Mystery Ranch

Hip Monkey 8L Lumbar Pack

Nice big fanny pack

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Size Bought:

8l

Height:

5' 6"

Weight:

135

Bought this for a trip to Wales where lots of walking was involved. Since them I’ve used it as a pack for small hikes and dog walking. Pros: It is roomy (it fit a packable rain layer, hat, small hydrapak stow, wallet, passport , phone and snacks with room to spare. The wide waist belt is comfortable and the cinch straps allow you to carry any size load without things flopping around. Offers hands free carrying with no strain on neck or shoulders. Well made with high quality zippers, pulls, straps and buckles. Cons: It comes with a stiff plastic shield that velcros into the back panel (against your back). Meant to give structure to the pack, I found it a nuisance and removed it, gaining more storage flexibility and comfort. Waist buckle is big and hard to open for my smaller hands. I have to fiddle with it. It’s not coming apart without effort. As others mention, the lack of strap retainers is annoying but it’s not hard to come up with a diy solution. Also, there is not a lot of internal organization which might be a con for some. I use small pouches to sort stuff so its open storage didn’t bother me. I like the pack (pebble color is great) and would purchase again.

Big size

Its pro and con is the size. I heard that it was going to be big but I didn't know it was that big. I want to buy another smaller bag in the future but as of now, this bag carrys my fullsize handgun comfortably. I love the quick strap adjustment feature.

Purpose

Not sure what the purpose of the bag is or how to use it. If I could return it I would, had it longer than 30 days due to being out of town.

Incredible Quality. Great size.

The only think I would recommend would be a strap tail management system. I bought the little Velcro things that you guys sell to do that, so it’s all good. It would be cool to see those sewn in more though. Tiny item of possible improvement. Amazing bag though!

Perfect size for quick day hikes

I have used the hip monkey for a full year and love it. It's the perfect size to fit all my essentials - first aid kit, water filtration, tech gadgets, etc. readily available without needing to carry a full back pack. The one thing I wish it had would be molle webbing on the side flaps to allow for mounting a water bottle holder on one side a small pouch on the other ... but I knew it didn't have that going in so not losing any stars over it. Great pack!

Good Little Bag

I bought this bag before traveling and it was a good daily pack for essentials. Nothing too crazy but a solid hip/crossbody bag.

Hip Monkey adventures

I bought this pouch/bag at Christmas for an upcoming Elk trip in New Mexico. As always, Mystery Ranch products are top notch. The materials, the zippers, webbing, and color choice are all great choices. I know I needed a new small carry pouch for my med kit and some other items. This fit the bill and will have years of service and memories. I could not be any happier. Thanks guys!

My new favorite

I bought this last month for a total upgrade. I commute on a bike daily to work and then to home, I had a small fanny pack, but I need a bigger one to store things with me. So, I stumbled across to this gem, it's so roomy that you can fit 6 packs in on a hot day. It's so comfortable that I can use it on my hip or over my shoulder. I recommend!

Pheasant hunting pack

Bought this to be able to carry the dogs first aid, out waters and a few odds and ends while still being able to move through dense brush chasing pheasants. It’s been perfect with some room to spare

Spacious

I bought this because my wife and I volunteer for different athletic competitions, as well as have two small children. This is awesome for carrying around our stuff during the competitions and when I need to keep snacks at the ready for the kiddos.