camelbak + shoulder bag?

[bulgron]

Has anyone on here ever tried using a camelbak classic hydration pack, plus some kind of a shoulder bag, for day hiking? I'm thinking this combination would allow me to carry a good amount of water (I'm planning some day hikes in the desert), while keeping my gear in a bag where I can get at it without taking off a pack.

The question I have is, would the straps from the shoulder bag interfere at all with the camelbak? In particular, I'm worried about the drinking tube getting pinched.

Thanks.

 

[mtnfolk mike]

i use Camelbak's regularly.. i have a few different styles.. including a few of the daypack versions... have you thought about getting one of those instead??
i have never tried to wear one with a shoulder bag... the tube shouldn't pinch, they're pretty stout...

 

[storl]

I've worn my LowePro Slingshot camera bag along with a Camelbak with no problem, other than general discomfort. I would advise going with a larger Camelbak so you can distribute the weight properly and secure the load with the sternum and waist straps. Even if you switch shoulders, a shoulder bag gets uncomfortable. If you need quick access to stuff, get a Camelbak with pockets on the waist strap so you can throw essentials in there, or get a small pouch or two and attach them to the waist strap for essentials.

 

[Angus McGunnigl]

I have used a shoulderbag for dayhikes before and once was askedby a couple of dudes if I was carrying a purse.

It was a overused area that sucked anyways.

 

[bulgron]

I may have been unclear when I said 'shoulder bag.' What I meant was, a bag carried messenger-bag style.

What I want easy access to is a camera, binoculars, trail mix, and compass or garmin GPS unit. I can probably get everything else into pouches on my belt, but the camera (Digital SLR) and binoculars has me stumped.

Usually I just throw everything in a backpack, and take it off to access gear as needed. But this gets old, so I was thinking about an alternative approach.

 

[bulgron]

I have used a shoulderbag for dayhikes before and once was askedby a couple of dudes if I was carrying a purse.

It was a overused area that sucked anyways.

I frequently carry a maxpedition remora gearslinger around town. Nobody ever comments on it, but if I get funny looks I just shrug and say, "Yep, what can I say, I've got a man purse." People just laugh when I do that, and move their focus on to other things.

It helps to not really care what other people think about me.

 

[mtnfolk mike]

i think as long as the drinking tube is on the opposite side of your shoulder strap, you should be fine...

 

[norcalblacktail]

If you dont mind the 2 packs rinding on your shoulders go for it. Otherwise I would suggest getting a single pack that has both storage and hydration.

 

[storl]

I may have been unclear when I said 'shoulder bag.' What I meant was, a bag carried messenger-bag style.

Yeah, I figured that was what you meant. If your DSLR + lenses are like mine, carrying it for long hikes will be uncomfortable. You can't properly secure a shoulder bag as well as you can a backpack, so your load jostles around a lot more and will start fatiguing your shoulder.

You could try one of those MOLLE vests that have hydration bladder sleeves incorporated into them, and just add pouches where needed. There are also a few companies that make DSLR bags with hydration bladder sleeves already incorporated.

 

[hlee]

Crooked Horn Outfitters Slide and Flex Bino-System for the binoculars or the camera.

Attaches where a standard neck strap does, but distributes the weight over your shoulders. keeps the binoculars snuggly at the chest until needed, without bouncing.

I use them with my binos while deer hunting. I put on the binos, then a jacket or coat in the winter, then zip the binos into the coat. They don't bounce at all, and I can put on a backpack, and use the binos at will, without removing the pack (just unzip the coat).

If you look close, I am wearing my binos in my avatar pic, click it to get see a bigger pic.