Thanks everyone for all the comments. I read everything carefully because I am also looking for a solution. I definitely want something to strap to my body 24/7 or close to it. Pockets are not a solution for me. I am done with wearing a money belt under my clothes; I have done it many, many times while traveling but it’s just too uncomfortable and imho, not necessary during the day on the Camino. I also want to have certain things at my fingertips as I walk along. This is what I want to put in it:
Phone
Face mask
Tissues, handkerchief
Lip balm, eye drops
Credential
Tiny pouch for day money
Hand sanitizer
Pages torn from guidebook
Valuables: passport, cash stash, credit and atm cards in an interior zip pocket
Perhaps a tiny water bottle in hot weather. I prefer to carry several 8 oz / 250 ml ones, but only need one immediately accessible.
Basically the things I want to be able to reach without stopping while walking and what I would want with me at the table while at a cafe or when going out in the evening.
I previously carried a small crossbody Baggalini, but it bounced around too much and I ended up sticking it in my pack, which defeats the purpose, although it was nice to have in the evening. (I also really hated the design; it looked sharp, but the pockets and layout didn’t function well for me, as has been the case with other bags from that company. I know many people love them, but not me. I don’t think I will ever buy another.)
Waist bags have definitely circled ‘round to be trendy again. When Gucci is selling them for €750, you gotta believe it isn’t just tourist dorks wearing them anymore. Being aware of that, I bought one last summer, but it is far too small and lacked the organizing pockets I would like. Since I don’t I want anything bigger hanging from my waist, I was still looking for a better solution.
This discussion helped me realize that maybe what I want is a sling bag. So I just ordered this:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JLX5LJD/?tag=casaivar02-20
View attachment 114595
I love how it looks, it’s small but not too small for my needs (I think), and there’s even a loop for attaching a scallop shell.
The strap looks nice and comfortable, but I am concerned that the metal shortening mechanism thingie might be uncomfortable under my pack. I will have to load up my pack and try it out to see. There is the usual assortment of conflicting comments in the reviews about durability, but enough bad ones to make me a bit concerned about that aspect as well. The manufacturer does offer a lifetime guarantee, so I have my fingers crossed that all will be okay.