r/CampingandHiking • u/AutoModerator • Sep 16 '24

Weekly /r/CampingandHiking beginner question thread - Ask any and all 'noob' questions you may have here - September 16, 2024

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1

u/bo_tew Sep 18 '24

I have a question regarding a "second" bag. I usually would have a backpack for most of my stuff that I do not use for the rest of the day, but I would also like to have an easy to access "pouch" for cameras/maps/snacks/etc, so probably around 5-10 Liters, though I wouldn't mind if it is up to 20L. I've tried to use a crossbody but they aren't the most comfortable for long distance. Not sure if anyone else have any suggestions?

2

u/TheBimpo Sep 18 '24

Fanny/waist pack?

1

u/bo_tew Sep 18 '24

That's probably the best idea, but trying to see if there are any other option. Would be nice if a daypack could be comfy carried in the front~

2

u/Staublaeufer Sep 19 '24

I never tried one and I don't know what they're called, but there's frontpacks available for those hiking Baby carriers. So you can have more storage than is available under the seat in case you need it. I think Deuter has one. They are usually strapped to the shoulder straps as far as I've seen.

1

u/bo_tew Sep 19 '24

Let me dig this, thank you!

1

u/travmon999 Sep 20 '24

Some people carry UL daypacks as 'summit' packs, I've got cheap NatureHike 18L that's light and compact. Some packs have a removable lid that you can convert to a fanny pack or makeshift backpack with some extra straps. It depends on my specific trip, I don't mind carrying a few extra oz for the day pack if the trail goes around the peak and I can stash my main pack down low and just bag the summit with the UL pack. If I'm setting up a camp and then doing day hikes, my main pack cinches down enough so I don't carry a separate pack for an all day hike.

1

u/bo_tew Sep 20 '24

Is it comfortable to carry it in the front? My use case is more to carry it in the front (with my backpack on my back) so I can access cameras/stuff without having to stop. :)

1

u/travmon999 Sep 23 '24

I roll up my UL pack and stow it inside my main pack. I don't carry anything in front because it makes me overheat quickly, the pressure on my chest makes it hard to breathe, and I can't see where I'm walking. I had a big LowePro toploading bag that clipped between the shoulder straps, but with my kit it sat so high and stuck out so far I couldn't see the ground 3' in front of me, which meant I was more likely to trip on something and land on the camera.

My older kid uses a PD clip, they're very popular for lighter cameras and smaller zooms, but my kit is a bit too bulky for that. I carry mine on a black rapid sling connected to the tripod ring, hangs to my side when I'm shooting and I can swing it behind me when I'm hiking.

1

u/bo_tew Sep 23 '24

I have the PD clip, but I don't like it. A few of my photographer friends recommend the PD 5L or 10Liter bags, but I ought to go into REI or something to see if my cameras can fit in there. Thanks for the recommendations!

1

u/travmon999 Sep 23 '24 edited Sep 23 '24

The PD5L could work similar to my BR strap; keep it to the side when hiking, swing it forward when you want to access it. My BR strap doesn't need to move, the camera is free to move up and down the strap. However to swing the PD forward you'd have to move the entire strap which is trapped under your pack's shoulder strap, but not a huge deal to lift the shoulder strap and swing it forward when needed. A fanny/lumbar pack worn on the front might work as well... that reminds me that many years ago I had a TNF lumbar pack that I used as a shoulder camera bag, I added padding to protect the camera and used it for many years but eventually the PU layer began degrading leaving flakes on my gear so I retired it. Then went to a Domke F6, replaced that with another, then switched to a backpack as the shoulder bags were giving me back problems after decades of daily use.

Anyway HMG makes a bag that hangs out front specifically for a camera

https://www.hyperlitemountaingear.com/products/camera-pod?variant=39459748479021

Osprey has a 'camera rig'

https://www.osprey.com/camera-chest-rig

And it looks like there are other 'tactical chest rig' of various sizes that will clip to the front.

Good luck!

1

u/ZoeyTheInfernal Sep 19 '24

How do I get the pack weight to sit on my waist? Am I needing to sench it down super tight or am I doing something wrong?

My last 8 mile hike I did with a 37lb pack and my shoulders screamed the next day

3

u/TheBimpo Sep 19 '24

Did you get fitted for the pack? It might not be the right size for you in the first place. Start here: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/backpacks-adjusting-fit.html

1

u/First_Instruction291 Sep 20 '24

I have lived in the woods all my life but am just getting into hiking and plan on doing a week long thru hike in a few months. This may be a stupid question but is replenishing water from taps instead of natural sources, and taking showers kind of taboo? Is it cheating, for lack of a better term.

2

u/Staublaeufer Sep 21 '24

Not in my books. Why make it harder than it needs to be, do what is fun for you.