Bum Bags, Fanny Packs, Hip Bags, etc.

Oh, you mean lumbar packs!! :)

Yes, I use it for all local day hikes (southern Cal). There are some great models out there but I really like my el cheapo $19.99 Eddie Bauer available at Target. Advantages of lumbar packs in general:

1. keeping your back cooler (as you mentioned)
2. allowing you to tie your wind shell around your waist for easy put on / take off
3. easy access to everything simply by turning the pack a bit toward your side.

On well-marked trails, I pack the following for my day hikes:

1. water (up to 5 liters as needed)
2. food
3. wind jacket
4. bug/sun lotion
5. small first aid kit
6. LED light

+1 on the fanny pack. Used mine yesterday. Mine is called a Bear Ridge, probably a Walmart hunting close-out. Add: matches, tealight, chapstick, some cordage (I carry a spare set of boot laces) and water purification tabs. I feel confident I could spend the night if necessary and be reasonably comfy.

BJ

Jack Haskel here has a video of him doing an overnight with a fanny pack in the Sierras. http://outside365.com/page/2/ A little more than halfway down the page, titled Ultralight fanny pack trip-Sierra Nevada

I do longer trips often with a lumbar pack. I do, however, tend to have to strap some items to the exterior.

Check out my Avatar.

I use a fanny pack all the time for one-day hikes. I have never found one large enough to go for an overnight trip. The largest one that I have is about 700 cubic inches, and I would need double that for overnight.

–B.G.–

Still Rocking! Havent killed it yet. It is about 1000 c.i. and rides the hips well. For a little more stiffness, a lunch tray, and impromptu workspace I threw one of my old BMX number plates in with the foam back panel.

But Ive had it so long that it seems to have escaped the UL Shape Up! (Hmm Too Be Continued!)