TEST: With a volume of 3 L, the Leatt Hydration Core 1.5 is one of the smaller hip bags in our list of the best. Nevertheless, its inner workings look sensible and promising. You can find out how the hipbag performs on the trail here.
Leatt Hydration Core 1.5 in the test
The Leatt Hydration Core 1.5 hip pack is made of robust materials and features two large fin pockets made of elastic mesh. In addition to the included hydration bladder, two bottles can also be used. This makes the stylish hip bag versatile and frees up more storage space inside. The design of the compression straps is interesting: These are connected to the belt and thus always automatically compress the contents of the bag. With a volume of 3 L, it is one of our smaller hip bags Leaderboard. Nice details such as a holder for a taillight complete the overall package. With a purchase cost of around €90, the Hipbag is one of the cheaper models in the test.
Facts & figures
Compartment layout & inner workings
When packing, it quickly becomes clear that the Leatt Hydration Core 1.5 hip bag only has a volume of 3 L. If the hydration bladder is halfway full, it will be tight in the main compartment. A spare tube, jersey and pump just fit. When filling it also becomes apparent that a slightly larger opening in the main compartment would be desirable. The front compartment is also influenced by the full main compartment - if it's full, you can't fit too many voluminous things in the front compartment. Otherwise, the front compartment is well structured and offers many pockets and storage options.
The situation is different when using bottles. There is significantly more volume available in the main compartment and therefore also in the front compartment. In any case, you can also store some things like bars and tools in the large fin pockets. Overall, the division is quite successful.
Strap & adjustment options
Due to the integrated compression straps, adjusting the hip bag is a bit fiddly at first. Once you have found your individual setting, the strap can be quickly and easily adjusted on both sides and loosened a little for uphill climbing, for example. The compression of the content works well - nothing wobbles here. The strap itself is not padded, but is wide enough not to cut in too much.
In action & on the trail
With our test contents, the Leatt Hydration Core 1.5 hip bag is quite plump. This results in some wobbling, which is reduced with less content - for example when using bottles - and is hardly noticeable. However, larger bottles can wobble in the thin mesh holder itself.
The comfort is ok, but padded fins would increase it, as would a padded strap. Overall, the handling is good as long as the hip pocket is not bulging. You would like a larger opening in the main compartment, but this is not possible due to the design because of the bottle holders. What is negative is that the tensioning elements for releasing the belt slide into the fins - unfortunately this means they are difficult to reach.
