Whirlpool 3.5L Hip Pack - Custom
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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).
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)
After getting frustrated with my old Osprey hip pack constantly coming loose, feeling cramped for space, and just not performing the way I needed, I decided to upgrade to the Whirlpool 3.5L Hip Pack after many friends have mentioned how much better it was.
I'm using it with my 1.5L Osprey bladder, and it fits perfectly. The roll-top closure makes it super easy to load up, especially when I’m packing it full of snacks for longer rides. It’s incredibly comfortable, fits securely on my hips (I’m 5'11" and about 225 lbs), and keeps the weight snug against my lower back rather than sagging over the rear wheel — which really helps minimize bouncing on rough trails.
Overall, it’s a huge upgrade in both comfort and functionality. Highly recommend it if you're looking for a better ride experience!
I got a full custom Whirlpool, and it's excellent! The wings are well designed, bottle holder integration is solid, it's spacious, well built, and looks awesome!
I was a little nervous about selecting a good color combination. I reached out and got some guidance from the San Util Design team on what potential color combinations they thought would be good. This level of personal service helped me feel confident I was buying a good quality product from a group of people passionate about what they sell and care that their customers are happy with what they order.
After the bag arrived I was stoked. I've only gotten to take it on a few rides now but here's what I can tell you about it so far.
The Space? Phenomenal. Much more space overall than my old Fox waist pack. I was constantly struggling to figure out how to carry along a set of pants and a jacket/sweatshirt for those chilly mornings that turn into scorching afternoons.
The Weight? This bag is light compared to my old bag, and offers overall more space for storage but can also be more compact when not loaded up with stuff. Win-win in my book.
The Color Combo: I'm in love with this color combination. It's a great mix of fun but not overly shouty. Someday I hope to justify buying some bags in a similar colorway to complete my set.
The Organization: Inside the bag is three open topped pouches for organizing stuff, as well as a place to hold your keys and hang your 1.5L bladder. When you spin the bag around while attached to your waist the pouches are perfectly positioned for grabbing things you've stored in them. It was surprisingly ergonomic. I don't know why but it just felt so smooth and functional.
The Bottle Holsters? Actually a secret star of this bag (sold separately). I have a single bottle holder on my Fox bag and every time I pull the bottle out of it, I have to really fight to get it back inside. Usually having to stop and use both hands to shove it back in there. With the bottle holsters, it's possible to pull the bottle out, drink, and return while riding or while just sitting without any hassle at all. I really didn't know what to think of these when ordering but I am sold on their functionality.
The Price: I won't lie, it is expensive. But the product feels quality and I don't regret my purchase even a little bit. If you are reading these reviews thinking "idk will it be worth it?" In my opinion, yes.
Things to consider:
- This bag has some organization pouches on the inside, and a place to hang your keys, but one thing that I found that I missed about my Fox bag, was a zippered pouch where I could store a few things "high and tight" if you will. Like my air pods case for example. I don't want it just bouncing around in one of the pouches with my tools / whatever else I'm carrying. It's not a huge deal, but I would've loved a place where I could zip it up away from other stuff.
- This bag is designed to support a 1.5L bladder, I have a 2L bladder that I'm able to hang in the planned location, it's a little tight but it fits. However, there's no divider or anything between where the bladder hangs and the interior of the bag. This makes me nervous that my keys or something are going to puncture the bag. So I've yet to run a bladder in the bag. I would love it if there was just a thin piece of cloth or something to separate the bladder from the rest of the interior to give me that little bit of confidence that I won't puncture it with something in the bag when I'm stuffing a sweatshirt into the bag or something.
- I noticed some yellow marker marks behind where the webbing is attached. I'm thinking this was used to line up where the webbing goes. No one can see it unless you are staring at the bag from an inch away. I'm hoping it will fade away in time. But ultimately it doesn't affect anything and I doubt anyone but me will ever notice.
Regrets? None.
Buy with confidence. It's a good quality bag that you can make yours with a little flair instead of the same old colors and logos at every bike shop up and down the front range.
I love the quality materials, functional design and craftsmanship. The ability to expand the capacity with the roll top is nice for when you want to bring a light jacket. The waist belt is super comfortable. Just added a bottle holster for longer rides.
First, the staff is great. I was in a situation where I wanted to order a bag but was bound by time. Contacted San Util and they prioritized my order and it arrived on time. Thanks!
The bag, well built and all features work as expected. A little smaller than I expected but it works as advertised. Use the bladder suggested, other bladders work with a little finagling but the HydraPak fit perfect. The waist strap is a little smaller than other brands but works fine.
The bag will be in my rotation and will get used regularly.
Hand Made Small Batch
All San Util Packs are made my our small team of seamstresses and seamsters (bet you didn't know we were called that) in our Winter Park facility. Come check out the showroom and watch the process of bags being manufactured in the USA.
Art Collabs
Over the past couple years, we have had the pleasure of working with local artists on some art collabs. We get the art printed on the same outdoor tech fabric that we sew our normal bags out of.
Water resistance
All of our fabrics are water proof with the exception of waxed canvas. Because our bags are sewn, non of them are fully waterproof (albeit very very water resistant).
Hand Made Small Batch
All San Util Packs are made my our small team of seamstresses and seamsters (bet you didn't know we were called that) in our Winter Park facility. Come check out the showroom and watch the process of bags being manufactured in the USA.
Art Collabs
Over the past couple years, we have had the pleasure of working with local artists on some art collabs. We get the art printed on the same outdoor tech fabric that we sew our normal bags out of.
Water resistance
All of our fabrics are water proof with the exception of waxed canvas. Because our bags are sewn, non of them are fully waterproof (albeit very very water resistant).