I've discovered that I loathe hiking in the summer here in AZ due to the heat.
Go figure.
But, I stay nice and cool (well, that's a relative statement... I guess it's better to say "I don't get heat stroke") as long as I don't have a backpack up against my back. However, it ain't smart to hike around without some reasonable gear.
I'm not talking about overnight or multi-day hikes. Just little 2-3 hour jaunts. And usually up in higher country where the temps are in mid-90's instead of the 110 temps we "enjoy" in PHX.
I also find myself hiking with a new group of folks that I don't want to "put off" with a hip-carried pistol. On an overnight trip or longer/remote hike, sure... but stuff like these shorter hikes I don't mind concealing. But IWB sucks for hiking. Uncomfortable.
So, I'm looking at either the Maxpedition Jumbo Versipack or the Maxpedition Gearslinger. They ride differently than a backpack and stay cooler.
Stuff to carry?
-1L nalgene bottle
-snack food
-keys
-cell phone
-matches/lighter
-modest fixed blade knife
-camera
-CCW pistol
-modest 1st aid kit
-flashlight
-map/compass
Additional stuff that would be nice, but not mandatory:
-extra socks
-extra T-shirt
-rain poncho or jacket
-hydration bladder to augment nalgene bottle
Pistol to carry in one of these may range from a KelTec PF9 to a Ruger 4" Redhawk. Depends on the location of the hike.
Can anyone make a recommendation between these two products, for my intended uses?