Shoulder bags for carrying field guides

C

Clang!

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Jul 26, 2010
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OK, I've got a bit of a problem on how to carry field guides. It's a hassle stopping every 100 feet or so and unpacking them from my daypack to try and identify this/that tracks or flora. I'm looking at small shoulder or ammo bags to hold my gear (guides, magnifying glass, tape measure, notebook, PSK-about the size of a 1 quart zip lock, and water bottle).

I'm partial to the "mildly mitigated bloody great sack" configuration. Something without a hundred pockets (i.e. Maxpedition Versipack).
I'm looking for feedback from anybody who has used them, or can come up with a better idea.

31M96QVJRPL._SX342_.jpg

http://www.amazon.com/Rothco-Canvas-Ammo-Shoulder-Messenger/dp/B000KZJDSA/ref=pd_sbs_a_1


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http://www.amazon.com/Map-Case-Shoulder-Bag-Black/dp/B000KZHO9A/ref=pd_sbs_a_3

EDIT: This is for front country/park use. I carry a full daypack for backcountry hiking and put the guides in a waist pack. It just seems overkill where I can still hear traffic.
 
Would an alice pack work? Or maybe a butt pack if you put a shoulder strap on it

You could always pay more for a messenger type bag if cool is a factor
 
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I got a EOD utility bag from countycomm for that exact reason, it's got a couple simple pockets inside and the outside is covered in molle if you feel you want to add anything small to the outside, it was around $25 and I threw a kifaru shoulder strap on it, it's excellent for just running around and flipping back and forth front to back, so long as you don't mind the tactical look :)

Check it out and Good luck!

JW



ETA: I'd almost recommend against those two bags you picture simply for the reason that I've used them (or very similar to them) and ended up hating some feature, usually uncomfortable skinny straps, or buttons and snaps that wear out.
 
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I shoved my gear into an old portfolio (15x12x2.5) and it barely fit. To be honest it was kinda uncomforable carrying cross body. I weighed it all, and the it came out as follows:
Field guides (2): 18 oz each.
Notepad, magnifying glass, pen: 3 oz
Water bottle: 24 oz
Mini kit: 10 oz (flashlight, compass, fire kit, FAK, space blanket, potable aqua, whistle)
4.5 lbs, of which half were the field guides.

Jbob24: Those straps are getting replaced. One of my must-haves is that the pack has to have D-rings for swapping out the straps. I'd really like to avoid the "tactical" look. My high school nickname was "Grizzly Adams". If I walk into a McDonalds looking like a Nutnfancy wannabe, they're going to call the cops.

Skrapmetal: I'm on a budget. That's the reason I was looking at Rothco and mil surplus. My original choices were camera or Pajaro field bags. I prefer heavy fabric or nylon for the pack material since it's easier to sew on fitting as required.
 
I have no idea if they are hard to find or not, but maybe an old mail carrier's bag?
 
Haha believe me I understand. That mail carrier bag sounds like a good idea actually...

I left you a visitor message with a link :)

JW
 
I carry one of these when I travel overseas. Hand made in America by a family run company. They are water proof and near indestructible. Company is called Courierware.

BTW....he will also make the color whatever you want. I have three of his walking bags, a black one, brown one and one he did for me in digicamo.

http://courierbags.com/objects/9.itml/icOid/9
 
caine said:
timbuk 2 bags
Click to expand...

+1 :thumbup:

Classic Messenger comes in 4 sizes.
The small might be okay
Tough
Lots of inside pockets
Waterproof.
Different color makes it look nice
You can carry as a shoulder bag or cross shoulder with a chest strap for comfort

I use a medium to carry my life with me
 
You may want to try your local mall - I have two messenger bags that I got on sale from the Gap. Did not pay more than $10 for either - one is in black nylon and has a laptop pocket, the other is OD green cotton.
 
my wife picked up a paratrooper bag at a military surplus store. I carry it a lot on hikes.
 
I'll second the Gap suggestion. Also, Old Navy (owned by the same parent company) has some. H&M also usually has some. These three stores (but particularly the Gap and H&M) trend slightly toward the European inspired styles, which typically include canvas packs and shoulder bags with leather accents. I have had a few bags from the Gap for years, not exactly mil-spec stuff, but if you are careful with what you pick out, you can get some pretty durable stuff.
 
Domke makes camera bags that might work for what you're looking for. They're quite simple and very rugged, but kinda pricey. I'd look at the F-2 size if you end up checking them out. Good luck on the bag hunt, bud.

-Nadz
 
If you are on a budget then the Filson Medium Field Bag isn't for you although you can find it less expensively online. It will, however, last a lifetime, hold what you are looking to carry and doesn't look tactical.

Chad
 
Why are you still carrying all that junk? Get a iTouch or something like that and a small solar recharger. Scan in what you can't get already in electrons (to include photos). Now you have GPS, maps, reference works, and camera in less than 8 ounces.
 
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This is what i use for maps and papers. It’s a army map case, it can fit a medium sized laptop.
 
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