BlueJester
2025-08-16 16:50:04
I made the switch from a standard backpack to this waist pack and have been using it regularly for 3 years now. It's so great that I just ordered another in case something happens to it. Thankfully, they are still available.Items sold on Amazon are often hit or miss - you never know if you're going to get quality or junk. But I'm happy to report that this pack is holding up beautifully and it's exceeding expectations. Not only is the quality proving to be impeccable, but the utility is next level. I am able to carry everything that was in my full-size backpack, but it's all nicely organized in sensible compartments.Nearly every inch of space on this pack is usable. Additionally, there are loops and rings that allow you to secure to items with carabiners, including an inside clip that you can attach your keys to (if anyone has ever lost their keys in the woods when there are leaves on the ground, they know how invaluable this clip is). The belt is also wide enough that you can loop additional items onto it, such as binoculars and a foraging pouch.My pack is HEAVY - probably too heavy, and yet it's holding up to the abuse. Still, it sits so comfortably on my hips that it's like an exension of me. And I do wear it with the pouch to the back. When access is needed, you just twist it around to the front then twist it back. Easy!This pack is a game-changer.
Desert Dave
2025-08-15 12:35:09
Even after reading dozens of reviews about this bag and its capabilities, my first reaction when mine arrived was that it looked smaller than most people described it. But I loaded it up, and sure enough, it’s bigger than it looks. It’s not large enough for an all-day adventure, but it’s a perfect urban assault pack for short hikes, dog walking, a bike ride, or any activity where you don’t want to be weighed down by a large, sweaty backpack or a hydration system.As an urban rattlesnake relocator, I will use this bag for short but frequent hikes to release and photograph snakes. The downside is that the bag barely holds my SLR camera with a medium-length lens, leaving very little room for food or additional supplies. Basically, I can take my camera or I can take my lunch, but I can’t take both. One option would be to use this pack as a camera bag and wear a small hydration pack for food and water. But then I might as well just wear a backpack, thereby eliminating the need for this bag. Or I could use a smaller point-and-shoot camera.Many reviewers objected to the number of straps on such a small bag and actually cut some of them off, and I agree that compression straps on a bag this size are unnecessary. But, as luck would have it, I had two water bottles with loops that keep the lids attached. The compression straps go straight through these loops and prevent the bottles from jumping out of the shallow bottle holders, which is a problem I’ve had with other lumbar packs. This is a definite plus if you can find bottles like these (see photo). The downside is that you have to remove the pack to unbuckle the straps and take a drink. Or, I suppose you could wear the pack in front. The straps can also be tucked into the loops on the bottom of the bag (see photo).Another useful feature is the daisy chains that allow for the attachment of small or frequently-accessed items on the outside of the pack. I use Nite-ize mini carabineers for this purpose, and I was able to add a third water bottle this way (see photo).PROS:Appears to be well-made with no obvious flaws in the fabric or workmanshipShoulder straps add stability and keep the pack from sliding down or saggingGreat value for the priceLove the color (orange and gray)CONS:Clunky center section with drawstring is too small to be practicalBottle holders are too shallow for anything but the smallest bottles (but they make great lens holders)Belt pockets sit too far back to be accessed without removing the packShoulder straps could use some paddingTo the manufacturer: A larger version of this bag would be awesome!
DBR
2025-05-19 17:43:39
These were a bit smaller than I like but do the job still. I use this for the smallest camera, flash drives, flash units, batteries, filters, food and other essentials. I had hope they were a bit larger in volume but I can make due. I don't know about long term durability but they seem well made. I also wish the shoulder straps had the option of using so that the bag was held from the front but it is essentially for the back side carry. I hate it being backside carry because I need to be sure no zipper opens while moving all day. I would have given it a five star but four will do the job especially because I didn't pay too much like the last type I owned
Rick
2025-03-11 15:37:16
For $20, this is a surprisingly nice little pack. However, it can be made a lot more user-friendly by simply trimming off some of the relatively useless straps. First, this pack doesn't really need compression straps unless you intend to use it for running. It's not big enough to hold enough gear that it would shift around during use, and getting rid of these straps makes it easier to access the compartments, especially the two small ones on either side of the elastic loop area. Just trim the four compression strap lengths as close as possible to where they attach to the bag. Next, unlace the elastic cord from its eyelets and trim off the center bottom strap and loop it went through. This little strap actually prevents the elastic cord from holding a rolled jacket or other article, as it limits the size item you can hold under the cord. Finally, the water bottle pockets have cinch cords with straps much longer than necessary for the size bottle the pockets will accommodate. Put your intended bottles in the pockets, cinch 'em up, and trim the excess strap to about 1" past the buckle. I guarantee if you do these mods you'll find this pack much cleaner in appearance and much less confusing to use. All these straps probably do serve to make the pack look more "pro" and expensive, but they ultimately interfere with its use. The included shoulder straps are very functional and well-made. Using the backpack-style straps gives you a really functional way of carrying enough water and gear for a day hike without needing a backpack, and without the sagging and flopping often associated with lumbar (fanny) packs. Glad I bought this.
Jane D. Dalton
2025-01-21 11:31:38
Love this hiking bag. Plenty of room, 2 bottle holders, well made and I hardly know I’m wearing it. Great buy!!