Like many of us, I have something of an addiction to packs, bags, pouches, and the like. I don’t know why. I mean, I have totes filled with all manner of carry gear, most of it quite serviceable, but I’m always on the hunt for that perfect one.
The Carry Commission Bum Bag might not be perfect, but it comes pretty damn close. If you’re looking for something to house just a few essentials when you’re out and about, you could do far worse.
Specs
The Carry Commission Bum Bag measures about seven inches across, five inches high, and a couple of inches deep. On the front, you’ll find a large loop patch that’s perfect for a couple of your favorite patches. There is also laser-cut MOLLE.
Opening the bag, you’ll find a single compartment that has two patches of loop material, allowing you to add organizers to the mix, should you see fit.
There is a single adjustable strap and the bag can be worn either around the waist or cross-body. With the latter, it’s meant to have the bag rest on your chest or your back, not dangle under an arm.
Performance
Okay, let’s call it like it is. This is a fanny pack. I’m old enough to remember when fanny packs were popular, though I don’t know anyone could go so far as to say they were ever truly in style. This Bum Bag is a tactical-looking fanny pack. Period, full stop. By all rights, this should be a goofy proposition, but I’m telling you, it just works.
I’ve found that it’s perfect for just a few odds and ends when we’re going on a quick hike. I’ll toss in a lighter and some tinder, along with a Battarix Power Card for emergency cell phone use and maybe a granola bar, and we’ll be good to go.
The only thing I don’t like is that the Bum Bag lacks built-in organizational capability. Granted, the pouch is small, so it doesn’t take long to find any specific item inside. But I still like to use an aftermarket organizer or two.
I think the addition of an exterior pocket on the back might be nice as well. I sometimes keep my cell phone in the Bum Bag when we’re hiking. That means that if I want to take a photo, I need to unzip the bag and grab the phone. An exterior pocket would be great for this purpose.
I tend to carry the Bum Bag crossbody, with the bag on my chest. This keeps everything easily accessible. And as a bonus, I don’t feel like a dad from the late 1980s.
I recently discovered that there is also an XL version of the Bum Bag. I’ve been fighting the urge to pick one up to see how it compares. But odds are pretty good that you’ll end up reading a review of that one in another month or two.
Is there a 12-step program for pack addiction?
