High Above Lookout Custom Review – Fanny Pack Perfection

For those quick rides where you don’t need to carry too much, fanny packs are definitely a great way to shed some bulk. We’ve been testing a lot of packs recently looking for the perfect ones to meet our needs.  “Research” :)  High Above packs out of Bellingham, WA produce all their packs in house and are fully customizable with some of the latest materials in the industry. These are definitely some of the coolest packs out there. This custom Lookout pack has been my go-to pack for riding around Pisgah the last month.

Interested in our Hip Pack Shoot OUT? We tested and rated 8 different BUMBAGS. You ought to read it.

What Makes the High Above Lookout Special?

My two biggest issues with most fanny packs are that they loosen on the rough downhills and lack easy access pockets. These are two issues that High Above has addressed nicely. High Above’s quality is very high.  From the waterproof x/y shell to the new optional Cobra buckle, the high-quality craftsmanship is the first thing I noticed out of the package.

The Lookout pack is the perfect size – not too small or too big.  Its right in the middle of the High Above hip pack lineup too so that makes sense.  There’s plenty of room for my tool pouch/tube/pump, food, phone and a small jacket. The multiple internal pockets are super nice to keep things organized.  The separate front pocket is great for the phone and can even fit the largest max/XL/jumbo phones with ease.

The Cobra buckle is a super cool piece of engineering and works flawlessly.  My only gripe with it is the buckle itself is a heavy piece that could potentially swing into something when released.  The straps stay super tight when descending down rough terrain. The cobra buckle works like a charm and does not loosen IF you use the supplied velcro fasteners correctly – see two photos down.

[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”]

[/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”]

[/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”]

High Above Lookout Custom | $140 with Cobra Buckle | Weight: 210 grams w/Cobra buckle | Dims: 9″ x 3″ x 5.25′” (LxWxH)

?

• Size – enough room for the essentials without being too large.
• High-quality build, materials and design.
• Font facing pocket for easy phone access.
• The Cobra buckle is a cool piece of military grade craftsmanship

?

• You pay for the high-quality custom packs and extra features.  Save $ by going for a ready to ship model.
• The Cobra buckle is heavy and can swing into your shit when releasing one-handed.
• When cinched tight the cobra buckle can be a little more difficult to release.

[/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”]

[/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”]

Bottom Line

High Above makes the nicest hip packs I’ve used.  At double the cost of many fanny packs, this custom is not cheap, but you know the saying.  Cheap shit ain’t good, good shit ain’t cheap!  The quality of craftsmanship, materials and well thought-out design make the High Above Lookout a first-class fanny pack.  If you’re looking for fanny pack perfection, this is as close to it as I have experienced.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]