Thought i’d do a mini review on my latest purchase, a Dakine Hot Laps 2 which i purchased from Leisure Lakes, Cheltenham.
Purchased in pursuit of the holy grail of bum bags.
My favourite option for doorstep rides is an old Thomson stem bag filled with stuff & stowed in my cycle jersey rear pocket. This works a treat when wearing multiple layers as it reduces the bounce around effect, but with summer looming & only one layer of clothing being worn, this system isn’t ideal (plus my cycle jersey pockets are becoming sagged!).
I have bum bag history:
[url=https://flic.kr/p/2esLkRL]2019-04-17_11-50-24[/url] by martinddd, on Flickr
Ancient Power Bar bag: is now falling apart despite multiple restitching, can’t fit a big mobile phone into, worked a treat in its day.
Lowe Alpine, Mesa Runner: this is my second, i also owned one back in the early 90’s, its 6l so quite bit, no dedicated bottle carrier, has compression straps, two pockets, this one is thinning. Great bag, can be a muddle, cinches up well to avoid rattles, padded back.
Lowe Alpine, LiteFlight Hydro: Great bag, two pockets, two stash pockets, bottle in centre catches crud, two main pockets have no divider so stuff migrates when you put it on / off, contours well.
And onto the Dakine Hot Laps 2:
[url=https://flic.kr/p/2fyL9Hr]2019-04-17_11-52-03[/url] by martinddd, on Flickr
It has one fleece line phone pocket, 5 internal elasticated straps, 2 small pockets, 5 external webbing loops, stowable / deployable bottle holster. Approx 8″ internal width.
[url=https://flic.kr/p/24XaLn4]2019-04-17_11-52-40[/url] by martinddd, on Flickr
Could also fit my Blackburn Shorty pump with the Endura Pakajack not in its stuff sack.
[url=https://flic.kr/p/2fyL9Yg]2019-04-17_11-52-29[/url] by martinddd, on Flickr
One ride in, so early days: all my kit stows neatly away in a very organised way, with a 660ml bottle in the holster the weight is noticeable but not limiting (i prefer it without the added weight), seems well made, not tested the water proofness of it yet but guess its resistant as opposed to proofed.
Looks a bit like the High Above, Lookout which is water proof, a LOT more expensive & not available in the UK.
So, one ride in and i’m currently liking it, does it meet the holy grail of tool & water carrying whilst being undetectable………… err, no. Its a bum bag with stuff in, i know its there, its not uncomfortable & its highly organised.
£30.00