Bags

[+waterloo.bob]

The more I'm doing this it seems the more 'stuff' I'm taking with me.

 

I'm not a huge fan of knapsacks unless there is one that is compartmentalized.

 

Just curious if anyone has a 'fave' bag they use?

 

Current contents of my bag: GPS; pen; notebook; small recorder; camera (point and shoot); a container that stores extra batteries, eye glass cleaner, swappable stuff etc.; flashlight; compass & whistle (just in case); cell phone; wallet; sunglasses; keys. Having the ability to store a layer would be a bonus but isn't a necessity. However, a place for a water bottle is.

 

Ideally these contents would readily accessible or I'd just stick with the knapsack.

 

Any brand/model would be appreciated.

 

I guess this also begs the question - am I missing something from my kit?

 

Thanks!

[+sbell111]

Lots of people use this versipack clone:

[+waterloo.bob]

That looks intriguing, thanks!

[+TeamSugarcane]

I find that my Camelbak MULE-NV is a really good bag for geocaching, day hikes, Mt. Biking and many other activities. I even use it when bailing hay to keep hydrated. Just my .02

 

http://www.camelbak.com/Sports-Recreation/Packs/2011-Mule-NV.aspx

Edited November 1, 2011 by TeamSugarcane

[+Manville Possum]

I have a few different packs, but for the money I like the Red Rock sling bags. The Rover model is a great day pack with lot's of room.

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/military-style-sidekick-sling-bag.aspx?a=680136

[knowschad]

Lots of people use this versipack clone:

 

 

How do you fit your chainsaw in that thing?

Edited November 1, 2011 by knowschad

[+OldLog]

I also use the Versipack clone

[knowschad]

I also use the Versipack clone

 

Actually, so do I, but I find that it has too many pockets and cubbyholes. Too easy to forget where I put something.

[+mpilchfamily]

When i'm just doing vary basic caching i use this.

http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/c616/

 

This is a gadget pack modeled after a leg gun holster. The upper pocket is perfect for spare batteries and pens. The larger pocket fits my swag, a note pad, spare bags, and other small items. The pocket on the right is the perfect size to hold most hand held GPSr. The materiel isn't all that durable. But it does great as long as your not doing any heavy bush whacking.

 

But my main pack is a clone of the sling pack sbell111 posted.

Edited November 1, 2011 by mpilchfamily

[+waterloo.bob]

I see there are various models of the Versipack and submodels within each pack line, like Versipack, Jumbo, E.D.C.

 

Would you who have them happen to know which model/submodel you have?

[+sbell111]

If I'm not mistaken, the clone that is widely used is similar to the jumbo.

[+popokiiti]

I use a sling bag - Mountain Equipment Co-op brand, but there are others. Two compartments, place for a bottle and phone or small camera pouch. This is mine http://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/Packs/SlingPacks/PRD~5001-497/mec-right-hand-pod-sling-pack.jsp Comes in a left hand sling too, I love the way I can swivel it around from my back to my front.

[+Chokecherry]

I used to use an over the shoulder back from Target that was cheap. But I decided that I needed a back pack. Didn't want all the doo dads and ergonomic stuff on the higher end bags and just wanted a simple canvas back pack with no doo dads. Found one for super cheap on Amazon. I have no clue what the brand is.

[+waterloo.bob]

I'd like to have a look at 'the clone'. Can anyone point me in the proper direction?

waterloo.bob@gmail.com

[+sbell111]

I'd like to have a look at 'the clone'. Can anyone point me in the proper direction?

waterloo.bob@gmail.com

ebay

[Clan Riffster]

I have two packs that I carry, depending on what activities I'm planning.

For longish hikes, bike rides, etc, I carry a CamelBak Tactical M.U.L.E..

It holds 3 litres of water, and has two smallish compartments for carrying stuff.

For shorter outings, I have a Maxpedition Fatboy Versipack, (not a clone), which slings over my shoulder.

[+jobrerry]

I use an Ameribag http://www.ameribag.com/ I love the sling design and there are a ton of pockets to hold swag, trackables, tools, pens, gps, wallet, batterier, CITO supplies and cache supplies. I love it. I paid I think $5 for mine on ebay. It is green felt which also lets me attach my geocaching pins to it.

Sorry the pictures are so big.

[+DonB]

I use an ammo bag from our local army surplus store. I think I paid about $10.00 for one.

[+FishieFive]

We use this one and LOVE it. It's exactly perfect for us at this stage of our caching (just crossed 100 finds). We carry 50-75 trade items of various sizes (we have a 6 yo so we almost always trade for something), log sheets, baggies, pens, toilet paper (again, our 6 yo), a small first aid kit, any trackables that we have at the moment, and one pocket that only holds my phone. It will also hold 2 water bottles if we need them, though usually we're not out that long since we have 2 youngsters.

 

I bought it in a Target store for $24 I think.

 

Edited November 4, 2011 by FishieFour

[+Ambient_Skater]

Vests with lots of pockets work, and you can feel like a crime scene investigator at the same time.

[+jellis]

I use an Ameribag http://www.ameribag.com/ I love the sling design and there are a ton of pockets to hold swag, trackables, tools, pens, gps, wallet, batterier, CITO supplies and cache supplies. I love it. I paid I think $5 for mine on ebay. It is green felt which also lets me attach my geocaching pins to it.

Sorry the pictures are so big.

That's what I use too. Mine is all black. I picked it up while working at Cabela's. Messenger Bags or Sling bags is what they call them.

[+ras_oscar]

I use an eagle creek fanny pack that I've converted to a sholder pack by adding a strap. Wear like a dandolier, fits everything perfectly. I travel frequently, so keeping the total bag small is a plus.

[+Team Van Dyk]

I find that my Camelbak MULE-NV is a really good bag for geocaching, day hikes, Mt. Biking and many other activities. I even use it when bailing hay to keep hydrated. Just my .02

 

http://www.camelbak.com/Sports-Recreation/Packs/2011-Mule-NV.aspx

 

+1

[+waterloo.bob]

Thanks to all for the great suggestions. For what it's worth I finally went with the Maxpedition Jumbo E.D.C.-S Versipack. Would never have heard of it if it wasn't for this forum. Looking forward to its arrival.

 

Happy Caching! And thanks again.

 

bob

[+cerberus1]

Most of the larger hydro packs (Camelbak, Dakine) will have room for your stuff.

 

I have a couple of Maxpedition bags in different sizes and they seem to have too many pockets. Some pockets stay empty, or the weight gain would favor a standard backpack.

If I'm on rock or risky terrain, I skip the sling-type bags entirely, going for a small backpack. They're only slung around one shoulder and your neck, not supported by two straps/both shoulders with a backpack. Just when you start to leap to another boulder, the weight of the bag may move/revolve towards the front , interfering with balance at a critical moment.

Some of the cheaper sling bags will move to your front (and in your way) just from bending over.

Maxpedition realized that and most models included a snapstrap in back to attach to a belt to keep it in place. Warm weather doesn't last long in my area, so the strap idea means nada.