Hiking bananas

Volume of a banana: one and a half litres, five or six litres

The volume is chosen according to what you want to carry. The Cotopaxi Kapai, at one and a half litres, holds a phone, keys, a snack, and a map in its main pocket, with a zipped front pocket and a fleece-lined sleeve to protect sunglasses. The Patagonia Fieldsmith, of around five litres, adds an inner mesh pocket and external straps to attach small gear. The lumbar bag The North Face Terra Lumbar goes up to six litres: its main compartment holds a water bottle, and an outer elastic cord secures a rolled-up lightweight jacket. At this volume, a two or three-hour outing can be done without carrying anything on your shoulders.

Recycled nylon, ripstop, coated polyester: the fabrics of bum bags

Hiking bum bags stand out first by their fabric. The Kapai from the Del Día collection is sewn from leftover nylon scraps from other manufacturers: each piece has a unique colour combination, impossible to choose in advance. The Terra Lumbar combines a ripstop made of recycled nylon, which prevents tearing, with a thick polyester base, treated to be water-repellent without PFCs. The Fieldsmith is made from a coated recycled polyester that resists water, and its mesh back panel breathes against the lower back. Pinewood, a Swedish brand of hunting and outdoor clothing, opts for sturdy fabrics in subtle shades.

Running belts and materials

Running belts, like the Oxsitis Spectre, minimalist and elastic, are suitable for trail and fast hiking activities. The materials of outdoor bum bags, thick nylon or polyester, often water-repellent, resist friction and showers. Other bags can be found on the backpacks, hydration packs, travel bags pages, gathered on the luggage page.

Wearing your bum bag at the waist or across the chest

A single bum bag can be worn in two ways. At the waist, with the strap tight above the hips and the pocket well-centred, it stays stable while walking and leaves the upper body free: this is the natural carry of a loaded lumbar bag, with its padded back panel distributing the weight. Across the chest, with the lengthened strap and the pocket placed on the chest, the compact bum bag can be accessed without being removed, handy for taking out a map or phone while walking. Both the Kapai and the Fieldsmith can switch from one carry to the other by simply adjusting the buckle. Cotopaxi, founded in 2014 in Salt Lake City, has made this colourful little bag one of its symbols, on the trails as well as in the city.

Good deals and new arrivals

The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, the promotions feature discounted items, and the clearance offers end-of-line products. The items shipped within 24h are prepared and sent out in 24 hours.

Frequently asked questions

Which bum bag to choose for a day hike?

For a full day, a lumbar bag of five to six litres, capable of holding a water bottle and a light layer, is the minimum. A one and a half litre bum bag is better for a few-hour strolls, as a complement to a larger bag.

Can you carry a water bottle in a bum bag?

Yes, in a lumbar bag of six litres like the Terra Lumbar, a water bottle fits in the main compartment. A compact one and a half litre bum bag doesn't have this space: it's better to use a small soft flask tucked into a pocket.

Can a bum bag withstand a shower?

Coated or water-repellent treated fabrics can handle a brief shower, but zippers may let water in during a heavy downpour. Slip your phone and documents into a waterproof pouch inside to keep them dry.

Which bum bag for a child on a hike?

A small lightweight bum bag, around one litre, with an adjustable strap for a slim waist, is enough. The child can fit their snack, a whistle, and a tissue inside, and get used to carrying their own little belongings.

How to wash a fabric bum bag?

Empty it, brush off the dust, then wash it by hand in warm soapy water, without using a machine that can damage the coating and padding. Let it dry open in the air, away from a radiator, before storing it.