Hi all,
I am looking at my second MYOG pack and am curious on your opinion on location for a pocket for random items. I plan to have two hip belt pockets, and up to two shoulder pockets. I usually keep things like chapstick, hand sanitizer, snacks, map etc in my hip belt pockets depending on space available. However, I would like to add a separate pocket as a catch-all.
The backpack will be a rolltop. I’ve got two options (also, see pictures at bottom):
- Top side elastic pocket, similar to what’s shown below in the SWD long haul pack.
- Pros: Easy access, away from wet gear.
- Cons: Might interfere with compression, less clean looking.
- Small front pocket behind mesh pocket, similar to the second SWD picture. I think I’d want it to be out of X-Pac if I did this, to prevent stuff in here getting soaked by wet gear in the mesh pocket. Otherwise, I don’t see double mesh pockets being thaaat helpful. But I don’t speak from experience on that. Maybe a half pocket or 6″ long and 1-2″ narrower than the mesh pocket?
- Pros: Out of the way and slightly concealed.
- Cons: May interfere with front mesh pocket stuffing action?, potentially more of a lower profile than side pocket which means holding less, closer to wet gear.
I think either pocket has the possibility of being “annoying”. I just like the idea of having a pocket specifically designated as “catch-all” pocket (similar to a junk drawer) for things like my headlamp, maybe map, and anything random. On my Gregory pack, I throw EVERYTHING into the brain – buff/beanie, sunglasses, map, mini tripod, gloves, extra snacks, etc.
Curious on your preference between the two options above, as I haven’t had either on a pack before.
Top Side Pocket:
Front Pocket Behind Mesh:
