utility belt?
 

so, i'm getting pretty tired of carrying a backpack/messenger bag. My friend mentioned the fabric horse utility belt, it looks like something I would want and something I could make with the resources I have lying at home. the only thing is, I always carry an extra jacket and water bottle with me and the belt looks awkward.

I know panniers are another option. I could probably make a cheap canvas one.

any ideas?

Or one of the seatpost mounted bags if you're not carrying a huge amount.

Carradice large wide Canvas saddle mounted bags...

does it mean anything if i mention that i have a a really small bike. it has 24" wheels...will the bag touch the ground?

Do what I did to find bags to carry my stuff.

Shop e-bay for all kinds of bags that can used as is or adapted to your needs for not to much money.

Go visit a bike shop, ask them.
since these IIII's don't see a thing..

1. Zip tie a milk crate to a rack. Put your backpack in the milk crate.
2. Bungie your backpack to your rack.
3. Put panniers on your rack.

1. is the most convenient and practical, if you don't mind the look. 2. is a good option, but it takes a little time to bungie the backpack down, and you have to remember to take the bungies in with your. 3. is good for point to point riding (to work and back; to the grocery and back), and for times when you can keep your bike nearby. But it isn't as practical if you are going to spend a lot of time off your bike and need to carry your panniers - they are not as convenient as a backpack if you are going to a mall, or a fair, or some parts of campus.

Get a rack on your bike. Bungee your pack or a a small "rack pack" to it. I see no problem with a fanny pack, I have started carrying one but not for the reasons you mention.

LC

A utility belt? If I was a bad@zz like Batman on my bike yes, otherwise hellz no! There was a similar thread earlier about a "utility belt" if you do a search.

I carry stuff in: panniers, frame/seat bag or camelbak.

I dont like to carry hard stuff in my pockets, if you take a fall you land on it. Soft stuff on the other hand, can be much better than nothing.
For small loads, a Carradice style saddlebag is good. Most saddles lack metal bag loops so Carradice make a bolt-on attachment. If you have a workshop you could rustle up a suitable bracket yourself.
Saddlebags use a piece of dowl wood to support the bag and the bag straps that buckle onto the metal saddle loops. You could probably alter an existing bag to fit.