Test: Source Hipster drinking belt - For those who like to have a little more on their hips

A backpack is often a curse, especially on hot days, as it limits the amount of sweat that can escape from your back. But where should you stow your tools and spare inner tube? And what if water bottles are not an option and you still don't want to do without liquids? The Hipster Bag from Source could be the solution.

The hip bags for biking have been around for ages in America. Compared to a bike backpack, a bike hip bag offers a lot of freedom of movement and better sweat absorption. The latest generation of these bags has plenty of storage space and is even compatible with hydration systems.

The Hipster drinking belt - as Source defines its product - triumphs with numerous sophisticated details. One special feature is that it has detachable shoulder straps that are comparable to suspenders. In addition to a one and a half liter hydration bladder, the main compartment can easily hold a spare tube, a mini pump and a tool. The small outer compartments can hold small change, credit cards or even a cell phone (up to iPhone 5 size). Two lacing systems even allow you to attach a jacket or protectors. There are also two mesh pockets on the front where small items such as keys or the shoulder strap can be stowed away.

The hydration tube can be attached to the front of the hip belt or to the optional shoulder straps using a magnet.

In use

When the Hipster is fully loaded, it is a little heavy but still comfortable on the hips. It takes some time to get used to it. The shoulder strap helps and takes pressure off the hips. What's more, the hip bag only bounces minimally when riding hard. If you ride without the belt system, the bag bounces up and down annoyingly on very rough terrain or when jumping. At a moderate pace, you quickly forget that you're carrying a bag, and especially on warm days, it's a pleasure that your back is hardly sweaty at all.

Conclusion

We have come to love the Hipster over the past few weeks of summer. It has space for everything you need for two to three-hour bike rides and offers unimagined freedom of movement. We would actually like to ride it with the shoulder system most of the time, but let's be honest, who likes to ride with bright yellow straps? Dear Source, please offer these in black in future too.

www.sourceoutdoor.com