A chest bag apparatus is arranged to be worn and carried in position secured against the chest of a wearer both in a first, closed, carrying condition and in a second, open, substantially L-shaped, tray-like condition providing facilitated access to the interior of the bag and its contents during its use while being worn by a wearer. The chest bag may further have a second, fully open condition for use of the chest bag in a hanging condition on a support hook or in condition laid out on an underlying ground surface. The chest bag preferably includes a quick release, temporary closure arrangement to permit the bag to be quickly closed temporarily so that it does not obstruct the wearer's view and activity.