Pack Pockets
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Top Picks
How we choose: The best pack pockets highlighted here were selected based on 24 reviews of 21 products. Our top picks are those that are readily-available in the United States and have received the highest overall ratings from reviewers.
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Granite Gear Hiker Wallet
This great little product may seem unnecessary, but it will grow on you! I recommend the Hiker Wallet to anyone that goes into the backcountry that doesn't want to carry their big heavy wallet!
Reasons to Buy
- Inexpensive
- Weighs next to nothing
- Convenient
- Durable
Reasons to Avoid
- Um... mine didn't come with a cool mini carabiner? Lol
- Not waterproof
Okay, I admit it—this was an impulse buy! But I am happy that I bought it! This is a great little product from Granite Gear that I have been using for several years now. It's one of those things that isn't really necessary, but you'll be glad you have it. After I purchased it, I thought "Well this is silly. I don't really need this." But over the years, I've realized its worth, and it has become one of those items that goes with me on every backpacking trip. Face it—the wallets we all use everyday are full of stuff that just isn't needed (or wanted) in the backcountry.
Read more: Granite Gear Hiker Wallet review (1)
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Prism Ice Screw Case
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear (HMG) Prism Ice Screw case is as it sounds—a case designed to carry your ice screws. At 5.4 ounces it weighs half the weight, carries more screws (sleeves for 10 can carry more in the space between), and will set you back double the price of comparable carrying options. The reason the case is so light, and the price is so high, is that it is made out of HMG’s DCF (Dyneema Composite fabric).
Reasons to Buy
- Lightweight
- More protection for your protection
- Larger capacity than most ice screw cases
- More efficient to pack than cylindrical style
- Large grab handle
- Exterior pocket
Reasons to Avoid
- Expensive
EASE OF USE There are a couple of major selling points in the design of this case. One is the clamshell opening. It opens up completely and lays flat, which gives you nice, easy access to all the contents. The second thing I love is that the entire screw is enclosed in the case and protected. Most rolls leave the head of the screw exposed to get bashed around while in your pack, sitting on the ground, etc. Not a huge deal (they are pretty darn durable), but at roughly $100 a screw and carrying upwards of 8 to 10 at a time, I’d rather protect that investment.
Read more: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Prism Ice Screw Case review (1)
REI Packmod Rainshield Pocket
A simple but effective add-on pocket to keep a smartphone within easy reach for photos or a map check. The rain flap opens and closes easily and should keep at least moderate rain out.
Reasons to Buy
- Simple design
- Easy in and out
- Soft, phone-friendly lining
- Fold-over rain flap
Reasons to Avoid
- Finding a good attachment point
Plain and simple With the high price of just about everything in Norway, my better half and I usually make a pilgrimage to an REI store whenever we arrive back in the Mother Country. We might go in with a list of a few priority items, but usually come out with more stuff that we didn't know we needed. This summer, after 5 years away on my part, we hit up the store in Tukwila, Wash., not far from REI HQ in Seattle, on our way to the Olympics and then North Cascades. While my wife was trying on clothing from the women’s sale racks, I wandered over to the backpack arena and spotted this little accessory pocket.
Read more: REI Packmod Rainshield Pocket reviews (2)
Outdoor Research Backcountry Organizers
A great lightweight, well though out organizer for hiking, backpacking, or general travel needs. Features loads of internal compartments, waterproof zippers, and quality construction from thin but durable nylon. This review is of the medium sized option, or #2.
Reasons to Buy
- Many well thoughout and useful internal compartments
- Lightweight and easily packable non-rigid structure
- Solid construction
- Comes in three different sizes
Reasons to Avoid
- Potential tradeoff between lightweight build and longterm durability
- A little pricey for a small organizer when not on sale
From the manufacturer: The Backcountry Organizers have a multitude of pockets and compartments designed to hold small items. They're the perfect place to start if you're building a DIY dopp kit or first aid kit. Fabric 100% nylon,70D with TPU lamination // 100% siliconized nylon 30D DIMENSIONS / 1: 7" x 5" x 2"/ 18 cm x 13 cm x 5 cm 2: 9" x 51/2" x 21/2" / 23 cm x 14 cm x 6 cm 3: 91/2" x 5" x 4" / 24 cm x 13 cm x 10 cm #1: #35111 #2: #35116 #3: #35121 AVG. WEIGHT / 2.9 oz / 82 g 3.4 oz / 98 g 3.4 oz / 96 g Avg.
Read more: Outdoor Research Backcountry Organizers review (1)
Mystery Ranch Wet Rib
Puts your water where you can get to it often and easily, along with a map, sunblock, glasses, and other things you want close at hand.
Reasons to Buy
- Convenience
- Extra storage for small items
- Sturdy construction
Reasons to Avoid
- One more buckle to undo to get out of your pack
- It can ride too low if you don't adjust it properly
In wilderness first aid training we are taught to assume anyone in the wilderness is dehydrated, even if there is water all around in streams and ponds and the person is carrying water. Even with in-pack hydration it can be hard to drink enough because sucking on a tube causes a walker to lose his breath and stop drinking too early, and bottles carried elsewhere on a pack are too hard to reach to drink often enough. The Wet Rib puts a full liter bottle right in front, where its weight helps counterbalance the larger weight on your back.
Read more: Mystery Ranch Wet Rib reviews (2)
Deuter Camera Case III
Camera pouch which can be mounted on your belt or the shoulder strap of your rucksack. A brilliantly practical device which allows one-handed access to your camera.
Reasons to Buy
- Dual mounting system—belt or shoulder strap
- Allows for one-handed access to camera
- Can be secured to a carabiner clip for added security
- Has internal pockets for memory cards and batteries
Reasons to Avoid
- Not waterproof
The Camera Case III is the largest in a series of camera pouches produced by Deuter. It is a wonderfully practical means of keeping your camera handy while walking. You can wear it on your belt or on the shoulder strap of your backpack. I keep mine on my left shoulder strap as shown below. The zipper is on the right, so I can open the pouch and take out my camera very quickly and easily using my right hand. The pouch measures just under 6 by 4.5 inches externally. Its internal dimensions are approximately 4.5 by 3 inches, so it it strictly for compact cameras.
Read more: Deuter Camera Case III review (1)
Rothco MOLLE Compatible Water Bottle Pouch
Rothco Water Bottle Molle Caddy: insulated, many camo options, many water bottles fit, extra storage.
Reasons to Buy
- Many camo options
- MOLLE compatible
- Extra storage pouch and two D rings
- Most water bottles fit
- Insulated (needs more padding for below freezing temps)
- Inexpensive, half the cost of others
- Thru hole on top for straw (not for winter use)
- Drainage hole on bottom
Reasons to Avoid
- Nylon straps at the end of MOLLE with snaps
- Zippers need bigger pulls for use with mittens
Black Tactical Rothco Water Bottle Molle Caddy Many camo colors and many water bottle types fit this pouch. Desert Tan (see all the MOLLE straps?) You can fit a straw through the top to your hydration system.Black Tactical Rothco Water Bottle Molle Pouch attached to a tactical black Modern Warrior 18.5" Tactical Military Style Backpack How does it work? Attach this Rothco Water Bottle Pouch to your waist belt. Not Well Known Over the last 10 years, everyone on the trails that that sees my Rothco water bottle pouch asks about it (and usually gets one).
Read more: Rothco MOLLE Compatible Water Bottle Pouch review (1)
Outdoor Research Water Bottle Tote
The convenience of it makes for easy hydration when on the trail. It holds a one liter water bottle or an ordinary water bottle.
Reasons to Buy
- Easy to use
- Convenient
- Lightweight
Reasons to Avoid
- Only one color
The Outdoor Research Water Bottle Tote is a great piece of gear. It holds a one liter water bottle or an ordinary water bottle. The large velcro strap lets you hook it to your pack waist belt. Which is the main reason I purchased it. When solo hiking it's near impossible to get a water bottle out of your pack without having to take it off. Since most of my hikes are solo, I take the water bottle tote on every trek. I even used it for my trek on Kilimanjaro when it was important to keep hydrated.
Read more: Outdoor Research Water Bottle Tote review (1)
Granite Gear Shoulder Strap Pocket
The Granite Gear Shoulder Strap Pocket is a great piece of gear that gives you padded, highly water resistant storage easily within reach at all times. I recommend this product to anyone that needs a little extra storage space, or anyone that doesn't have hipbelt pockets.
Reasons to Buy
- Inexpensive
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Convenient
- Very water resistant
Reasons to Avoid
- Height is not adjustable
Manufacturer Specs:Weight 1.2oz/34g [*My scale reads 1.7 oz/48 g] Dimensions 6.25x3.25x1.5" /16x8x4cmThese foam padded, ultralight pockets attach to a pack's load lifter webbing at the top, and lower adjustment buckle web at the bottom. They offer extra room, protection and convenience for the items you need close at hand while you're on the trail. On the back is a port for your headphone, ear bud or headset cord. The fabrics are ultralight 70-denier ripstop hybrid sil-nylon Cordura and 210-denier nylon Cordura, and the zipper is a water-resistant YKK.
Read more: Granite Gear Shoulder Strap Pocket review (1)
Nittany Mountain Works Cordura Ditty Bag
This little itty bitty Ditty Bag makes for a useful and sturdy extra pouch for organizing things. Two different sizes and a WIIIIIIIDE spectrum of color options (190 different possible options) meets the needs and desires of many. No frills, just a pouch made of strong materials and a burly zipper.
Reasons to Buy
- Straightforward
- Sturdy for its size
- Big zipper pull (I hate little zippers)
- Colors options galore!
Reasons to Avoid
- Plastic clip
Usage: I’ve used the Cordura Ditty Bag from Nittany Mountain Works for about a year now and find myself wanting (and soon getting) more of them. Initially used to store keys, phone, and wallet in one place while hiking, I’ve found other uses, such as a snack pouch for the kiddo, mini first aid kit, and fire-starting pouch. As time goes on, I’m sure I’ll find more and more things to use these bags for. Capacity: Nittany Mountain Works offers the Cordura Ditty Bag in two different sizes Small = 6.5" x 4" (16.5cm x 10.2cm) Large = 8.5" x 5.5" (21.6cm x 14cm) It should be noted that because the fabric used is a thick 1000D Cordura nylon, there isn’t much elasticity to the fabric, meaning it isn’t going to flex much beyond its...
Read more: Nittany Mountain Works Cordura Ditty Bag review (1)
More Reviews of Pack Pockets
Trailspace reviewers have shared 24 reviews of 21 different pack pockets.
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Other Types of Backpack Accessories
Find more backpack accessories reviewed in these related categories:
Pack Covers
Pack Duffels
Slings and Straps
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