PNW Components Rover Hip Pack 2022
Reviews / Hydration Packs/Bags
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At a glance
The Rover is PNW’s solution for carrying the essentials with you on the trail. The 2.7 litre hip pack comes with a removable bottle holder, abrasion resistant tri layer fabric made from 100% recycled material and a mesh backside to promote airflow. It’s DWR water resistant, has a neoprene padded cell phone pocket and YKK water repellent zippers. It even comes with a lifetime warranty.
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About the brand
PNW Components was founded by Aaron Kerson and his wife, Emily. The price of bikes and components was skyrocketing, and the duo thought they could provide superior quality for a friendlier price than anyone else out there.
Emily has been a biker since day one, working in bike shops and being part of the Marin Marketing team. As a graphic designer, photographer and web developer she compliments Aaron’s knowledge and brings the creative vibes to the PNW office.
Gaining experience and contacts as Product Manager for Specialized and Marin, Aaron is no newby to the bike industry either. With experience in other industries giving him the knowledge on how to successfully build an e-commerce business, the outlines for PNW were set. They currently offer their products through bike shops as well as on their own website, shipping directly from various warehouses across the world.
The PNW brand doesn’t show a sustainability plan on their website, but all their packaging is made of recyclable materials and recycled cardboard. They offer a lifetime warranty, and have a selection of refurbished products for sale on their website giving used but still in working order products a second lease of life.
The product
The Rover is a nicely crafted piece of material that shows some quality workmanship. Made from premium materials and with some nice features like the neoprene protection for your phone this pack offers something more than just your bog standard hip pack.
The main compartment is big enough to hold your windbreaker, some snacks, gloves and a wallet. There are two mesh subdividers in there to make sure you can find things easily. The front zipper gives access to a padded pouch ideally for your phone, but you can put other stuff in there too of course.
On the side of the pack you’ll find two zipped stash pockets for some snacks, gels or a mini tool. I tend to keep my car keys in there too. There are some smart placed loops too, where you can make sure the pack is snug and attach the bottle pouch. If you want to keep the bottle on the bike, it’s also ideal for storing a rain jacket if you roll it up tight.
It’s available in two colours, either black (or as PNW calls it Dark Matter) and a sand/beige colour aptly named Stardust.
Out on the trail
With 2.7 litres the pack is big enough to stash the essentials. It sits firmly on your hips and provides a nice lumbar support while not being too warm and sweaty. The extra removable bottle pouch is a great idea and lets you carry that extra water or jacket for those longer rides or when the weather can go either way.
I’ve been using the pack throughout the winter months, and you can really tell the person who designed it doesn’t stay in when the weather is horrendous. The materials used made sure the contents kept dry, even in some of the worst weather.
Verdict
Great piece of kit. Very well made from recycled materials, which gives you a product that lasts. Big enough for your park laps or quick after work rides and the optional bottle pouch is a great idea. We honestly can’t wait for PNW to release some more products. Maybe a backpack is on the horizon?
This review was in Issue 70 of IMB.
For more information visit PNW ComponentsRelated
By Jarno Hoogland
Jarno's life has revolved around two wheels ever since he swung a leg over his first BMX at age 4. After a BMX and DH racing career, he moved on to work for bike shops, distributors and brands before ending up in the editors seat at IMB. Based in the ultimate testing ground in the Swiss mountains, he runs his guiding operation and makes sure every IMB issue is filled with top notch content.
