Mystery Ranch

Hip Monkey 8L Lumbar Pack

Too small.

The Hip Monkey is too small for my needs. It would be great for someone to use for walking around a park. For any hikes beyond a modest distance, though, I can only fit a regular sized water bottle and small first aid kit. Nothing else will fit, like a long sleeve shirt. Disappointing.

If the term EDC was a bag.

I love them so much. I bought a second one! My first one I bought, I used it for everything from day hikes, kayaking, everyday adventures. I loved it so much that I ended up making it my tool bag for work. I beat the heck out of it at work everyday carrying all my tools that I needed for my job for 3 years. It looked awful but still held up great. I threw it in the washing machine and it came out looking like brand spanking new!! I said. Shazam!! This thing is indestructible. So I went and purchased a second one. The first one I had bought is yellow and I love it to death. I bought a red one that I can carry around when. I don't want to draw too much attention to my pack. It's so versatile as a shoulder bag and hip bag. You would be amazed about how many things you can put in it and it carries the weight wonderfully! I highly recommend this bag.

LOTS of room

I routinely use this hip pack to hold equipment while BASE jumping. The design allows me to hold gear in a convenient and safe location while jumping, but provides massive pack volume which I can use for medical and communications equipment that will make a huge difference in case of an emergency. Huge fan!

BIG !

this is my second hip monkey. the first one lasted for ever. i use them over the shoulder. and the monkey holds a everything and more of things that i need for errands and such.

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.