Hyzerbomb FlakX Backpack Review

It arrived today… the Hyzerbomb FlakX Backpack was patiently awaiting my arrival from work today. To be honest, when I saw the box with a Millennium return address, I was not sure what it was. Then, when I opened it, I was surprised.  I have been following the updates from Hyzerbomb Discs on Facebook regarding the ship dates, and new that some were going out already, but I did not get an email with tracking info so I was not expecting it. My first impression of the bag is a good one.

***EDIT*** The following video was recorded 5 months after owing the bag to demonstrate current wear and tear. I also answer questions from various YouTube comments regarding the bag.

My first disc golf bag was the Innova Deluxe Disc Bag. I still have this bag, and it has held up well. After using the bag for about a year, I wanted to find more of a backpack that would distribute the weight of the discs between both shoulders, rather than carrying 20-ish discs on one shoulder. I still use the bag to carry my backup discs for when I go to the field and practice, but it has not had any course time in a few years.  When I jumped into the backpack scene, I started off with a DIY Magellan backpack from Academy Sports and Outdoors. It worked out ok for a while, but the original backpack that I purchased was not really built for the wear and tear of disc golf. The weight of the discs caused the seams to rip, the shoulder straps were not very padded, and compared to true disc golf backpacks, it just didn’t look as aesthetically pleasing.  I was able to use the bag for over a year and a half though, with a few minor issues which were repaired by a loving wife with a sewing machine.

When I finally committed to take the plunge and spend the money on a legit disc golf bag, I did not want to sink a lot of money into something that I would be disappointed in. From a financial standpoint, the biggest decision was going with another DIY backpack or deciding to support the disc golf community, and purchase something that was designed for the weight of a lot of discs. There was a brief moment where I thought about getting the Magellan Disc Golf bag since you can purchase it new for about $40.00. It certainly would get the job done, and comes in new colors now. I saw a few pros at Texas States earlier this month with the Magellan bag, so it apparently holds up to travelling and tournament play, but it just does not look as sturdy and durable as some of the other bags. As indicated by this post, I went with an official disc golf bag.

There were certain things that I was looking for in a disc golf backpack, which included:

• Large bottom bay for disc storage (18+ discs)
• Slots to place 1-4 discs in outside of the larger disc bay (not including putter pocket)
• Putter pocket that would hold at least 2 putters
• Cup holder big enough for 32 oz. Nalgene bottle
• Padding on the backpack straps
• Padding between the discs and my back
• Tear resistant material
• Rain fly
• Reasonable storage space for towels/hoodie/etc without being crazy
• Umbrella/stool holder
• Vibram logo

Storage Bay: Most of the tournament style disc golf backpacks have enough storage space in the large bay for 18+ discs, so this part was not hard to find. Even the backpacks on the smaller end (ie: Grip C14 Agile bag) looks like it could hold 15 in the main storage area. Since most of the backpacks meet this requirement, it was not easy to find.

Individual slots for 1-2 discs: The main reason I was looking for something like this was for storage for the soft Vibram molds that I carry and use the most. I noticed that in the Texas heat my fairway drivers would sometimes come out of my bag warped. By having individual slots for 1-2 discs, my hope is to keep the drivers in their normal shape, regardless of the heat. The Rebel from Upper Park Designs originally caught my eye, but the material of the backpack just didn’t seem as sturdy as some of the other bags on the market. I was hesitant to spend $200 on something that might not last as long as I would like. The Hyzerbomb bag does not have a lot of individual slots like I was hoping for, but it does have one, with a potential of three others without sacrificing a putter pocket. The potential three additional slots come from the second putter pocket, as well as the two top storage pouchs. Due to the size of these other two places, I am pretty sure that the discs would alter their shape just like in the main storage bay, if not worse since the bay has the potential for other discs to reinforce them.

Putter pockets: Most of the disc golf backpacks also have putter pockets, so this is easy to find.

Large cup holders: I like Nalgene bottles. When cup holders are to small to carry one it bothers me. This did not make or break the backpack, but it was refreshing to see the Hyzerbomb bag have 2 very large cup holders.

Padding in the backpack straps: I never thought this would be that big of a deal. The DIY backpack changed my mind. Two rounds of Texas heat, and 20+ discs would cause the bag to dig into my shoulders. There are a few bags out there that really stand out in this area. The Latitude 64 DG Luxury Backpack probably has the best straps out there. When I tested a friend’s out, it felt heavenly. The Hyzerbomb FlakX straps have a decent amount of padding them, though not as much as the Latitude 64 bag.

Padding between the discs and my back: The DIY Magellan bag had a ton of padding, and it was nice. The Hyzerbomb bag as a lot as well. The original prototype bags that were explored by The Disc Golf Guy reviewed the original FlakX and Flak4 backpacks and reports that they were not as padded, but this issue was resolved, and they are pretty good now.

Tear resistant material: I was looking for something that felt durable, and that would not rip easily. Most of the DG backpacks are made from similar material. The DIY bag I had tore frequently, and so I knew I wanted better quality.

Rain fly: The envy and jealousy I radiate during rounds when other players were using dry discs due to their rain fly, while I continue to throw wet ones affects my ability to score well in the rain. I am pretty sure a rain fly will help. (It is possible that the rain affects my score, and not my internal envy and jealousy of dry discs.)

Reasonable storage space without being overkill: Some bags allow you to carry 40 discs and enough food and clothing for a week; in case you get lost during your round and need to survive until being rescued. I was looking for a bag that could store what is needed, without making me feel like I was relocating. I was surprised by how much space the FlakX has. When I started doing the video review I found more pockets and space that I know what to do with.

Umbrella/Stool holder: There is not one for the Hyzerbomb backpack. This is kinda disappointing as other bags have this. In fact the Latitude 64 bag has a place for both, including a way to hold the umbrella in the open position, while still protecting the discs, and being able to wear the bag. This was obviously not a deal breaker, as I still got the bag, but it would certainly be nice to have.

Vibram logo: Vibram does not make a bag or backpack at this time for disc golfers. As a member of Team Vibram, I wanted to find a bag that would look good with the Vibram patch that I will be putting on it in order to make the bag officially mine. In case you are wondering, it will go in the top storage pocket, right above the Hyzerbomb embroidered logo.  It will look pimped out, I assure you.

Final Thoughts: Three backpacks stuck out to me the most when I was reviewing everything and had to make the final decision: Grip A14, Latitude 64 DG Luxury Backpack, and Hyzerbomb FlakX. I feel that these three bags had the most in common with what I was looking for. The Grip bag was eliminated mostly due to cost. I felt like I was getting an equally good bag for $40-50 less with either the Latitude or Hyzerbomb bags. The Latitude bag has a really cool set up with the stool and umbrella holders. I wish the Hyzerbomb bag had something like that. The biggest reason that I did not get a Latitude bag was the size. I am pretty sure the state of Maine could fit in it. It really just felt bulkier that what I wanted. The Hyzerbomb FlakX still has more room than I think I know what to do with, but it seems more manageable for me. Given that the Latitude and Hyzerbomb bags were mostly toss-ups for me, the other advantages that Hyzerbomb has is that it is a Texas company and the Mortar is my go-to non-Vibram disc. You can’t go wrong with Texas, or the Hyzerbomb FlakX Backpack.