When you say 'hip pack' do you mean 'fanny pack'? I use one to carry my stuff since I rotate between three bicycles. All of them have the same size 700c tires so I don't need to switch seatbags each time I decide I want to take a different bike, just grab the fanny pack and go.
No, a handlebar bag doesn't affect my stirring as I like my drinks shaken.
