Small hip/shoulder pack

Lucho

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Dec 31, 2017
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2018 Frances
2024 Frances w/ Primitivo
What have you used for a fanny pack or small shoulder bag on your Camino?

My last Camino I used a small, thin REI passport purse that fit my passport, phone, and wallet. This time, I want something large enough to accommodate a sketchbook that measures 9 x 6in (23 x 15cm).

Give me ideas, from the minimalist to the most elaborate. Let's see whatcha got, forum inmates...
 
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rainswift

Active Member
Sep 20, 2023
218
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Victoria, BC
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Jun 2024 - Portuguese Litoral + VE + Finisterre
A lot of the hip packs I considered would be too small for your pre-requisites, but here is one from Cotopaxi that would indeed fit a 9x6in sketchbook. Specs say it is:
  • 11 x 8 x 3.5 in (28 x 20 x 9 cm)
There is also a photo on the product page that shows a book/sketchbook tucked into this hip pack.

It's a bit heavy though - product page rates it at 368g.
 
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J Willhaus

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Nov 3, 2014
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Gateway vault bag from Travelsmith Many interior pockets comes in 2 sizes. Has a waterbottle pocket on the front for 500 ml bottles.

20240119_162923.jpg
Bag made by Atmosphere in Laramie, WY. Made in the store by hand by people sewing bags and backpacks of different sizes and colors. Very cool.outdoor store, locally owned.
 
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A lot of the hip packs I considered would be too small for your pre-requisites, but here is one from Cotopaxi that would indeed fit a 9x6in sketchbook. Specs say it is:
  • 11 x 8 x 3.5 in (28 x 20 x 9 cm)
There is also a photo on the product page that shows a book/sketchbook tucked into this hip pack.

It's a bit heavy though - product page rates it at 368g.
I use that pack to carry my sketchbook. I use an A5 size hardcover sketch book that's 5.8" by 8.3" It will fit pens, pencils and a lot of other stuff. I would say its perfect as a bum bag and a bit less so as a sling, since it tends to tilt a little. However its very comfortable no matter which way I wear it, and has lots of organization. I can also fit a small point and shoot camera in it as well or my water color pans.

I also use a Bellroy Venture Sling 9 liter bag for the same note book. It works better as a sling less so as a waist pack. It can carry a ton of stuff and I can repurpose it to carry my Sony camera and a lens or two: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09BMY6LKV/?tag=casaivar02-20

Lastly I have used a Timbuk2 small messenger bag on my first Camino. It carry's a ton and has internal water bottle pockets. I used this one on the Camino Inglese but i kept it in my backpack till i got to my destination: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09DD9CYMK/?tag=casaivar02-20
 
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Down bag (90/10 duvet) of 700 fills with 180 g (6.34 ounces) of filling. Mummy-shaped structure, ideal when you are looking for lightness with great heating performance.

€149,-

David

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First one in 2005 from Moissac, France.
There are a variety of small zipped bags that have a a shoulder strap but also fit on a belt - like this on Ebay
but your sketch pad size is a tricky one.
Have you thought of putting the sketch pad in a thin waterproof sleeve and sliding it down in your rucksack where there is usually a slot for a water bladder?
 
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Swift3

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Jul 21, 2015
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Memphis, TN
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CP, Porto to SdC, May/June 2016
Zpacks makes a super light, waterproof bag that can be worn on your hip, or carried between your shoulder straps, or just strapped to your pack if you don't feel like wearing it.
Zpacks Multi-Pack
My daughter and I both used one of these on our Camino. They work perfectly. We liked being able to unsnap them from our pack and carry just the chestpack around during day stops, lunch, etc. And handy for walk into town for dinner. Durable and waterproof to boot.
 
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Technical backpack for day trips with backpack cover and internal compartment for the hydration bladder. Ideal daypack for excursions where we need a medium capacity backpack. The back with Air Flow System creates large air channels that will keep our back as cool as possible.

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stephangiannini.com
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What have you used for a fanny pack or small shoulder bag on your Camino?

My last Camino I used a small, thin REI passport purse that fit my passport, phone, and wallet. This time, I want something large enough to accommodate a sketchbook that measures 9 x 6in (23 x 15cm).

Give me ideas, from the minimalist to the most elaborate. Let's see whatcha got, forum inmates...
To carry my sketching materials I used an osprey ultralight stuff pack. Basically an extremely lightweight day pack,, which I also used for shopping, etc.

I liked it because I could put a snack and a water bottle in it. But I would lusually leave my other equipment at my accomadation when I went sketching. But you might have a different rhythm.

While I was traveling the sketching equipment just stayed in my regular backpack. I kept the sketchbook in a double Ziploc bag for water protection, and I had a small plastic pencil box .

As an aside, the most valuable thing I brought for sketching, was a small plastic square sheet. So I could sit in a corner or up against a wall without getting wet or dirty.
 

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Nov 1, 2012
543
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77
Salt Lake City, Utah
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I bought it at a thrift store and have added a water bottle holder. It has straps where I can tie my rain jacket and I can swing it around to access contents. I know it isn't micro but somehow it is the right size for me
 

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The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.

ShellToucher

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Dec 11, 2023
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shelltoucher.com
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Spring 22
Spring 23
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What have you used for a fanny pack or small shoulder bag on your Camino?

My last Camino I used a small, thin REI passport purse that fit my passport, phone, and wallet. This time, I want something large enough to accommodate a sketchbook that measures 9 x 6in (23 x 15cm).

Give me ideas, from the minimalist to the most elaborate. Let's see whatcha got, forum inmates...
I actually created a shoulder/sling bag after my first Camino! I specifically put features into it that are very pilgrim specific: http://shor.by/wrNz I felt since everyone else is writing books, maybe I can give back in another way! lol
Buen Camino!
 

David

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Jan 28, 2006
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First one in 2005 from Moissac, France.
I actually created a shoulder/sling bag after my first Camino! I specifically put features into it that are very pilgrim specific: http://shor.by/wrNz I felt since everyone else is writing books, maybe I can give back in another way! lol
Buen Camino!
@ShellToucher - That is absolutely the most complete Camino shoulder bag I have ever seen!

A sort of amazingly practical and functional modern take on the primitive medieval pilgrim bag - wonderful!
 

ShellToucher

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@ShellToucher - That is absolutely the most complete Camino shoulder bag I have ever seen!

A sort of amazingly practical and functional modern take on the primitive medieval pilgrim bag - wonderful!
Shucks, thank you sooo much David that means a lot. I really tried my best on this endeavor!
 
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€2,-/day will present your project to thousands of visitors each day. All interested in the Camino de Santiago.

Lucho

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Dec 31, 2017
46
149
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2018 Frances
2024 Frances w/ Primitivo
I actually created a shoulder/sling bag after my first Camino! I specifically put features into it that are very pilgrim specific: http://shor.by/wrNz I felt since everyone else is writing books, maybe I can give back in another way! lol
Buen Camino!
Thanks @ShellToucher . Looks very well designed. I put it in my shortlist for bag options!

How big is the large pocket?

Any chance you have a video of the bag showing off various features/usage?
 
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ShellToucher

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Dec 11, 2023
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shelltoucher.com
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Thanks @ShellToucher . Looks very well designed. I put it in my shortlist for bag options!

How big is the large pocket?

Any change you have a video of the bag showing off various features/usage?
That's a good idea and I will do that shortly for sure! I just started a new tip & hack channel on youtube devoted to the Camino & training...I will definitely do a few spotlights on the bag! let me try and attach some photos of the big pocket...
 

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GPeachy

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Feb 18, 2016
139
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Italy
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April / May (2016) CF
I have a mono-sling bag from Piquardo. https://www.piquadro.com/en/collections/mono-sling-bag
It can be worn in the front when I have my backpack on or in back in the evening. It holds an astonishing amount of stuff if necessary. it is lightweight. I use mine all the time. Very convenient for evenings out as you can leave it on and not worry about your valuables.
 
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The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.

MilenaS

Active Member
Jan 11, 2016
249
714
Stavanger, Norway
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2024 Camino del Norte
I actually created a shoulder/sling bag after my first Camino! I specifically put features into it that are very pilgrim specific: http://shor.by/wrNz I felt since everyone else is writing books, maybe I can give back in another way! lol
Buen Camino!
Oh my! Love it - went straight to order. But the shipping to Norway is too steep for me. But it really looks like a well designed product, that I am now bugged i know about 🙃
 

ShellToucher

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Dec 11, 2023
53
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shelltoucher.com
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Oh my! Love it - went straight to order. But the shipping to Norway is too steep for me. But it really looks like a well designed product, that I am now bugged i know about 🙃
aw thank you Milena!!! I wish I had control over the Postal Service here (and their crazy prices)! Maybe someday we will have a distributor closer to you! (lol, at the moment this is just a dream.)
Buen Camino & Thank you!

PS. I have a new youtube channel; Shell Toucher! I will definitely be featuring this bag soon in an upcoming episode if you want to get a better look at it!
 
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trecile

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Feb 19, 2016
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I actually created a shoulder/sling bag after my first Camino! I specifically put features into it that are very pilgrim specific: http://shor.by/wrNz I felt since everyone else is writing books, maybe I can give back in another way! lol
Buen Camino!
Your bag is much larger than what I need for the Camino, but looks like it would be great for traveling/touring, and being a person that loves bags, I want one - even if I don't need it. 😄
 

henrythedog

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Jan 3, 2017
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aw thank you Milena!!! I wish I had control over the Postal Service here (and their crazy prices)! Maybe someday we will have a distributor closer to you! (lol, at the moment this is just a dream.)
Buen Camino & Thank you!

PS. I have a new youtube channel; Shell Toucher! I will definitely be featuring this bag soon in an upcoming episode if you want to get a better look at it!
Talk to Ivar? I too was at the ‘checkout’ stage and then looked at the shipping estimate.
 
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Mar 1, 2017
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I have an Ameribag crossover bag that I use for traveling, but I do not take it on the Camino. It can be worn towards the back or front, and is ergo-friendly. They have a special outside pouch specifically for holding a water bottle and a variety of other features. It comes in small and a larger size that would be great for holding a sketch pad and supplies.
AmeriBag Classic Healthy Back Bag Tote Microfiber Small https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001CE0Z8K?tag=casaivar02-20
 
The 2024 Camino guides will be coming out little by little. Here is a collection of the ones that are out so far.
Mar 1, 2017
12,859
36,148
Northern Illinois, USA
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Recent:Norte/Muxia- Spring '23
MadridWay- Fall '23
The small size Ameribag is used either front or back. The majority of the time I use it in the front if walking in a busy city, but it's an either/or item.My post was about the larger size potentially working as an option for a sketching book and supplies.
 
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asl

Active Member
Aug 14, 2022
124
192
US
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Frances 2023, Norte (2024)
What have you used for a fanny pack or small shoulder bag on your Camino?

My last Camino I used a small, thin REI passport purse that fit my passport, phone, and wallet. This time, I want something large enough to accommodate a sketchbook that measures 9 x 6in (23 x 15cm).

Give me ideas, from the minimalist to the most elaborate. Let's see whatcha got, forum inmates...
REI 2L waist/fanny pack with 2 zippered compartments. Kept credential, Kleenex and phone in one, chapstick, sanitizer, passport and small wallet in other. It was on me almost always. Had a friend hold it while in shower.
 
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Theresa Brandon

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Feb 18, 2018
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Pickpockets!
I put carabiners on every zip, and an extra one on the strap of any fanny pack/sketch bag so I can hook it to my belt loop, a chair, a table leg, or my big pack, when I'm not wearing it.
 
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