High Above Cascadia review: almost perfect hip pack, missing bottle-carry option

High Above designed the Cascadia around a hydration bladder and a compact storage volume. The pack combines a 1.5L bladder with 2.5L of storage for a 4L total capacity. It costs $169.99, weighs about 565 g, and carries a lifetime warranty.

The Cascadia's standout trait is how well it stays put. An oversized back panel with extra foam, large hip wings, and a double-baffle bladder pocket keep the load close to the body. Even when filled near its 4L capacity the pack remains stable on rough descents. The reviewer compared it to other hip packs and found only one other pack (which uses backpack straps) to be more immobile, making the Cascadia one of the more secure hip packs tested.

Inside the pack you get a large zippered compartment plus two small mesh pockets and two mesh stash pockets on the hip wings for quick-access items. The layout is intentionally simple: space to drop tools, a place for a wallet or phone, and room for snacks. There's also external bungee webbing for securing a lightweight jacket or shell.

The Cascadia is designed around the bladder rather than adding hydration as an afterthought. The large bladder pocket and double-baffle design hold the bladder snug to the back panel so it doesn't move during rides. A magnetic hose lock secures the hose at the hip, but the placement can make it hard to find and clip quickly. The stash pocket fabric can sometimes obstruct the magnet, which forced the reviewer to stop and realign the hose during use.

At $170 the Cascadia is pricier than many hip packs. The reviewer acknowledged the cost but gave weight to the lifetime warranty and perceived longevity based on material feel. For riders who use a hydration bladder and want a simple, bombproof hip pack that resists movement and water, the price may be acceptable.

The pack's main shortcoming is the lack of external bottle holders. Riders who prefer bottles over bladders will find this pack inconvenient. The bungee can secure a jacket but won't hold a bottle reliably while pedaling. The magnetic hose lock issue compounds the problem for bottle users because the hose routing and lock are optimized for bladder use.

Choose the Cascadia if you prioritize stability, durability, and a compact bladder-centric setup. Pass on it if you regularly ride with water bottles or want quick one-handed bottle access.