Bushwalk Australia

I have a normal backpack (Black Wolf McKinley 65L). I have seen around (mainly in movies, I guess) hikers with packs that attach onto the front of the body. I am guessing that they strap onto connections on the harness somewhere.

Do these things exist, because I don't seem to be able to find any, and I don't even know what they are called. At the very least, it would be nice to have a small bag on the chest to store things you need in a hurry - ie your phone, a snack, a camera, etc.

Aarn pack might be what you are looking for

http://www.aarnpacks.com/

http://www.zpacks.com/accessories/backpack_lid.shtml

Also see Aarn packs and dedicated camera packs from Clik, Lowepro, and others.

Carrying stuff in front of you can make it hard to see where you're putting your feet, and might make it hard to scramble in some places.

Excellent! Just what I was thinking of. They are probably a bit bigger generally than what I need, but the zpacks look pretty good.

Back when I was a DSLR camera user, I use to attach my Lowepro Toploader bag to the front of my Macpac harness via the D rings and a carabiner. Worked pretty well actually - the bag was pretty stable, if a little high on my chest.

On a recent trip to Europe my partner and I both had a backpack each, plus a little daypack. We carried the daypack on the front of our shoulders - in the reverse of how it is usually carried. Worked fine too, but became a little uncomfortable after a while.

I just had a look at the McKinley and indeed it does have a couple of D rings on the harness that you could attach to.

A couple of others

http://www.ribzwear.com/front-pack/

http://www.outdoortrailgear.com/cottage ... -backpack/

Problem with coupling on the shoulder harness is that the weight of the chest pack gets transferred to the shoulders. Not ideal for any significant weight. This is where the Aarn packs differ.

Good point. I was really thinking of small stuff- ie camera, phone, torch, snacks, etc. Since you cannot (or at least, I cannot) get to the pack during the walk without taking it off, this seems like a good solution to me.

Ribz also do front packs

Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk

Yes, not a big deal for small stuff.

I often use an Aarn pack with dual 'boob bags' for my camera, water, snacks etc, but if I'm using a conventional backpack I somtimes take this front pack that snaps on.
It'll hold two water bottles, a larger compartment for the camera or other gear, a sleeve for a small tripod or similar, and has a detachable waterproof map holder which is very handy.
You can also detach the whole thing, and with a longer strap supplied, use it as a sling bag, or you can use it separately as a small summit bag by utilising a narrow strap around the waist through the sleeves at the back of it

http://www.racingtheplanet.com/store/ra ... 24759.html
This one featured has one larger mesh pocket at the front, which I think is more useful than the three smaller pockets mine has. I think the new model has a water bladder hose outlet too.

Videos
In German, but shows it loaded up with bottles etc
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=UO-Ui5b8F0Y
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=LB4cagOgeSM

Also have a search from any of the fly fishing retailers - chest packs (will need to purchase from the US in most cases)
eg Patagonia, Cabelas, Ribz, Simms, Fishpond all make different chest packs.

Plus, as mentioned, many camera bag brands Lowe etc make a front positioned sling bag.

That front pack look perfect!! Almost ordered one on the spot. But spent too much this week, so will hold off a bit. But looks perfect for what I want to do. Thanks.

Zpacs also make a useful front pack
I have one of these too, but confess I like the bulkier RaidLight one better

http://www.zpacks.com/accessories/backpack_lid.shtml

Just wanted to add another recommendation for the Zpacks "backpack lid" option.

I use it for all my camera gear and have found it extremely convenient and 100% waterproof (so far).

I converted a Kelty Lumbar Pack. It's not too big or too small, just right.
Added 4 clips so it clips to the front harness, at the shoulders and waist.
Good thing about it is it has a wide waist belt that tucks away when on the pack harness.
I can use it on a day walk without the pack. I purchased mine from the USA for around $80 around 8 years ago.

http://zoxoro.com.au/Products/Kelty-Ori ... vAod8fILpA

Regards OLM

Edit had a look at the Zpack. That looks pretty good as well.