{"id":572258,"date":"2025-05-29T12:17:26","date_gmt":"2025-05-29T16:17:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gearjunkie.com\/?p=572258"},"modified":"2025-05-30T12:40:42","modified_gmt":"2025-05-30T16:40:42","slug":"grayl-mission-exp-4-5l-hip-pack-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gearjunkie.com\/packs\/grayl-mission-exp-4-5l-hip-pack-review","title":{"rendered":"Meet the Tactical Manny Fanny: Grayl Mission EXP 4.5L Hip Pack"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Since I began hiking and camping as a kid, I have always carried a lot of stuff with me. <\/strong>Even on day hikes, it wasn\u2019t uncommon for me to bring a 25L to 32L pack, stuffed to the brim. Over the years, though, I have trimmed the fat out of my packs. I have been able to scale back their size, even going as small as a lumbar bag for shorter jaunts on the trail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Last December, Grayl fully immersed itself in the world of lumbar bags with its Mission EXP Hip Pack. Part of its Carry Project<\/a> (which also includes backpacks<\/a> and daypacks<\/a>),<\/span> the EXP lineup focuses on accessibility and adaptability. The packs address these needs through organization and modularity. Not many sub-300-cubic-inch packs let you bring a tent without hampering functionality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Firemaple<\/a>
Prone to using a hip pack on your travels? The G2 Pot nests your gas and stove and takes up minimal space; (photo\/Nick LeFort)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I have been testing the 4.5L version<\/a> of this hip pack since January. Though it has a couple of quirks, it’s the closest a lumbar bag has come to checking off all the boxes I need it to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In short:<\/strong> The Grayl Mission EXP 4.5L<\/a> ($140) is a hip pack with tactical flair. <\/span>It has a Velcro panel for attaching patches, or G Mod pouches, and numerous pockets and compartments. It’s easily adjustable and has the Mission EXP line’s Bottlelock Tie-Down System, allowing you to confidently strap bottles, tents, or extra layers to the bottom. Day hikers, bikers, ski tourers, and anyone who appreciates a good lumbar pack should check this one out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check out GearJunkie’s guide to the Best Fanny Packs<\/a> and the Best Mountain Biking Hip Packs<\/a>. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tGRAYL Mission EXP 4.5L Hip Pack\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n
\n\tCheck Price at GRAYL<\/a><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t
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