Now that the state of emergency has been lifted, many of you are likely enjoying getting out and about again, aren't you? At Circles, we’ve seen people who previously refrained from visiting the shop stopping by, and it feels like everyday life is gradually returning.
One thing I’ve noticed amid all this is an increase in customers who have previously enjoyed hiking or running and are now coming in because they’d like to try cycling. Of course, people enjoy cycling on their days off, but it also seems to be gaining attention as a convenient way to get around—whether for commuting by bike to avoid public transport or for running errands.
When incorporating cycling into your daily routine, a common concern is how to carry essentials like your wallet and smartphone. In this feature, we’ll focus on waist bags and introduce three great items.
You might have an image of waist bags being frumpy, but because they can be firmly secured to your waist and accommodate active movement, they are undoubtedly a perfect match for casual styles, whether you're riding a road bike, a gravel bike, or just cruising around town!
Patagonia / Nine Trails Waist Pack 8L
Did you know that Patagonia began developing a mountain bike line several years ago? We are often surprised when we bring this up at the shop, but at Circles, these have become a staple item. Since they continue to produce products that evolve every year, we introduce them to our customers with confidence.
Even though it’s a mountain bike line, the range is not limited to mountain use; it’s a fully featured lineup that can be enjoyed in a variety of fields.
【Patagonia】
Nine Trails Waist Pack 8L
Price: ¥15,550 –
Color : FGE
The Nine Trails Waist Pack 8L, released last season, is a waist bag equipped with versatile functions necessary for rides and hikes. Made with lightweight, durable ripstop Cordura nylon, its design provides a secure and stable fit without added bulk, allowing you to keep your center of gravity low even during intense activities.
The front pocket features a drop-down opening, making it convenient for storing tool kits or snacks, and includes an internal mesh divider to keep contents from shifting. The main pocket also has enough capacity to hold items like a jacket that might otherwise be a bit bulky.
A point worth noting about this bag is that it comes with a hydration pack. While this is common in backpacks for trails, it's a rare option for a waist bag. It features a built-in 1.5-liter HydraPak reservoir. Two external stretch pockets can store water bottles, and you can use the compression straps to attach extra gear.
The monomesh back panel is designed with some of the best breathability in the Patagonia range, preventing moisture like sweat from building up. The padded waist belt, which uses perforated foam, keeps the pack comfortably positioned at the center of your lower back, ensuring a stable fit even during intense movements like trail riding or running.
NORRØNA / Bitihorn Hip Pack 6L
Aiming to develop the highest quality outdoor products, the Norwegian brand NORRØNA provides world-class apparel and gear that can handle any outdoor environment, and the brand has many die-hard fans.
【NORRØNA 】
Bitihorn Hip Pack 6L
Price: ¥9,000 –
Color : Indigo Night ,Pureed Pumpkin
From NORRØNA comes this hip-pack style backpack developed for enjoying the outdoors even more lightweightly.
With a 6L capacity, it's on the smaller side, but the front main compartment includes an extra zippered pocket and a non-zippered mesh pocket, allowing for quick access to frequently used items or layers you've peeled off.
The sides feature water bottle pockets, and the side belts have an extra zippered pocket on each side, allowing you to organize items like snacks, smartphones, wallets, and keys in detail. Despite its small size, this bag is characterized by having many pockets.
The die-cut back panel and the waist belt are integrated, creating a design that is lightweight and highly breathable. Because it is soft, it conforms to any movement, and even if you sweat during intense activity, moisture is wicked away quickly, making this an ideal waist bag for summer.
Available in two colors: Indigo Night and Pureed Pumpkin. Whether you want to go for something basic or choose a bright color that stands out even in the mountains... please coordinate it according to your style!
OUTERSHELL ADVENTURE / Hip Slinger
Lastly, we have the Hip Slinger, which was just released as a new item from San Francisco-based OUTERSHELL ADVENTURE. We’ve introduced it before, but it’s such a truly great product that I’d like to explain it once more.
The brand’s pillars are design predicated on high functionality, safety during travel, and the use of high-quality materials because of their simplicity. They manufacture with as few seams as possible, avoid zipper opening systems that break easily as much as possible, and achieve a highly weather-resistant structure.
【OUTERSHELL ADVENTURE】
Hip Slinger
Price: ¥13,000 – ¥14,500-
Color : 11 colors
It’s a roll-top waist bag, a form we haven't seen much of until now, but it can be compressed and adjusted as needed with a cord-lock buckle.
Actually, with this Hip Slinger, at the final sample stage that Kyle from OUTERSHELL ADVENTURE showed us when he visited Japan last year, it used a hook-style adjustment for the roll-top. However, when the actual product arrived, the specifications had been changed slightly.
When I immediately asked why, he explained that they had adopted an idea from Inocchi of Welldone, a garage gear brand that Nagoya is proud of, and updated it to a cord-lock buckle. Because it’s a small manufacturer, I am impressed by their attitude of always aiming for product improvement and refinement, and actively adopting ideas when they think they are good.
One of its biggest features is that it can expand from a minimal 1.5L for storing tools, spare parts, and food, to 3L to accommodate jackets or bottles. It handles the extra load without any issues when you have more to carry.
Zippers on the front and back allow access to the main compartment and numerous internal organizer pockets.
The design easily blends in with everyday clothing, so you can use it for any occasion. It’s highly popular among those who want to keep their valuables on them at all times, those who don't want to attach bags to their bikes, and those who want to ride in their normal clothes, like for MTB.
While a backpack gives you more capacity, a drawback is that your back tends to get sweaty, and prolonged use can put a strain on your shoulders and back. It becomes quite stressful to use in the coming summer heat, so please consider a waist bag on this occasion!
By the way, if you compare the size and capacity, from smallest to largest it goes:
OUTERSHELL ADVENTURE < NORRØNA < Patagonia.
Why not imagine your intended situation and choose one to match your style?
【WEBSHOP EARLY SUMMER SALE 2020 Now On!】
WEBSHOP EARLY SUMMER SALE
Period: 7/1 (Wed) 0:00 to 7/7 (Tue) 23:59
Discount: 10% Off webshop in-stock items
Discount Coupon Code: summersale2020
Plus, points are doubled during the period!
※Some items excluded (some new arrivals / Yamatomichi / BEDROCK SANDALS / RAL new shirts & Tabby socks / Circles original complete bikes / Handmade Bike Friday custom frames)
※Please note that we cannot accept returns or exchanges for items purchased during the sale period.
※The discounted price will not be displayed at the time of ordering. We will provide confirmation of the discounted amount when we confirm your order.
＊Please note that coupon codes cannot be used in conjunction with other discounts or Point usage.
※Please accept our apologies in advance in the event an item sells out. While we will endeavor to ship as quickly as possible, same-day shipping may be difficult. If you have a preferred arrival date, we recommend ordering with plenty of lead time so we can ensure reliable service.
While some new arrivals and other items are excluded, currently most items listed in our webshop are not only eligible for 10% off, but you will also earn double points, so please don't miss this opportunity!
