Seeking Bag for Hiking

http://www.walmart.com/ip/McKenzie-Kids-Highland-Satchel-...

Check out this backpack at Wal-Mart. I would suggest a backpack verses a shoulder. This will make it so that you will not have to worry as much as catching it on something that is in the trail and getting hung up. Best of luck. My best advice is to do some research on the type of pack you want to get.

We do geocaching and so we go for long walks (and short backcountry hikes). I say go for a backpack (daypack) and get a good one. I got mine like 10 years ago, but did spend a little more than I would have and got it fitted at an outdoor store. The staff there helped me find the right style for my purpose and the higher end ones come in different sizes, so you get one that fits you comfortably.

If you are taking drinks for 3 children and yourself for say a two - three hour outing, you are looking at 4-5 lbs in drinks alone ( a 16 oz water bottle for each kid and a liter bottle for you) . Plus food, diapers, wipes, maybe an extra set of pants or other clothes for the little one and you reach 8-10 lbs really quickly. Carrying that on one shoulder for an hour or so gets old REALLY fast.

Another option would be to get your children back packs and have them carry their own drinks and snacks and you just carry the "extras". In that case you might be happy with a messenger bag or something lighter.

Good luck!

There is a wonderful product out that is just for that purpose! They are absolutely awesome! The Baby Sherpa line; I recommend The Long Haul or the Short Haul depending on size and features you want. They really are the best I've seen or heard of. You can buy direct form them online or purchase on Amazon or Ebay. Hope this helps.

I would like to suggest looking into a bag that is made for camera equipment. They come in different sizes and most will hold the items you listed. They are very durable, light-weight, and comfortable. I use mine outside, all day, all summer long (filled with cameras, etc) and it does not make me sweat any more than I do just being in the sun. :)
K.

I sweat a lot and like to have my arms free, so I totally appreciate your request. Stay away from backpacks... you will sweat even more than you would on a big hike in the sunshine.

I have a messenger bag that I LOVE! The thin strap has a small pad over my shoulder, the strap lays across my body, and the bag rests just behind my hip. There's another strap for around my waist if I need the bag to stay in place more than usual, like when I'm biking. The top of the bag folds over to clasp at the bottom of the bag, so there's no zipper to mess with when you are trying to get into the bag. This can be a drawback, though, if you worry about things falling out. My bag has two small zipper spots for cellphone and wallet or other small items. I used my messenger bag as a diaper bag as well. It is soft-sided and machine washable, too. I can't say enough good things about it.

I checked for the Novara brand and style that I purchased a few years ago, but I can't find the exact one. You can check out Timbuk2, NorthFace and other like brands for simlar styles. Your best bet is to go to REI or other outdoor store to try on bags and see what fits you.

Happy hiking!

My daughter gave me a "fanny pack" that's larger than usual and would hold all of that easily. It has 2 mesh pockets out the sides. I think it was made by Columbia or one of those outdoor wear companies.