Uncharted Supply Co. The Park Pack review

The Park Pack is Uncharted Supply Co.’s first hip pack, with the brand most notable for its backpacks, survival and first aid kits.

The hip pack is intended for a range of activities as well as mountain biking, such as hiking, trail running, climbing and fishing.

With an overly wide focus, the Park Pack falls short from a mountain biking and gravel riding perspective.

Uncharted Supply Co. The Park Pack details and specifications

The Park Pack is constructed from a tough 600D Tarpaulin shell with a 210D liner. The two zippers are by YKK and are water-resistant.

There’s a large main compartment, which provides up to 2.8 litres of carrying capacity and a smaller pocket at the top for your smartphone. At the back of the main compartment is space for a first aid kit.

On the outside of the main compartment are adjustable straps, which can be used for carrying a cycling jacket.

Uncharted Supply Co. says it has intentionally positioned the straps to sit up high so the jacket doesn’t interfere with your behind when sat on the saddle.

Because the 2.8l cargo capacity is on the large side, you can also use the straps to cinch the inside down on shorter rides.

Two detachable bottle compartments are included on the outside of the pack.

Uncharted Supply Co. says it opted for this design because it thinks a bladder in the main compartment would compromise on space.

The brand also says it reduces any sagging of the central compartment.

For the $119 asking price (or $149 with a ‘Triage Kit'), two Uncharted Supply Co. bottles are also included.

The pockets are attached to daisy-chain loops integrated into the pack’s side panel and attached by two Velcro straps.

The Park Pack uses an EVA moulded backer with cut-outs to enable breathability and is available in three colours – Black, Gunmetal and Olive (the latter of which is on test).

Uncharted Supply Co. The Park Pack performance

I tested the Park Pack over some hot summer rides and into the cold UK winter on a mix of mountain bike and gravel rides for up to six hours.

Despite the pack’s tough construction and the hefty appearance of the EVA moulded backer, the hip pack was comfortable enough to ride with in all but the warmest conditions.

That said, it isn’t as breathable as my preferred Patagonia Black Hole Waist Pack or Specialized x Fjällräven Expandable hip pack.

Although the seatbelt-like straps offer plenty of adjustment and kept the pack secure, a softer material would likely further improve comfort.

I found the waterproof YKK zips frustrating in use, particularly for the main compartment, which required a reasonable amount of force to close and reopen – made more difficult when wearing winter cycling gloves by the trailside.

My iPhone 12 fitted without issue into the dedicated phone pocket and the main compartment is certainly voluminous, so I could fit my riding spares and food with plenty of room to spare.

I was able to fit an inner tube, tyre levers, multi-tool, mini-pump and four energy bars, with ample space remaining.

It would be nice if there was an element of organisation in the main compartment – the Patagonia Black Hole Waist Pack, for example, has separate zipped pockets so you can get to items easily, without having to rummage through the contents of the pack.

Another nice-to-have feature would be a side pocket for storing your keys. These tend to be integrated into a hip pack’s straps, but it wouldn’t work with the straps on this pack in this permutation.

I wasn't particularly impressed by the bottle holders – while they perform well and contain the bottle securely, I would have much preferred netting on the side of the pack’s main compartment.

The holders add unnecessary weight and while you can remove them, netting is lighter, unobtrusive when not in use and will have a stronger hold of the bottle.

When I tested riding the hip pack with different bottles, I wasn’t able to remove and refit the bottle when riding due to its strong hold.

Considering all of the pack’s flaws, it’s uncommonly expensive. The $119 asking price is considerably more than the £50 for the aforementioned Patagonia bag, the $50 Osprey Savu 2 or the £90 Thule Rail 4.

While it doesn’t affect performance, I thought the ‘#DontDie’ graphic on the rubberised zip holder was in poor taste and the thought of death is not something I want on my mind when I’m out on a mountain bike ride.

Uncharted Supply Co. The Park Pack bottom line

Uncharted Supply Co.’s Park Pack is an unfortunate miss compared to the best hip packs.

The brand has clearly put a lot of thought into the bag’s features, such as its hardy construction and how the pack fits onto your body unobtrusively.

I imagine it might perform better when used for other activities, outside of cycling.

From a gravel riding and mountain biking perspective, however, there are too many flaws to overlook for the rather significant asking price and you’re better off spending your money elsewhere.