Review: Restrap Utility Hip Pack

This pack from Restrap is designed to be used both as a hip pack and a bar bag. As ever with multipurpose products, I wondered whether it would do either or both things well.

It’s a 6-litre bag made from waterproof material, with taped seams and a liner. A strap with a Fidlock buckle cinches down the roll-top closure. Mesh pockets either side of the main pack will fit bottles or snacks. When used as a hip pack, an extra strapping system ensures stuff in the pockets stays there.

Swapping between bar bag and hip pack functions is pretty simple. The padded waistband folds away back on itself, leaving you with two straps for the handlebar and a bungee cord for the head tube.

The material is genuinely waterproof, as well as easy to clean if it gets dirty. Fit is good too, both as a bar bag and a hip pack. I’ve had no issues with movement of the pack.

While it’s a decent size for ride spares, the main compartment doesn’t have any internal pockets. Everything is stuffed in together, which may or may not suit you. The strapping allows partly full loads to be cinched tight, helping stability.

In terms of price, you are paying not only for the quality of the material and for manufacture in Leeds but also Restrap’s guarantee and repair service. When you think in terms of years of usage, the price isn’t bad. And don’t forget Cycling UK members can claim a 10% discount.

Other bar bags or hip packs may have more features specific to one usage, but the Utility Hip Pack makes a decent fist of doing two different jobs. If the dual-use idea grabs you – perhaps because you want to keep valuables on your body when you’re off the bike – it’s worth a look.

Verdict

A versatile solution for carrying a reasonable amount of kit on shorter rides and day trips. The design is thoughtful, and the pack is weatherproof, well constructed and covered by a decent guarantee and repair service. If you need one bag for bike and body, this will do it.

Other options

Alpkit Gravel Bag £69.99

A 5-litre roll-top bag with side mesh pockets, similar in style to the Restrap but designed solely for bar use. Not totally waterproof.

CamelBak M.U.L.E. 5l Waist Pack with Crux 1.5l Lumbar Reservoir £89.99

A 5-litre hip pack with mesh pockets, this can be used with a hydration bladder or bottles. Not waterproof but does have plenty of pockets for organising kit.

First published in Cycle magazine, April/May 2026 issue. All information correct at time of publishing.