The Ultimate Hip Pack? Dakine Hot Laps 5L Review

[@CRM08]

Thank you for this video. I purchased a bum bag after watching this & have been loving it for commuting and day trips.

[@kribinsky]

Love my hotlaps 5! The 2 straps on the bottom hold a jacket perfectly.

[@JohnMFlores]

I've recently joined the Bikepacking Collective because of great videos like this and a great website. Looking forward to my first print issue!

[@johnreed9435]

I love pumps and items like a pump. Bought a Dakine based on your review!

[@jfreestacy]

It's perfect for bike commuting!!! Love it especially as I have three different bikes including a folding bike. Thanks for in depth review. Cheers

[@biketestreviews]

I love it! I prefer the 2L version which we recently reviewed on our channel :)

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

Do you enjoy our videos, routes, and articles? Help sustain this resource by joining the Bikepacking Collective: bikepacking.com/join/?...

[@bsmithhammer]

Just today I decided to retire my old Hot Laps 5L which served me well for the last 4 years. The new version has a bunch of smart upgrades, like the offset buckle and magnet retainer for the hose, that's convinced me it's time.

[@christianhang]

Had the Dakine Hot Laps on my current 700km trip through Germany. Fits well, no problems at all. Only one negative point, cleaning of the bladder is very difficult.

[@rvnmedic2709]

Thanks so much for this wonderfully complete review. I've been going back and forth: backpack vs hip. You helped me decide. Definately hip-pack!

[@gustavopolo8690]

excellent review, I'm just looking for a fanny pack to carry my z6 camera with 24-70 and I saw that your camera is very similar, your video is very helpful. Thank you

[@yumyumhungry]

Tempted to mail myself one of these to New Mexico for that section of the GDMBR

[@michaelsturgeon5210]

I use the smaller 1 & 1.5 ltr hot laps and there great .the water bottle holder is really useful for obvious a extra water bottle or a packed down coat .

[@platypushatstand]

I’ve previously used a TNF Day Hiker (14 litres) in the ‘90s for mtbing as the outer bottle pockets could take 2x 1 litre Sigg bottles, the inner had a key clip in a 2-way zipped outer pocket with plenty of room for a phone, big main 2-way zipped pocket for extra layers, double outer daisy chains, two outer straps o attach bulky stuff and a compression strap on either side for stability, plus it was circa £30 (vfm).

[@blandyroo]

wow - great review!

[@edoardofrezet6671]

thanks for the review Neil! the Hot Laps was on ballot against Evoc 7L, and I eventually ended up with the latter because of the larger volume - it's perfect for my whole camera kit. But I see the two are very similar in many aspects.

[@ocbyn]

Great review. Made me buy mine. Thanks.

[@njcranes]

I have an old Kelty Juant (12L) and Mountainsmith 8L that I use depending on the items I need to carry. Definitely makes things a little easier

[@KeepSmilingAdventures]

Do you think a dji spark drone and controller would fit it that 5 liter version ?

[@edwardgomez3633]

Great review as always. Don’t know if your familiar with the Source brand, but love your opinion on the Source Hipster hydration pack.

[@DJDJ808]

I'll have to try the Dakine 5L. I was lacking accessible storage on the Tour Divide and getting tired of wearing my one cycling jersey (with rear pockets). I bought an Osprey 6L and mailed the hydration home. The 6L actually held less than my bike jersey pockets which easily fit 1) water bottle, 2) rolled up rain jacket, 3) bag of Fritos. The Osprey 6L could only hold two of those items, and the zipper would barely close. So I estimate a bike jersey can carry "8L" in volume, in relation to the Osprey 6L. Then again, Neil fit a DSLR + other stuff in the Dakine 5L, so perhaps the way each mfg calculates volume is different? Guess you just have to try it. Now that I am home, I've doubled down on an old favorite and bought a new Mountainsmith Tour 9L. Some may think it's too big, but I would just put less stuff in it. To me, it feels the same on my lumbar as a jersey with kinda full pockets, and I like the two stretchy bottle pockets since you can stuff them with anything while riding.

[@johnshannon]

Nice review, Neil!

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

Thanks John!

[@lebanc571]

I quite like this bag. The only issue I have is that as I consume water the hip bag gets looser and I'm constantly tightening the hip strap. I don't think there's any way to solve this issue though so it's a minor problem.

[@outbackwack368]

I've been using a Camelbak Repack 4L for years and recently received the Dakine Hot Laps thanks to you! My initial impression is that I have to reach way too far to the left to unhook the hose. I also ordered the Osprey in-line quick connect for it since it did not come with a quick-disconnect and the Osprey adapter cost way less than the Plug-n-Play kit for the Dakine. Do you have to keep cinching it as the water gets used? The Camelbak does... Thanks!!! Oh, and I only paid $45 for it :-)

[@thecappy]

Bought one during the REI sale. Little snug for a fat guy but it works.

[@ArisaemaDracontium]

Finally a hip pact that carries a full 2 liters. Until now I’ve felt like these Fanny packs were pretty pointless. This one seems like it could in-fact be useful.

[@gabrielmarias972]

Hi! Can i ask what model and size of apidura handlebar do you use? For gravel have space for the hands in the centre upper position? and if for mtb moves too much? Thx

[@MrKimberr]

The Seeker 6L is worth it over this bag. The bladder and tube has a quick connect that makes cleaning and filling much easier. The material is also more waterproof.

[@outbackwack368]

I paid $45 for the 5L, so I could buy 2 and have 10L for the price of the Seeker :-)

[@MrKimberr]

@@outbackwack368 You going to wear both at the same time?? Lol. Sometimes spending more for a better product is worth it. I've been using it several times a week so i will pay for more efficiency.

[@outbackwack368]

@@MrKimberr Hey, that may yet come back in style! lol

[@outdoorsykelpiepilot4301]

Do you know if the 3 Liter hydration bladder will fit in this pack?

[@LandcruiserNomade]

nice movie my friend

[@bbobcats1]

i've been back and forth on trying a hip pack but i don't see why a frame bag can't do the same thing. carries as much or as little as you want and is lower on the bike. am i missing something?

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

It’s nice additional cargo space for bikepacking trips, or in my case the safest spot for my camera on day rides. But I understand your point, it can be replace by a frame bag.

[@Al_Fresco]

No camera protections?!! 😱😱😱 Do you use any padded inserts in the bag?

[@14DAVEYO]

I like it but I'm looking for something a little smaller anything you recommend?

[@phorest]

He did recommend the smaller Dakine Hot Laps 2L towards the end of the vid.

[@margaretcassidy3280]

I cannot figure out how to open the 2L bag to fill it

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

Slide it sideways.

[@javtm3222]

Hi may I know what is the transparent tube ?

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

I think you are talking about the hydration hose?

[@javtm3222]

@@BIKEPACKINGcom oh sorry I meant the transparent inner tube😅

[@phorest]

@@BIKEPACKINGcom Jav means the translucent inner tube in the pack. Similar to a Tubolito, but white/clear. I was also wondering...

[@n8omg]

That sounds like Fugazi in the background music.

[@SnootchieBootchies27]

Man, if only there was bag that kept the hydration hose in a convenient place, like up on the shoulder...

[@TK-mv6sq]

Is this waterproof?

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

No, it's not. It does have a DWR finish on the fabric, but it contains zippers that are not waterproof, so it's only resistant to water.

[@TK-mv6sq]

@@BIKEPACKINGcom thank you!

[@spugh89]

Anyone used this on a motorcycle? Looking for a day pack that is easy on the back

[@effyleven]

When I ride a bike I let my bike carry ALL my stuff. The whole point is to not carry any extra weight on the body.

[@jameshuggins4300]

😆 yeah im already carrying a little too much extra weight!!

[@Stu-ky5ut]

This is true for gravel road trips but not on technical trail, especially if riding a dually.

[@jimbojet8728]

@@Stu-ky5ut I only carry one or two items on me, in my jersey pocket. Usually things I stuff away as I’m riding or my phone or a small money purse. Nothing else! Everything is carried by my bike, I am the engine and need to be able to move freely and easily. Each to his own though

[@calcagnolibero]

100% agreed.

[@bsmithhammer]

As with most blanket statements, that's true SOME of the time.

[@PJSinohin]

Modern uncle packs.

[@GravelBikedesSavoie]

Hum je n'aime pas trop les hip pack. Ca gêne mon pilotage :( Pour transporter mes affaires je préfère ma tenue Escape Sportful dotée d'une multitude de poches + une mini sacoche de selle + un bidon porte-outils sous le cadre :)

[@kdstoffel7574]

Hip pack...? HIP PACK !?!! WTF. That’s the same *fanny pack* that got my grandma laughed outta her Jazzercise class.

[@phorest]

The colours make ALL the difference!

[@Penguinchubb0]

These are more organized. I would wear this any day over a Fanny pack.

[@sharkmentality9717]

I take a "black" permanent marker and attempt to write over manufacturer's labels. Advertizing Dakine on the hip pack eliminates my interest.

[@nicojar]

Trying to sell you this shit bag straight from the 80s-90s. Unpractical around the waist, when you're cycling more than 20 miles you don't want anything around the waist or on the back. Those who know it will know it. ;)

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

So much negativity Nicolas. If you truly hate the bag, after trying it for multiple rides of 20+ miles, I get it, but based on your comment, you just don’t like anything on your back and you will stand by that even without trying a product. This product and the hip pack in general is a great place for extra storage like I mentioned in the video.

[@nicojar]

​@@BIKEPACKINGcom Still doesn't make the product you endorse a good product, for aforementioned reasons. "So much negativity" is called "factual" for other people. I am well aware that you want to sell this product, but you don't need to get personal, kid. I'm sorry to break it to you, but not everything is equal, not everything is equally good, not all the products you endorse without critical mind is going to be good, and this one isn't. That's just the way it is. Need extra storage? Find a way to make your bike carry it. You'll find the reason on your own website, written by one of your writers. ;)

[@andreybatashov2183]

In regions where it is smart to carry your most precious belongings (passport, camera etc) with you everywhere, a hip pack is ideal. Say you need to leave the bike at the entrance of an abroad village shop to go inside and buy stuff. Leaving all of your important stuff ON the bike is screaming for a disaster. For me, riding with a hip bag on long multi-day rides was a nice revelation. I am using not a Dakine by the way ;) As a big bulky guy, I found that addutional shoulder strap on a a hip bag improves usability.

[@outbackwack368]

@@nicojar If you don't like anything like this, why the hell are you watching the vid and offering your useless feedback? Stop trolling and go ride your Huffy...

[@AdamDempsey]

You sound like a fun person. I personally prefer nothing on my back or waist but bikepack with many that do. To each there own.