Like all other High Above waist packs, the Lookout Pack features a robust, waterproof construction and is fully customisable. Compared to other models, it has even more compartments and pockets. Does that make it the perfect all-rounder?
While the hip belt and the backplate of the High Above Lookout Pack are identical to its bigger brother the Cascadia, the actual pack relies on a different concept. It is made of the same waterproof material, albeit with a tougher outer material, but has one less litre of capacity and relies on a totally different compartment strategy. And a pretty good one.
As with the other two models, a YKK dual zipper gives you access to the main compartment. The interior is divided into various partitions which include a large main pocket, a full-length compartment on the rear and two vertical pockets at the front. And then there’s a separate front compartment with the same solid zipper – the dimensions and waterproof material make it the perfect compartment for a mobile phone. The robust construction and long zipper make it easy to access it without looking, whether you’re reaching for your phone or smaller items.
Like its bigger brother, the High Above Lookout Pack is delivered ex works with a removable bottle holder and a set of additional straps that allow you to attach a jacket or spare jersey to the outside of the pack. A brand new addition to the range is the Lookout Pack with a Fidlock bottle holder, which sets you back an extra $20. As far as comfort goes, the Lookout is right up there with the Cascadia. Despite the smaller contact surface, the fit is very comfortable and stable and only when fully loaded, does the pack tend to bounce a little. Thanks to the many partitions, however, the contents won’t go flying around on the inside. To round off the overall successful concept, the smaller footprint of the pack also builds up less heat.
Note: depending on the colour, the outer surface of the X-Pac fabric is either made of light and smooth nylon (VX21) or stiffer, heavier Cordura fabric (VX51). Head over to the High Above website and look for the pictures of the different fabric samples. If you’re still in the dark after looking at the samples or if you have special requests you can always contact customer support. The test model in our pictures is made of the heavier fabric.
Conclusions
The Lookout is our favourite of the three High Above models. It offers a good amount of storage space, has a very good compartment layout and provides a comfortable, pleasant and stable fit. Thanks to the robust structure and waterproof material, it could survive a military operation. If you’re looking for an elegant, durable and incredibly versatile fanny pack and if you can live with the price and longer waiting times associated with overseas shipping, you won’t be disappointed.
Tops
- Highly water resistant
- Very good partitioning
- Super robust
- Quick and easy access
- Customisable
Flops
- Only direct orders from the USA
- Rear padding absorbs sweat
For more information head to highabove.net
The test field
Click here for an overview of the best MTB hip pack in test
All hip packs in review: Bedrock Bags Greysill Hip Pack (Click for review) | Bontrager Rapid Pack (Click for review) | CamelBak Podium Flow (Click for review) | CamelBak Repack LR 4 (Click for review) | Dakine Hot Laps 5L (Click for review) | Dakine Hot Laps 2L (Click for review) | Dakine Hot Laps Stealth (Click for review) | Deuter Pulse 3 (Click for review) | Deuter Pulse 2 (Click for review) | EVOC HIP PACK PRO 3l (Click for review) | EVOC HIP PACK RACE 3l (Click for review) | EVOC HIP POUCH 1l (Click for review) | EVOC RACE BELT (Click for review) | High Above Cascadia (Click for review) | High Above Lookout | High Above Das Radpack (Click for review) | ION Hipbag Traze 3 (Click for review) | Leatt Hydration Core 2.0 (Click for review) | Mavic XA 3L Belt (Click for review) | Mavic Crossride Belt (Click for review) | Mavic Deemax Belt (Click for review) | Race Face Rip Strip (Click for review) | SOURCE Hipster 1.5L (Click for review) | SOURCE Hipster Ultra 5L (Click for review)
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Words: Photos: Andreas Maschke, Christoph Bayer
