IN BRIEF
San Util Design has updated its mountain bike hip pack with the Whirlpool MkII. It adds large zippered pockets on the wings, a phone pocket set against the back and more internal storage. Its volume ranges from about 3.5 to 6 litres thanks to an expandable roll-top, for 471 g. Made in Vietnam, it costs 135 dollars on the brand’s online shop, while the original version, made in Seattle, stays in the range under the name Whirlpool Classic.
| Price | $135 (San Util Design shop) |
| Weight | 471 g |
| Volume | About 3.5 to 6 L |
| Dimensions | 11 x 4 x 8 inches (width x depth x height) |
| Fabric | 420D laminated face fabric (X-Ply and 70D inner layer), 200D Oxford lining |
| Buckles | Woojin, Duraflex and Fidlock |
| Manufacturing | Vietnam |
The Whirlpool MkII keeps the principle of the range: a roll-top hip pack you can stuff full, designed to carry weight and take a water bladder. San Util Design has mainly made it easier to rummage through.
What the Whirlpool MkII adds to the original hip pack
The brand sums up the new version in three additions: large zippered pockets on the wings, a dedicated phone pocket at the back and more organisation inside. The phone pocket sits flat against the back, and the wings also carry stretch pockets with a key loop.
The rest of the kit is aimed at loaded mountain bike rides: compression straps to secure knee pads or a jacket, and a roll-top that varies the volume from about 3.5 to 6 litres. The buckles come from Woojin, Duraflex and Fidlock.
A laminated fabric and a light-coloured lining
The outer face is a 420D laminated fabric with an X-Ply layer and a 70D inner layer. Inside, a 200D Oxford fabric serves as the lining: the brand explains that it makes the bag’s contents easier to see and adds abrasion resistance.
Made in Vietnam, while the Classic stays in Seattle
Another change is on the label: the MkII is made in Vietnam, while the original Whirlpool, made in the United States in Seattle, is still sold under the name Whirlpool Classic. The MkII is listed at 135 dollars on San Util Design’s online shop. The brand says in-stock items ship within one or two days.
