TESTED: Patagonia Dirt Roamer Waist Pack 3L

Photos: Jordan Riddle 

This snazzy looking Patagonia hip pack is built on a one-piece breathable wrap, designed to keep it form fitting when you're riding. With 3L of storage it's for keeping the essentials close to hand, with three zippered pockets and dual water bottle holders. The pockets can swallow up spares and separate small items, while there are also straps to carry knee pads. It's got a chemical free water repellant coating, and the material is tough enough to go the distance.

On the Trail

I have been using the 3L Dirt Roamer waist pack for a few solid months and it has become a go to item. Whilst I prefer to carry a tube, CO2, levers, plugs and multitool on my bike (in various places) there are other bits and bobs I do like to carry that either get jammed into a pocket, cargo bib knicks or wherever else they fit. Being super light at 244g, and fitting very flat to your back or waist the 3L Dirt Roamer does not move around on rough trails like most other bum bags I have used over the years. The high levels of comfort and low amount of movement have meant I have transferred a few things into it and leave it hanging ready to go every ride.

TESTED: Thule Rail 4L Hip Pack

My Dirt Roamer 3L is stashed with an additional tube running across the width of my back, folded over 3 times and keeping its weight close to my back, a high volume Lezyne handpump which takes preference over CO2 for top ups and plugging duties, more plugs, mushroom tubeless go kart plugs for the big gashes, glue, quicklink tool, multitool, valve cores, garage remote and snacks.

The smaller items that may need to be accessed quickly like plugs and snacks can be easily stowed in the 2 smaller side pockets as they can be unzipped and closed easily with either hand, as always I do try and keep the heavier items as low and close to the body as possible in any packing situation. There are two neatly stowed pad straps underneath for your hot and sweaty pads or jacket. I even managed to hold my Trail Boss trail tool handles nice and securely.

There are two internal organisation pockets that honestly, while they do keep things in place they sit against your lower back, so if that’s where you keep multitools and other items, they will press through the lightweight perforated padding into your back when it is loaded up. 

There are two stretchy pockets on either side of the main compartment for stowing drink bottles, while a full 750ml bottle will fit in each, a 650ml or cold tinnie is a better size, or a soft bottle in each or even the main compartment as I have been doing lately on longer, hotter rides where an additional 1L soft bottle in the main compartment sits nicely on your back. 

My Dirt Roamer 3L has seen unprecedented wet weather, mud, heat, being over stuffed and even some trail running and has been a delight to use with no visible signs of wear even after some tumbles and journeys into the wash.

Verdict

This is a solid bit of kit to keep packed and ready to go for those 1-6 hour rides, it frees up the pockets and removes nasty straps on the frame. It is great quality, with no need to readjust it every 5 minutes on the trail.

RRP: $99.95

From: Patagonia.com.au

Hits:

• Super stable, even when loaded
• Can carry a surprising amount of gear and fluid
• Tonka tuff 

Misses:

• The small item pocket contents may press into your back