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Monday, July 25. 2022

Is anything more dorky, especially for a guy?

My problem is that, regardless of brand, adjustments, etc., the pain in my injured shoulder destroys any pleasure with a backpack, or even a lighter daypack.

I don't like to look like a dork, but even worse is being like the Aussie hikers (sorry for the stereotype): the women herd the kids and carry the backpack, and the men just carry a beer or three, and the cheese sandwiches.

Posted by Bird Dog in The Culture, "Culture," Pop Culture and Recreation at 17:06 | Comments (20) | Trackbacks (0)

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Some of them look dorky, but only because they aren't big enough to be functional. The ones that have clear purpose and utility don't look silly at all.

You can always get two and wear one on the front, also - I've seen people do that. Anyway - did you decide on one for your walking tour? Let us know~!

#1 Aggie on 2022-07-25 18:56 (Reply)

For reasons I can't understand they seem to be in style. I see a lot of young women, and a few men, wearing them these days.

It's funny that they're called fanny packs when I've only seen people wear them in front.

#2 jack walter on 2022-07-25 19:06 (Reply)

I discovered when looking for a waistband-pouch in shops in the UK, that in the UK the word refers to the female front, and that it is considered quite rude to say it in polite company.

#2.1 Embarrassed on 2022-07-25 22:18 (Reply)

My rule, if you are worried about looking like a dork then you probably already look like one. Me, I just embrace The Dork.

On the other hand, nothing screams "concealed carry" like a fanny pack worn in the front. IYKYK.

Jack's comment warms my heart as I suspect a lot of young women and a few men are prepared to protect themselves and perhaps their fellow man or woman.

#3 edaddy on 2022-07-25 20:03 (Reply)

I used to wear one to carry a Sig 226. Convenient, but yes, it's a neon sign for any LEO or a bad guy who has half a brain.

I had a humorous encounter with a uniformed Dallas deputy sheriff in a Home Depot a few years back while wearing it. I was waiting patiently for him to finish a conversation with an employee. Once he was done he turned to thank me for my patience. But he got - not in my face exactly - but inside my personal space, being friendly but just a little too close for comfort. He couldn't ask to see my permit unless I gave him a reason; but I could see he was trying to rattle me in case I wasn't legally carrying. I knew what he was doing; he knew I knew, but we both kept it friendly and parted amicably. It was actually pretty funny.

I now carry a P365 tucked in back in a Sticky holster. Invisible.

#3.1 Cleve Watson on 2022-07-26 11:40 (Reply)

OMG! What a racist comment--Australian men are no more likely to carry a can of beer on a hike than some NYC snob will carry a cup of Starbucks on a walking shopping tour!

Are you jealous about the Australian men having held on . . .

#4 faculty wife on 2022-07-25 21:53 (Reply)

I don't think that comment was racist...I mean most Aussies are British White. But I do disagree with the "cheese sandwich"...most likely it would be a Veg-a-mite sandwich! (https://www.196flavors.com/australia-vegemite-toast/)

#4.1 steve on 2022-07-25 23:35 (Reply)

What about slings? No, not like "slings and arrows of outrageous fortune." Like sling backpacks?

(I haven't tried that one; it's just an example.)

#5 Thomas Doubting (Link) on 2022-07-25 22:19 (Reply)

Sorry if you've considered, tried, and rejected this, but a 'good' backpack with frame or internal-frame -- even the small ones, is supported by a waist belt and the shoulder straps exist merely to keep it from falling backwards.
Depending upon the nature of the shoulder damage that may or may not be useful. But if you haven't tried a waistband-supported day-pack, it might be worth checking out better camping stores.

#6 Douglas2 on 2022-07-25 22:26 (Reply)

https://youtu.be/XKO54Fisimw

Tim Kennedy wears a fanny pack...

Of course, some people can get away with it with no fear of being labeled a dork.

#7 mike on 2022-07-25 22:31 (Reply)

> Is anything more dorky, especially for a guy?

Yes.

Man buns.
Socks with sandals. Especially Birkenstock.
Voting for Bernie Sanders because you think he's got integrity.

I too have shoulders that are hot garbage.

I have two "lumbar packs". One is set up for my morning exercise with Dog, it's a small Mountain Smith "Drift" that will hold a head lamp, rain/wind jacket, a bag of "good boy" treats and a few other odds and sods. It's got water bottle pockets that will hold 8 or 12 ounce bottles, which was great when I was/will be running a lot.

I also have the Mountain Smith "Tour" pack. This is big enough that for day hikes in the mountains. Full sized water bottle pockets and a reasonable pack volume. Also a compact handgun can ride in the pocket in between the pad and the main pocket. For you know, bears.

Both of these ride on the lumbar area, not in front like so many old guys and body builders wear theirs.

#8 William O. B'Livion on 2022-07-25 22:35 (Reply)

Beer is heavy. A considerate man carries it on hikes.

#9 bobby b on 2022-07-25 23:41 (Reply)

If you want something over a shoulder, get a sling-style bag. Lots of styles to choose from. Look for the styles that let you change which side of the bottom of the pack the strap attaches. That way you can swap shoulders as desired.

Or go for a lumbar pack. They're actually designed to ride around the waist securely and will carry more of a load without being uncomfortable.

Good Luck! :)

#10 JD on 2022-07-26 09:04 (Reply)

They wouldn't look quite so dorky if you wore a man-skirt:

https://www.usakilts.com/accessories/sporrans.html

#11 Sam on 2022-07-26 09:57 (Reply)

I’ve been cycling all my life. I was in my late 30’s before I bought my first pair of cycling shorts - spandex, with chamois. I resisted the cycling clothes for years, because I didn’t want to be a dork, one of those guys. After the first ride, I didn’t care what I looked like. Functionality is most important. Now, I have two drawers full of cycling clothes; need kits for all seasons.

#12 B. Hammer on 2022-07-26 10:28 (Reply)

The fact you even write about this makes you a dork.

#13 LibDis on 2022-07-26 10:38 (Reply)

Have you considered a sling pack?

#14 Hoss on 2022-07-26 15:09 (Reply)

Carry a handgun in it; you will feel WAY less dorky.

#15 HH on 2022-07-27 12:22 (Reply)

The time wasted on a Fanny pack as being dorky as the world burns to the ground, is the equivalent of an IQ test in which the writer falls between 0 and 83…..

#16 Frank on 2022-07-28 08:35 (Reply)

I bought a small brown leather fanny pack to take with me when I ride my bike. I can carry my wallet, phone, keys, and a social interaction device in the pouches and not worry about them falling out of my pockets while riding down the trail. Solves a major problem when bike riding. That's the only time I use it, though.

#17 Pod Hamp on 2022-07-28 17:04 (Reply)

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Monday, July 25. 2022

Fanny Packs