View Full Version : "Purse" for trail town stops
Blissful
01-03-2007, 15:16
Okay, I don't mean a real purse, (and guys, no comments unless you mean to help :) ). But what do you use when you want to carry money, an extra jacket, incidentals, etc when you are cruising the town on your zero days and have left your pack in the hostel? Something real ultralight. I have a small little fanny pack thing but I think it's kind of heavy and don't want to bring it. The lid on my pack doesn't convert either. Some people at Trail Days were using these thin bags slung over their backs but I don't know the name of them.
Footslogger
01-03-2007, 15:22
One suggestion would be a small fanny pack. I carried one on my thru and ever since I wouldn't be without one. Large enough for my wallet/valueables and camera. Rides over the hip belt buckle and I don't even realize it's there when I'm hiking.
Best part about it is when I drop my pack the fanny pack stays on and I never have to rout around looking for my wallet/money/camera to hit a store or snap a pic.
'Slogger
One suggestion would be a small fanny pack. I carried one on my thru and ever since I wouldn't be without one. Large enough for my wallet/valueables and camera. Rides over the hip belt buckle and I don't even realize it's there when I'm hiking.
Best part about it is when I drop my pack the fanny pack stays on and I never have to rout around looking for my wallet/money/camera to hit a store or snap a pic.
'Slogger
I need to try that. I have a detachable lightweight lid to my P-2 I never use that may work.
hammock engineer
01-03-2007, 15:42
You might be able to modify a stuff sack to work. Add a piece of rope up it. You could wear it like a normal purse, backpack, or a gym bag. You already have a stuff sack, the only added weight is the rope.
I think my DIY gear obession is getting out of control.
Blissful
01-03-2007, 15:56
I saw on the ATC site a "sling sack". Maybe that's what I'm thinking of -? Anyone know how much they weigh?
Footslogger
01-03-2007, 16:16
I need to try that. I have a detachable lightweight lid to my P-2 I never use that may work.
=============================
Years ago I tried using the pack lid from my Gregory. Just became too much of a hassle taking it on and off. Nice thing about the fanny pack is that it always has what you need already in it. No need to pack/unpack it.
'Slogger
Hammock Hanger
01-03-2007, 16:19
I made a backpack from sil that works good as a laundry bag, shopping bag or town bag. If you PM me with an addy I'll send you the pattern.
Nice thing is you can use it as a stuff sack as well so it is not considered "extra weight".
mountain squid
01-03-2007, 16:21
This is what I carry:
http://www.eaglecreek.com/accessories/wallets/Check-Out-Pouch-40327/
It works for me. Camera, money, credit cards, etc all fit nicely. I have it over my shoulder, so it does not interfere with my backpacks hip belt, as a fanny pack might. And, as 'Slogger mentioned, it is always with me. Don't have to worry about my "essentials" if I leave my pack to go get some water, visit the privy, stop for a meal/ice cream in town, etc...
See you on the trail,
mt squid
I need to try that. I have a detachable lightweight lid to my P-2 I never use that may work.
I use the lid from my P-2 if I'm slackpacking or carrying a lot of stuff around town. Otherwise, I just use a small size stuff sac. I put money, credit cards, ID, etc. and just carry it using the pull string around my wrist.
This is what I carry:
http://www.eaglecreek.com/accessories/wallets/Check-Out-Pouch-40327/
It works for me. Camera, money, credit cards, etc all fit nicely. I have it over my shoulder, so it does not interfere with my backpacks hip belt, as a fanny pack might. And, as 'Slogger mentioned, it is always with me. Don't have to worry about my "essentials" if I leave my pack to go get some water, visit the privy, stop for a meal/ice cream in town, etc...
How do you have it over your shoulder, with a strap like a purse? Does it rest under your arm while hiking?
mountain squid
01-03-2007, 16:55
It is not really a strap like a purse. It is more like a nylon line, and, yes, it would be under my arm while hiking. There is also a belt loop, if you'd prefer to put it on your hip belt. The loop should be large enough to fit the hip belts buckles through (it is on mine).
As far as the P2 goes, I also have one with the lid. But the lid is what I sent home from Neels Gap...
See you on the trail,
mt squid
Target store has a brown or camo ones,hangs on shoulder,nice size with several pockets on it,good for day hike
Frolicking Dinosaurs
01-03-2007, 19:42
Hammock Hanger sent me her pattern -- the design is very functional both as a purse and stuff sack.
One suggestion would be a small fanny pack. I carried one on my thru and ever since I wouldn't be without one. Large enough for my wallet/valueables and camera. Rides over the hip belt buckle and I don't even realize it's there when I'm hiking.
Best part about it is when I drop my pack the fanny pack stays on and I never have to rout around looking for my wallet/money/camera to hit a store or snap a pic.
'Slogger
That really work? I am having one he!! of a time trying to find a suitable container for my camera (and other minor essentials.) that would be handy to get to. My problem is that my camera is an SLR body style... so I need to find a bag large enough for it... I tried to rig something to my Gregory hip belt, but the loops on the pouch just couldnt hold up and eventually began to pull apart at the seams. I had to put the camera in the pack. What good does it do me there? Especially when most wildlife shots are fleeting moments!
As far as the P2 goes, I also have one with the lid. But the lid is what I sent home from Neels Gap...
I bought mine after market (hike) and never have used the lid as a lid. I think it would work as a belly pack, but could be a bit large.
I've been looking at UnSlack Pack which fit on either your shoulder straps or hip belt. Brett's cool and ships quick.
http://www.simblissity.net/
Trillium
01-03-2007, 21:48
I bought mine after market (hike) and never have used the lid as a lid. I think it would work as a belly pack, but could be a bit large.
I've been looking at UnSlack Pack which fit on either your shoulder straps or hip belt. Brett's cool and ships quick.
http://www.simblissity.net/ that looked pretty cool but at $22, it seemed kinda expensive.
Johnny Swank
01-04-2007, 08:42
When my ladyfriend and I paddled the Missisissippi, we each had a drybag with a strap for townstops. Just throw it over a shoulder and go. Super handy, and I wish that I had used one on my thru-hike.
http://sourcetosea.net/MississippiRiver/files/page3-1099-full.html
I started out with a light fannypack that I used to carry my tp, photon, camera, id, and money while hiking. When I bought my Osprey Atmos, I didn't need the fanny pack because it had pockets on the hipbelt. So in town I used my little red stuff sack.
HH, I sent you a PM. I'd love to see the pattern!
Hammock Hanger
01-04-2007, 17:17
I have had numerous request for the pattern for the stuff sack/backpack. So I have tried to write it down. I sew from my head and not patterns so I hope this is understandable...
2 pieces of sil-nylon (cut to 20 x 18)
1 piece of cord @ 45" long
1 piece of webbing @ 1 1/2 yard (cut into 2)
With the good sides together pin the web straps ½ inches from the sides across the bottom and sew a ½ inch seam. I double stitch over the webbing for extra strength. I like to keep the zigzag over the raw edges of the sil so it will not fray.
Sew ½ - ¼ inch seam up both sides. Again zigzag the edge. Turn right side out.
Fold the top over ¼ inch towards the outside, pin or sew in place. Fold again this time 1 inch, pin to hold. Find the center and with a 1-inch space between the two straps pin the webbing/straps under the fold.
Sew around the bottom of the fold about 1/4 from folded edge. Re-enforce where you go over the webbing.
Leaving a small opening on one of the side seams for the drawstring. Re-enforce the edges where the drawstring will be coming out of.
Tie a knot or put a toggle on the drawstring.
Increase this to whatever size works for you
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=14271&catid=newimages&cutoffdate=1
Hammock Hanger
01-04-2007, 17:49
You'll see two changes I have in the picture.
1- I used ltweight grossgrain ribbon instead of a heavy webbing
2- I did use a gromment and put the drawstring in the center instead of out the side
hammock engineer
01-05-2007, 03:42
Ok I need to get away from my sewing machine. 2 hrs after getting the idea in my head I have my own Hammock Hanger inspired stuff sack. It is 19 inches tall and 15 inches wide. It weighs in at a whopping 1.3 oz. I used some extra 1.3 oz sil, some non coated 1.9 oz nylon to reinforce the top of the shoulder straps, 1 inch gross gain ribbin for straps, some sprectra line, and a cord lock.
Thanks for the idea and my style of pattern HH.
Those trail days bags with the pull straps were giveaways, they were called luxurylite. I'm looking at mine right now. That's all I know.
Here you go, scroll down to the bottom. Looks like they got some other cool stuff too.
http://www.luxurylite.com/
Frolicking Dinosaurs
01-06-2007, 06:29
I've got a Luxurylite 'Lite Sac' (they passed them out at Trail Days last year). It is a wonderful item for around town, but I wouldn't carry it hiking. HH design is a far more functional piece for what a hiker needs, has more volume and is significantly lighter.
Hammock Hanger
01-06-2007, 09:25
I've got a Luxurylite 'Lite Sac' (they passed them out at Trail Days last year). It is a wonderful item for around town, but I wouldn't carry it hiking. HH design is a far more functional piece for what a hiker needs, has more volume and is significantly lighter.
Actually the Luxury Lite bag is where I got the idea. It was something I had been rolling around in my head for about 2 years and then there it was at trail days. Although I liked the LL bag it was just to heavy for stuff sack use so I made up my own simple silnylon version.
It is not exact so I stole no copyright plus it is not something I am selling.
It is perfect for my trail needs.
Frolicking Dinosaurs
01-06-2007, 09:45
HH, most of my gear designs start from an idea I got from a piece of equipment that is already available, but just isn't quite what I need. You have a winner with that design - maybe some gear manufacturer will see it and buy the idea. BTW, your adding a cinch cord is what cinched your design as better for me.
hammock engineer
01-06-2007, 13:35
I'm with you guys on getting ideas and upgrading them to what you need.
BTW I was looking at mine yesterday while I was wearing it and it resembles all of the small purse backpacks I would see teenage girls walking around the mall with. Functional, lite, and fashionable. Great all around idea.:D
Happy 1K post to me.
I don't do any of that stuff. I do what I do at home.. have my $ and card in a rubber band and stuff it in my sock.. or if ya have a zip pocket on your shorts that works too. The camera, if i feel the need to lug around town, goes around my neck. When in the pack i just use a a ziplock and it usually goes in my clothing bag.
Blissful
01-06-2007, 14:41
Those trail days bags with the pull straps were giveaways, they were called luxurylite. I'm looking at mine right now. That's all I know.
Man, how did I miss that? I was at Trail Days too. If my hubby can't make one (I don't sew, BTW, he does all the sewing, plus not sure if we have enough sil nyon with the other stuff we need to make) anyone have an extra they are willing to part with? I'll pay shipping. :)
hammock engineer
01-06-2007, 15:01
I don't have any extra sil, but you should only need under a yard of material. He should be able to make one. It only took me and my beginner sewing skills a couple hours to make (including cutting, redoing a couple things, and TV breaks).
Hammock Hanger
01-07-2007, 13:42
I don't do any of that stuff. I do what I do at home.. have my $ and card in a rubber band and stuff it in my sock.. or if ya have a zip pocket on your shorts that works too. The camera, if i feel the need to lug around town, goes around my neck. When in the pack i just use a a ziplock and it usually goes in my clothing bag.
I found this to more useful them my ziplock wallet, when going to town with a bag of laundry, or buying groceries when my pack is back at the hostel or motel and I want my hands free. However, my rainjacket and camera have been added in to the mix a number of times as well. It is basically my clothing stuff sack so the only thing extra that has been added is a set of lightwt ribbons for shoulder staps. I am one of those people that hates to ahve to carry things in my hands... it maybe due to arthritis.
Ohhhhhhhhhh, thanks for the visual. Now, i get it ! it does sound nice... hmm, I think I want one....lol.... :sun
Thanks HH! I was at Seattle Fbarics (www.seattlefabrics.com ) yesterday and got some nice 1.3 ounce silnylon to play with! I'll post a photo when I get done :)
Spirit Walker
01-07-2007, 19:09
I carry a fanny pack - our current ones are ALPS. The pockets on the hip belt of our packs aren't big enough for the camera or guidebook.
My wallet is a snack size ziplock that fits in my pants pocket - so even without the fanny pack I'm okay in town.
If I'm just running around town, or leaving my pack outside a restaurant or something, I'll tie the opposing corners of my bandana together into two small handles. It holds my wallet, chapstick, and whatever else I want. If I'm in town to stay, I use my sleeping bag stuff sack (nothing special), which I can throw laundry into and then grab a small resupply.
The bandana is especially nice, since then I'm not stuck carrying around just a wallet. Of course, a good pocket with a zipper works just as well.
Question: When is it OK to wear a fanny pack in public?
Answer: It is almost acceptable to wear a fanny pack if and only if the year begins with "19" and ends with a number smaller than "95".
I know hikers aren't known for being fashionable...but shouldn't we try to retain some illusion of our humanity? Personally, I'm all about the stuff sack or large pockets...or any item Napoleon Dynamite did not call "SWEET!!"
But Miu, my fanny pack matches my scrunchie perfectly!
You know, this thread has me thinking about my little nylon drawstring backpack... Seems every expo or race or whatever I go to these days, companies are giving them away. And now that you mention it, they're really just stuff sacks that fit over both shoulders when cinched! I never ever would have thought of bringing one but maybe I will. Right now I use it as a gym bag.
Question: When is it OK to wear a fanny pack in public?
Answer: It is almost acceptable to wear a fanny pack if and only if the year begins with "19" and ends with a number smaller than "95".
I know hikers aren't known for being fashionable...but shouldn't we try to retain some illusion of our humanity? Personally, I'm all about the stuff sack or large pockets...or any item Napoleon Dynamite did not call "SWEET!!"
Most of the people that would object will be scrambling to escape the 20 foot radius of your thru-hiker stench so you will not hear the derogotory comments about your "fashion faux-paux."
If it is functional, do it.
"Eh heh, eh heh heh... fanny pack are cool, Eh heh heh." -- Beavis
Not when the person objecting is the one generating the thru-hiker stench.
Not when the person objecting is the one generating the thru-hiker stench.
Yeah. It's kinda hard to scatter outside of a 20 ft. radius of yourself... athough I did come close one time after consuming 5 ritas at Baby-A's.:D
mweinstone
05-03-2007, 06:38
slaves carry my wealth. and there beaten nightly to surpress any desire they my be fostering to rise up and steal my penniys. at night i put the smart ones to work solving world problems in my secret underground lex lutherlike sewer study. use a zip iner pocket of your rainjacket tied around your waist on chilly days and a closed pocket of a cargolike nature on your shorts in summer heat. ta da!
dixicritter
05-03-2007, 08:36
I personally think fashion is for the birds. I'm not going to be a slave to the fashion industry myself. So if I want to wear a fanny pack I will since it is functional for carrying things I need in. If you don't want to carry one that's fine for you. I've never understood the need to have to "fit" a certain mold that everyone says you have to look like. Seems really boring to me for everyone to look and dress alike.
hammock engineer
05-03-2007, 08:50
Funny you mention this Miu, I finally decided last night that I want to try the very cool and stylish belt pack last night. I think that is the best way for me to have quick access to things while hiking and keep things out of my pockets.
Frolicking Dinosaurs
05-03-2007, 09:04
As DixieCritter says, fashion is for the birds.
I've made a small pouch for the male dino's hip belt to carry things he wants to be very handy (things he normally carries in a shirt pocket and back pocket, but the pack & sterum straps make shirt pocket impossible and things in a back pocket irritate the male-dino's nonexistent butt :D).
The female dino has made herself a combo stuff sack / purse similar to the HE's design (earlier in this thread) sized for our quilt. In town, I take the quilt out and this item becomes my purse. It is big enough to tote groceries, sundries, etc. and a small pouch on the inside top carries my id, ATM card, and meds so they are easily found. It works for me.
hammock engineer
05-03-2007, 09:21
As DixieCritter says, fashion is for the birds.
I've made a small pouch for the male dino's hip belt to carry things he wants to be very handy (things he normally carries in a shirt pocket and back pocket, but the pack & sterum straps make shirt pocket impossible and things in a back pocket irritate the male-dino's nonexistent butt :D).
The female dino has made herself a combo stuff sack / purse similar to the HE's design (earlier in this thread) sized for our quilt. In town, I take the quilt out and this item becomes my purse. It is big enough to tote groceries, sundries, etc. and a small pouch on the inside top carries my id, ATM card, and meds so they are easily found. It works for me.
I will have to pass the credit on to hammock hanger. I made mine baised on pics she posted.
On the hipbelt pockets, how do you keep them in place? The ones I made slip right off the belt when I take it off. I would rather not sew them onto my hip belt.
Calling a fanny pack a "belt pack" is like calling a janitor a "custodial engineer". Let's not make things complicated, now. If you're determined to sport a fanny pack at least call it a fanny pack! :)
By the way, my fanny pack review was meant as a joke. Like funny ha ha. Wearing the fanny pack can't in reality detract from your humanity. No need to plan any attacks on the fashion industry...let's all just simmer down now.
Speaking of pack pockets, out of an idea for my son (his pack has no handy pockets) I started making insulated UL pockets so he could carry his candy bars, etc.
They ended up working out very well, and hold anything from a cell phone, digital camera to 2-3 energry bars. They are not designed for heavy loads, but stay on a hip belt well. They come in at about 1 ounce or so.
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a308/NWHikergirl/Pouch.jpg
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a308/NWHikergirl/Pouch2.jpg
hammock engineer
05-03-2007, 10:59
Speaking of pack pockets, out of an idea for my son (his pack has no handy pockets) I started making insulated UL pockets so he could carry his candy bars, etc.
They ended up working out very well, and hold anything from a cell phone, digital camera to 2-3 energry bars. They are not designed for heavy loads, but stay on a hip belt well. They come in at about 1 ounce or so.
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a308/NWHikergirl/Pouch.jpg
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a308/NWHikergirl/Pouch2.jpg
That's similar to what I made, minus the cool flames. Did you use a loop on the back to attach it to the pack? I am thinking that my loop is too big. If I made one that was tighter it would not slide around. The problem is that I need it to be 5" wide for the thick part of the hipbelt, then right at the buckle it is only around 2" of webbing.
I wear a belt pack for stuff I need with me always. And, as it does duty as my belt, & without it my kilt would fall down, I have it with me always. On trail: I keep a snack (or camera) in it. In town: my "wallet" will just fit with the camera. As a wallet I use a zip lock bag. To carry other stuff I use a 12" x 12" nylon netting tote bag w a shoulder strap. The net bag will also carry: my water bottles to & from water sources, food from the grocery, laundry to & from, etc.
Am I stylish on the trail or in town? Oh God I hope NOT!
Hammock,
I made the webbing about 3" wide for it's opening. The reason is all my packs have 2" buckles/webbing, so 2 1/2" goes over the buckles great. Another option that works it to do Velcro (like they do on camera bags).
I am using 1" wide webbing for the bags btw.
Frolicking Dinosaurs
05-03-2007, 14:40
I will have to pass the credit on to hammock hanger. I made mine baised on pics she posted.
On the hipbelt pockets, how do you keep them in place? The ones I made slip right off the belt when I take it off. I would rather not sew them onto my hip belt.it has loops at both ends - one is just a double piece of nylon (and would slip off) - the other uses velcro to make the loop so it's size is adjustable (and I make it small enough not to slip over the belt-clip)-- he also uses this sometimes when he is doing things outdoors where stuff in his shirt pocket would fall out and the adjustable loop lets him wear on a regular belt.
hammock engineer
05-03-2007, 14:44
Hammock,
I made the webbing about 3" wide for it's opening. The reason is all my packs have 2" buckles/webbing, so 2 1/2" goes over the buckles great. Another option that works it to do Velcro (like they do on camera bags).
I am using 1" wide webbing for the bags btw.
Thanks. What the issue on mine is that it slides down and off when I unbuckle the hipbelt.
Your post got me thinking about some of the bags I seen. I am going to try something with 3 straps on the back. Each with a space inbetween. The fraction between them maybe enough to keep it in place. I might try this by cutting slits in the one I am using now. Right now I have it as 1 piece of netting 7" long by 5" high.
BigwaveDave
05-04-2007, 15:37
I use a small fanny pack for money, ID, Swiss Army Kinfe, camera and fire starter. It stays on me always except when I sleep.
whykickamoocow
05-06-2007, 03:12
I find a pocket in your pants is really useful. Oh yeah, one of those shirts with a pocket in it to.
Actually my backpack (Macpac Ascent) has a detachable lid that turns into a bum bag. Clever!
I use my seattle sports pocket bucket. It almost acts like a normal purse, and it's waterproof to boot. It's on sale at REI right now: http://www.rei.com/REI-Outlet/product/739154?vcat=REI_SEARCH
Nightwalker
05-07-2007, 05:09
I cut the belt off of the smallest fanny pack that I could find and used the belt webbing to make two vertical loops on the back of it. It fits on the hip belt of my pack and carries my camera and stuff. When I need storage for things while I'm in town, I either carry it like a clutch, or (rarely) run my belt through the loops and have a new-tech fanny pack. I'll try to remember to take a pic and post it, but the idea is simple enough.
Truthfully, I usually wear nylon cargo shorts and don't need any more room than is already in them. I mainly use the butchered belt bag for those times when I'm hiking with running shorts instead of cargo shorts. IOW, not very often.
Ok, I hadn't ever really thought about a trail purse till I orginally read this thread a long time ago. But last weekend...well, I realized I needed something, and I needed it soon. So I started playing around with a prototype and got it finished this morning.
My purse weighs 2 ounces, has a flap that closes with Velcro. It has interfacing so it has body. It's length is 7", width across is 7" and has a 1 1/2" width on the sides.
I designed it so I can carry it across my body, passport bag style.
It will perfectly fit my I-Pod, cell phone, camera, car keys and wallet in my backpack, to keep them organized. And give me something to haul them in if I leave camp.
<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a308/NWHikergirl/Purse.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>
<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a308/NWHikergirl/Purse2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>
Yes, the Velcro sewing is ugly ;) But hey, it is the prototype!
Oops, I did the wrong links for the photos :( Sorry about that!
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a308/NWHikergirl/Purse.jpg
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a308/NWHikergirl/Purse2.jpg
I was thinking about using one of those cheap usually promotional free nylon drawstring backpack thingies...I like adjectives. Sorry.
And Sarbar....I like the paisley :)
And Sarbar....I like the paisley :)
I think I am going to use that paisely fabric for my UL FBC cozies :) It is very pretty, and it isn't easy finding nice brown fabrics!