Waist Pack Recommendations / Maxpedition Versipack

Mr. Green1 · Mar 24, 2012

I currently have a cheap fanny pack that I usually use for hiking and I think it is time I invest in a nice waist pack. I am looking for something that is smaller since I will be using it for day hikes. I would like to keep it in the $35 to $70 range.

I was looking at the Maxpedition Proteus Versipack and think that I really like this one. Does anyone have any experiences with it?

Specs/short review
http://the-gadgeteer.com/2007/04/23/maxpedition_proteus_versipack/

Pics: (not mine, took of the internet)

I also found the Maxipedition Octa Versipack and the High Sierra Express Lumbar Pack that I think would work well.

I was wondering what everyone else has in terms of waist packs and what you would recommend.

Thanks!

Blue Sky · Mar 25, 2012

I have a Proteus, 2 actually. I use it most often as a carry-all for hunting, hiking, on the motorcycle and back and forth to work. It holds more than it looks but the main pouch access is through a single zipper across the center. This limits the opening size so it is difficult get large items into it that would otherwise fit. It is best for carrying numerous small to medium sized items. There is pretty good organization built in. The one thing it doesn't handle too well is if you need to carry water. In those cases, I have a mini rolypolly for the waist belt. You can put a water bottle in the main pouch lying down, but this makes it too rigid and it won't conform well to your back. I have found that to be very important when trying to get a comfortable fit, it has to be able to wrap around your back a little. That goes for any waist bag I think.

It is about the largest waist bag I would want to wear without shoulder straps. Anything bigger can be loaded heavy enough that the waist belt alone would be insufficient IMO. It is relatively thin front to back, a good thing, so the weight is held closer to the back, which helps reduce the tendency for it to try and tilt away from you when loaded. I have a Maxpedition Devildog that I use when the Proteus is too small and have rigged up shoulder straps for it to counteract the tilt. If I can get away with using the Proteus, I will.

kamagong · Mar 25, 2012

For dayhikes I like to use a lumbar pack with straps. I find it the most comfortable set up. Because less of my back is covered I don't get as sweaty and the straps keep it more stable than a pure waistpack.

My current (only) setup is a Mountainsmith Tour with strapettes. I bought the pack at REI and the strapettes off Amazon. Total cost was right around $60.

Mr. Green1 · Mar 26, 2012

Thanks for the comments guys!

ElConquistador · Mar 26, 2012

I don't know about fanny packs but I have a couple Maxpedition bags (Falcon Pygmy II and MPB) they are good stuff. I found some good reviews on youtube which were helpful in deciding which bag I wanted. Also www.milspecmonkey.com has good reviews on that kind of stuff (they don't sell anything so I think it's okay to post a link, correct me if I'm wrong).

pertinux · Mar 26, 2012

kamagong said:
For dayhikes I like to use a lumbar pack with straps. I find it the most comfortable set up. Because less of my back is covered I don't get as sweaty and the straps keep it more stable than a pure waistpack.

My current (only) setup is a Mountainsmith Tour with strapettes.

That's mine as well. I carried it for a year or two without strapettes before adding them. I figured they would be a good addition, but was still surprised at how much of a nice difference they made in stabilizing and distributing the pack, especially when loaded up.

:thumbup:

~ P.

Dago Red · Mar 26, 2012

pics would be great, I too would like a pack like this, I got a camelbak for hunting but the problem is the straps are too small, I have really big shoulders and they're a bit too short and the buckles dig in if I'm not careful. I would like a fanny pack that had nice suspenders with it.

Blue Sky · Mar 26, 2012

How big do you need? Kifaru has a couple different models that I would love to have or at least try out, the Tailgunner and the Scout. Be warned they are expensive, but I have their E&E pack/pouch and find it is very well made so at least you'll get something good for your money. Made in USA if that matters to you.

kamagong · Mar 27, 2012

Here's a picture of the Mountainsmith Tour next to a Maxpedition Pygmy Falcon II. The picture is a bit misleading, the PF (1400 cu. in.) has much greater capacity than the Tour (488 cu. in.). I think the reason why the Tour looks so big is because it stays filled with my trail essentials while the PF was empty.

This is what I keep in the Tour. There is also plenty of space for the food I bring on day hikes.

acropolis5 · Mar 30, 2012

Try The North Face website and look up their lumbar pacts. They have several models in your price range with more features, and a bit more capacity than-the Proteus. The NF bags also have real bottle pockets and a civilian appearance that will be more low profile. In fact, shop the price of the NF bags on the web. Good discounts can be found.
You also might want to try using one of the NF bags as I do: slide a Long Timbuktu strap pad on one side of the waist belt, buckle the waist belt and open it to full size. You now have a long thin shoulder bag that will not slide off your shoulder and can also be slipped over your head and onto one shoulder, creating a sling pack. This gives you three carry methods. Nice for city day tours. Lately, I've added a slide on strap pocket to the other side of the waist belt when I'm using the pack as a shoulder bag. Good for the phone, sunglasses, etc.