Help picking a hip bag/fanny pack
 

So I've been mulling over some thoughts in my head of late about hip bags. I think I definitely want one-- so I can tote around my mini-U and some other useful things without the summer sweaty back.

I had a person or two who i contacted about making a bag-- but I may not have the time since my lease is up june 1st and I will be out of this town (and who knows where) in the very near future... thus I might turn to the ready made bag to get a quick fix.

I've been comparing the Zugster/ReLoad/ChicagoWIG/Sea Gull one and have finally favored the Chicago one above others because the U-Lock is on the outside (which eliminates a metal bulky metal thing butting up against your hip... and could potentially reduce damage the U-Lock causes if you fall ON the hip bag/fanny pack.)

The only thing that I'm hesitant about with the WIG bag is its tapered shape. Anyone have this and compared it to the Sea Gull's or reLoad's bag? I like the traditional / more rectangular shape... and the aesthetics. but in the end it's the practicality of the bag shape/stowage space that makes me hesitate with the WIG. Also-- is the WIG pack comfy on your hip and not just the small of your back?


People have also been throwing freight in the mix-- but is there a page I can visit?

links for WIG:
http://www.fixedgeargallery.com/revi...wig/index.html
http://web.mac.com/chicagowig/iWeb/w...20sack%20.html

links for reload (scroll down):
http://reloadbags.com/bags/list.php?t=accessories

seagull:
http://www.fixedgeargallery.com/revi...pbags/seagull/

Thanks in advance for your advice/time.

I'm having this same debate right now, but have basically narrowed it down to RELoad and Wig. There are some really clever ideas in the Wig bag, but I too, balk at the tapered shape. My thinking is that if you had something long and skinny though (bottle of beer, mini-pump, *****, etc.) you could kind of lay it along one side of the bag and then put stuff in on top of that (unless it's a fragile *****).

Mike Arena made a nice hip-pouch for me as a gift for my gf (no pics unfortunately), I'd recommend him at the drop of a hat.

NOTE: The Chicago Wig bag has changed since FGG's review. It now comes with flap velcro as well as a wider, removable belt.

I own both the RELoad and Chicago Wig bags. They both have advantages and drawbacks but, overall, I still like the Chicago Wig bag more. The RELoad is wider and the Wig bag is deeper. I can fit the same amount in each. That is my 4' Kryptonite security cable, seat security cable, wallet, cellphone, iPod, keys, and U-lock. The Wig bag is more comfortable and, for what I pack, fits the contents better. It's also more secure as the RELoad bag just uses a weakish velcro to hold the top closed and the Wig bag has both velcro and clips to hold it shut. I had posted side-by-side photos of both in a previous hip-bag thread.

That said, the RELoad bag's adjustable rear loop that holds the lock against your hip is not uncomfortable. I was skeptical but it works... and works with any sized U-lock except the extra-wide mountain bike locks but I doubt anyone here uses those. The Chicago Wig U-lock holder ONLY fits mini U-locks because it's not that deep. If you have a standard sized U-lock, you can still fit it between the belt, belt loops, and back of the bag kind of like the RELoad. It's hard to describe but it works, is secure, but the bag isn't designed for that so don't hold me responsible if it results in damage to the bag if you do it. For me, this is a big deal and the main reason I don't ride with the Wig bag much yet... I have a full sized Onguard Bulldog lock that won't fit in its lock pocket. I need to find out if the pocket will fit a Fahgettaboudit lock....

But the RELoad is like a mini messenger bag in shape and design. It even has the waterproof plastic lining inside. The Wig bag isn't the traditional messenger bag shape but that makes it a bit more comfortable and secure when riding and it fits the same amount.. afterall, it ISN'T a messenger bag. The lower half of the Wig bag is semi-reflective material as well which is kind of cool.

EDIT: here we go:

http://i14.tinypic.com/4ti7ct1.jpg
http://i15.tinypic.com/4y5eddf.jpg

I have the Chrome Hipbone. It's not as wide as the reload but it is much longer. The reload is modelled after a messenger bag, the hipbone is modelled after a messenger backpack. The u-lock holder is a pocket so the u-lock is enclosed. However this also means that it pretty much only fits a mini-u-lock.

The bag itself is pretty nice. I don't have a reload or wig, but it looks like the Chrome can hold a lot more. I can fit a topeak mini-morph, patch kit, tube, wrench, multitool, lights and a pen with space to spare (enough extra space for wallet and phone or a camera).

My only complaint is that it hangs too low. It's not a problem while riding, but it makes sitting in a normal chair a little uncomfortable.

Love my Zugster hip bag, he does lots of custom stuff, I'm sure he could do a strap on the outside for the lock.

Another one for the Zugster. He added the custom stuff I wanted no problem.

i have a medium mountainsmith lumbar pack. it's got two waterbottle holders - one on each side. i can strap a sweater, down vest, or windbreaker to the bungee cords on the outside, carry patchkit, a book, wallet/phone/keys/camera in it. that's packing heavy.

i can take it to work, too - carry my lunch, wallet, keys, phone.

the pros are that it suits all of my needs like woah. the cons are.... um. less cool?

I have to give a recommendation for an Arena hip pouch. He made mine and it's swell. Good construction, good design. Nice guy.