Consider making your hiking kit more modular. I used to have a fanny pack that I would strap to my pack. I often set up a base camp and hike from there. I have switched to a MOLLE bag that is even more versatile and can attach to all my packs or pack board. I usually wear it on a belt with suspenders as a fanny pack but for short trips have a shoulder strap that works well also. The weight is 3.5 pounds. You can find them at Second Chance for 20 bucks.
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I take the idea on step further and use Uncle mikes pouches to carry more stuff and disperse load. I can wear them on pack straps, front suspender straps or belt. What I find amazing about them is the way they are sown they seem to fit a wide variety of items well. They are a bit expensive at almost 20 dollars each but worth it to me.
http://i540.photobucket.com/albums/g...o/IMG_1301.jpg
I like modular system because I carry only what I need in any combination for a specific hike.