PackbackDesigns (Etsy) 4L Companion Pouch

PackbackDesigns is a small company located in Arizona building ultralight gear. Made to order there is a slight delay before shipping. I found them on Etsy.

The Companion Pouch is a four liter plus, square box shaped “sling bag” , chest pack, (wo)man purse. Made from your choice of color EPX 200. A back panel with more breathable fabric. Size wise, it can hold four 1 liter smart water size bottles. It has grosgrain attachment points at each back corner with attached small plastic rings. A mesh pocket in the front with cording. A buckled detachable carry strap.

I added straps to attach it to my backpack shoulder straps that are long enough to flip it back over my head as well as swing it aside to put the pack on. Then two more straps that go to my hip belt. I was able to attach a water bottle pocket though it’s really not specifically designed for it. Easy to remove and attach to other backpacks.

The quality is superb. No problems with the transaction. As simple as it is, I’m very pleased and I highly recommend it for gear that you want handy. $60 + tax.

PackbackDesigns.

That’s a really cool pouch, Terran. I’d be curious to learn how you use it, what you put in there, and how you “organize” the inside contents.

It’s a catch all. I wanted something to hold rain gear and dog treats. I want my poncho handy. A buff and a beanie. I’m testing the water bottle pockets. (SWD). I don’t like them up high on my shoulder straps.

Looks like they also have a smaller version, which looks appealing to me.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1294374395/pbd-tailgate-backpacking-pouch-ecopak?ref=shop_home_feat_5&sts=1&logging_key=3a14d859f693c9ed782ef5414fd4a65ca447de73%3A1294374395

I wanted to highlight the company as well as my pouch. The smaller one costs a bit more, but has more features. A size comparison to a HMG Versa finds the Versa slightly bigger for around $10 more. The key difference is the attachment points. A sternum strap can be threaded through the Versa to attach it while the pouch is directly attached to your shoulder straps. The Versa is loose every time you take your pack off. Knowing myself, I’d lose it. It becomes one more thing to take care of. The Versa also has an inside pocket which I find unnecessary.