Rogue Panda Huachuca Hip Pack Review: Wings of a Different Feather

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By Logan Watts

Founding Editor & Routes Director

2,173 Posts

After years of prototyping, Rogue Panda has finally released its first hip pack, the Huachuca. Like many of their products, it’s anything but conventional. We’ve been testing it extensively over the past few months. Read our full Rogue Panda Huachuca Hip Pack review here…

Whenever Rogue Panda releases a new bag, the phrase small but mighty comes to mind. Anyone who’s kept score in the niche bikepacking gear scene over the past decade knows that innovation often comes from the little people. And while larger brands like Tailfin, Ortlieb, and Revelate have been dominating the spotlight, one has to admire the authentically inventive approach of this relatively small brand in Arizona. From Rogue Panda’s unique Blue Ridge Handlebar Harness to the molded plastic base of the Ripsey Seat Pack and the 3D-printed Alamo Top Tube Bag attachment system, their designs go above and beyond what you’d normally expect from an eight-person cottage brand. The new Rogue Panda Huachuca Hip Pack carries that same aura, and considering nearly every brand has released a hip pack within a span of several years, the originality of this new bag is almost uncanny. After using the Huachuca for a few months, here’s my full review with details and impressions.

Before diving into what makes this hip pack unique, here’s a quick overview. Named after the Huachuca (wah-CHOO-kah) mountains in southeastern Arizona, the Rogue Panda Huachuca is a single-buckle hip pack with a four-liter storage capacity and a spacious main compartment. Inside, it features a hydration sleeve with an elasticated edge at the back and two internal mesh organizer pockets for keys, snacks, tools, or other essentials. Weighing between 265 and 310 grams—depending on fabric choice and hip belt size—mine tipped the scale at 315 grams with the larger wings and a durable custom Ecopak fabric in a funky cacti pattern.

The standout feature of the Huachuca is its adjustable TPU rubber belt wings, which are available in two sizes with three angle settings for a customizable fit. Designed to carry semi-heavy loads, it accommodates a 1.5-liter Hydrapak bladder (sold separately) in the internal sleeve. A shock cord on top provides quick-access storage for a rain jacket or extra layers. Made to order in Flagstaff, Arizona, the Huachuca Hip Pack is priced at $140 and comes in a variety of fabric options.

Rogue Panda’s goal with the Huachuca Hip Pack was to create a form-fitting design that eliminates the bouncing and shifting common in other hip packs. To achieve this, they focused on load distribution, ensuring the weight is spread evenly across the waist. While this might sound similar to other hip pack descriptions, the Huachuca is undoubtedly different. Instead of a traditional rectangular shape, it features a wide profile and curved seams, which Rogue Panda defines as an ergonomic fit.

Another key design consideration was hip anatomy. Since human bodies aren’t cylindrical, getting the angle of the hip belt wings just right was a priority. Interestingly, using rubber for the wings wasn’t part of the original plan. Inspiration struck when experimenting with TPU ski straps to use for angle adjustment. As Rogue Panda founder Nick Smolenski explains, “The idea came in a moment of idle wondering—could we provide angle adjustment by piggybacking on tried-and-true TPU ski strap technology? We thought it was worth 3D printing a set, but didn’t put much hope in it. Then we tried them out in the wild on a trip to Moab.”

Give Me Wings

Following that lightbulb moment, the team created a 3D-printed prototype and tested it on the Whole Enchilada and several other trails. They found that the combination of the wing design and elongated pack body significantly improved stability. Unlike previous designs that required shifting the pack higher on descents for stability, the TPU wings allowed it to stay secure around the hips at all times. After that trip, they made further refinements, including developing two size options to accommodate different body types and carefully shaped chamfers for enhanced comfort. They incorporated a more secure hydration tube hook, too.

I first tested a 3D-printed prototype of the wings in Oaxaca before Rogue Panda sent over the final versions, one for each size: S1 for a 28-34″ waist and S2 for a 32-42″ waist. The finished product, molded from TPU, appears to use a material and process similar to (if not the same as) what’s used for Voilé straps, and the result is impressive. The sizing and finish are well-executed, right down to the tiny panda profile in the honeycombed wing. The texture and flexibility closely resemble Voilé straps, and according to Nick, they chose a TPU with high UV and cold resistance—claims that align with Voilé’s compound. For folks riding in extreme conditions, Nick tested it down to 0°F, and it remained pliable.

In Use

The Rogue Panda Huachuca measures up to its development story when it comes to comfort. I tested the S2 size in both its prototype and final form, and coupled with the bag’s curved, elongated shape, the fit and feel were excellent. I attached the wings in the tightest hole positions with no angle adjustment and found it to have a barely there feel, even when loaded down with a camera and other items. There was no pinching, and the pack comfortably cradled my hips and back. It’s incredibly stable and secure. My only complaint about the 3D-printed prototype wings was their rough edges, which were irritating against bare skin. The Rogue Panda team fully resolved that issue in the final production version, which features nicely chamfered edges and a softer feel.

Even when Virginia wore it a few times—despite theoretically needing the smaller S1-size wings—she had no complaints. She maxed out the straps with her 27″ waist but still commented on how comfortable it was and how well it molded to her body. With a few inches of webbing saved, the S1 would likely be a perfect fit for her. That brings to mind one other complaint. The webbing doubled over in the buckle on a couple of occasions, requiring careful removal to get it back to normal. I’m not sure if the culprit was the thickness or pliability of the webbing or the space in the buckle loop, but it was a little annoying.

As for size, the Huachuca’s elongated shape is immediately noticeable. At first glance, it looks like a large hip pack, comparable to others like the Rockgeist Big Dumpling (note the comparison grid below for reference). However, that perception changes once you put it on. It doesn’t feel bulky at all. While the bag is slightly wider than others in this category, it’s also a bit shorter. I discovered this when trying to cram my Canon R5 with a self-made camera insert inside. It fits, but zipping it up is a challenge and requires extra effort, which is not ideal for quick-access shooting from the saddle. That said, it easily accommodates my Fuji X100V with a jacket, gloves, and various other essentials. Overall, I found the four-liter capacity quite versatile, save the ability to carry my large work camera.

• Model Tested: Rogue Panda Huachuca Hip Pack
• Actual Weight: 315 grams (11.11 oz)
• Place of Manufacture (bag): Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
• Place of Manufacture (wings): China
• Price: $140
• Manufacturer’s Details: Rogue Panda