Don’t Leave Home Without… a Bum Bag

So you’ve booked another Globetrotting ride, or maybe you’re a first timer and new to our family of horseback holiday adventurers. Either way, you’re probably bursting with anticipation and busily planning your kit.

Globetrotting holidays involve multiple hours in the saddle and we globetrotters like to carry a few essentials with us while riding: phone, sunglasses, water, lip balm, sunscreen… and that’s where, for the most part, saddle bags are a godsend – somewhere we can keep all our bits and bobs close and handy.

But what do you do when, for various reasons, saddle bags are not supplied? If you’re booked to ride in Portugal, The Scottish Borders Ride, The Camargue Ride, or the Desert Brumby Safari, you might want to invest in a bum bag (AKA waist pouch, belt bag, fanny pack!). Here’s a list of our favourites to get you started.

AUSTRALIA

Decathlon Travel Ultra-compact Bumbag
This is a lightweight, not-too-bulky belt pouch made from highly durable material. It packs into itself, making it extremely portable and compact, but with a 2 litre capacity.

Patagonia Black Hole Waist Pack
With compression straps to keep the pack close, stretch water bottle packets and a durable water repellent finish, this one ticks a lot of boxes.

Caribee Squall – Water Resistant Waist Bag
Water resistance is a great feature for horse riders. This bag has heat welded seams, an internal neoprene organiser, zip stash pocket and front utility loops. There is also an adjustable hip belt for extra comfort.

USA , EUROPE AND THE UK

Mountain Horse Waist Bag
This small waist bag is perfect if you only need a few key items with you. It won’t weigh you down, doesn’t feel bulky and is just the right size for your phone and some lip balm.

Deuter Belt II
This bum bag has a 2.5 litre capacity and is made from strong, water repellent ripstop fabric. It’s a small, lightweight bag made to last.

Pacsafe Vibe 100 Anti-theft Waistpack
This larger 4 litre pack fits everything you’ll need, with quick access and anti-theft features making it great for both on and off the horse. It has internal pockets and an internal attachment point for wallets or keys.

Eastpak Bundel Into
This mid-sized bag has a 3.5 litre capacity, adjustable waist belt and leather trim. A range of colours and patterns are available. It’s not water repellent but if you like your kit to be stylish, it’s worth a look.

***Oh and don’t forget to check out our GT Apparel online store if you’re keen to invest in some new gear ahead of your ride!

This article was written by Bernadette Kelly, a longtime Globetrotter since 2010, with 16 rides under her belt spanning Africa, South America, Iceland, Europe, the UK, and Australia.

Image credits: feature image by Anakumka/Shutterstock.com, preview image by Johnny Edgardo Guzman on Pexels.