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.

 

[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

 

[tttoadman]

I will put a kifaru med pouch on the right side but only hook the top 2. My ammo flip holders sit under the pocket for quick access.

 

[Te Hopo]

Yup I use hip pouches on my packs.
Most things I want on hand are on my bino harness, but one hip pouch is specifically for extra snacks and the other holds a drink bottle.

 

[wh0cansay]

Always. Beanie, dog bowl, knife, camera sometimes.

 

[butcherboy]

I carry two. They aren’t very big but hold small things I need like chapstick, headlamp or small flashlight, gloves, calls, phone, extra rounds, small granola bars, etc. also carry a small pouch attached behind the hip pocket for a Nalgene water bottle. My pack is an EXO K4.

 

[Schmo]

I carry a hip pouch specifically for snacks. Easy and quick to get to, and I don’t have to take the pack off.

 

[The Ri Guy]

Mandatory for me, redundant emergency supplies in one, gaiter/gloves/etc. in the other.

Absolutely hate how flimsy and inoperable the SG pouches are though, if anyone has recommendations on an alternative that’s compatible with their pack belts.

 

[ElkArcher918]

Yes, one hip pouch on the left side of my pack belt. Keep extra elk mouth/reed calls, and a handful of extra bullets in case things go really Western.

 

[cornfedkiller]

Absolutely hate how flimsy and inoperable the SG pouches are though, if anyone has recommendations on an alternative that’s compatible with their pack belts.

Exo ones slide forward and backward a little bit (no worse than the SG) but they fit on the belt just fine, are more rigid. and the zipper shape allows them to be operated with 1 hand. I have the K3s on my x-curve, but it looks like the K4s would work just the same.

 

[Speaks]

I generally like some type of storage I can access without removing my pack, this can be bino pouch, hip belt, or I often have a hand muff and that has a small pouch as well. When bird hunting I use one of the shell pouches. I dont like keeping much in my pants or jacket pocket.

Phone, knife, multi tool, compass, gloves, maybe a buff, my hat if I take it off, sunglasses, extra mag. Maybe snacks though I generally am taking of my pack and sitting down if its snack time.