hip bag preferences
 

Seagull? Chrome? RELoad? I can't find Seagull or RELoad at any stores around here, so I can't try 'em on. Here are my needs:

1. Size: I'm not keeping tools in it. Those go in my regular bag, and this is really only for quick rides around town. I'd like it big enough to be able to carry... a book? Maybe that's not going to happen. I dunno, the Seagull just seems small. Minimum would be phone, keys (got a big 'ole janitor ring), inhaler, sunglasses/case, and of course mini-lock.

2. How high above my belt it sits. This sounds funny, but I'm short, and if I'm wearing it with my bag, I'm wondering if it's gonna bump up against my large Chrome bag if it's on my back-right side (messenger bag is on my right shoulder).

3. All-day wearability. Can I rock this all day? Will it make sitting in a chair (obviously without the lock) a pain? If it's on the heavy side, am I gonna feel lopsided after a while? I worked construction for a long time, and learned the hard way what happens when you wear a single tool pouch without suspenders on your side. Clearly it's not gonna be nearly that heavy, but... backs are sensitive, ya' know?

4. Anything else I'm not thinking of?

i have a chrome hip pouch, and it can probably cater to your needs. i barely use mine (got it for free, anyway), but here's what ive gathered...

1: check. all that stuff should fit. (maybe not the book, depends on how big a book)

2: not a lot, and i dont think it'll be an issue. but then again, im a lanky giant. regardless, if its an issue while wearing your bag, you can put it in the bag...

3: seems light enough. of course, it depends on what you put in it, but if wearing your u-lock on your hip/back pocket isnt an issue, this isnt loads heavier.

4: i cant speak of the reload or seagull, but the ulock holder is a mixed blessing. i use a NY lock/chain combo, so the holster is a moot point for me. my old roommate also got one, and his mini-bulldog (i think that was it) was a hair too tiny for the one-size-fits-all holster, and was in constant danger of slipping out. also, only comes in black.

the seagull looks comparable, but a bit more expensive, although it has the outboard d-ring for keys, and multiple (3) ways of holding a ulock. also seems to have the most "features" if you need em, and is color customizable.

the reload looks a tad bigger, and i dig the buckle closure with velcro (other two are velcro only). its also color customizable. however, least amount of features, and no holster.

for a bare-essentials kinda thing, the seagull seems most versatile. take my review worth a grain of salt, seeing as how i dont have one myself, but unless someone with a seagull comes along and says to not get one, id suggest the seagull.

I tried messenger bags but those were too uncomfortable to me... So I changed to normal styled backpack. Picked this guy up last time I was in Korea; $135. Yeah, its expensive for a tiny bag but it has lifetime warranty + its super durable and all waterprooof. I just carry tools, wallet, phone, spare tubes in it. :)
http://i.ysi.bz/Assets/25/279/L_p1004627925.jpg

Check out Blick bags. The owner is a member here, ask her for a quote.

Wait... you picked up what when you were in Korea -- the Blick?

Noooo, Thats not a Blick. The first part of my post was just about what I use. It seemt like he didn't need a bag that was too big, which was the same predicament I had.

and the second part of my post was what I'd recommend.

Timbuk 2 used to have a nice one but I feel that is long gone. It's and a little deeper and not as wide as the chome or Seagull....more like the Reload. Regardless I have worn a hip pack riding in Yokohama and it's large enough for a wallet, keys, and a either a normal paperback boo or the larger trade paperbacks along with an Ipod. I've also used it with my motorcycle leathers on long cross country trips to keep a few things accessible. In general the more you stuff into it the less comfortable it's gonna be when you sit down on anything but a bike seat

Check transient bags

no, its a european pelvis bag.

duuuuuude.....that just wrong

I don't think he can hear you.

http://pix.motivatedphotos.com/2009/...ANTHEARYOU.jpg

i have a transient bag. its great. hidden pocket really works. its soooper durable too.

I think you might be over-thinking this.

Messenger bags are great for actual "messenger-ing", but I found them to be just a big cavern for all of my stuff to get jumbled up when used for basic riding or commuting. Actually, I use my Chrome messenger bag more for a weekend bag for short trips than on my bike.

Remember, the main selling feature of the messenger bag is the ability to swing it around to the front to retrieve items quickly without the need to remove it. Personally, I don't have many (if any) situations like that. But, it's understandable that messengers do.

Basic backpacks are a really good option. They are:
- Relatively cheap compared to messenger bags
- Easy to find
- Come with a plethora of functional options
- Lots of colors
- Plus, you probably already own one!

People say that, "Backpacks suck because when leaning in the deep drops forward the bag rolls around on my back." To this, I say two things:
1) Tighten the straps of the backpack as you would a messenger bag
2) Choose a backpack with a waist strap and use it

the OP isn't looking for a big messenger bag nor is he looking for a backpack he's looking for something like this

http://www.seagullbags.com/hipbag/img/new.jpg

Blicks got a really nice hip bag/fanny pack, you might want to check out her site.

http://blicksbags.com/

God, I hope not.

Thank you for posting a pic of what we already knew the OP was looking for. Good work buddy.

yet carleton and squeegeesunny responded with something entirely too large

gettin' pretty heated up in here...

yes, i'm looking for something like xgecko posted, mostly because i'm a damn dirty hipster with pants that are too tight and look silly with my pockets all loaded up, but who simultaneously doesn't want to lug around a full size messenger bag or back pack because that'd be too big and would make my back all sweaty. i know i could get an osprey pack and that would keep my back dry, but that's more than i want to spend. anyway, thanks for your help everyone...

Why? Hip bags like that are really practical when you're only carrying around a few things and don't want to lug around a huge messenger bag or backpack.

Oh wait...guys don't use those on the track so they must be stupid. Nevermind.

Most hip pouches aren't much different then fanny packs imo... If you are willing to wear one there are plenty that aren't bike specific but would work well.

I want one of these, but they currently are not available in the states. :(

http://****************/wp-content/u...hip-pouch1.jpg
http://****************/2009/11/archi...sie-hip-pouch/

wow... that's AWESOME. good luck getting your tires up to a rideable psi with that pump tho... and actually about that: do those co2 cartridges work at all?

I really want that chrome U-lock!

Those little pumps are OK. 60 PSI is more than rideable and you can easily get that with compact pumps. Sure, you may like to ride at 95-120 PSI, but I always thought the point of the mini pump was just to get the bike pumped enough to get you home or to somewhere with a nicer pump.

I carry my repair kit in my messenger bag, but I also kind of find the messenger bag a bit much for most rides, but I end up riding with it just because it has my repair kit in it.

I am not hipster enough for hip bags. I think they look pretty good on girlies but they kind of look awkward on guys I think. Fanny packs fell out of men's fashion for a reason.

I am not really a fan of the under seat bag, I like the aesthetics of bikes quite a bit, and seat bags usually look a little strange. There are some nice, classy lookin' ones out there, but they are rare and usually pricy, and also usually leather.

I really like the look of those triangle bags you put between the Top Tube and Seat Tube but the fundamental problem with having my repair kit attached to my bike is that you leave the necessary tools to steal parts of your bike (at least the front wheel, seat and post, stem, handlebars, brake, and chainring [more for some people]) on the bike itself.

So I guess I am stuck with a messenger bag myself.

The C02 cartridges work, but if you mess up, you're SOL.

They work really well imo. I have a C02 inflator that doubles as a pump also, helps get that initial air in the tube to get it on the rim.

A trick so that you don't lose air between the C02 and the presta valve is a presta (schrader) valve adapter. Screw the presta valve adapter on, attach it to the C02 inflator and less troubles airing up.