Recommendation For A Belt Pack

vftt.org

Help Support vftt.org:

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.

DayTrip

Well-known member
Joined
May 13, 2013
Messages
3,729
Reaction score
130
I've been searching for a good belt pack to wear for carrying common items and having them ready for quick access so I don't have to take my back pack off. I had a few different ones I've experimented with that I generally haven't liked for a variety of reasons, the biggest of which being the irritating way they flop all over the place while walking and the irritation factor of slipping onto the hip belt of my pack (the loops were too small to easily attach, especially wearing gloves).

Anyone using a bag they really like for this purpose? Not putting a ton of stuff in it (right now at least it's my 6"x11"x1" or so map case which has my compass and spare batteries, whistle, back up/quick light sources, TP, Kestrel gauge and trail snacks. Would like to fit goggles and a balaclava in their too). Was hoping to find something with a few pockets/organizing options and that would attach via it's own belt versus pulling down on the hip belt. Would also prefer something horizontal so it isn't knocking against my legs all the time too. Most of the stuff I've come across on line is far too large for what I had in mind.
 
Check out Zpacks. He makes great gear and offers great service. I use the shoulder strap pickets, and they work great. The waist belt pockets and 4-in1 look good too, though he 4-in-1 hanging from your sternum can get awfully warm.

Osprey also has a cool GrabBag with several attachment options, though it might be a little small.

Or, have you thought about taking the strap off a camera bag and just hanging it with little 'biners?
 
A few years ago I needed something similar to what you'res describing. I finally found the Mystery Ranch Wet Rib and it has done everything I wanted ----- I like it a lot. It holds, and makes easily accessible, my water bottle, maps, compass, knife and snacks. It is a chest pack, and may not be just what you're looking for, but I'd check out their website. They do make other accessory packs/pockets: http://www.mysteryranch.com/mountain-adventure/pack-accessories/wet-rib
 
These products are definitely more of what I had in mind and has allowed me to find some other stuff too, such as these http://www.ribzwear.com/. Thanks.

Is that Wet Rib a pain in the ass to get out of when you do actually take your pack off? Looks like it attached to the back pack itself as opposed to being its own standalone pack. The Ribz product has it's own strap system so it is totally independent of the pack. Not sure if that is a good or a bad thing.
 
Last edited:
My wife made each of us the same basic design as the Mystery Ranch by buying an Outdoor Product fanny pack (WalMart- $10) and cutting off one side. Two plastic buckles later we have a great winter bag. Stores hats, gloves/mittens and food. We use the Osprey Grab Bag in the summer when there is less "gear". The final point is they are all attached to one of the down straps on one side and clip on the other side. One attachment to open and close, which is what you would have on a fanny pack or belt pack.
 
Check out what Maxpedition has. https://www.maxpedition.com/
Overbuilt. Not light weight.
Use the CP-L on the top of my shoulder strap for my PN GPS and it is bombproof. Suspect something like the Anemone or M-1 might be what you are looking for.

VT
 
Check out what Maxpedition has. https://www.maxpedition.com/
Overbuilt. Not light weight.
Use the CP-L on the top of my shoulder strap for my PN GPS and it is bombproof. Suspect something like the Anemone or M-1 might be what you are looking for.

VT

I'm using a lesser quality version of something along the lines of the M-1 right now and I find it a bit too small. These look like well made pouches though. Will have to bookmark that site. Thanks.
 
Top