Does your padded hipbelt get in the way?

SteelDriver · May 28, 2002

I hike with a Becker Patrol Pack but often find the following problems:

1) My regular belt sometimes gets in the way underneath the hipbelt.

2) How do I carry my knives? I'd rather not lash them to my pack.

Anyone else run into these problems? I was thinking drop-style sheaths but none of my knives have these right now. Don't know what to do about the belt, though....

~SteelDriver

GREENJACKET · May 28, 2002

The military have this problem from their webbing order. For folders use a drop pouch; so that the knife hangs just below the belt and not on the belt. Mine have been open topped web ones.

Fixed knives: I've either carried on the pack or in a coat pocket. I just don't like thigh sheaths with leg ties. Ray Mears has a chest harness which holds the sheath in front of the diafram, but then he doesn't carry a very large knife - more of a small/medium hunter type.

Bagheera · May 28, 2002

Hi Greenjacket,

Ray Mears wears a chest harness ?? I thought he just had his sheath modified with a simple leather cord so he could use it in as a neck knife sheath or with the leather cord adjusted longer carry the sheath under his armpit.
If I'm mistaken, I would love to see his chest harness setup.

Best Scouting wishes from Holland,

Bagheera

GREENJACKET · May 28, 2002

Bagheera, its more like a couple of pieces of para cord kind of set up attached to the basic sheath. One "strap" goes across the chest, over the head through one shoulder, and another "strap" loops around the back. The sheath sits on the tummy. Carry either handle up or down. The idea is that the knife is as near as possible to where ones hands are working when kneeling. Knives shouldn't be placed on the ground between jobs. This set up only works for smallish knives.

Big-Target · May 28, 2002

Replace the Hip/fanny pack with a shoulder bag!!!

Usefull and easier access!!!!!

DanielL · May 28, 2002

I normally carry my folder in my right rear pocket. When on the trail, I move it to my right front pocket.

My fixed blade is tied to my pack frame very close to the right side of my head. I can reach up with my right hand and easily reach it.

akabu · May 29, 2002

http://www.tx3.net/~howardw/Khukuris/BagCarry1.JPG you can get some velcro strap's and run them through the sheath and around your hip belt. If you go for a shoulder bag get the bike messengers bag it has a cross strap to stabilize the bag load, and you can run the sheath through it and swing the bag to the back.Check the Himilayan Imports FAQ for more option's . here's a bike link: http://www.bikelane.com Akabu

frank k · May 30, 2002

Sounds like a job for a neck knife to me. A neck knife is easy to get at (with either hand if need be) and it stays with you when you take your pack off.