Mystery Ranch

Hip Monkey 8L Lumbar Pack

Exactly What I was Looking For

I have been using MR products professionally and personally for many years. I needed a small pack to carry medical supplies on a rotor wing air ambo, as I didn’t want to weigh down my flight suit. This pack is the perfect size for those frequently used items, and the structure of the back (which is removable) is perfect for use as a sling. Thank you MR for coming through again, whether it be fire, medical, or off duty use!

Great every day use bag?

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

I bought this bag a month ago because I needed something for work that was smaller than a full sized messenger/lap top bag and larger than one of the Hip Monkey Mystery Ranch waist bags. I often find my carrying too many items if I have the space to do so. The Mystery Ranch Indie is perfect for bringing along with me just what I need for work - a 7 X 6 sketchbook, a 16 oz tumbler, a sandwich, my headphones, chargers, and a pencil case.. and that is just the main compartment. The outside pockets are good for stashing my wallet, my phone, pocket knife and several M95 masks. My only complaint is I wish the strap was a bit wider (it’s 1 1/2 in, I would’ve liked it to have been 2 in), but the length works just fine.

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.

Everything I wanted it to be and more!

I debated purchasing this bag for a few years. I constantly rotate bags for work, biking around, fly fishing, and hiking around. This bag is sleek enough I love wearing it with just a few small things OR I can pack with a ton of stuff. I frequently carry a sweater, windbreaker, water bottle, nitecore battery pack, and other small items. Would for sure recommend!

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!