Backpack Alternatives (Male)

[CoachBeard]

I searched and found some threads about a decade old filled with broken links. I’m also hoping there have been some improvements offered since 2012.

I will be embarking on my first solo trip for 4 full park days in November. I’m going to be a 40 year old dude part way through that trip and I have always hated carrying a backpack at the parks. I’d like to know if anyone has any alternative suggestions for carrying items around the parks?

I like to travel light and often wear shirts that have snapping or buttoning breast pockets where I keep cash and cards. But I’ll also have a few medications I’ll need to keep close by, some individually wrapped Dude Wipes, maybe a water bottle, glasses/sunglasses, hat, and depending on the weather possibly a sweatshirt or jacket.
I am not opposed to sticking a backpack in a locker but I’ll still have plenty of items I could need on short notice.

Let me know if you have any ideas! Thanks!

 

[Micca]

Cargo shorts? Most of that stuff you mentioned will fit in the pockets. Is a fanny pack an option? I know you don't want to, but you're solo...no one has to know.

 

[sarac87]

Waterfly has a couple different sized crossbody slings. You can wear it in a few different non-backpack ways: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01N9NH4L9/

 

[Pyotr]

Get a Fanny pack.

 

[lowlight]

Maxpedition Sling.

 

[CoachBeard]

Cargo shorts? Most of that stuff you mentioned will fit in the pockets. Is a fanny pack an option? I know you don't want to, but you're solo...no one has to know.

Fanny pack maybe! Cargo shorts hard no.

Anyone have links to good Fanny packs?

 

[CoachBeard]

Waterfly has a couple different sized crossbody slings. You can wear it in a few different non-backpack ways: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01N9NH4L9/

Oooooh!! Thank you! I dig that a lot! Perfect size!

 

[OhDannyBoy]

Fanny pack maybe! Cargo shorts hard no.

Anyone have links to good Fanny packs?

Based on this reply, I bet you wear crocs....

 

[AgentMama]

Osprey makes a really nice cross body sling. Looks outdoorsyish.

 

[CoachBeard]

Based on this reply, I bet you wear crocs....

False. My give a poop meter isn’t that low. But it’s close.

 

[OhDannyBoy]

False. My give a poop meter isn’t that low. But it’s close.

Touche' sir!

 

[Jadyreen1282]

Murse? You are 40 after all.

 

[OKW Lover]

Another suggestion for cargo shorts. I've got several nice pairs of golf-type cargo shorts that don't even look like they are cargo shorts. Very handy.

 

[CoachBeard]

Murse? You are 40 after all.

Well, I’m turning 40 on the trip so maybe the second half of it I can rock a murse? Haha! And what if I meet a nice solo lady traveler there?

 

[AgentMama]

Well, I’m turning 40 on the trip so maybe the second half of it I can rock a murse? Haha! And what if I meet a nice solo lady traveler there?

Maybe she'll be rocking a fanny pack and crocs...and lower your standards?

 

[gregskellington]

I would do a sling or a fanny pack.

(Thank you for not contributing to the cargo shorts economy LOL)

 

[CoachBeard]

I just can't do cargos. Regardless, I try to keep as much out of my pockets as I can on a normal day. Having all my stuff in a pocket near my knee would not be ideal. I didn't realize these slings existed and I've now found several that fit the bill. Thank you for showing them to me! A nice compromise between a backpack and a murse/bum bag/fanny pack.

 

[randumb0]

Will you have pockets? You only need your wallet and keys. That's what I bring with me when I am solo