fully-featured. It’s also our top pick for a waist pack that’s sized for an all-day adventure.
The All-Day Adventure Pick
Despite its Hot Laps name, it has more storage than I need for a few quick hot laps. From its two-liter hydration bladder to its roomy main compartment, it’s sized for full-day rides and foul weather days when you need space for bulkier layers.
The overall build of the Dakine Hot Laps 5L pack is heavier and more padded than the Osprey or Patagonia waist packs. This is partly because it’s bigger and designed to hold more weight and volume than the others. That said, the waist belt could likely be slimmed down a bit.
Roomy Storage
What sets the Dakine Hot Laps 5L waist pack apart is a separate compartment from the water bladder. The design leaves the main body uncluttered and easy to access. The bladder offers a full two-liter capacity, which is the equivalent of almost three large water bottles (70 vs 78oz).
Multiple smaller pockets help organize your stuff in the main compartment. There are straps for a small pump and secure storage for keys, cards and cash. There’s also a hip belt pocket for quick access to a bar, sunscreen or a smaller-sized phone.
On the outside, a pair of adjustable straps let you strap on a bulky layer or a set of pads. Like the Osprey, the hydration line uses a magnetic connection to keep the bite valve within reach.
Whether you have ambitions for full-day rides or want to ensure you have all the right stuff for the ride, the Dakine Hot Laps 5L waist pack has the extra space needed for longer rides and deeper adventures.
Dakine Hot Laps 5L Waist Pack $89
Read more of our adventure gravel and mountain bike gear reviews
Are you thinking about a hydration vest pack? Check out our Camelbak Chase Hydration Vest Review
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