Thanks for the suggestions. I hadn't really even thought about a vest-type load carrier. My first thought was a surplus ALICE pack, but nobody around here seems to have the small ones in good condition. On the other hand, I did take a close look at a few packs from 5.11. They do seem well built.
I didn't mention it in the first post, but a first aid kit is one of the things I'd definitely like to start carrying. Its amazing how a tiny little kit can save a life, when the unexpected happens.