Hello,

I'm a long time lurker and first time poster here on the ETS forum.
I live in Germany and have a huge interest for survival skills and equipment for about 20 years. My equipment is complete and ready for action but I'm sure I can learn a lot more from you fine guys. Hopefully I can also contribute a little to your questions.

Here is my first question: I have a waistpack / lumbar pack (with integrated belt) that I'm not fully satisfied with. It's the Marmot Excursion. It's not bad but I'm looking for something more "tactical" like the Maxpedition Devildog Versipack in a smaller version.
I need room for a bottle of water, my Surefire L2, small binoculars, a GPS, my PSP, cell phone and maybe a pair of sunglasses.
It is used for day trips in the woods or urban areas.

Any suggestions? Thanks.

Welcome to ETS!

As for your question, I'm sure several here have suggestions, but I'm no expert on those type of packs. Hopefully you'll get some replies in the next few hours.

Regards,

Tom

Don't know how widely available in germany but try some of the Statpacks products:

http://www.statpacks.com/products.htm

Good products, strong and not so military looking. Designed more for medics but great for civilian use too.

What about the Maxpedition Proteus with a Outdoor Research (OR) Water Bottle Parka attached to the belt? This is what I have been using for the last two months and it works for me. It comes in tactical colors and I found a black 1 liter bottle parka on Ebay for a great price to go along with my black Proteus.

That Marmot waist pack is nice, and Marmot gear is high-quality. Maybe you just need a different color? <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Tee hee hee! <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

What about the Mountainsmith line? I have a "Daypack" (they call it a "Day" now). I have used it a lot in the last 10 years and it has taken a beating. Never had a problem!

I see a light feeling emerging that Bee is right: "That Marmot waist pack is nice, and Marmot gear is high-quality. Maybe you just need a different color?"

But I think I'm looking for the "Surefire in waistpacks". Maybe it doesn't exist yet for my needs.
Thanks for the suggestions so far. Any more?

Storm beat me to it; the Mountainsmith lumbar packs are awesome. While not "tactical looking" enough for some folks, these are the best lumbar packs I've used. They are incredibly rugged, come in great colors, lighter than the tactical nylon stuff, and super comfortable to wear.

The Day model that Storm mentions is the big brother to the Tour model that I wear. By the way, both of those two work with the optional shoulder Strappettes that Mountainsmith makes that let you carry very heavy loads. They also make a line of hydration lumbar packs.

Between my hiiking gear and BOB stuff, we have 6 (!) lumbar packs, 2 duffels, and 2 backpacks from Mountainsmith. I guess you can call me a fan. :-)

Besides, I can wear the Mountainsmith easily in places that tactical nylon gear would get me lots of stares.

Hope this helps,

I like the lumbar packs and have a couple of my own, in fact I have the marmot highlander and it is a great pack. However I have always seen them as inferior to a "camelbak" you just cant carry enough water in a lumbar pack...IMHO

Ummm, if you buy a Maxpedition pouch, PM me your price for the Marmot waist pack! j/k <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

Clean, sporty-looking packs can be used anywhere, and don't look odd at all whatever you use them for, which is not necessarily the case with a SWAT sniper gear bag. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Keep the Marmot and buy a new SAK, or maybe an ARC AAA? <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />