With an eclectic range of influences, ranging from super-hero movies, gaming culture and most heavily, the realms of fantasy (with a little dose of '80s pop culture thrown into the mix), London-based Wizard Works led by Harry and Veronica are a small team that create some unique bikepacking gear. With a focus on sustainability and ethical manufacturing, all of its products are designed and made by hand in-house in its London studio.
The Oglah hip pack – named after the leader of a band of infamous Hobgoblin mercenaries from the Warhammer tabletop gaming universe, is the smaller sibling of Wizard Works larger 4.8 litre Hobgob hip pack. Aimed at adventure and trail riding, it features 2.2 liters of storage capacity for carrying all your essentials, a Fidlock side buckle for fit, thick mesh padding for comfort and airflow and an elastic bungie cord for stashing a spare layer or light jacket. It’s made from tough water-resistant materials and features 2 optional – and very clever, removable quick-draw bottle pockets. I load it up and strap it on for an adventure to see how it fares in a battle of the best MTB hip packs and gravel riding kit. Now, I wonder if it has room for my war hammer.
Design and specifications
The main body of the Oglah is constructed from 500D Cordura with side panels made from recycled RX30 Xpac which is a carbon-neutral fabric. Both provide excellent levels of abrasion resistance and strength with water resistance courtesy of a non-fluorinated DWR coating. Weatherproofing is further bolstered by a water-resistant Aquaguard YKK zip. Fit is taken care of by a side-mounted Fidlock magnetic hook buckle and the adjustment buckles are mounted at the wings for improved comfort. The wide wings lead to a deep 40mm belt which gets ample elasticated loops to keep the strap tidy.
9mm deep foam-covered mesh provides padding and airflow at the back, which is further bolstered by 10mm Eva foam padding on the inside of the pack. Thinner mesh padding wraps around the wings of the belt for added airflow.
This pack uses a Molle system (Modular Lightweight Load-Carrying Equipment) – a series of vertical woven strips. This was developed by the US military to secure two of its optional bottle pockets using the Blackhawk Speed clips which interweave through these straps for a secure fit.
There’s also an elasticated cord to the bottom of the pack with a quick-release buckle for stashing an extra layer with reflective detail tabs. A single stretch panel divides the interior to secure smaller items and there’s a key leash and clip.
It’s not a cheap pack though, costing $198 / £155 with an additional $38 / £30 per bottle pocket. Available in four color options and a rather radical '80s-inspired splatter pattern. There’s also the option for custom colors or a multi-colored design with different strap lengths of 45-65 inches.
Performance
After many miles of riding, on both mountain bikes and my gravel bike, it’s fair to say I’ve fallen under the Oglah’s spell.
One thing that is absolutely essential to me is the ability to carry extra water and the Oglah absolutely nails it with the Molle mounted bottle pockets. From the first reach around to rehydrate I was smitten. My bottles were easy to locate and release from their bungee cord secure straps whilst riding. And then just as easy to replace without drawing my attention away from riding the trail. The system is a little fiddly to set up and attach at first but watching the YouTube how-to video made it easier.
I was able to fit all the necessities needed for a ride and the elasticated pocket kept smaller items from rattling around. I stashed a lightweight windproof jacket to the bottom and holstered two 550ml water bottles.
The magnetic Fidlock buckle mounted at the side, made for a really comfortable fit as it didn’t cut into me at the front and it snaps into place with ease. The straps were easy to cinch in too, to tailor a secure fit and stayed flap free using the two elasticated loops. It was easy to adjust fit using the large side buckles and they are well placed out of the way. Accessing the pack whilst wearing was pretty easy too using the large looped zip pull tags, something that can be an absolute 'mare with some packs.
It’s a really comfortable and secure fit, even when carrying two full bottles, kit and an extra layer – which I was concerned about. It stayed securely in place when I rode technical tails on the mountain bike and it felt comfortable enough for long gravel grinds. The mesh padding at the rear did a really great job of moisture management in hot weather and that extra 10mm pad internally went some way in adding another layer of comfort when the pack was fully laden. So far, it’s done a sterling job of fending off trail spray and the odd summer shower keeping the contents bone dry.
I’ll admit I love the look of this pack as well and the craftsmanship is fantastic. I wasn’t bold enough for the splatter pattern, although I love it, so opted for the olive colorway. All this will cost you – especially when you add in the bottle pockets at an extra £30 a pop. But for that, you get a pack made from premium materials, hand-made in the UK with a lifetime warranty against craftsmanship and defects.
Verdict
With an awesome name and available in lots of color and fit options, the performance of the Oglah hip pack is excellent and equally matched by its looks. It surpasses some other packs with the use of the excellent bottle pockets which really are a joy to use. If your pockets are deep enough, then it’s a worthwhile investment given the warranty and premium craftsmanship but there are cheaper options out there.
Tech specs: Wizard Works Oglah hip pack
- Price: $198 + $38 per Bottle Pocket / £155 + £30 / €183 + €35
- Colors: Black / Chocolate / Orange / Splatter + custom options
- Volume: 2.2 Litres
- Sizes: Small - up to 45” / Standard - up to 55” / large up to 65”
- Materials: 500D Cordura, recycled RX30 Xpac
- Dimensions: 24cm weight, 13.5cm height, 8cm deep
- Weight: 315g + 60g per Bottle Pocket
- Rival products: Rapha Trail hip pack, Restrap Utility hip pack
