Hi ladies, earlier I posted this message in another thread, but I wanted to know what you thought of it.

My personal theory is that hip belts may be more helpful to women than to men. It's simple biology: men carry a lot of strength in their torso, while women have strength primarily in their legs. I'm female, and find that I have an easier time carrying a heavier load with a hip belt than a lighter load with no belt, because it transfers the weight to a stronger part of my body.

The feamle dino here - I've carried a variety of packs and those with a well-thought out supension system including a hip belt worked better for me. The Ray-Way type bags make my shoulders ache all night even when the contents only weigh 15 to 20 lbs. (6.8 to 9 Kg). YMMV

I like using a hip belt (the more tightly fastened the better), especially when carrying 30 lbs. and up. I think it's true that women's shoulders and upper bodies tend to be weaker in proportion to their lower bodies and legs, so anything that would move the center of gravity and weight lower should be of benefit.

Jane in CT

The way you pack your pack can make a big difference too. I use to take people out on backpacking trips..all the gear was mine. To keep up with all that gear I used seperate stuff sacks to organize it all..one for the sleeping bag..one for the clothes..the kitchen gear..one for food..one for the shelter. It was very easy to unload and repack with this setup and we would try a variety of loads until the pack felt good to the carrier. In those days the tent was the heaviest item and most women felt the best with it packed in the middle of their backs...the men either put it at the top or at the bottom. Once we got out on the trail people would change it around until they found exactly what they liked. It varied alot. I would definitly experiment with they way you pack your pack until you find what feels best.

I do not think male or female has anything to do with it. A hip belt allows either to carry a heavier load. Military pack made strictly for men had waistbelts decades ago.

I do think body shape can affect the geometry of the belt. So depending on your body a pack designed for women may work out better than a generic one.

I think a hip belt is a must - don't know whether that has to do with body type or just because.. I usually cinch my hip belt pretty tight, so that I don't have all the weight on my shoulders. After a few days, my hips are somewhat bruised (after a week, it hurts to put underwear on) but I absolutely prefer it to being hunched under the weight on my shoulders. I find that walking is easier. I have a Kelty Cheyenne, which is a women's pack, and I find it very comfortable. You might want to try one.