TEST: The Ergon BA Hip Pack is a robust hip bag with a volume of 4 L and comes with a holder for protectors. You can find out how the hipbag performs on the trail here.
Testing the Ergon BA Hip Pack
In our test field, the Ergon BA Hip Pack gives the most robust impression of all hip bags. The rubberized fabric protects the contents of the bag on muddy trails and gives the hip bag a long life. However, thanks to the use of robust materials, it is the heaviest hip bag in the test. It is designed for use with a hydration bladder; however, this must be purchased separately. At first glance, the hip bag looks very well thought out, has large mesh pockets on the fins and comes with a holder for protectors. A wide hip belt with elastic promises a high level of comfort. Incidentally, this can be shortened and is therefore suitable for almost every hip circumference.
Facts & figures
| weight empty | 554 gr |
| Weight including hydration bladder | 705 gr |
| hip circumference approx | 78 - 130 cm |
| Hip pocket volume | 4 L |
| Hydration bladder included | no |
| volume of the hydration bladder | 1,5 L |
| Hose outlet left / right | no Yes |
| length of hose | 123 cm |
| Compartment for bottle | not intended, but possible up to a maximum of 450 ml |
| Attachment option for protectors | ja |
| Price | €89,95 |
| Price (replacement) bladder | €32,95 |
Compartment layout & inner workings
The Ergon BA Hip Pack has a large compartment with various inside pockets and slots. A sewn-in pocket with an elastic band forms the separation from the hydration bladder, which, by the way, has to be purchased separately. Inserting the bladder is a bit fiddly and even with 1 liter filling it takes up a lot of space. If you use a conventional pump instead of Co² cartridges and carry a spare hose with you, the hip bag is already well filled. There is a well-placed compartment in the lid for the key, while your smartphone and wallet go in the pocket above the hydration bladder. There is space for bars, cartridges and the like in two inner pockets on the side - and then it's actually full. If you want to carry a change of jersey with you, it will be a bit of darning work. Apart from the small amount of space, the interior is divided up in a sensible and practical way.
Two large mesh pockets on the fins offer additional storage space, for example for a multi-tool and bars. According to Ergon, the right fin pocket serves as a smartphone compartment – but we would only recommend that on dry trails. Instead, it has been shown that there is just enough space for a 450 ml drinking bottle in this bag.
Strap & adjustment options
Wide fins and a wide, padded strap give the Ergon BA Hip Pack good stability on the body and ensure good comfort. The strap itself is easily adjustable on the left side. Thanks to the wide, integrated rubber bands with compression straps, the hip pack always sits well on the body, but is never too tight. On rough descents, an absolutely secure fit can be ensured with the compression straps. The padded part of the hip belt itself can be shortened and is therefore individually adaptable to each driver. Unusual, but good: The drinking tube is also very long and can be shortened accordingly. So that the contents sit securely in the bag, Ergon has installed a ratchet system for compression. This works very well - regardless of whether the hip bag is full or almost empty.
In action & on the trail
Ergon's BA Hip Pack fits very well, even on rough descents and stairs. A wobbling is hardly perceptible - regardless of whether it is fully or slightly filled. The compression using the ratchet system works well and reliably keeps the contents of the bag in place. Only the padded bars on the back prevent the full score in the test in terms of fit and wobbling. If the hip pack lay flat against the back, the fit would probably be even better.
The protector holder is practical and easy to handle: when not in use, it disappears under a zip. In use, the hooks on the straps are simply hooked into loops on the hip bag and tightened. Complete.
