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Cross-body sling packs (KangaTek style)


rassilon256

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I've recently gone from being a smartphone app cacher to being a GPSr cacher with assorted tools / bits and pieces. I'd like to get the GPSr off the lanyard around my neck, and the other stuff out of my pockets. I'd also like to make sure that when I walk out the door I have everything. Since I don't go far or carry much, I'm really keen on the Kangatek TekPak. Their online store is closed, I emailed them last week about other sources and I haven't gotten a reply.

 

Has anyone got one of these, and what are their pros and cons? For instance I'm not sure from photos that my Explorist will be that easy to get in and out of a pocket.

 

Does anyone know anywhere online or preferably in NSW, Australia that I can buy one?

 

Can anyone point me to another brand that does a similar style pack? The more common style I find (random example here) are bigger than I need, and I could do better for a few dollars from my local army surplus store.

 

All help much appreciated!

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I've recently gone from being a smartphone app cacher to being a GPSr cacher with assorted tools / bits and pieces. I'd like to get the GPSr off the lanyard around my neck, and the other stuff out of my pockets. I'd also like to make sure that when I walk out the door I have everything. Since I don't go far or carry much, I'm really keen on the Kangatek TekPak. Their online store is closed, I emailed them last week about other sources and I haven't gotten a reply.

 

Has anyone got one of these, and what are their pros and cons? For instance I'm not sure from photos that my Explorist will be that easy to get in and out of a pocket.

 

Does anyone know anywhere online or preferably in NSW, Australia that I can buy one?

 

Can anyone point me to another brand that does a similar style pack? The more common style I find (random example here) are bigger than I need, and I could do better for a few dollars from my local army surplus store.

 

All help much appreciated!

 

I use one like your random example ( I'll check the brand when I get home)....I've only used it for really long hikes in the swamp...it can carry a ton including GPS, camera, .38 revolver, etc...it has a belt tie down so it doesn't shift around. For me its nice but has VERY limited use as those long expeditions are rare.

I've experimented a lot but here's what I do 99% of the time:

I found a nice small pouch , # NPXL-03 by Nite Ize...it holds my telescoping mirror,multi-tool,Sure-Fire flashlight, tweezers,etc but its a small size and is used on a belt....for my GPS unit I use the soft nylon holster that also goes on a belt.....for a belt I use a nylon military web adjustable type.....add a hat and hiking stick and off you go.

I know I'm in the minority but I could never understand the lanyard or carabiner.....I hate anything hanging around my neck to say nothing of it getting hung up on branches etc and to hang a GPS from my belt and drag it through the bushes and briars is not an option for me.....I've seen GPS units that looked like they were dragged behind a car.

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I like the smaller maxpedition-style shoulder bags, than the sling bags, which don't seem to stay put.

Boulder hopping and having your bag spin around to the front (throwing you off balance) as you're making a leap isn't fun.

I can't sremember a time that my GPSr was ever in a pocket of any bag. That'd be annoying quick.

If (as you say) you don't go far or carry much, a sling-style bag can be found at almost any store that carries backpacks. Get one with a removable waist belt.

- But a small day pack would be more versatile.

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I have a sling pack and love it. The only time mine slides to the front is when I bend down searching for that elusive ground level cache. Do try them on to see if you prefer the right or left hand type. Otherwise you could be opening it upside down! I prefer it to shrugging in and out of my backpack. As far as the GPS goes...mine is on a lanyard around my neck, and slid into a pocket at GZ.

It really is a matter of personal taste.....

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Thanks for all the comments so far.

 

I have considered the nylon holster for the Explorist but I didn't know how durable it would be. Also I've not had a good experience with Magellan so I'm not in a hurry to give them any more money. I figure that most of the time I will be holding the GPSr, but if I need both my hands I want to be able to put it somewhere. The lanyard isn't good enough but it was free. If I make a leap or move through a tight space I'm not keen on having the GPSr in a hip pocket or holster as I'm likely to bash it up. It seems durable but I'd like to avoid testing it.

 

The Maxpedition-style packs that I've seen seem more prone to movement as they have one large point of mass, and while I've a few tools I'd take with me I'd barely half-fill the smallest I've seen. The bulk, minimal though it is, just seems unnecessary and potentially inconvenient. Although a belt tie-down seems like a good solution.

 

I think I can still do better for my needs than a Maxpedition with a pouch from a disposals store and some webbing from my workshop. But if anyone can help me out with the questions in my original post please do!

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I have a very old version of this fanny pack http://shop.eaglecreek.com/side-trek/d/1266_c_413 that I converted to a shoulder bag with an old laptop strap. Now I see the bag comes with a separate shoulder strap. When it's time to cross a stream, scurry up a steep/muddy embankment or otherwise operate with 2 hands the GPSr goes in the bag and everything zips shut for safe keeping. It stays packed and ready to go. I just need to grab 2 500ml water bottles from the frige. One in the bag for the trail, the other in the car.

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Another nice bag. I've bought some stuff from the disposals store earlier this week and I'll set it up tonight, all ready to go out on Earthcache Day. I'd still love to know where I could get my hands on some of the more suitable gear I've had recommended here, and the Kangatek of course. Unfortunately none of the outdoors or sporting stores around me carry anything remotely similar.

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Well a 4-compartment pouch with some webbing eyeleted to the back and a stretch nylon webbing belt with a box-buckle turned out to be ideal, slung across the body. Great for roadsides when I wanted to pull it on and off quite often, easy to keep out of the way when moving in close quarters, and always kept everything accessible. I still think the Kangatek one would be better, but not much better, and I'll probably never know for sure.

Edited by rassilon256
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