Chest pack for hiking

quattromori

quattromori

Joined
May 7, 2011
Messages
3,426
Hi folks,
I was wondering lately......when I hike, there are a few things that I'd rather have on my chest than in my backpack (a camera, for example). I'm not particularly fond of big belt pouches or frontal belt bags, but maybe a small chest pack could work well. Also (at least in theory) it could help balancing the weight I carry.
From what I've seen, it seems that this sort of pack is mainly used by people who enjoy flyfishing. I was wondering if any of you actually carry a chest pack when hiking, and how do you like it.

:cool:
 
I rigged a front mounted pack for a DSLR for my wife. It attaches with fastex connectors to her main pack harness.

She likes it, but there is one caveat to keep in mind: On difficult terrain it does obscure your view of your feet. It sounds silly but it makes a difference on steep trails or stream crossings.
 
I had thought about the fact it might obscure the view. But maybe a thin one could work fine.
I will take a look at Fishpond chest packs though.
Anyone else tried one?

:cool:
 
Hill people gear kit bag is the bomb!

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I photograph Rallying (as in the motorsport out in the forest, not hippies with signs chanting) and have a Molle Panel chest rig (made by Condor)

it has a velcro "map pocket" that i use for schedules, start lists, stage maps etc.
on the molle sections i run a First Aid Pocket (with a booboo kit, panadol, immodium, betadine wipes, tweezers, Gauze/Dressings, a triangular bandage, and 2x Heavy elastic bandages) a Radio (Garmin Rino650) Pouches for Swisstool and Surefire 6P
assorted cable ties, gaffa tape, electrical tape, sharpies etc.

Oh and it has a Bahco Laplander saw in it too - for clearing branches out of the way

it doesnt stick out too far, balances well, and keeps gear i use frequently, or may need access too quickly at my fingertips
 
Thanks for your inputs!
I will keep looking until I find something that looks right (and fits my idea), then we'll see. So far, the flyfishing chest packs seem to fulfill my needs more than the "military style" ones. But I admit I'm speculating :)

:cool:
 
Someone already recommended Hill People Gear.

While not actually a "chest pack", Ribz front pack looks very functional. I understand Maxpedition is coming out with a variation of their model -

http://www.ribzwear.com/
 
I own a RIBZ but exclusively use HPG Kit Bags. They would work for most cameras, but their beauty is the the simple design that works as a stand-alone when hiking, biking, kayaking, etc. and give you even better service when using with a pack. It balances well, keeps most of your essentials close at hand and doesn't interfer with most activities; I've slept with mine on in a hammock.

ROCK6
 
Rock6,
Do you think the harness would work to rig a buttsack on? Maybe with fastex buckles for easy on/off. Looks like it would solve a need that I have & a buttsack holds my common bulky items.

Thanks,
Bill.
 
I use a fishpond brand fishing vest. It has compartments in the chest to hold a lot of stuff, and a small pack on the back, all as an integral vest so its easy on off with excellent weight distribution.
 
lmalterna said:
Rock6,
Do you think the harness would work to rig a buttsack on? Maybe with fastex buckles for easy on/off. Looks like it would solve a need that I have & a buttsack holds my common bulky items.

Thanks,
Bill.
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Yeah, I think you could. There would be some minor sewing, but it would work. The design of the HPG kit bag is pretty "flat" and secure against the chest; you can also get an additional shock-cord attachment that even provides more security for activities like running/jogging. I think you have to be careful with the amount of weight and keeping it close to the chest so it doesn't interfer with your balance.

ROCK6
 
Rock6,
Thanks, I have the balance of a weeble & I stopped running when the ice cream truck stopped coming in the neighborhood !! Amazing how well a simple LBE served for hiking and bush beating. The chest rig would serve a need that I have had trouble with though. I prefer to have a friend along these days.

Hiking with wife and daughter sometimes leaves me feeling like I am wading a Florida canal with raw chickens tied to my waist.

Thanks,
Bill
 
I got a Hill People Gear Recon Kit bag recently. I have yet to really get to use it. I've loaded it up, wore it around the property, attached it to my backpack, just to experiment. But, I really got it for concealed carry while backpacking and hiking.
It's made very very well, and so comfortable that I could forget I'm wearing it. I don't think it looks "tactical" or like military gear at all. It's only got a few strips of MOLLE and those end up covered if you use them at all. The recon bag is only 1" deep, I can see the ground and my feet with it on. YMMV if you start adding gear to the MOLLE like a large camera case, binoculars, etc..
 
Wore the the Hill People Recon Kit bag on a backpacking trip last spring. Hardly knew I was wearing it...except for the extra moob sweat. Sturdy little bag.

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