Coleen Clark
Active Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Walked August 2015, planning on walking August 2017
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I know you are asking about a front pack, but I used an inexpensive waist pack. I like the simplicity, and I don't find I need the extra straps to attach to a backpack. I also use it on my local hikes. After examining several, experimenting with what would fit where, I chose this Waterfly . It fit my small tablet, small camera, and miscellaneous stuff nicely. Buen Camino.
Coleen, just started training with a front pack from REI and it looks promising -- URL below. Looks a lot like the Waterfly mentioned by Seabird above. I am starting my first reality CF in about 4 weeks and plan to take this one so I can leave behind my 1 liter Nalgene bottle I had considered for one of the external side pouches of my backpack. Lighter overall and I found that I need that external side pouch for other things.I'm looking for recommendations for a front pack, something to carry a water bottle and lunch and small camera. I've seen them on other pilgrims when I walked in 2015, and they seem to even out the weight a little and make reaching for a drink so much easier.
Who's using one? Does it attach directly to the pack straps in front or have its own straps? Would you use it again or do without? Do they interfere with walking sticks?
Thanks!
Thanks Grace for the tips on what you kept inside your front balance pockets, and particularly for the tip about keeping your poncho in one of the pockets ... I had been thinking about keeping my poncho in the pack itself ... 'hoping for fine weather so I wouldn't have to use it but maybe it's better insurance to have it up front in those balance pockets ... Murphy's Law and all that! I have two Platypus collapsible bottles that I'll be putting in the front pockets ... a tip from one of our Pilgrims in Sydney members Carol. She sips from the bottles alternatively so the weight is kept balanced throughout the day. The other items you mention will be in the front pockets too - thanks.Hi Jenny, I’ll send another post of the model when I get home. I have the large pockets.
I kept all my wet weather gear (poncho and super light jacket) in one side: I like my Altus poncho for downpours to keep my straps dry (and also for warmth). In the other side was my water bottle which has a straw/tube, this worked super well).
As you’ll already know, the Aarn comes with it’s own dry-bags for the pack and the front pockets.
Each front pocket has various zipped sections. I also kept my mobile in a small zip section for easy photo access. A notebook, tissues and glasses also found homes for quick access.
The flouro thingy is just something I found in a stationery shop ‘bargain bin’. It had an LED light inside which never worked but it is super reflective. I attached the thingys (2) to each side of my pack for more visibility during road walking.
I also wear small flashing lights on wristbands (a red and a white one, available from Kathmandu) and stitch reflective tape on all my packs and my poncho.
Unfortunately I see so many pilgrims who do not think about being visible to drivers.
Hope that helps, feel free to PM me if you need more info.
I've been looking at this one. I'm not wearing a fanny pack or a money belt and I'd like to have better access to my big iPhone. My Osprey hip belt pockets aren't big enough I was looking at it at REI but it doesn't state how water resistant it is. My new iPhone is pretty waterproof so I'm not worried about it. My credencial will be in ziplock bag, etc. But this bag seemed a bit bulky. Did you find that it made you hot sitting upfront, so close to your body? Or was it a pain to take off? I've seen the YouTube videos and they make it look easy. I wouldn't use it as a fanny pack but I'd need to detach one side to take the pack off. Just wondering how effective it really is.I have used a small front pouch from Osprey that attaches directly to the harness, and can be removed and used as a waist bag. It wasn't big enough to carry a water bottle, but was great for a few small snacks - muesli bar, dried fruit, etc, and a convenient place for small change.
NoDid you find that it made you hot sitting upfront, so close to your body?
It was an additional clip to undo, and then to redo. It didn't take long to learn how to keep it out of the way when getting the pack on and straps adjusted.Or was it a pain to take off?
I found it very useful for small things that I might otherwise have kept in the top pocket of my pack, small change that then didn't need to rattle around in my pants pocket, lollies and a snack bar or two, etc.Just wondering how effective it really is.
Thanks. Great details as always. I appreciate the time you take to answer everyone's questionsNo
It was an additional clip to undo, and then to redo. It didn't take long to learn how to keep it out of the way when getting the pack on and straps adjusted.
I found it very useful for small things that I might otherwise have kept in the top pocket of my pack, small change that then didn't need to rattle around in my pants pocket, lollies and a snack bar or two, etc.
Last year I wore pants with two very useful cargo pockets placed so they sat at the front of my thighs (rather than on the sides). I put much more in these - small items and my guidebook, and left my credential in my main pack. It was a small weight saving, but a little less convenient than having the pouch.
what did you end up with? I'm planning my Camino for May and looking into a front pack vs a belly bag. Thanks!OK thanks guys! Two good options! I think I am convinced, now I will go shop.
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