Retrogression Henchman Review
 

This pack has been a good friend of mine for the last month or so. Basically, it's just plain useful, integrated tool holder doodads, separated felt lined pocket for your fragile electronics, u-lock holster. All the essentials for a good price, handmade in the USA.

I fit two 12oz glass bottles of Reed's Ginger Brew in this thing along with my wallet, it looked a little janky but it worked. Sometimes I use it in conjunction with my Timbuk2 Magnum if I want to keep it light, but still have a nice supply of snacks. If you want to tear around town on your bike and keep your wallet, phone, and keys safe/close at hand, the Henchman is a good option.

I have given Scrod some good suggestions which you may see in the future, I'll keep you guessing for now. One thing I'd like to see(you can input your thoughts as well) is reflective, maybe a light loop, and an interior of lighter colored fabric. I love this damn thing and I use it almost every day, support Scrod and Angie!

http://www.retro-gression.com/product/henchman-hip-bag

Thanks for the review, I've been looking into picking up a new hip bag to replace my tiny Knog bag, this may just be what I need.

It would be cool if there were a little adjustable velcro loop something on the side to hold a pump. Plenty of people ride about with Road Morphs, but I for one don't like the frame mount, and have to carry them in a backpack

Pic of it on?

You can always customize it yourself somewhat quick and easily if you're crafty.... 10 min tops.

That's a great idea.

yummy: I'll get someone to take a photo of it on me soon.

henchman looks cool...haven't seen before.

i just bought archive's tool pack...wanted something small for basic stuff (tube, tool, patch, levers, phone, key).

I'm thinking about getting a hip pack so I can ride my bike this summer (I frequent a place that's 12 miles each way a couple times a week) and stuff a change of boxers and t-shirt without carrying a bag. Gas is just too expensive!

A velcro loop or two on one side for a mini pump is a great idea. Because I always carry c02 cartridges, I totally didn't even think of it. I can also see where having a lighter color interior makes a lot of sense, as there have been times I've been digging around inside for something and had a difficult time because it's so dark.

We're currently making another batch of these so you may see a few minor adjustments surface in the near future. We're also thinking of making a second version that will be a little wider in addition to the original.

Thanks for the review/input! :D

I would love to ride with something that small, I just can't go anywhere without my notebook, speakers and a change of clothes though.

Make it big enough for a 3 pack of tall boys.

It will most likely be around that size. Three tall boys and an ice pack. :lol:

My blicks hip pouch may be replaced shortly...All the space I'll ever need for summer riding.

i love the henchman pack. keep my multitool, a tube, and my light at least in it. then it usually has room for a gatorade or some other refreshment. i shopped around a while for a reasonably priced hip bag with a u lock holster, and scrod tooootally delivered with it.

i love rocking retrogression swaaag

I'm a kitchen-sink kind of guy. Belt and suspenders, condom and sponge, beer and a shot. If I have one flaw (and I only have one flaw), it's that I over-prepare. That said, I started getting really sick of carrying around a giant backpack when all I need are my essentials. That's why I bought a Henchman.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3361/...80386903_z.jpg

I'm a big guy. 5'11", 245 lbs. Most cycling gear simply doesn't fit properly. Using velcro to adjust the length of the belt helps me immensely, because I can let this thing all the way out and I've still got enough velcro on the end to give me a secure fit.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3178/...9d315a90_z.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2574/...459d19e4_z.jpg

I've filled this bag to near capacity. When full, it's about 4" thick, which is still slim enough for me to fit under a windbreaker. The cell phone is protected by a felt-lined pouch, which also helps to keep it easily accessible for emergency no-hand track stand text messages.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3657/...7a9c47d9_z.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3374/...a73a5c26_z.jpg

Dat azz.

So, how much crap can you fit in one of these things?

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2722/...50fa2edc_z.jpg

Clif bar, patch kit, short adjustable wrench, two CO2 canisters, CO2 inflator, Crank Bros. m17, Sharpie (which fits in a convenient pen slot!), tire levers, spare tube, flashlight w/mount, blinky, bottle of Advil (because I'm old), wallet, cell phone, keys, scratch pad. I also carry my sunglasses and house keys(not pictured). The nice thing about stuffing a pack like this is that I don't have to worry about crap shifting around.

There are really only two changes I would like to see. I wish the interior was covered in material with a lighter color, because it can be hard to see in there. I'd also love it if the 2nd pen slot was a little wider, which would make it perfect to slide a Trixie into.

Scrod sells a quality product. There were no loose threads, screwed up hems, or any other defects to be found on the bag. You can tell that a lot of thought has gone into the design of this bag.

I am anxiously awaiting the next batch of bags.

Do you have the option of using a regular belt looped through the bag, or can you only use it with the belt provided?

Right on. It figures the bags are getting a bunch of attention when we're sold out! They'll be back in stock soon and this batch is moving a little faster now that we're not stitching everything on one sewing machine.

You can use your own belt. I just wasn't fond of having to partially remove my actual belt to take the bag off so we decided to include a separate one.

striknein - those pics are great and I'm glad you're digging the bag. Thanks for posting!

the modifications you're talking about make the bag a must buy for me. let us know when you get them!

Do you think the bag could hold a t-shirt, set of boxers, pair of socks, and a deodorant stick?

Most likely. I'll check using my bag when I get home today.

well this is just great...i have seen other hip bags and thought they were ********...i used to rock one back in the 80's when i was skateboarding, anyone remember Vision street wear? ne way, after reading a couple reviews and seeing these pics ill be damned if i NEED one now...so, thanks once again to everyone in this post for convincing me of yet ANOTHER product i just can't live w/ out...hope a restock comes soon!

Sorry to necro-post but I'm in the market for a hip bag. Sweaty back syndrome with the messenger bag is not so sweet when riding around town.

To the people that have owned this for a while: how do you like it now, after owning it for a while?

To Scrod: Is there still a v2 coming out with a pump holder? May I suggest a slot to clip a light to as well?

booo I thought this was going to be a new thread because the bags were back in stock

edit: which is why I bumped it again of course

i like the idea of a light loop, also maybe a floating liner for quick cleaning?

i have a hip pouch like the henchman and but i wish it had a light loop