Day Pack

V

Vivi

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Dec 4, 2005
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I'm looking for a nice pack for day hikes and overnighters at a pre-established camp site. Something I could wear on my belt so I don't have to carry a backpack when I don't need it. Something that could hold say...

-Cliff bar or two
-Extra flashlight
-SAK
-Some thin rope
-Firemaking supplies (Tinder, two lighters and firesteel)
-Small first aid kit

Would like to keep the price under 60$. Any suggestions?
 
I picked up a used The North Face lumbar pack at a thrift store awhile back, I love the thing. Excellent quality, plenty of room, has tighten-down straps and two water bottle nets on the sides. I'll see if I can find the exact model for you, it sounds like it's about the right size, if not a big bigger. It rides really well, and should be under your price point new.

Edit: This isn't the exact moel, but it's a similar one, around the same size I think: http://www.trailspace.com/gear/the-north-face/mountain-bike-lumbar/
 
So you're just looking for some sort of belt pouch to accommodate those few items (ish)? I've tried this little bugger out, it's a copy of a Maxpedition. Works well if you don't try to overload it. It's not that the pack can't handle it, but that the weight gets cumbersome on your belt.
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(There is a poncho strapped onto the base of the pouch)
 
i would say check out the camera pouch area of walmart (i go to a local camera shop). lots of cases with built in little pouches with belt carry or shoulder strap/baldric options.

i cut the foam padding out of mine to give me a little more room, but you don't have to.

most of them are pretty cheap. the biggest ones for belt carry would probably run well under your limit.
 
I have the same pack as Spooky and Kurupted. Actually I have 2 of them, I was missing a shoulder strap so they sent a whole new one to fix the problem. Its a well made pack and has a bunch of room in it for a day's worth of activities.
 
siguy said:
i would say check out the camera pouch area of walmart (i go to a local camera shop). lots of cases with built in little pouches with belt carry or shoulder strap/baldric options.

i cut the foam padding out of mine to give me a little more room, but you don't have to.

most of them are pretty cheap. the biggest ones for belt carry would probably run well under your limit.
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Good idea, I didn't think of that. I'm gonna go browse tonight and see if I find anything. I'll keep checking out models you guys suggest though.
 
if you have a camera store, or a future shop, or cercuit city (dont know if walmart carries these)
look for a pouch from Lowe-Pro, they're high quality and use stealth locks for closure. very nice kits, I got a good sized one for $30 cdn, so you should be set.
 
Maxpedition makes a very cool daypack that folds up and converts to a small beltpack!

It's called the Merlin. It's just a bit above your budgeted amount, but you may want to take a look.

Stay sharp,
desmobob
 
jlouis976 said:
Does this come with a waist strap or would I have to attach this pack to my belt?
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It only comes with a shoulder strap, there are molle straps along the back for belt/pack attachment. But for ~$5 you can get a thick nylon work belt from Wally world, and only have ~$17 sunk into the whole setup.
 
Mountainsmith lumbar packs are nice. Tactical Tailor and similar companies sell MOLLE pouches that you can put on your belt. County Comm has a few things as well. Based on your specs. I'm imaging a small pouch that's about 2"x4"x6" or so, along the lines of a small survival kit. .
 
KuRUpTD said:
I've got the same bag that SpookyPistolero mentions above... I think it would work great for your needs and then some. The price is way under your spending budget....you can maybe pick up a nice fixed blade with the $$$ saved :D

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/MOLLE302-1.html
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I don't have any experience with that bag, but I DID buy one of the weapons cases from them. It was less than $40 and is loaded with features, Molle webbing and looks great. It appears to be well made and durable.

The zipper has already opened up once on it's own, from the wrong end! I guess it's not such a bargain after all....

Stay sharp,
desmobob
 
desmobob

I guess you get what you pay for ... so far I've had no problems with the bag and I try and make sure not to overload it. Maybe one day I'll ante up for a Maxpedition pack .... I hear they're ALMOST indestructable. Probably makes sense to pay the extra $$$$ for quality instead of shopping at the bargain basement and ending up with a piece of crap in the long run.
 
KuRUpTD said:
desmobob

I guess you get what you pay for ... so far I've had no problems with the bag and I try and make sure not to overload it. Maybe one day I'll ante up for a Maxpedition pack .... I hear they're ALMOST indestructable. Probably makes sense to pay the extra $$$$ for quality instead of shopping at the bargain basement and ending up with a piece of crap in the long run.
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Even though you USUALLY get what you pay for, there is nothing wrong with a good bargain! I use a rifle case to carry a rifle from my house to my vehicle and from my vehicle to the shooting bench at the range. I knew I didn't need to spend a ton of money on no-compromise quality/performance. I still consider the case to be a good bargain, and I really like it.

When I buy packs, I consider the fact that I often camp alone and almost always hunt alone. Equipment failure could (by a long stretch of the imagination, realisticallly) end up being more than just a minor inconvenience, so I spend a little more to try and insure I'll get the most reliable product I can budget for.

The trick is trying to balance your budget and your realistic needs/expectations.

Doing this right is a real skill, I think. I know I've spent a lot of money on high-end stuff I rarely end up using, and I've skimped on some stuff that continually frustrates me. :o

There's lots of luck involved, too. My buddy and I were just talking about how perfectly suited my very cheap, Euro mil-surp daypack is for the kind of duck hunting we do. I took a chance, buying it sight-unseen via mail order, and it has become one of my favorite pieces of gear.

I hope your bag ends up being that kind of thing for you! You can't find a real bargain without taking a chance.

Stay sharp,
desmobob
 
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