ABOUT THE PACK:
The Whirlpool Hip Pack - is the pack we wanted to be on the market but couldn’t find. It is an overstuff-able design without any zippers to blow out, sturdy seams and lot of carrying options. A removable bladder / sleeve and bottle holsters lend to about 100oz of water carrying capacity (think the Whole Enchilada, Palisade Plunge, or pretty much any big enduro race). It was designed with stability, comfort, and simplicity front of mind. The name was picked because the pack is a water carrying machine and is a roll top closure, hence, The Whirlpool. Its wings are designed with as much area as we could get to help distribute the heavy water load. They are sewn in at two points per wing to give them the flexibility to move to the body of the rider. We also tilted the wings up some so the pack sits lower on the back. This helps when in a riding position, keeping the waist belt low. The daisy chain webbing on the back is the perfect spot to strap a coat, carabiner you coffee mug, or clip some sunscreen. You can also put the arms of your sunglasses through the webbing if you need a place to let them air out.
COLORS!!!
Primary color is the main section of the pack. Secondary is the bottom (where the straps are) and the wings under the drop pockets. Webbing is the webbing... Check out our super sophisticated drawing to see what colors go where.
SIZING AND CONFIGURATION:
We offer the Whirlpool in 4 different configurations. We are only releasing these three pack colors but customers can choose from 3 main buckle types as a custom option (side release, Fidlock, Cobra).
DETAILS
Volume: 3.5L - 5L (if you over stuff).
All the options are added "a la carte" for "the race" you will need to add the base pack and pick colors as well as a Hydrapak.
The Base - Standard haul all roll top hip pack.
Weight: 335g
The Race - Best for a day where you need water and some food / maybe knee pads or a chin bar, but don’t need much space past that.
W/ 1.5L bladder and removable sleeve
Weight: 488g
The Alpine - Best for days where you need water, but also the maximum internal space for coats, medical kits, food and anything else you might need on a big, cooler, alpine day.
W/ 2 bottle holsters
Weight: 422g
The Bikepacker - For the days where water capacity is the most important trait for a hip pack.
W/ 2 bottle holsters, 1.5L bladder, and utility cord for daisy chain -
Weight: 575g
- If you want bottle holsters, add and customize them separately.
- If you want a bladder and sleeve, add to the cart separately.
- All packs ship standard with a side release buckle. If you want a Fidlock or Cobra Buckle, add them to your cart separately and we will swap them out for you.
I'm still in the early days of its use, but Adam's claims about the pack - that it stays in place very securely, the large size and its stuffability - seem to hold water (incredibly lame pun only sort of intended). San Util seems to have had success creating something that distributes weight vertically - adding weight seems to weight the pack downward without making it want to pull away from my back. I have yet to see anything that would make me think the pack is prone to wear or any type of damage. Actually, quite the opposite: most of the time, this pack'll never experience the type of use that would take a toll. I'm 99% sure it would be just fine after being run over by a truck, and that remaining 1% is only because there's a chance the Fidlock closure or waist buckle could be crushed if the truck hit them just right. - Alicia Leggett (Pinkbike)
The amount of water this pack can comfortably carry alone makes it worth it to me. One major benefit is freeing up more room in a frame bag for food and supplies since the water weight isn’t a deal breaker on the lower back. My Whirlpool will be a go-to piece of gear on my upcoming adventures, and its simple design makes for a straightforward and worry-free experience. Fill up the bladder, toss in the items you want, stuff in an extra layer for good measure, and head out the door. - Josh Hicks (Bikepacking.com)
