I'm looking for something that will replace my daypack that I can strap to my waist when I portage. I want it to fit water bottles, ditch kit, lunch, raingear, etc. but not block my line of sight as I walk and need to see where I place my feet. Another member posted up a photo with someone in their group using this setup and I thought it would work better for me.

I'm looking at something like this but I'm balking over the price.

Thoughts and suggestions are welcome.

I'd check out ebay. I got one that has space for 2 bottles, first aid, snacks and rain jacket with outer straps to attach any loose items for $10. If price is a concern that's where I'd start looking for sure.

That has to be the biggest waist pack I have ever seen. Looks like a small backpack, but instead of shoulders it goes around the waist. You might try checking Amazon for options.

How bout this

I have the Mountainsmith waist pack you are looking for. It's a great pack, Hauls a lot and is comfortable to wear. Look on ebay for them as that is where I got mine. Another option for a waist pack that is similar is the REI. I have this pack too and I use it as a day pack when canoeing and clip it to the thwart in front of me with some carabineers. Has two water bottle pockets and room for lots of gear. REI Waist pack

I'm thinking that the shoulder strap or harness will be crucial to any of these working. I'll look at both though. I've got a Jansport tbat doesn't have the capacity or the strap. 1000ccs should do it for capacity if either has that. I can't see the links because I'm on my phone and typing with my thumbs.

Actually you really don't need the shoulder straps. I have had them both with fairly heavy loads in them. I usually do about 6-10 miles if hiking in a day so far more than what someone would be portaging.

I just bought this one to hold my fishing stuff. Seems pretty decent, haven't used it yet, but its pretty neat. Been looking for something like it for some time.
Fleet Farm Waist Pack

quote Canoe Dude: "I just bought this one to hold my fishing stuff. Seems pretty decent, haven't used it yet, but its pretty neat. Been looking for something like it for some time.
Fleet Farm Waist Pack "

I have this same pack and have walked many miles with it while antelope hunting in Wyoming. I like that it has molle attachments so I can add onto it when I need to.

Curious as to why a replacement to a day pack. It's on your back and does not impede your vision. What is wrong with a CCS rucksack?

I have the Mountainsmith Day Pack and have used it as my primary camera bag for about twenty years. With a little closed cell foam in the bottom, I have filled it typically with a dslr plus 2-3 lenses in the main pocket with room to spare plus filters, snacks, travel book or two, and a sunglasses, etc in the front and a couple things in the side water holders. I tossed the thin shoulder strap and added a 2 inch nylon strap for when carrying on my shoulder which is most often though sometimes on waist. If wearing on my waist I just tuck the strap. Been hauled that thing in 20 bwca trips, around five continents, around major cities, up mountains, through jungles, and across deserts. It looks like there is nearly no wear. Very high quality. If I lost mine, I would pick up another one without delay.

I also have the smaller one as well but don't use very often. Few years back also got the Mountainsmith pack for my dog. Highly recommended.

quote Frenchy19: "Curious as to why a replacement to a day pack. It's on your back and does not impede your vision. What is wrong with a CCS rucksack?"

Nothing actually -- I just realized that my first load is usually the boat and my food pack. The second is the large portage pack and my daypack which I had to either carry to the side or in front of me. It was not a good plan so I have been thinking about using something else such as a waist pack.

We have the Mountainsmith Day and Tour packs - great packs for us. Excellent quality; can use as waist pack/with shoulder harness/with shoulder strap. Lots of room, ride on the hips instead of the back = cooler travel. Use them in all seasons. Take a look at this for comparison:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wudnSZFXYw

For a budget option with rugged construction, there are fanny packs in the surplus market.

$19.99 for a new one in ACU

$30 new in multicam

These have molle straps that could be snapped together over a thwart.

quote HighnDry: "

Nothing actually -- I just realized that my first load is usually the boat and my food pack. The second is the large portage pack and my daypack which I had to either carry to the side or in front of me."

Why not throw the day pack on top of the large portage pack for carrying? Double stacking packs is pretty easy.

If interested I have a large fanny pack (with removeable shoulder strap) I'd be willing to sell for $25+shipping. I think it's a Marmot but not made any more. I can take pictures and measurements if you're interested.

I'll be in Minneapolis for the spring expo in a couple weeks so we could meet there.

Alan

quote Alan Gage: "

quote HighnDry: "


Nothing actually -- I just realized that my first load is usually the boat and my food pack. The second is the large portage pack and my daypack which I had to either carry to the side or in front of me."

Why not throw the day pack on top of the large portage pack for carrying? Double stacking packs is pretty easy.


If interested I have a large fanny pack (with removeable shoulder strap) I'd be willing to sell for $25+shipping. I think it's a Marmot but not made any more. I can take pictures and measurements if you're interested.

I'll be in Minneapolis for the spring expo in a couple weeks so we could meet there.


Alan"

Hey Alan thanks! I'll be working the Expo this year so that might be a possibility. Thanks too to everyone for the different pack suggestions. I'm sifting through them. I have to admit that I'm a bit of a Mountainsmith snob. I had a buddy, a tall, lanky Maine-er that I hiked parts of the NH and ME AT with on weekends. For every one of his strides, I use to take 1 1/2 or 2 and I'm 6 foot! He loved MountainSmith and went all-in on one of their full size backcountry packs with the detachable-top that doubled as a waist pack. I was deeply envious. So I lean towards that brand although Cabelas, REI and the ACU packs are tempting.

I've been in contact with a guy on craigslist who has a Marmot for sale but I don't know the total size. I guess I'll peruse a bit more on ebay looking for something that'll work.

There are currently 3 Mountainsmith lumbar packs on eBay that are under $20 without shipping. Keep a eye on them to see what they go for.

quote HighnDry: "
Hey Alan thanks! I'll be working the Expo this year so that might be a possibility. "

I pulled the pack out of the closet tonight. It's a Marmot Walkabout. Here's a link to an old REI page. The main specs seem to be accurate but the front of mine is a little different.

My front looks like this one:

Mine is orange (center) and grey. Great shape. Would be happy to bring it up to the expo for you to look at.

Alan

I've got a cabelas pack that I use from time to time. I can't find it on the site, so it must be discontinued. It can be used with or without shoulder straps. It holds enough that I could be out overnight with it and have enough to be comfortable in cooler weather.

Kind of looks like this one but I didn't give that much for it.

quote rdgbwca: "For a budget option with rugged construction, there are fanny packs in the surplus market.


$19.99 for a new one in ACU


$30 new in multicam


These have molle straps that could be snapped together over a thwart."

I've used one of these for a thwart bag for years. I have a digital Camo one I use now as a fishing pack. Tough as nails

I use a Badlands for hunting at times... its Bullet proof..

Clicky

I think for what you want to put in your pack you will need something bigger. Idk if your rain gear and water bottle and food etc will fit in a waist pack. I too want to be able to access certain gear easily as well. This may not answer your question, but a couple of years ago I had this same quandary. I came up with this as my answer.

Dry case 35L backpack

I know its not a waist pack but I use it so much in the bdubs. Its waterproof, is a backpack so its easy to portage and its a perfect day tripping bag and it floats. It's always in the canoe. When we fish and have already set up camp, grab it, throw in some food, rain gear etc and off we go.

If it is empty it fits in my GG portage pack easily. Depending on group size and if we are double portaging, someone can carry it and it will fit gear for a lot of ppl to access much easier than opening our GG. I use the front mesh area to hold my fish net, pliers, stringer, mesh bag that I use as an anchor or other small fishing supplies that dont fit in my tackle box. I keep the first aid kit in their as well. Bc if I am in the canoe, this bag is in the canoe.

Caw

I've got a Mountainsmith Day pack that must be around 20 years old and mine also looks like new and seems to have zero wear. I also got the strapettes about 10 years ago and they are nice to have. Of all the money I've spent on gear it has to be one of the best investments I've made. Used it again today.

I too have the Mountainsmith Day, with the optional "Strapettes". It's frickin' great.

HighnDry: "I'm looking for something that will replace my daypack that I can strap to my waist when I portage. I want it to fit water bottles, ditch kit, lunch, raingear, etc. but not block my line of sight as I walk and need to see where I place my feet. Another member posted up a photo with someone in their group using this setup and I thought it would work better for me.

I'm looking at something like this but I'm balking over the price.

Thoughts and suggestions are welcome."

Never, ever balk at buying this pack. It is amazingly versatile and the optional shoulder straps ("Strapettes") make carrying relatively heavy loads a breeze. I've had mine for many years. Shop around for deals.

tonyyarusso: "I too have the Mountainsmith Day, with the optional "Strapettes". It's frickin' great."

Good to see you were raised right by our mutual kin.
;-)

Another Mountainsmith Daypack user. Holds a lot. Rides comfortably, Lasts forever. Highly recommend if you're looking for a waistpack.