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ADV NewsGet Those Tools Off Your Aching Back With This Enduro Waist Bag

Get Those Tools Off Your Aching Back With This Enduro Waist Bag

We trail test the GIVI GRT710, an enduro waist bag to carry all your essentials.

Published on 08.12.2020

For decades, Enduro Riders have been carrying their tools in waist bags. Not only does it help ensure important tools don’t go flying off the back of your bike in rough terrain, but they help avoid back soreness and fatigue from carrying a heavy backpack. 

GIVI recently released the GRT710 Enduro Waist Bag as part of their off-road-specific Gravel-T line, designed for racers and dual sport riders exploring technical terrain. In fact, GIVI developed it together with the Honda HRC Monster Energy Rally Team that races in the Dakar. The GRT710 is constructed with heavy-duty 1200D polyester fabric and beefy zippers to make it resistant to wear and tear from trail abuse. Elastic waist straps are made wide to evenly distribute the weight, attached with Velcro and an adjustable strap to secure everything in place. On the right side is a zipper pocket used for carrying spare bolts, JB Weld, tape, a multi tool, or other things you need quick access to, while the left pocket has a Velcro flap closure and adjustable strap designed specifically for carrying a water bottle.

In the center is the main compartment,which unzips and unfolds into a tool roll with pockets and slots to organize and carry individual tools. There is also a large central zipper pocket which can be used for odd-shaped tools or trail snacks. Everything in the main compartment is closed up with zippers so that tools remain dust free, and an outer flap goes over the top with a quick-release buckle closure. Also on the main closure flap, are two elastic bands that can be used for holding a rain layer and there is also a small pocket built into the flap for carrying keys, a driver’s licence, or other small items.

How It Performed

If you are planning on doing enduros, rallies, or any aggressive dual sport rides, the GRT710 is a more secure way to carry tools than strapping them onto a fender.

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I tend to carry a lot of tools so I am prepared for anything we encounter with the various bikes we are testing. Loading up the GRT710 waist bag with tools for the first time, I was surprised how much it could swallow.  The tool roll has a variety of slots and there are big zipper pockets for storing any overflow. You can use the large outer flap of the main compartment to hold down loose items as well, although I would have liked to have some adjustment in the buckle strap closure to allow for more versatility in carrying items of various sizes.

At first I used the large outer flap to carry a front inner tube, but I later found it more convenient to stuff it in the water bottle holder. Since I ride with a light hydration pack, there was no need for carrying a bottle of water there. Yet, that bottle holder can just as well be used for spare oil or a flask depending on your needs.

Getting it strapped on, it felt a little strange at first. Standing up on the pegs, it took some getting used to having weight above my tuchus. Although, I have to admit, I liked it better than carrying tools in a backpack. Carrying a heavy weight on my back usually leads to soreness and I feel it interferes with my balance when the weight is up higher. I’ve tried Enduro Vests before as well, which are designed to distribute weight more evenly around your torso, but I feel those create extra bulk in the front that can interfere with my riding. By the end of my first ride, my body had mostly adjusted to the new weight of the waist sack and I was fully acclimated to it by the second day, liking it even more as I rode.

Just unstrap the waist bag, throw it on the ground, and you’ve got your tools spread out in seconds.

After several more rides I found it nice not having to dig into a pannier or a top bag to find tools when trailside repairs are calling. Just quickly unstrap the waist sack, throw it on the ground, and you’ve got your tools spread out in seconds. It also can be used as a small mat to place bolts, spacers or other items you want to avoid losing in the dirt. Getting it back on can be a bit cumbersome, if you have it stuffed to the brim like me, but the Velcro attachment and the elastic waistband ensures a comfortable fit. Riding in aggressive terrain, everything stays in place, and you don’t feel like there is a ball bouncing around back there.

These elastic straps can be used to carry a rain layer, but without being able to cinch the straps down, its not the most secure storage option.

Now with more than a thousand miles or riding with the GRT710, on shorter trips I’ve appreciated not having to strap on luggage and having my tools in the same place when switching from bike to bike. It has also proven to be very durable: the thick material and high-quality zippers haven’t given me any trouble so far. While the GRT710 waist bag does come with a waterproof phone holder, personally I would avoid carrying anything fragile inside it because if you do fall (don’t ask me how I know), it’s likely to come in contact with the ground. Also worth noting, is the fabric is water resistant but not waterproof. This isn’t a problem most of the time but if you get soaked in a downpour or fail at a water crossing, make sure you dry your tools out when you get home or they could turn into a rusty mess next time you open up the bag.

Who’s It For

Those who are taking shorter adventures and day rides, who are packing light and riding on aggressive terrain, will appreciate the quick access and security of carrying tools in the GRT710 waist bag. Also, those who own multiple bikes and want to be able to strap on and go, rather than adapt a tool carrying solution for each bike. 

Our Verdict

The GIVI GRT710 Waist Bag is a convenient and effective way to store your trail tools on shorter, aggressive off-road rides. Accessing your tools is always quick and easy, so much so, that you can expect an uptick in your riding buddies asking if you have a screwdriver, wrench or tire pressure gauge handy. At about $100 it’s on the pricey side for a waist bag, but it backs it up with smart storage and heavy-duty construction that can handle gnarly terrain.

What We Liked

  • Enough capacity to carry lots of tools.
  • Durable construction that can take abuse.
  • Comfortable waist belt with secure fit.

What Could Be Improved

  • Make outer flap elastic bands adjustable for a more secure hold.
  • Make outer flap buckle closure adjustable for greater versatility.
  • Perhaps a waterproof version?

GRT710 Enduro Waist Bag Specs

  • CONSTRUCTION: 1200D Polyester UV-Resistant Fabric
  • POCKETS: 4 zipper pockets and a water bottle pocket.
  • DIMENSIONS: 10.5″ width x 7″ height x 4″ deep (Main Compartment)
  • WEIGHT: 1.5 pounds (0.7 kg)
  • PRICE: $105.00

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Photos by Jeff Kiniery, Jon Beck and Rob Dabney

Author: Rob Dabney

Rob Dabney started a lifelong obsession with motorcycles at the age of 15 when he purchased his first bike – a 1982 Honda MB5. Through his 20’s and 30’s he competed in off-road desert races, including the Baja 250, 500 and 1000. Eventually, his proclivity for exploration led him to dual sport and adventure riding. Rob’s never-ending quest to discover what’s around the next bend has taken him on Adventures in Latin America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and throughout the American West. As a moto journalist, he enjoys inspiring others to seek adventure across horizons both near and far.

Author: Rob Dabney
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5 Comments
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Craig Alberhasky
Craig Alberhasky
August 12, 2020 10:21 am

We call them fanny packs.

John Sanford
John Sanford
August 16, 2020 4:26 pm

This looks great, but what to put in it??

howzabout a complete tour of the bag and TOOLS that you’re carrying, as well as the “why this and not that”?

Robert
Robert
August 19, 2020 5:09 pm

If it does not have enough padding in the hip and tail bone areas and some armor I’ll pass it by. Such a thing needs a lot of padding to protect from hard get offs. Having your hip smash into a socket set in a fall could break bones and without the armor a screw driver could be driven through the belt right into you.

Rob Dabney
Rob Dabney
August 20, 2020 7:34 am
Reply to  Robert

There is a thick vinyl sheet that goes up against your back. Multiple layers of material give good padding. The way the tools roll up also ensures they lay flat and would not be able to create a sharp point directed toward your body. Anything loose with pointy edges you can store in the the large back pocket which would put it safely on the other side of the internal tool roll, keeping it away from your body.

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