Looking for a bag to put on my belt for hiking

[offroadcmpr]

So I tend to do a lot of hiking at night and around and such, and I usually use my camelbak HAWG whenever I go. But the one thing that I do not like about it is that in order to grab a light or knife out o the bag, I have to take it off and dig through it to find it. So I was thinking that I could get a small pouch or bag and attach it to the waist belt on the bag so that I have a easy place to put stuff that I need quickly. Lately I have just been putting stuff in my pockets which is kinda uncomfortable.
I would like it to be large enough to hold a small digital camera, a couple small knives and of course a small flashlight, plus possible anything else that I can think of. I would also like to be able to attach it to my belt when I do not have my camelbak on me, so it can not be too big or bulky.
I have looked at a couple different styes online, here are a couple I have looked at.
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/MOLLE150-1.html This one might be a little big.
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/MOLLE342-1.html Might be a little bulky and it looks kinda like a maxpedition M1.
There are a couple of maxpedition products that I have looked at also.
http://www.maxpedition.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=7&idproduct=123
http://www.maxpedition.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=7&idproduct=773
http://www.maxpedition.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=7&idproduct=170
and of course http://www.maxpedition.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=6&idproduct=128
One problem is that it is hard to tell how big some of these are, like for the M1 it does not say how big the outside dimensions are. And some of the ones from cheaper than dirt do not say if it can be attached to a belt with out a clip which costs extra. I like the maxpedition quality from what I hear, but I am not too fond of the price, but since I do not have enough funds right now for one, I could put it on my christmas wish list.
Are their B&M shops that sell these kind of things that so that I can look at them in person?
Do you know of any other brands or products that would work well? Or any suggestions for what I should do.
Thanks

 

[kelmo]

Hey Offroad,

Check out something like this;
http://www.rei.com/product/770795
Its an insulated water bottle carrier. The insulation also acts as padding. You can get them in various sizes from various vendors. Me personally I like individual holsters for my belt attached gear. I like torsopacks and attach a flashlight holster to the belt system. I have my knife clipped to my inner pocket with the locking mechanism off (SOG Flash 1). I also attach a Lowpro camera carrier to the torsopack.

 

[Uncle Bob]

Yep, LowePro pouches are very handy.

I have 2 of them. They come in different sizes, can hold a variety of items and can be attached to a belt or used with straps around the shoulder or waist.

I got them at a photo supply shop in Chicago.

 

[TedTheLed]

look no further:

http://www.specopsbrand.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductID=19

14 separate storage compartments/slots.
Unique inside-out design allows instant access to contents inside pack.
Tough Cordura® 1000D nylon exterior lined with heavy duty nylon pack cloth.
Fully seam-taped interior. Yellow lining makes it easy to find items in low-light conditions.
12 inch gear keeper leash for keys, lights, etc.
Fully zippered perimeter for a 90 degree opening.
External mesh pocket, accessory loops and carrying handle.
High tensile nylon web attachment points and bar-tack reinforcements at critical stress points. "D"-ring attachments for optional shoulder strap.
Business card/ID window.
Measures 10.25"x8.25"x1.625"
Backed by Spec.-Ops. Brand's unique lifetime guarantee ..made in USA
:thumbsup:

 

[offroadcmpr]

I like the ideas. I have found a army surplus store near by to where I live, and I am going to try to go to it tomorrow if I can get my homework done at a decent time. That way I can get a better size comparison. Hopefully they will have some of these products in stock.

My camera doesn't necessarily have to have a padded case because I have a small case that fits it really well. It is a slim profile design so it doesn't have a belt clip.

Thanks for the ideas.