View Full Version : Shoulder strap pouches for phones
TwoSpirits
02-23-2019, 12:35
So my latest Gotta Find It, Need To Have It, Holy Grail of Gear item is a shoulder strap pouch that will fit & protect my phone. Phones keep getting bigger, but pockets don't. [emoji2955]
I currently have a Samsung Galaxy S7 in a Lifeproof case, and have been wanting to find a shoulder pouch for it that will work with my Osprey pack. Today I came across MLD's Shoulder Strap Pouch and it looks promising...wondering if anyone has any experience with them? (Sorry I can't get it to link)
fastfoxengineering
02-23-2019, 12:44
So my latest Gotta Find It, Need To Have It, Holy Grail of Gear item is a shoulder strap pouch that will fit & protect my phone. Phones keep getting bigger, but pockets don't. [emoji2955]
I currently have a Samsung Galaxy S7 in a Lifeproof case, and have been wanting to find a shoulder pouch for it that will work with my Osprey pack. Today I came across MLD's Shoulder Strap Pouch and it looks promising...wondering if anyone has any experience with them? (Sorry I can't get it to link)Zimmerbuilt.
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Check out Hyperlight Mountain Gear.
Rain Man
02-23-2019, 16:56
I sewed velcro strap to Eagle Creek pouch I got at REI (can find other places).
https://www.amazon.com/Eagle-Creek-Original-Quarter-Cube-Extra/dp/B01LWPYR86/ref=asc_df_B01LWPYR86/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309765202501&hvpos=1o19&hvnetw=g&hvrand=185732837213594079&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9052578&hvtargid=pla-347247988294&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=63356084284&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=309765202501&hvpos=1o19&hvnetw=g&hvrand=185732837213594079&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9052578&hvtargid=pla-347247988294
I use the Zpacks shoulder pouch. It barely fits my large phone with its protective case (3.25"x6.33"x0.5") though the phone is slightly too tall so I can only cinch the pouch about half way closed (more than enough to keep the phone from falling out, but doing nothing to keep rain out. But I carry a ziplock for that and if it's raining hard, I move it inside the pack, though the ziplock does keep it dry. There is still some room inside for small objects with the phone, but I do wish it was 1/2 inch taller.
As for MLD, I buy stuff from them all the time and they make good stuff that tends to be a bit more bullet proof than Zpacks as they often use heavier materials. Never actually tried their shoulder pouch. If the dimensions work for your phone, it should be fine.
So my latest Gotta Find It, Need To Have It, Holy Grail of Gear item is a shoulder strap pouch that will fit & protect my phone. Phones keep getting bigger, but pockets don't. [emoji2955]
I currently have a Samsung Galaxy S7 in a Lifeproof case, and have been wanting to find a shoulder pouch for it that will work with my Osprey pack. Today I came across MLD's Shoulder Strap Pouch and it looks promising...wondering if anyone has any experience with them? (Sorry I can't get it to link)
I've two MLD shoulder pouches, one on two different packs, attached to a shoulder strap, that hold my Samsung S5. On the other shoulder strap I attach a bungeed Smart Water bottle ala ULA's system, that help balance out the shoulder strap wt. It also helps bring wt from the main pack compartment forward in the front which I've found especially useful in balancing out the entire load in the mostly frameless backpacks I use. Another useful thing is that storing electronics and on the go H2O on shoulder straps rather than pack side pockets, main compartment, water reservoir/Camelbak/Evernew or hip belt pockets is that I can carry more easily at reach without taking 40L or less packs off even on LD long duration hikes. The MLD shoulder pouches have multiple ways to securely and easily attach to side straps or shoulder straps.
BTW, I find the MLD WR zippered pouch to be highly WR when new. The WR does fade some but I tend to spray the outside of Dyneema X and Cordura packs with McKnetts Revivex water repellent spray anyhow. I still store electronics in a Ziploc inside the pouch on very wet northwestern and other hikes.
https://www.hyperlitemountaingear.com/collections/accessories/products/shoulder-pocket
I use a Waist Pack for my phone. Found it worked easier than on the shoulder!
Try Rodney at ULA-Equipmen (https://www.ula-equipment.com/product/shoulder-strap-pocket/)t; he was good enough to customize two shoulder pocket to my desired/larger dimensions for my iphone 6 plus for the normal price plus a very reasonable custom charge ($15) in 2017 while I was thru hiking the AT; I got them quickly and they were/are perfect. Not sure if they still offer this service, but if they do, this is a great option.
Check out TreadLite Gear, sells on eBay out of his house in the U.K. Awesome shoulder pouches in various sizes, plus a lot of other cool stuff. I have the xl rucksack in x-pak , fits my large iPhone plus a power bank.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190224/169edc24fefeb65cbc7746ea32709cc7.jpg
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TwoSpirits
02-24-2019, 14:07
Thank you all for your thoughts and suggestions. It looks like the MLD's are the best option for me right now -- although I totally agree with that a waist pack seems like an easier/more convenient option. I've tried that, but couldn't really figure out how to wear the waist pack in a way that was comfortable in conjunction with my backpack's waist belt. Sounds lame, I know. [emoji848]
capt. photon
02-24-2019, 16:47
https://www.hyperlitemountaingear.com/collections/accessories/products/shoulder-pocket
$35.00??? No thanks.
capt. photon
02-24-2019, 16:52
https://www.hyperlitemountaingear.com/collections/accessories/products/shoulder-pocket
$35.00??? No way. Try these:https://www.campmor.com/c/equinox-ultralite-horizontal-pack-pocket-1
fastfoxengineering
02-24-2019, 17:15
Thank you all for your thoughts and suggestions. It looks like the MLD's are the best option for me right now -- although I totally agree with that a waist pack seems like an easier/more convenient option. I've tried that, but couldn't really figure out how to wear the waist pack in a way that was comfortable in conjunction with my backpack's waist belt. Sounds lame, I know. [emoji848]I have both MLD and Zimmerbuilt. I prefer Zimmerbuilt. His water bottle pouch is great. also SWD has a sweet lycra shoulder pouch. I have two brand new MLD shoulder pouches. Ill probably sell em if your interested.
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TwoSpirits
02-25-2019, 20:04
Thank you -- I may very well take you up on that, but now gbolt's comment about the waist pack has me re-thinking my issue. I do think a waist pack has a lot more to offer and I just have to be smarter and figure out how to make it work.
fastfoxengineering
02-25-2019, 20:06
Thank you -- I may very well take you up on that, but now gbolt's comment about the waist pack has me re-thinking my issue. I do think a waist pack has a lot more to offer and I just have to be smarter and figure out how to make it work.Thrupack.com if you want a great fanny pack. Get the comfy strap.
But the MLD's pm me if interested
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I used to store $$ camera and $$ smart phone in hip belt pockets. Found they are more prone to getting damaged when stored there. I've cracked several pricey smart phone screens and cases supposedly screen and case protected on and off trail. Repair costs for glass screens and sometimes cases and other damaged parts in otherwise fine working electronics can be almost as much as the original purchase price for the unit. What a racket! But I can be frugal. Same but not to the same extent with waist belt. Around the waist just above hip belt I might carry other things that would interfere with quick retrieval with a waist belt. It's why I'm fine with cheaper maybe earlier model smart phones maybe even a simple CHEAP Tracphone on trail.
A chest pack similar to Zpacks Multi Packs is another option that can store more than a S7. I find the chest pack almost as comfortable, if not accustomed to removing your pack very often, and as quick to access as a waist pack or zippered shoulder strap pocket.
TwoSpirits
02-26-2019, 09:04
Thrupack.com if you want a great fanny pack. Get the comfy strap.
But the MLD's pm me if interested
Sent from my SM-J737V using TapatalkInteresting. Haven't seen these before. Thanks.
fastfoxengineering
02-26-2019, 11:24
Interesting. Haven't seen these before. Thanks.Fanny packs are becoming wildly popular on the trails.
Most of the cottage companies now make one.
I don't own a thrupack but have seen a few. Quality and materials are top notch. Design is great.
Most hikers end up grabbing a fanny pack from REI, ll bean, walmart, etc becuase thats whats available on the trail.
These are much nicer.
I would get an xpac or dyneema x over cuben if you decide to get one. Fanny packs are meant to be used and abused. The cuben will degrade from abrasion quickly.
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I've only sparingly used a fanny pack alone not while also wearing a loaded backpack with a true hip belt w/ hip belt pockets for backpacking. On day hikes I often find a fanny pack alone acceptable as a minimalist. How does adding a fanny pack not get in the way when also wearing a pack as depicted? It also seems it would make it hot and sweaty and confining around the waist a situation some find prone to chafing around the waist wearing all this. If one's backpacking modus operandi are regular stops doesn't removing such a layered set up and then having to put it back on become onerous? Asking. :)
fastfoxengineering
02-26-2019, 14:33
I've only sparingly used a fanny pack alone not while also wearing a loaded backpack with a true hip belt w/ hip belt pockets for backpacking. On day hikes I often find a fanny pack alone acceptable as a minimalist. How does adding a fanny pack not get in the way when also wearing a pack as depicted? It also seems it would make it hot and sweaty and confining around the waist a situation some find prone to chafing around the waist wearing all this. If one's backpacking modus operandi are regular stops doesn't removing such a layered set up and then having to put it back on become onerous? Asking. :)I don't use a fanny pack so I have zero experience wearing one.
However, most people I know who wear fanny packs while hiking are using framess packs without hipbelts.
I can imagine a cheap walmart fanny rubbing you raw because of a crappy belt.
"The comfy strap" my buddy on the AT had one. It was plush. He wore it around his waist with not issues. He was using a custom made hipbeltless frameless though.
I know some people wore the strap under their clothes against their skin. So layering doesnt really change. For them.
I saw one person who wore his fanny like a Zpacks Multipack on his straps with mini biners. Then in town or camp he quickly attached the strap.
Some people found a way to secure it to their hip belt and then just tuck the strap in somewhere.
Just my observation. Ive never used one because I figured it would rub me raw.
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There's a video on Youtube of this one being used on a hip belt and it seemed to work well as a solution for the new Exos packs where Osprey deleted the hip belt pockets.
https://www.garagegrowngear.com/products/tr1-running-fanny-pack-by-thru
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMIRGsLoir4
I've only sparingly used a fanny pack alone not while also wearing a loaded backpack with a true hip belt w/ hip belt pockets for backpacking. On day hikes I often find a fanny pack alone acceptable as a minimalist. How does adding a fanny pack not get in the way when also wearing a pack as depicted? It also seems it would make it hot and sweaty and confining around the waist a situation some find prone to chafing around the waist wearing all this. If one's backpacking modus operandi are regular stops doesn't removing such a layered set up and then having to put it back on become onerous? Asking. :)
I always put the fanny pack on first and then put on the pack. I raised the fanny pack above the Back Pack Hip Belt and Buckled it, letting the fanny pack droop over the belt. On a few occasions I would lower the fanny pack and snap the Backpack belt above the fanny pack. I got quite comfortable with the set up and it became my norm. During stops, the backpack came off but the fanny pack stayed on, and came off when I went to bed. The Pack was also worn over the base layer/shirt and pants/shorts but under the midlayer and Shell while the Back Pack was the last thing put on. While I probably did sweat slightly more from the strap around the back, it was not that noticeable and I never chafed. It also may help to note that the fanny Pack was around the waist and the Backpack was down on the hips creating two different tracks for the belt material. Someone mentioned wear and tear with possible damage to a phone. I wouldn’t use Dyneema for a fanny pack, more due to cost. I used a multipocket Mountain Smith purchase at the Gatlinburg NOC to replace my Cheep Walmart test pack. I did fall numerous times, but honestly, I landed on my outstretched arms, Chest and shoulders more than on the waist pack. I never crushed anything in the waist pack including many a energy bar. Like any part of a hiking kit, everyone as to experiment and find what works. I appreciate your knowledge and experience for sure Dogwood, ��. Hope this helps the discussion.
This is what I use both with my daypack and my overnight pack. It has two compartments, the larger one holds small things I need to access during the day and the other holds my phone. Easy access. It can either attach to your pack’s shoulder straps or be used as a stand along small fanny pack. I tried so many things before this one, this one works and I love it. https://www.osprey.com/us/en/product/ultralight-grab-bag-GRABBAG.html
Thx all.
"However, most people I know who wear fanny packs while hiking are using frames packs without hipbelts."
@ Fox: Assumed that was the way it was done. With my MLD Burn with a custom removable webbing only belt I might try incorporating a waist pack.
Thx Gbolt. You even answered my next question about layering with apparel.
@Bmlee Thx
Something I don't do but was open to learning how others make it work.
It May help to mention that my backpack is the ULA Ohm and I purchased the fanny pack to “fit” in between the two hip pockets directly over the buckle. Wish I had a closeup picture.
I also have the Zpacks shoulder pouch. I just realized I have while shuffling around some gear. I have not used it yet but would prefer not storing a trail samsung galaxy S5 in it as it's a different design than the MLD or Vince's Tread Lite designed pouch with WP zippers. This ZP shoulder pouch has a cord lock design likely not as WR or WP than the other designs. The ZPacks pouch barely fits the S5. When I use the ZPacks pouch it will not store my non WP electronics unless in a Ziploc.
fastfoxengineering
03-06-2019, 19:13
I have two brand new MLD shoulder pouches Ill sell for cost. So free shipping.
Anyone want them?
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TwoSpirits
03-07-2019, 10:03
I have two brand new MLD shoulder pouches Ill sell for cost. So free shipping.
Anyone want them?
Sent from my SM-J737V using TapatalkI don't think I would need two of them -- would you be willing to sell them separately?
LucyInColor
03-09-2019, 14:50
Superior Wilderness Designs has two options. The first link (my personal favorite) is sewn on the shoulder strap, the second link can be attached to many packs.
https://www.swdbackpacks.com/product-page/lycra-mesh-shoulder-pouch
https://www.swdbackpacks.com/product-page/should-pouch
Here's a review backing up my suggestion. https://sectionhiker.com/hyperlite-mountain-gear-shoulder-strap-pocket-review/