ABOUT THE FIDLOCK HIP BELT DOUBLE
Fidlock’s venture into the hip pack realm involved introducing two packs: the Hip Belt Single, and the Hip Belt Double. The “single” and “double” refer to the number of Fidlock TWIST bases on each hip pack. Our Hip Belt Double features two TWIST bases, compatible with Fidlock bottles or any other Fidlock accessory that uses the TWIST base system. The Double comes with one TWIST 450 Bottle included.
A 2.5L capacity is provided in the main zipper compartment of the Hip Belt Double to hold all the necessities. Inside the compartment there are two smaller pockets and a key lanyard to keep things organized. Outside this compartment are extra straps with Fidlock buckles for additional storage, such as packing a jacket during a climb. Opposite these straps – sitting closest to the body – is the Fidlock HERMETIC Dry Bag. This waterproof pouch uses Fidlock’s HERMETIC self-sealing magnetic closure to keep all elements out.
The belt portion of the Hip Belt Double starts wide at 8in / 15cm, and narrows to 3in / 7cm as it connects to 1.5in (4cm) webbing for the remainder. On the left belt, only a webbing loop holds half of the main buckle, with enough webbing on the right to adjust the hip pack to 55 inches (140cm). A specialty Fidlock magnetic buckle secures the Hip Belt Double at the waist. Two additional pockets are on the left and right of the belt, one of which features a zipper.
The Fidlock Hip Belt Double is offered in the black colorway tested only, with a retail price of $189.99 / €159.99 / £159.99.
THE DIRT
I’ve tested several hip packs in the past year, most of which were relatively similar in their design and features. The Fidlock Hip Belt Double is the only pack I’ve used with a waterproof compartment, which would have come in handy on one ride at the beginning of 2024. I got caught in a growing rainstorm and was soaked when I returned to my car. The hip pack I was using reached its water-resistance limits and everything inside was also soaked. Worst of all, my phone wouldn’t turn on. With mountain biking often featuring adverse weather conditions for many, a waterproof compartment makes a lot of sense.
Fidlock placed a lot of padding and mesh on the Hip Belt Double, which made the hip pack very comfortable in use. This padding and well-adjustable strap really helped to lock it into place. I had no issues with uncomfortable rubbing, sharp-stitched corners, or the bag not staying where I wanted it. The Hip Belt Double only has one adjustment option—the main belt—which seemed to do the job sufficiently well.
The 2.5L internal capacity was plenty of room for everything you need on a shorter ride: snacks, tools, and tire repair. The exterior straps were great for holding a jacket securely. However, the Hip Belt Double will likely stay home for bigger, more remote adventures, as I simply require more carrying capacity.
Included with the Fidlock Hip Belt Double was their smaller 450 bottle. In addition to that, I also used the slightly larger 590 bottle, both featuring Fidlock TWIST bases. These bases only allow the bottle to twist off to the right, and snap the bottle back into place (magnetically) when replacing it. After a ride or two, I quickly got the hang of removing and replacing the bottles without stopping and looking. The bottles never rattled off or came loose, and I never lost a bottle during a ride, despite a couple of tumbles.
While I had no issues with a Fidlock TWIST Bottle falling off, the taller 590 bottle was able to pull away from the Hip Belt base. The taller, more top-heavy bottle bounced back and forth off my hip. This only happened at the beginning of the ride, when the bottle was full, and would stop once I drank it down a bit. That said, I would stick to dual 450 bottles on the Hip Belt Double, to avoid this.
A hip pack that costs nearly $200 is pretty steep. Not to mention, unless you already have another Fidlock bottle, you’ll need to purchase one to go on the second mount. Not having to replace a phone after a wet ride may be worth the price, but there are also dry bags and waterproof phone cases that would solve that problem for substantially less money.
The Wolf’s Last Word
Fidlock designed a comfortable and practical hip pack in their Hip Belt Double. For those who have already drank the Fidlock juice, this will be a great addition to accessories they likely already have. However, a steep price tag might have those new to Fidlock hesitating. 
Price: $189.99/£190
Website: Fidlock.us
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ABOUT THE WOLF
The local boy — Travis was born and raised in Bend, OR. Skateboarding consumed his life until his high school years (yes, he can still kickflip), but was replaced by mountain biking…then rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and finally back to mountain biking. After a stint in the big city, Travis returned home, trading a teaching career to be an okay mountain biker and above-average journalist. He is an outspoken 90s grunge fan, cornering poor souls in conversations about the meaning behind the lyrics of Alice In Chains’ “Would.” Most days, Travis hopes to be outside, whether that is on an early morning ride or a hike with his family (the best days include both).
Rank: Contributing Writer
Size: 5’8” / 172cm | 195lbs / 88kg
Social: @travis_reill_writes
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