The basic premise is essentially "your pack is too heavy if you have/need a hip belt". The concept has been percolating for awhile, but seems to reaching critical mass among a vanguard of hikers. I had been playing around with a belt-less design during last winter, and finally sewed up a 25-30L pack in time for the 2016 HST meet-up. Grand total weight for 3 nights/4 days, including DeLorme & phone, was 11.5 lbs. Packed inside along with food/essentials was my DIY over-sized tarp (that has kept me perfectly dry in a couple of major storms), a 30 degree quilt, a windshirt and over-stuffed down vest.
It worked unreal for me - definitely my favorite pack so far, DIY or otherwise. While Oleander, Mav, BlueWater and a few others were checking it out/trying it on, I mentioned that Andy Benz - the current holder of the JMT FKT - and his group of "super" hiker friends were really beginning to push the concept. They've even begun a meme within their group about "banning the hip belt". LOL
So, for those interested in what is happening out on the trail, here's a few links that hopefully can illustrate the movement:
Scott Williamson - previous holder of different PCT records - makes all his own gear and has been beltless for years:
![Image](http://nextadventure.net/media/blog/uploads/files/resize/0%20Bink%20on%20PCT-248x221.jpg)
Billy Goat (on the left) is in his 70s and has traversed the entire length of the PCT 8 times:
![Image](https://masonalexandra.files.wordpress.com/2016/08/img_5860.jpg)
Andy & John Z of http://www.palantepacks.com/
![Image](http://www.palantepacks.com/uploads/3/8/5/7/38578729/4852046_orig.jpg)
Leading 2016 SOBO
![Image](https://hikersmith.files.wordpress.com/2016/08/20160811_092320.jpg)