Waist Pack options

O

ohen cepel

Gold Member
Joined
Sep 19, 2002
Messages
3,514
Guys,
Need some help. My back is messed up and I don't see it getting better.

I'm looking for a waist pack to keep things off my back.

I would like a wider belt than what the Maxpedition stuff seems to come with (please let me know if they make what I'm looking for, I just didn't see it).

I looked at this Camelback today http://www.rei.com/online/store/Pro...productId=47880738&parent_category_rn=4500633

It's their Alterra model. Not in love with it but it's close to what I'm looking for.

Thanks in advance!
 
Thanks for the input. I like the Mountainsmith you gave the link for, alco. That size or the next one up might be just the thing for me.

Would like to be able to carry a days worth of gear. Not an overnight load but the "good to have" stuff for a day hike or so.
 
LS,
Great catch. Thanks! I didn't see that link.

Think I would rather have the Maxpedition stuff. I think it will last me forever. Not sure about the Mountainsmith gear (however, found some cheap on Ebay just now:cool:

Have to look for those Maxpedition pieces.

Thanks!
 
Be aware anthing more than 6-8 lbs in a fanny pack and it will want to drag your pants down and not want to stay up on your hips easily. I had to add a shoulder harness to keep it from migrating south.

6 lbs does not sound like much but if you add 2 liters of water it gets heavy quick.

BTW a quality pack properly fitted is better on your back as 70%+ of the weight is on your hipbelt anyway. Quality packs and hipblets only of course. I have back issues as well and speak from experience.

Skam
 
I have a mountainsmith day that I have owned for a year now. The seams are double stiched and reinforced at major points very well. I have about 10-15 pounds in mine and it holds the weight very well. It has these straps to compress the load very well. The hip belt is very comfortable and some other models come with rain covers. I would say that you cannot go wrong with a mountainsmith.
 
swami_p said:
I have a mountainsmith day that I have owned for a year now. The seams are double stiched and reinforced at major points very well. I have about 10-15 pounds in mine and it holds the weight very well. It has these straps to compress the load very well. The hip belt is very comfortable and some other models come with rain covers. I would say that you cannot go wrong with a mountainsmith.
Click to expand...


The Mountainsmith does look like it would hold some good weight as it has a good thick waist belt. Unlike mine:rolleyes: which costs nearly as much.

Skam
 
My fieldline holds a lot of stuff I carry approx 10-12 lbs in it or on it it has a nice wide strap and is very comfortable, and it does not pull down the pants, and that is a good thing:thumbup:

024_22.jpg
 
I'd stay away from the Proteus if you intend to carry more than 2-3 pounds for any extended amount of time. I have one and like the modularity, # of pockets and compartments, but it doesn't have the same details and features of lumbar packs from more mainstream outdoor companies. A well designed padded waistbelt and compression straps can make a HUGE difference in the carrying comfort. Also, the Proteus doesn't have any efficient way to carry water unless you just cram it in the main compartment and a 1 liter bottle will pretty much take all the space. The Devil Dog looks to be designed with better carrying in mind, but I haven't seen one in person so can't comment.

If you're going to be using it regularly to day hike, I would check out the Mountainsmith Tour and Day, as others have mentioned. Marmot also has some good stuff as well as Dana Design. In my experience, people seem to either love or hate the Dana Design Lone Trail so you should try to find one at an acutal store to check out. I happen to love mine though. :D Some of these may not seem as durable as the Maxpedition stuff, but all of the companies mentioned put out good quality stuff and have good warranties. In my opinion, the Maxpedition waistpacks are too overbuilt/"heavy duty" for the sort wear that waist and lumbar packs typically encounter in the majority of their intended scope of usage.

Of course, if you're just looking for a general gear bag to take to and from the car with the option of being able to wear it around on occasion, the Max. packs would do fine. That's what I use mine for, but when I go on hikes I grab my Dana or Mountainsmith packs. I hope some of this is helpful.
 
if your really adventurous you could order alot of cordura material and an old ,heavy duty sewing machine and maybe with some help make your own . ive just recently started considering this for my self . just an idea . good luck
 
After having used lumbar/fanny packs for some years, I would make a strong suggestion-

Go to an outdoor retailer and try them on. It is amazing just how much difference exists between brands in terms of fit. Especially as everyone has different body shapes etc. You may be disappointed if you order off the net.

For best brands, I would recommend Ultimate Directions, Mountainsmith, Arcteryx, Marmot. Also, some of the offbrands found in surplus stores can be pretty darn good- like Stansport. I have had one Stansport that has been in regular use for nearly 10 years and shows no functional wear....plus it was bought second-hand.
 
I second the Mountainsmith Day lumbar pack. First I bought the Maxpedition Proteus and was dissappointed in the size of it, although it is very well constructed with many little pockets. Now I use the Mountainsmith as a BOB of sorts and place the Proteus inside the Mountainsmith as a module that contains small survival gear. If I was ever in a BOB situation, I could take the Proteus 'module' out and have someone else in the family wear it and have more room to cram stuff in the Moutainsmith.
 
Just to add for those who do not know, the old owner of Mountainsmith IS the owner of Kifaru (Patrick Smith). His products reflect a wealth of outdoor knowledge and gear design and ergonomics to create those functional (and durable) packs.
 
untamed said:
Just to add for those who do not know, the old owner of Mountainsmith IS the owner of Kifaru (Patrick Smith). His products reflect a wealth of outdoor knowledge and gear design and ergonomics to create those functional (and durable) packs.
Click to expand...

+1 to that.:thumbup:
 
ohen cepel said:
LS,
Great catch. Thanks! I didn't see that link.

Think I would rather have the Maxpedition stuff. I think it will last me forever. Not sure about the Mountainsmith gear (however, found some cheap on Ebay just now:cool:

Have to look for those Maxpedition pieces.

Thanks!
Click to expand...
I've been using the Mountainsmith waist packs for a number of years, and have yet to tear one up. The "Day" and the "Tour" are my top choices. I carried my bailout kit in one when I was overseas.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top