Old Man Mountain Flip System
Old Man Mountain Flip Cage and Hemlock Bags
What the product is
The Old Man Mountain Flip Cage and Hemlock bag are the first offering within the Flip ecosystem. This technically is two products but they work in concert with one another. The first part of this system is the cage.
This attaches to any three pack braze on or they can be used with an axle fit from Old Man Mountain/Robert Axle Project. The cages easily attach with three bolts and there is an included foot you can use if you want to run oversize water bottles on the cages. Or, you can use the new Hemlock bags that lock into cages thanks to the Flip system. These bags are each 7L and are extremely robust. The roll top closure really helps keep the water out and provides easy access for both loading and unloading.
It seems like the perfect marriage between bikepacking bags and touring panniers.
You can use this product on either the front or rear of the bike. With a rack or without a rack. It even works with suspension forks if you get the proper axle from Old Man Mountain/Robert Axle Project. The kit includes the axle and a ziplock kit to secure the cages onto your suspension fork.
We've been running the system with our Elkhorn rack and Atlas Rack Pack and it really is a nice way to ride. The modularity and ease of use is next level. The stability of the system is something that traditional saddle bag users will love.
Who the product is for
We can see a lot of user types rocking this system but it is designed for bikepacking and touring. The system can be used in a lot of different ways but most folks will opt to either carry extra water in the cages or to just use the Hemlock bags. Touring cyclists will really appreciate these products as it fits perfectly into a standard rack and pannier set up.
What the product is not
The Flip system is many things but it is not an ultralight or minimalist system. Those looking for the lightest weight packing solution should look elsewhere, although thanks to the versatlity and security of the system, it might be tempting to take the weight penalty. It is not an all in one solution and you'll need to still complement your bike with other bags where appropriate.
Bullet list of product features
- Modular and universal design
- Hemlock bags provide 7L of waterproof storage
- Quick, easy, and secure attachment to the cages
- Removable foot on cage is used to secure large water vessles or can be removed when the bags are attached
- Flip system is open for licensing from other brands
- Use on the front or rear of the bike
How it compares to similar products
Traditional pannier systems have been around for ages and this system is truely an evolution on the old concept. Where the magic happens truly is in the Flip mechanism. Where traditional panniers have been known to rattle around and are not so secure, especially when the track gets rough, the Flip system and Hemlock bags are rock solid.
The mechanism is rather simple. It starts with the large QR lever that gets inserted into the cage and then turned to create a secure lock to the cage. This is further reinforced on the inside of the bag which uses a rigid plate to help keep your load stable and attached to the cage. In our testing on miles of rough single and doubletrack, the bags have not moved.
When the day is done you can easily remove the bags with the flick of a lever. This is such a nice approach as it allows you to easily grab a bag and either bring it into the tent with you or to rummage through it without having to be hunched over your bike.
Who Is The Brand?
Old Man Mountain builds premium, adventure ready racks designed to fit almost any bike. Founded in 1996 in Santa Barbara, California, the brand pioneered thru-axle mounted racks that allow riders to carry gear securely on bikes without traditional mounting points. Their products, like the Divide and Elkhorn racks, are known for strength, modularity, and versatility. Trusted by bikepackers, commuters, and world tourers alike, Old Man Mountain continues to innovate gear that expands where and how riders can travel, empowering self-supported adventure on any terrain, anywhere in the world.The Flip Cage and Hemlock bags are the next evolution.
Old Man Mountain Flip Cage and Hemlock Bags
Truly the next evolution in bikepacking equipment!
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