Race Face’s Rip Strip offers something a bit different for riders who are determined to avoid wearing a pack. The width and height of the padded ‘lumbar belt’ make it instantly comfier than a regular bumbag, and the fact there’s some give means it doesn’t feel quite as restrictive either.
Unable to load Media
Unable to load Media
Unable to load Media
You can cram all the essentials into the combination of mesh stash and zipped pockets too. We securely stowed a tiny high-volume pump in the central elasticated loop as well as tyre levers, a multi-tool, spare tube, phone and keys.
Though the zipped pockets are handy, it would be good to have a slightly larger pocket to accommodate bigger smartphones or waterproof phone cases. At a push you can wedge a small drinks bottle in the Rip Strip and it’ll stay put on the trail, but it isn’t the comfiest option, which is a pain if you can’t fit a bottle cage on your bike.
