Hello everyone,

I’m looking for some recommendations on a pouch/bag I could use in addition to my standard Search & Rescue pack. I would like to use this bag to store items that I need to keep handy during operations, for example :

SAR organization ID card
Flagging tape
Flashlight
Notepad/pencil
Cell phone
Compass
GPS
Snacks


I have considered other solutions such as using a vest with multiple pockets, but these alternatives never offer the capacity I need to carry additional clothing, a tarp, etc. I chose to use the backpack I normally use for hiking.

I am liking the Maxpedition M-4 waistpack. I could slip it over my backpack’s waist strap and have it hang over my belly. I like the cinch cord it offers to waterproof it’s contents, and the volume seems adequate for my needs. Because of the weight however, I don’t know how it’s going to feel at my waist. We don’t have Maxpedition retailers around here so that’s why I’m relying on you guys.

The Maxpedition M-5 also looks nice. Although it seems more spacious on paper, I think there is a lot of wasted space because of the dividers I see in the main compartment. I like the Maxpedition Proteus, but I don’t think this will work too too well hanging off my backpack’s strap.

Any opinions? Would anyone owning the M-4 / M-5 waistpacks have the kindness to post their opinions keeping my needs in mind?

Thanks a lot!

I use M5 for about 2 years now on my duty belt... it holds a large pda, cards, small drug spray bottle, glucometer and 2 pouches (think cocoons from maxp) full of drugs plus some others flat supplies. I also have a spyderco assist clipped to the outside. Outside flap has a zipper pocket which I use for storing alcohol preps.

I think that you can fit all that stuff you mentioned into the bag. It is well made bag althou my interior dividers are thorn. Problem with the bag? It is so big and massive that if attached to regular belt it will weight you down if filled nicely. Also since it sticks out a lot if you move fast it kind of throws your balance off. On top of that it uses just 2 straps to secure itself to the webing which obviously maxp had pals in mind which means if secured to regular belt it will slide all over. My rescue knife is clipped to the outside since there are no small pockets for stashing things around so if you have a tool that you want to use often I would suggest getting a separate sheath unless you dont mind opening and closing the bag.

Make sure you see it in person before you buy it. I bought it on the web without putting much though into measurments and when it arrived I was amazed how big it is. It is a good product and it will serve you well.

Heyas Polak! Thanks for your reply.

I purchased the H-1 model. It has a 6"x4"x2" main compartment with cord closure, and a side pocket covered by a velcro flap. It sounds just perfect. I am afraid the M-4 and M-5 would have been too big indeed, which you seemed to confirm in some way.

I'll rig something with zip-ties to attach my flagging tape roll to the small loop that goes over the velcro flap, like this :



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