In the ongoing quest to lighten our load, get as much stuff off our back as possible and not look like a pack-horse or middle-aged tourist, we are increasingly blessed with a host of new options for carrying stuff. The bumbag has been a favourite around here for a few years now, and its ability to haul almost as much as an average-sized backpack without the sweaty back and restrictions of shoulder straps mean it’s a go-to for most rides that can’t be considered ‘epics’ (for desperate want of a better descriptor).

Our favourite hip-pack, the Camelbak Palos, has the advantage of also being capable of carrying 1.5 litres of water, which when coupled with a bottle on the bike will see you through a good two or three hours where there are no refill opportunities. On rides where you’ll only be out for an hour or two, or when there’s no requirement for extra clothing, food and enough bits for a bike rebuild, going minimal, if not fully sans, is a liberating option. Stick a bottle in the cage, a few basic tools, tube, phone and keys and you’re good to go. The Race Face Rip Strip could be the best way to go minimal and in comfort for such jaunts.

Basically, the Rip Strip is a utility belt for mountain bikers. Sitting snug against the small of the back, it’s barely noticeable to the wearer or riding buddies. A couple of mesh main sleeves for a tube and Co2, a mini-pump slot, phone pocket and a couple of zippered pockets at each end for multi-tools, keys, gels and other small bits and bobs comfortably and stealthily.

The buckle and Velcro closure system isn’t particularly user-friendly, and trying to undo the strap while it desperately clings to itself makes it prohibitive to take on and off this way. The preferred method is to loosen the strap to the position shown, and step into the belt and pull it up before adjusting the tightness around your waist. Not super-difficult, but definitely an area that could be improved. The stitching around the end of the strap is showing signs or wear, and a longer-term user of the belt reports that it has been a weak spot on theirs too.

The strap is fairly wide and comfortable, and the backing is soft enough not to cause any unwanted chafing or rubbing.

Larger phones might poke out the top of the zippered pocket, but most normal phones will be able to be kept dry by the sealed zip.

A small elastic strap will keep your mini-pump secured, if you remember to bring it with you.

You’d hardly know it’s there. Unlike a bumbag, the Rip Strip allows you to appear like you aren’t carrying anything at all.

As it’s hidden under the jersey, the belt isn’t susceptible to mud and dirt, unlike the cleanest shorts I could find. The back panel acts almost like a motocross kidney belt, and offers a bit of lumbar support as well.

The wide-ish and soft strap is comfortable around beer bellys and doesn’t dig in to them either. A wider strap would be welcome, even if only to act as a girdle. As is though it is a comfortable system, and gear is easily accessible by rotating the belt around to the front.

The Rip Strip is a great option for toting the minimum gear for short rides, and can be paired with other small bags on the bike to cover most of the essentials for longer rides too. With a slightly wider strap and an easier to use buckle system, it could be just about the perfect way to carry stuff.

www.krdimports.co.nz/