As a backpacker, I find myself constantly searching for extra lightweight storage options for my gear and accessory items. Hip-belt storage pockets help, but can only hold so many items for quick-and-easy access.
This is where the ‘fanny pack’ comes in handy. Hip packs, shoulder strap packs and chest packs all have been rising in popularity — I met lots of hikers on my Appalachian Trail thru-hike who raved about theirs. They make life on trail that much easier by keeping snacks, electronics and other essentials close, whether you’re making miles or completing town chores. Of course, many others who aren’t thru-hikers can still reap the benefits of these lightweight hip packs.
I totally see the allure of adding a fanny-style-pack storage unit to my hiking and backpacking kit. When given the opportunity to test products from Thrupack, I gladly accepted. I was excited to see what the fanny pack fuss is all about.
This review will focus on two of Thrupack’s products: the Summit Bum Classic along with the Summit Bum Fanny.
Summit Bum Classic Specs
- Price: $45
- Weight: Alone - 2.5oz / with Standard Strap - 3.5oz / with Comfy Strap - 4.7oz
- Size: 9”x5”x3”
- Capacity: 2.5L
- Materials:
-Laminated VX21,VX25, VX33 or polyurethane-coated 210D HDPE Gridstop -3D Spacer-mesh
-#5 Nylon Zipper with polyurethane coating
-1” Nylon webbing
-1” YKK heavy duty buckle
Summit Bum Fanny Specs
- Price: $45
- Weight: 3.33oz
- Size: 9”x5”x3”
- Capacity: 2.5L
- Materials:
-Laminated VX21,VX25, or polyurethane-coated 210D HDPE Gridstop -3D Spacer-mesh
-Nylon zipper coil with Polyurethane Coating
-1” Nylon webbing
-1” YKK heavy duty buckle
What I Loved About the Summit Bum Classic and Fanny
Design: First off, both of these products just look sharp. It’s a simple design, but that’s what I love about it. Other fanny-style packs look rather goofy to me, but this straightforward design and box-like shape hit the spot for me personally. Simple and effective; isn’t that how most backpacking gear should be?
Weight-to-size ratio: Having 2.5L of extra, very convenient storage, while adding only ~3-4 ounces to your coveted base weight is quite remarkable. They definitely look a lot heavier than they are, so dropping them on the scale was a great surprise (in a good way).
Comfort: OK, so they pass the eyeball and the weight test. How about comfort? This is definitely a yes. I tested my Summit Bum Classic, along with the Comfy Strap that Thrupack sells, and the name is definitely fitting. It’s nice and plush and I did not feel it digging into my skin one bit.
On my most recent backpacking trip, I loaded up my Summit Bum Fanny with snacks, my car keys and my wallet. I was worried that maybe I would feel the pack jiggling around my entire hike, but this was not the case at all.
The pack stayed firm in its location; none of my items were bouncing around, and I totally forgot I was even wearing it early on into my hike. It’s almost like it wasn’t even there. I was certainly impressed by this.
Versatility/ Multi-Use: I envision these products being used for a lot more than just backpacking and thru-hiking. I tested my Summit Bum Classic on a day hike as well, which was perfect for storing things like my gloves or winter hat. I’d also use these products on canoe/ kayaking outings, skiing/ snowboarding runs, city walking and touring, or even just hanging out at basecamp (to keep things like a lighter, spork, warm hat and headlamp within easy reach).
What I Didn’t Love About the Summit Bum Classic and Fanny
Fit with packs that feature hip-belt pockets: This was just my personal experience using Thrupack fanny packs along with my Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest pack: I would’ve liked my Summit Bum to ride just a little bit higher on my waist, but my hip belt pockets from my pack prevented that.
Keeping their shape: Sometimes the corners of these packs easily fold into each other, and I was every so often finding myself having to push these corners back out to open up more space. This was not very bothersome at all to me, just something I was experiencing on my hikes.
Good to Know
- Thrupack gives their customers the creative ability to pick from a variety of colors.
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The Comfy Strap, for an extra $15, is a highly recommended add-on accessory to any of Thrupack’s products. It adds a noticeable amount of cushion and is offered in a wide variety of stylish colors and designs.
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Both the Summit Bum Classic and Fanny feature an extra ‘quick access’ pocket space on the inner outside portion of their packs, which is perfect for cell phones or other items that need constant access.
- Both these products feature water resistant zippers, but the packs themselves aren’t fully waterproof. Waterproof Dyneema Summit Bum Classics can also be purchased from Thrupack.
Bottom Line
It’s never a bad thing to have extra storage space during a backpacking trip, in my opinion. Both the Summit Bum Classic and Summit Bum Fanny are ultralight, comfortable and convenient. I’m looking forward to using my Summit Bum Classic pack on any and all backpacking expeditions to come.
