Does a waist strap accessory bag exist?

[msconduct10]

I’m trying to figure out carrying the things I want easily accessible and I know many people wear a waist pack in addition to their backpack, but that just seems uncomfortable to me. What I’d love is an attachment for my waist belt that would hold my passport, money, phone, chappy and a protein bar, which I can take off and carry as, like, a wristlet or something when I’m just going around town. Does that exist? Is it too impractical? Do I need to make my own? I have a sewing machine and time on my hands!

Or any other clever solutions for this?

 

[trecile]

Yes, this one from Decathlon can attach to the hip belt or be worn as a separate waist pack. I know that Osprey also makes a bag that's designed to be attached to the backpack.

The one from Decathlon is not currently available in the US, but it is available in Decathlon stores in Spain.

However, I prefer to carry something that's not attached to my backpack, because I when I go into a bar, restaurant, or other business I want to be able to easily take my backpack off while still keeping my valuables close to me. In my case I use an Arc'teryx cross-body bag.

 

[Anhalter]

or something like this? https://zpacks.com/products/multi-pack

 

[trecile]

This one from REI doesn't look like it would hold much, but it might give you some ideas to create your own.

 

[msconduct10]

Oh of course REI has it. Lol I was just there! This one seems good too though maybe the connection isn’t quite right for my pack. https://zpacks.com/products/belt-pouch Thanks for the suggestions! I also just ordered some hiking pants with zipper pockets, which might do the job. My backpack waist strap does have a couple of pockets as well but I do want something I can take off and carry without my pack. I could probably finagle a wristlet strap to add to that REI one.

 

[C clearly]

I hate having additional stuff strapped around my waist. I use a cross-body bag similar to @trecile as it is very secure - I can easily take my backpack off and on, with it still in place. It basically stays on my body everywhere except the shower. I can't imagine that a wristlet arrangement would be secure enough.

For one camino, I made my own bag so that I could get it as small and slim as possible, to hold exactly what I needed - phone, guidebook and daily cash. However, now I have gone slightly bigger, more like a fabric version of this one.

 

[trecile]

This Osprey pouch can be attached to hip belt or shoulder strap.
This Matador pouch looks like it's only for the shoulder strap.
This one from Montbell can be hung off a strap or belt with a carabiner.

 

[msconduct10]

I hate having additional stuff strapped around my waist. I use a cross-body bag similar to @trecile as it is very secure - I can easily take my backpack off and on, with it still in place. It basically stays on my body everywhere except the shower. I can't imagine that a wristlet arrangement would be secure enough.

For one camino, I made my own bag so that I could get it as small and slim as possible, to hold exactly what I needed - phone, guidebook and daily cash. However, now I have gone slightly bigger, more like a fabric version of this one.

Oh you just wear it cross body under your pack? I don’t know why that hadn’t occurred to me. Other than the combo of chest strap and boobs might complicate that. I’ll have to play with that configuration. Might be easiest, as I agree, I’d like to have something antitheft for when I’m in the bigger cities.

 

[trecile]

Oh you just wear it cross body under your pack? I don’t know why that hadn’t occurred to me. Other than the combo of chest strap and boobs might complicate that. I’ll have to play with that configuration. Might be easiest, as I agree, I’d like to have something antitheft for when I’m in the bigger cities.

I wear my cross-body bag under my backpack. I wear it so that it's down at my hip, not up high as is "fashionable" these days. It's well under my backpack hip belt.

 

[msconduct10]

I wear my cross-body bag under my backpack. I wear it so that it's down at my hip, not up high as is "fashionable" these days. It's well under my backpack hip belt.

Huh, interesting. I’m definitely going to have to play with this.

 

[Jarrad]

On my first Camino I used an RFID blocking waist pouch from REI made to be worn under your shirt/drawers. It worked great for what I needed (storing passport, extra cash, 1-2 other important docs).

I haven't used it since, but I miss not having my passport on my person at all times. A few downsides with the money pouch: You could store a protein bar or other snack in there, but it won't come out looking the same as when it went it. I found that digging the belt out when I needed it to be awkward (and raised eyebrows a few times when I needed to unbutton my drawers to access it). On hotter days, it would get uncomfortable and not a little damp from sweat. Eew.

That said, I think if I were forwarding my baggage and not hiking mid-summer, then it might be a more workable option. I'm going to take a look at some of the pouches linked by @trecile because I need a better solution for keeping my bulky iPhone 13 Pro handy. It's 204 grams without the case (almost half a pound), but I so very much love the camera.

 

[trecile]

On my first Camino I used an RFID blocking waist pouch from REI made to be worn under your shirt/drawers. It worked great for what I needed (storing passport, extra cash, 1-2 other important docs).

I haven't used it since, but I miss not having my passport on my person at all times. A few downsides with the money pouch: You could store a protein bar or other snack in there, but it won't come out looking the same as when it went it. I found that digging the belt out when I needed it to be awkward (and raised eyebrows a few times when I needed to unbutton my drawers to access it). On hotter days, it would get uncomfortable and not a little damp from sweat. Eew

Those types of pouches are not meant to be accessed in public. You are supposed to keep valuables that you want to protect, but don't need access to throughout the day in them. You should carry a small amount of cash in an easily accessible pocket or bag.

 

[C clearly]

Huh, interesting. I’m definitely going to have to play with this.

Yes, it requires some experimentation - e.g. whether the cross-body straps are inside the hip belt or outside, arranging so it doesn't bounce. Since my rain jacket is quite roomy, in the rain I have the pouch inside my jacket, tucked in front of my chest. It stays in that position as long as the pack hip strap is fastened. When I remove the pack, the pouch drops down to hip level under my jacket.

Again since I don't like things around my waist, I have this type of travel pouch for documents (credit cards, passport, emergency cash) I don't access during the day. It hangs inside my trousers, from a diaper pin inside my waist band. If needed during the day for some reason, I can flip it to the outside without detaching.

 

[Jarrad]

Those types of pouches are not meant to be accessed in public. You are supposed to keep valuables that you want to protect, but don't need access to throughout the day in them. You should carry a small amount of cash in an easily accessible pocket or bag.

Indeed! On one occasion I was unexpectedly asked for my passport when I stayed at a hotel. And upon checking in to the very first albergue I ever stayed in, I discovered that it's a lousy place to carry your Compostela.

 

[ShoshTrvls]

Those types of pouches are not meant to be accessed in public. You are supposed to keep valuables that you want to protect, but don't need access to throughout the day in them. You should carry a small amount of cash in an easily accessible pocket or bag.

I use one like this* on the Camino as though it were a fanny pack, forward facing and without tucking it into my clothing. For me, it was slim enough not to interfere with my pack and the right size to carry everything the OP was asking about. And I wore it around town in the afternoon and evening as a cross-body bag.

*This one in particular: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M594B5K/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

 

[JillGat]

I’m trying to figure out carrying the things I want easily accessible and I know many people wear a waist pack in addition to their backpack, but that just seems uncomfortable to me. What I’d love is an attachment for my waist belt that would hold my passport, money, phone, chappy and a protein bar, which I can take off and carry as, like, a wristlet or something when I’m just going around town. Does that exist? Is it too impractical? Do I need to make my own? I have a sewing machine and time on my hands!

Or any other clever solutions for this?

For me, it's called real cargo pockets in my shorts. I put my phone in one pocket and my passport/money/cards, etc in the other. It's very hard to find women's shorts with real pockets. I got mine from Duluth Trading Co., the "Dry on the Fly" shorts.

 

[msconduct10]

For me, it's called real cargo pockets in my shorts. I put my phone in one pocket and my passport/money/cards, etc in the other. It's very hard to find women's shorts with real pockets. I got mine from Duluth Trading Co., the "Dry on the Fly" shorts.

Yeah I ordered some hiking pants (shorts all ride up on me plus might be too cool in April) with zippered pockets but it’s hard to find them with a smooth stretchy waist, which I need for my abdominal scar. I do love DT though. One of the few places I’ll spend real money on clothes because they last forever!

 

[ShoshTrvls]

For me, it's called real cargo pockets in my shorts. I put my phone in one pocket and my passport/money/cards, etc in the other. It's very hard to find women's shorts with real pockets. I got mine from Duluth Trading Co., the "Dry on the Fly" shorts.

Which reminds me … a macabi skirt might also solve your problem. They have amazing pockets - at various times I kept my water bottle, phone, credential, and change purse in them and never felt that they were either going to fall out, or that they were interfering with my walking.

 

[msconduct10]

Which reminds me … a macabi skirt might also solve your problem. They have amazing pockets - at various times I kept my water bottle, phone, credential, and change purse in them and never felt that they were either going to fall out, or that they were interfering with my walking.

That's definitely an interesting suggestion!

 

[JillGat]

You could get a Macabi skirt, or simply wear a giant tent around your bottom half. (Sorry, I couldn't resist).

 

[ShoshTrvls]

You could get a Macabi skirt, or simply wear a giant tent around your bottom half. (Sorry, I couldn't resist).

I was skeptical at first too. But when I was able to get the slim style on sale, I thought I would give it a try.

And I became a convert right away. A game changer. Wore it every day. Best Camino purchase I made (and I made a lot, because I am a gearhead).

 

[JillGat]

I was skeptical at first too. But when I was able to get the slim style on sale, I thought I would give it a try.

And I became a convert right away. A game changer. Wore it every day. Best Camino purchase I made (and I made a lot, because I am a gearhead).

Glad you found the perfect solution. I just found a picture of the Slim Macabi. I just can't.

 

[ShoshTrvls]

Glad you found the perfect solution. I just found a picture of the Slim Macabi. I just can't.

I have the short length; when down it is mid calf length. Maybe not the most fashionable item out there, but it gets the job done.

 

[JillGat]

I have the short length; when down it is mid calf length. Maybe not the most fashionable item out there, but it gets the job done.

View attachment 177537

Looking at this picture, and I don't get it. Nevermind.. carry on!

 

[MichelleElynHogan]

My preferred set up is to have small camera bag, (for cameras), hanging from the chest strap with caribiners and for all those other things you want ready access is in my small purse, about 6" X 4" X 2". It goes over my head and under my arm before I put on the backpack. Then, once the chest strap is connected, the camera bag is attached. Everything I need is all as handy as I need without taking the backpack off.

 

[AchimBerlin]

Tasman Tiger also makes good equipment. Got this years ago in black from an outdoor-store in Germany, cost around 25-30,- Euros.
www.bergfreunde.de/tasmanian-tiger-tt-tac-pouch-5-tasche

 

[Teri and Chris]

I’ve used one of these. It’s not cheap but very versatile. I can thread my waist belt through it when hiking, but once I take my pack off, I can use it as a cross body bag.

Versa Fanny Pack by Hyperlite Mountain Gear

Ships in 1-2 business days | Based in Biddeford, ME | Est. 2010 Taking the fanny pack into the 21st century Don’t let the term "fanny pack" pigeonhole your understanding of how this supremely versatile accessory can be used: whether you wear it around your waist, crossbody, under your shoulder...

www.garagegrowngear.com

 

[shawn67]

I’m trying to figure out carrying the things I want easily accessible and I know many people wear a waist pack in addition to their backpack, but that just seems uncomfortable to me. What I’d love is an attachment for my waist belt that would hold my passport, money, phone, chappy and a protein bar, which I can take off and carry as, like, a wristlet or something when I’m just going around town. Does that exist? Is it too impractical? Do I need to make my own? I have a sewing machine and time on my hands!

Or any other clever solutions for this?

Misconduct, please keep in mind that your most important (passport-licences-credit/debit) documents, money, phone should stay dirrectly with you at all times...attached to your back pack may not end well.

 

[msconduct10]

Misconduct, please keep in mind that your most important (passport-licences-credit/debit) documents, money, phone should stay dirrectly with you at all times...attached to your back pack may not end well.

Yeah, that’s why I want something I can take off and carry.

 

[arfajajc]

I’m trying to figure out carrying the things I want easily accessible and I know many people wear a waist pack in addition to their backpack, but that just seems uncomfortable to me. What I’d love is an attachment for my waist belt that would hold my passport, money, phone, chappy and a protein bar, which I can take off and carry as, like, a wristlet or something when I’m just going around town. Does that exist? Is it too impractical? Do I need to make my own? I have a sewing machine and time on my hands!

Or any other clever solutions for this?

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Versa. Use as a sling or bum bag/fanny pack, or attach to the hip belt of your backpack for a built-in waist "pack". I carried all my valuables, passport, money etc in it during my pilgrimage from SJPP to SdC and it worked perfectly.

Versa

Get the Versa Weatherproof Fanny Pack by Hyperlite Mountain Gear - an ultralight and durable backpack accessory for backpacking, hiking, and thru-hiking.

www.hyperlitemountaingear.com

 

[arfajajc]

I was skeptical at first too. But when I was able to get the slim style on sale, I thought I would give it a try.

And I became a convert right away. A game changer. Wore it every day. Best Camino purchase I made (and I made a lot, because I am a gearhead).

I wore a slim version of the long Macabi skirt and it was fantastic, plus looked respectable for churches etc. Add a pair of tights underneath for cold weather and it's perfect. UPF 50 (approximately) for hot weather. I had TONS of ladies who complimented me on it and wanted to know where they could get one. It will definitely come with me on any future caminos.

 

[linnea.borealis]

I’m trying to figure out carrying the things I want easily accessible and I know many people wear a waist pack in addition to their backpack, but that just seems uncomfortable to me. What I’d love is an attachment for my waist belt that would hold my passport, money, phone, chappy and a protein bar, which I can take off and carry as, like, a wristlet or something when I’m just going around town. Does that exist? Is it too impractical? Do I need to make my own? I have a sewing machine and time on my hands!

Or any other clever solutions for this?

On my first Camino, I had one that attached to my Gregory pack, but I found it most unwieldy when I wanted to take my pack off. I gave it up after the first 500 miles and got a regular small waist pack that did not attach. I always put my waist pack on first and backpack second, so I can ditch the pack and still walk into a shop or restroom keeping my valuables with me. Experiment to see what works for you. If it is terribly wet weather, I might stuff the waist pack inside the big pack or else cover all with a poncho.

 

[JillGat]

How is that Versa bag different from other fanny packs that look the same as that, but cost $16?

 

[arfajajc]

How is that Versa bag different from other fanny packs that look the same as that, but cost $16?

High quality, superlightweight Dyneema Composite Fabric, basically fully waterproof including zippers. If you value those things you might be interested in it... If you don't, you won't.

 

[Teri and Chris]

How is that Versa bag different from other fanny packs that look the same as that, but cost $16?

The Versa can be attached directly to your pack either on the sternum strap or on the hip belt. There is an opening at the back of the pouch which allows the straps to be fed through. When it is attached to your pack, you have the option of removing the included straps or you can tuck them in. If you tuck them in, it’s easy to carry the pouch as a cross body bag when you remove it from your pack. The quality is very good. It has two large pockets and is water resistant. It is very expensive though.

 

[WeGo]

I Like to carry water and immediate/common use items in front to prevent having to awkwardly access back pack.
I used these (or similar) :
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B085QDPMK1/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1
I attach the water to shoulder strap ( extra water in backpack) for easy access and the molle pouch to waist belt. This keeps my guide books, certs, phone, snacks, etc. handy without dropping pack.

 

[howardd5]

I’m trying to figure out carrying the things I want easily accessible and I know many people wear a waist pack in addition to their backpack, but that just seems uncomfortable to me. What I’d love is an attachment for my waist belt that would hold my passport, money, phone, chappy and a protein bar, which I can take off and carry as, like, a wristlet or something when I’m just going around town. Does that exist? Is it too impractical? Do I need to make my own? I have a sewing machine and time on my hands!

Or any other clever solutions for this?

One that attaches to your pack waist strap will still be on your pack when you drop the pack “ just for a minute “ I recommend a small but pack pull over to the left side , it can fit low under your waist strap. It will alway be with you-

 

[jouffroy47]

Yes, this one from Decathlon can attach to the hip belt or be worn as a separate waist pack. I know that Osprey also makes a bag that's designed to be attached to the backpack.

The one from Decathlon is not currently available in the US, but it is available in Decathlon stores in Spain.

However, I prefer to carry something that's not attached to my backpack, because I when I go into a bar, restaurant, or other business I want to be able to easily take my backpack off while still keeping my valuables close to me. In my case I use an Arc'teryx cross-body bag.

I use this and it works ok, when you are walking, but i wish it were converible with a shoulder strap to wear when I arrive somewhere and want to use it like a purse.