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Re: Ban the Hip Belt

Posted: Sun Aug 14, 2016 2:42 pm
by maverick
I liked your pack Hobbes, it was comfy and had a good ride, the only thing that was missing for me would have been a sternum strap so I could adjust where the shoulder harness is located on my shoulder periodically, it would also add some stability on rougher crosscountry/climbing routes.

Re: Ban the Hip Belt

Posted: Sun Aug 14, 2016 2:49 pm
by hjldennis
freestone wrote:I have always had an issue with internal frame pack belts and "sag". No matter how I adjust the belt, the weight still pulls on my shoulders, to the point where I find myself reaching behind and supporting the bottom of the pack with my hands. I have noticed that switching to an external frame pack, that effect is less noticeable, but the bottom line for me is nothing on my back over 23 pounds at the start of the trip.
I recently plunged into Seek Outside Unaweep pack. It's an external frame pack that balances like an internal frame. I have used it on 2 trips so far, one short and one longer (Wonderland trail), and the hip belt and the suspension system is by far the best among what I've tried in my short backpacking days. And 3+ lbs lighter than my last Gregory pack. I probably carried good 40+ lbs (backpacking with two kids and temporarily handicapped wife with a cast:), and barely felt anything on my shoulder.

As for hip belts, I like it even on day packs - apart from weght transfer issue, just like the feeling of backpack strapped to my body more securely.

But 8 oz pack is amazing!

Re: Ban the Hip Belt

Posted: Sun Aug 14, 2016 3:14 pm
by maverick
Will we be getting a Wonderland Trail TR, with all those beautiful wildflowers at Paradise? :nod:

Re: Ban the Hip Belt

Posted: Sun Aug 14, 2016 4:30 pm
by Pietro257
I love my hip belt. I like carrying heavy loads. I like having good food and drink in my camp. This is just me. Yes, the load is heavier during the day, but the pleasure of good camping when the day is through is worth carrying the extra weight. BTW, I've carried heavy loads on cross-country trips as well as trails. The thru-hiking concept doesn't work for me. There's something medieval about it. Like flagellating yourself for the glory of the wilderness.

Re: Ban the Hip Belt

Posted: Sun Aug 14, 2016 6:59 pm
by rlown
Pietro257 wrote: like having good food and drink in my camp. This is just me. Yes, the load is heavier during the day, but the pleasure of good camping when the day is through is worth carrying the extra weight.
It's not just you.. One can fly like the wind and crawl in when it gets colder. I like the extras as well. Fish until the rod guides freeze!!

Re: Ban the Hip Belt

Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2016 7:12 am
by Hobbes
Pietro257 wrote:Like flagellating yourself for the glory of the wilderness.
That is exactly true. LOL

For literally decades, my primary motivation has been fishing. I'm not really into hanging out - unless I'm (car) camping with family/friends - so backpacking was/is all about getting from point A to point B. As you say, I'm among those willing to withstand all kinds of hardships/discomforts in order to reach a goal. If I can enjoy the experience of a long 'day hike' to a certain location (or string together a series), then all I have to do is survive the night (warm & dry).

That being said, there are those who fish who know exactly what I'm speaking about. The 3 primary GT fisheries are 12, 16 & 20 miles, respectively, from the nearest TH. If you are not interested in making a major production (planning, logistics, permits, yada yada yada) about a trip, then dialing up a minimalist kit for a quick, 2-3 day surgical strike is the perfect way to stretch a (long) weekend.

Peter, it would be quite easy to sew on either/both a 1/2" sternum strap or 1.5" hip belt (no padding, just belt material) to fine tune any fit adjustments. I had contemplated adding both, but the initial fit was so nice I decided to forgo adding them.

Re: Ban the Hip Belt

Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2016 11:43 am
by Cross Country
Unless I missed something (always a possibility) everyone except Hobbs would not "ban" the hip belt. Like everyone else I also prefer a hip belt. When I was a Boy Scout in 1956 I went on a short trip without a hip belt. Later in life I learned that a pack was NOT an instrument of torture because of course my pack had a hip belt.
I have a Kelty that puts almost no weight on the sides of the hip and puts almost all of it on the back of the hips. It's by far the most comfortable pack I ever used.
Oh well - each to there own.

Re: Ban the Hip Belt

Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2016 11:55 am
by rayfound
I personally like the hip belt for reasons aside from just the load carrying. I like putting a camera case for a P&S on the belt, or a flyfishing hip pack for daytrips, keep sunscreen/chapstick in pockets on the hip belt (don't weigh down my pants), and I do like the load carrying - especially off trail. My packs are 20-25lbs total, and while I can carry that fully on my shoulders, I don't prefer to.

Re: Ban the Hip Belt

Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2016 7:43 pm
by balance
Greetings

When it comes to ultralight, I think the main problem is that you compromise your ability to "be at home" in the high country. When I head out on a 7-10 day trip, I don't want bugs, storms, minor physical ailments, or the unexpected to chase me down to the trees. My emergency gear is not my car keys. Of course it's a personal decision. Do you want mileage? Fine.

I feel like every moment outdoors, especially in the Sierra Nevada, is a blessing. It is a special experience, where my awareness expands and my sense of self encompasses the trees, the sounds of the stream, the stars--and everything else. That experience doesn't require hammering out the miles. I only need to go far enough to get into the mountains. Wherever that is, there I am.

Peace.

Re: Ban the Hip Belt

Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2016 8:23 pm
by Tom_H
I was happy that gear in general kept getting lighter. That allowed me to keep backpacking up to age 60. I have to agree with others, though. I like the hip belt. I like the balance of having the majority of weight on my hip joints. When I was in my 20s and worked as a guide, I started trips at about 87 lb (18 days of food, fuel, snow and climbing gear, group emergency and repair kit, etc.) and often went over 100 when carrying gear for participants who hit the wall. The weight just did not faze me back then. I could go uphill full speed, all day. As age came on, the feather weight stoves, lighter clothing, shelter and so on extended my career, but there was a point at which too little was just too little.

At least I have my memories.....and great dreams at night of long jumping over streams.....jumping off overhangs in rappel, following herds of elk, and lolling in meadows full of wildflowers. It was one of life's greatest joys.