10 Walking Essentials: Packs

If you have enough pockets, you may not need a pack, but a pack is a great way to carry the rest of your walking essentials and non-essentials. A good pack distributes the weight load evenly across your body at the center of mass - your hips. Waistpacks and backpacks with belly straps are the best options for carrying more than a pound. Avoid purses or other options that put the load on just one shoulder, or you risk throwing off your body alignment and eventually developing problems and pain.

• Backpack: A backpack gives you lots of storage space, but it is a trade-off for weight and comfort. Look for a pack that is the right size for your needs and has comfortable straps. With larger packs, look for a belly strap to take the weight off your shoulders. An external water bottle holder and small zippered compartment are good features.
• Waistpack: Most walkers can make due with a waistpack. The variety of sizes and features is huge. Visit your local outdoors store or sporting goods store to see the selection. Larger variations may have a built-in water pouch or water bottle holder and straps to strap your jacket onto when you have warmed up. Top Picks for Single-Bottle Packs
• Walking Wallet/Neck Pouch: If you just want to carry your identification and some small items, these hang from a cord you can adjust with a slide to keep it close to your body across one shoulder or at your waist.
• Wrist/shoe wallet: Look in the running shoe stores for these items, a handy way to carry just a key or a couple of dollars to get you by on a walk, when pockets are not enough.

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