Hip Pouch or not?

[gostovp]

Do most people use a hip pouch on their packs hip belt? Do you find it helpful vs pants pockets?

 

[bigbassfish]

Absolutely a must have for me, having somewhere to keep snacks, phone, headlamp, etc. I can’t stand having my pants pockets full of stuff flopping around, even more so in the summer. It’s also nice when adding and shedding layers keeping things handy.

 

[justinspicher]

I keep one at the back end of my waistbelt, toward the pack. It doesn’t have a real purpose, more like a just in case.

 

[Tick]

Yes, to hold chapstick, a couple of extra rounds, and my phone. I like my pant pockets empty except for wind checker.

 

[Danny Hoey]

Windicator on one side, rangefinder on the other.

 

[Blackbird]

I say absolutely the small things I think I’m going to need or want access to go into a hip pouch. The things I put in them change all the time depending on time of day or different circumstances. I try use them to minimize the amount of times I have to take my pack off.

 

[Eastonsgrandpa]

Gloves. Neck gaiter. Head lamp. Extra release. Phone. Extra reed calls. Truck keys.

I have a pocket on both sides of my pack.

 

[Ron.C]

I've tried a couple hip pockets on my pack and prefer my pants pockets. I don't normally have much that I need at a moments notice and I found (for me) disliked the bulk on my waist.

 

[FAAFO]

Hip pouches?

 

[SM1]

I put my release and reed calls in there. Maybe a wind checker. Probably a better place for the phone too- doesn’t get moisture from sweat like in the pants pocket.

 

[WCT3]

Definitely at least one. I like to keep snacks for easy access on long hikes, easy to shove gloves or a beanie in them if I overheat but don't want to stop.

 

[100%DIYazCOUES]

I use 2. Rain jacket fits in one, other one holds miscellaneous snacks usually