View Full Version : Backpack advice needed
I have a ULA circuit - but I need better load transfer to my hips (because of a back problem).
At the same time - trying to keep the actual weight down.
Any suggestions?
nsherry61
03-09-2018, 23:47
The best load transfer packs are typically the big heavy heavy-haulers like the Gregory Baltoro, which truly rocks for this!!
For lighter backpacks, it will probably take some time experimenting with available packs to see what works best for you. It may be you need a slightly different sized circuit instead of a different model?
Maineiac64
03-09-2018, 23:49
What is your base weight like?
If the ULA Circuit is not working and you desire a more traditional riding pack, your best bet (IMHO) is the Osprey Exos 58. Easy to find and try out at Brick and Morter Stores like REI. I actually tried it on to get sizing and see how it felt before I went to my ULA Ohm 2.0.
Feral Bill
03-10-2018, 03:19
Go to a well stocked outfitter, it may take some driving. Try on a variety of packs and wear them, loaded, around the store for as long as you can. Make a day of it. You should find a few choices at around 3 pounds. Buy from a store with a generous return policy and take a hike. Repeat until you are happy.
grubbster
03-10-2018, 08:30
Look at the Seek Outside Gila or Divide. They are external framed and do a great job at weight transfer for me. Right around 3 pounds.
I have a ULA circuit - but I need better load transfer to my hips (because of a back problem).
At the same time - trying to keep the actual weight down.
Any suggestions?
I’ve used a ULA Catalyst in Colorado with somewhere between 30 & 40 pounds. I honestly don’t know the exact weight because I didn’t carry a scale in the car. The load included a WM Alpinlite Long, MSR HUBBA HUBBA NX, a week’s worth of food and up to 3 liters of water. Elevations ranged from 10,000’ to 12,200’.
The Catalyst was just as comfortable as my Dana Design Terraplane and weighed less than half as much. Weight was transferred to my hips. I could slip a finger under the shoulder straps.
We really can’t help because we don’t know how you are loading the Circuit. We don’t know if you have the right size or how you have the hip belt positioned.
I can’t stress enough that you need at least a long weekend trip to know if a backpack is right for you. Buy from a source that will let you get the pack hot and sweaty to know if it is right for you.
Good luck.
Wayne
I’d also suggest you email ULA. They’ll have some ideas for you and also probably refund you if it doesn’t work out
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
cmoulder
03-13-2018, 15:34
As Maineiac64 asked, what's the base weight??
To which I would add, what's the most food and water weight you will be carrying? There's not nearly enough data to respond properly.
With a fully-UL kit, I find that food is quite often the heaviest single item on the list. For people who hike in the desert, water is usually #1.
It makes a huge difference if your total pack weight almost never exceeds 20-25 lbs or is frequently heavier than that.
If you are happy with ULA overall, check out the Catalyst. I owned it briefly before selling it and moving to the Circuit. My recollection is that it transferred weight better but I didn't feel like I needed it with a total pack weight that rarely exceeds 30 pounds. Give ULA a call and I'm sure they will provide input on the choices available.
In 9 out 10 online photos & videos I see of people wearing backpacks the hip belts are around their waists. In other words, about 6-8 inches too high.
The hip belts on ULA packs are secured by Velcro. The belts are adjustable vertically over a range of approximately 4”. Cinching the belt tight matters too. In fact, cinch it tight. Walk 50-100 yards. Then cinch it really tight.
If the belt is in the right place and tight, the shoulder straps are there to keep the pack body close to your back. Without putting any weight on your shoulders.
Good luck!
Wayne
backtrack213
03-14-2018, 09:20
When i use my zpacks arc haul it has good weight distribution at the hips and weighs about 22 ounces i believe. Might cost a little more then the ULA's but its a good durable pack in my opinion.
Scrambler35
08-07-2018, 08:16
It seems obvious that you are simply carrying to much weight (This is an ultralight hiking forum after all, so if you are carrying enough weight to hurt your back then you shouldn't really be on here!)...So how to lighten your load? First you should start with the backpack: Most backpacks are only "water resistant", not "waterproof"...A lightweight waterproof backpack of a given empty weight will actually work out lighter than a lightweight water resistant backpack of the same empty weight, because with the latter you have to cover it with a rain cover when it rains, which adds extra weight, and many don't trust the rain cover alone and also use dry bags inside as well, which adds even more weight. So to save weight, look for backpack that is guaranteed to be waterproof. Personally, I went for the Mountain Hardware Scrambler RT35 Outdry...Under 800g empty, 100% waterproof...You can even go swimming whilst wearing it and everything inside will stay perfectly dry!
Backpack size: It is not essential to carry all your items inside your backpack...Most backpacks have "daisy chain" webbing provided on their back to allow the user to tie bulky items on the outside, saving space on the inside for smaller, easier to pack items. This can also enable you to downsize your backpack, which in turn can reduce the empty weight...You do not need carry a huge 50 plus litre backpack when a 35 litre backpack, with some items stored externally, would suffice.
Items you carry: Needless to say, the less items you carry, the lighter your backpack will be, so sit down and think really hard at what items are actually essential for your hike and what can be left at home.
Swap for lighter kit: Simply replacing heavier items you normally carry with lighter equivalents that do the same job, can save a lot of weight and can often save a lot of space in your backpack too. For instance, replace your sleeping bag with an ultralight Down filled version, and you can save hundreds of grams and they can be packed down really small in an ultralight compression sack. Of course replacing all or most of your kit can be expensive to do, but what is more important?...Much more comfort and having no back pain, or a lighter wallet? You will have to decide that one. ;)
Also if you can check out the Gregory Optic/Octal
I second the Catalyst suggestion. Reasonably light, frame is stiff enough for good load transfer. I just happen to have one for sale, too!
DownYonder
08-10-2018, 12:05
Take a look at the Granite Gear Crown2....60L. Excellent pack!!
2lbs 5oz with the brain. Just under 2lbs without it. Rated to 35lbs.
Time Zone
08-10-2018, 13:17
First you should start with the backpack:
I beg to differ. The conventional wisdom is to change out your pack last, after you have finalized what you will carry. The reason is because your pack needs to efficiently handle the load you carry. The Circuit is aimed at a total load of under 30 lbs. If the hiker's base weight is 25 lbs, and that amt is firm, well, they may need heavier pack with a stronger frame (or different frame), because once you add food, water, and fuel - you are likely to exceed 30 lbs.
With respect, I'd reverse the priorities listed by Scarbmler35. Lighter kit, then minimize the weight of items you carry, and only THEN choose size of pack - and finally, weight/type of pack (taking into account frame needs).
JMO.
PR MAN asks a question on March 3. Provides insufficient information for meaningful answers. Then disappears.
A Zombie thread in the making.
Wayne
TMathers
08-11-2018, 09:01
Look at the Seek Outside Gila or Divide. They are external framed and do a great job at weight transfer for me. Right around 3 pounds.
+1 on the seek outside stuff.
colorado_rob
08-11-2018, 09:07
When i use my zpacks arc haul it has good weight distribution at the hips and weighs about 22 ounces i believe. Might cost a little more then the ULA's but its a good durable pack in my opinion. I've owned a ULA OHM 2.0, a Circuit (briefly) and the Zpacks Arc Haul. The Arc Haul is the most comfortable when fairly heavily loaded (like big water carries on dry trails) because it has by far the best suspension of the three.
I've also used numerous Osprey over the decades, including the Exos, and the Arc Haul blows the Exos away for load carrying comfort. To be fair, my Exos is 5-ish years old, perhaps newer Exos models are better, but basically my Exos hip belt is a joke compared to the Zpacks Arc Haul.
The Arc Haul is my favorite all-time pack.
Scrambler35
08-11-2018, 19:23
I beg to differ. The conventional wisdom is to change out your pack last, after you have finalized what you will carry. The reason is because your pack needs to efficiently handle the load you carry. The Circuit is aimed at a total load of under 30 lbs. If the hiker's base weight is 25 lbs, and that amt is firm, well, they may need heavier pack with a stronger frame (or different frame), because once you add food, water, and fuel - you are likely to exceed 30 lbs.
With respect, I'd reverse the priorities listed by Scarbmler35. Lighter kit, then minimize the weight of items you carry, and only THEN choose size of pack - and finally, weight/type of pack (taking into account frame needs).
JMO.
Jeez!...30lbs is almost 14kg!...My base weight is no more than 7kg, and with food and water my backpack is still under 10kg...That is the difference going truely ultralight makes!
You don't need a huge backpack with a frame, or a huge padded, or even articulated, waistbelt to be comfortable on the trail...You just need to reduce the weight and bulk of everything you carry!
My latest purge in weight focused on my clothing and first aid kit.
I was using North Face zip-off Cargo trousers (Pants) weighing 550g, but recently I managed to find a very similar pair of zip-off Cargo's in a Decathlon store that are 200g lighter!
A typical Cotton T-Shirt can weigh around 150g, so I swapped to Rab Interval Tees', which only weigh 78g (2g lighter than a Patagonia Capilene 1).
My George long sleeved "fleece" top, made of 47% Polyester, 45% Cotton and 4% Elastane, which I previously thought was lightweight, weighs 437g...It has now been replaced with a Rab Interval L/S 1/2 Zip top (basically an ultralight Polyester fleece), which only weighs 118g.
So if I carry 5 Rab Interval Tee's, that's a total weight of 390g, vs 5 Cotton T-Shirts which weigh a total of 750g...A saving of 360g.
Swapping the "lightweight" fleece top for the Rab Interval L/S Top has saved 319g.
The new trousers (Pants) knocks off another 200g....Total saving 879g (1.94lbs).
My first aid kit used to weigh 244g, which seemed too heavy to me so I replaced the small red 1st Aid zip pouch with a Z-packs zip top DCM soft case for Sunglasses which weighs 11g. Inside that I keep a pack of Washproof Assorted Plasters (waterproof band aids), a 3/4 size Polycarbonate mirror, a pack of Sterile Wound Dressing Wipes, a pack of Hydrocolloid Blister Plasters, a Sterile First Aid Dressing (Bandage), additional packs of waterproof plasters, two sets of ear plugs, a pack of 50 Sea to Summit Trek & Travel Pocket body-wash leaves, a Lifesystems Insect bite zapper, a pack of four compressed Towels, a pair of Micromare #285136 LED illuminated tweezers, and now I have replaced the British Army folding scissors and Poundland Penknife with a much lighter TrueUtility Nailclip multitool (nail clipper, nail file, knife, and a pair of scissors all in one)...altogether my 1st aid kit now weighs just 144g, 100g lighter than before!...Add that saving to the saving from switching to ultralight clothing and I have saved 979g, almost 1kg (2.2lbs)! The lighter clothing also packs down much smaller, so saving a lot of space in my backpack, which further reduces the need for a larger backpack.
Scrambler35
08-11-2018, 19:31
Oh, and I saved 151g switching my 240g Gelert waterproof smock for a Berghaus Hyper Jacket weighing just 89g...
cmoulder
08-11-2018, 21:44
Do you carry 5 t-shirts?
DuneElliot
08-11-2018, 22:58
It seems obvious that you are simply carrying to much weight (This is an ultralight hiking forum after all, so if you are carrying enough weight to hurt your back then you shouldn't really be on here!)...So how to lighten your load? First you should start with the backpack: Most backpacks are only "water resistant", not "waterproof"...A lightweight waterproof backpack of a given empty weight will actually work out lighter than a lightweight water resistant backpack of the same empty weight, because with the latter you have to cover it with a rain cover when it rains, which adds extra weight, and many don't trust the rain cover alone and also use dry bags inside as well, which adds even more weight. So to save weight, look for backpack that is guaranteed to be waterproof. Personally, I went for the Mountain Hardware Scrambler RT35 Outdry...Under 800g empty, 100% waterproof...You can even go swimming whilst wearing it and everything inside will stay perfectly dry!
Backpack size: It is not essential to carry all your items inside your backpack...Most backpacks have "daisy chain" webbing provided on their back to allow the user to tie bulky items on the outside, saving space on the inside for smaller, easier to pack items. This can also enable you to downsize your backpack, which in turn can reduce the empty weight...You do not need carry a huge 50 plus litre backpack when a 35 litre backpack, with some items stored externally, would suffice.
Items you carry: Needless to say, the less items you carry, the lighter your backpack will be, so sit down and think really hard at what items are actually essential for your hike and what can be left at home.
Swap for lighter kit: Simply replacing heavier items you normally carry with lighter equivalents that do the same job, can save a lot of weight and can often save a lot of space in your backpack too. For instance, replace your sleeping bag with an ultralight Down filled version, and you can save hundreds of grams and they can be packed down really small in an ultralight compression sack. Of course replacing all or most of your kit can be expensive to do, but what is more important?...Much more comfort and having no back pain, or a lighter wallet? You will have to decide that one. ;)
First off, this is NOT an ultra-light hiking forum and EVERYONE is welcome here. Ask Tipi Walter...he carries a heck of a lot more than anyone would ever consider UL or LW
Second, most backpackers who carry a water-resistant pack (which is everyone NOT carrying a DCF pack) lines their packs with a trash compactor bag vs carrying a pack cover. And unless you are hiking in a rainforest a waterproof backpack is overkill.
Thirdly, why carry crap outside the pack where it off-sets the center of gravity. A few more ozs to carry a properly-sized backpack for all your gear will carry better than something where half of the gear is hanging outside of the pack. And 50l is actually a fairly moderately-sized pack.
Fourth, the OP said he needed better load transfer to his hips...which I understand. That doesn't automatically equate to back pain just because it is a "back problem". I am a very slender 5'5" and 110#...I need the weight of my pack on my hips and not my shoulders. I struggled with the ULA line of packs because of where they put pressure above my Iliac Crest...they just didn't transfer the weight well-enough for me, or in the right way.
Fifth, a lighter wallet doesn't necessarily = more comfort.
No offense but you don't seem to have a whole lot of empathetic experience here
Scrambler35
08-12-2018, 05:10
First off, this is NOT an ultra-light hiking forum
Oh yes it is! This is the "Ultra Light Hikers Forum"! So unless you are a genuine Ultralight hiker you would better off addressing your concerns on one of the other forums, for those that prefer to carry heavy gear.
Second, most backpackers who carry a water-resistant pack (which is everyone NOT carrying a DCF pack)
This is wrong too...All of Mountain Hardware's "Outdry" range are 100% waterproof and they are not made of DCM!
And unless you are hiking in a rainforest a waterproof backpack is overkill.
Not at all...It saves you having to carry the extra weight and bulk of a waterproof backpack cover and/or the untidy mess of using bin/trash bags. It can also double as a flotation device, which can help you cross water that is too deep to wade through.
Thirdly, why carry crap outside the pack where it off-sets the center of gravity. A few more ozs to carry a properly-sized backpack for all your gear will carry better than something where half of the gear is hanging outside of the pack.
The centre of gravity of my pack is spot on...I made my own custom webbing straps which securely strap my Marmot tent pole bag vertically on one rear corner of my backpack and my Helinox Chair Zero, in a home made ultralight carry pouch, is strapped securely vertically on the other corner...Perfect balance! This also keeps the large expandable rear centre pocket, and the two expandable side pockets accessible at all times. The two home-made horizontal webbing straps fix onto my backpack via the concealed vertical daisy chain webbing on each rear corner of my backpack, and only add a few grams.
And 50l is actually a fairly moderately-sized pack.
Not for an Ultralight hiker...35l is perfect.
Fourth, the OP said he needed better load transfer to his hips...which I understand. That doesn't automatically equate to back pain just because it is a "back problem". I am a very slender 5'5" and 110#...I need the weight of my pack on my hips and not my shoulders. I struggled with the ULA line of packs because of where they put pressure above my Iliac Crest...they just didn't transfer the weight well-enough for me, or in the right way.
Only because he is carry far too much weight!
Fifth, a lighter wallet doesn't necessarily = more comfort.
It does if you want to go truely ultralight!...I spent £320 ($410) on a Marmot Phase 30 to save me 200g (6.8oz) over my previous sleeping bag, which was £120 ($153). I spent £70 ($89) on a Berghaus Hyper jacket (in a sale...It was originally £120 ($153)) because it was 151g (5.1oz) lighter than my previous waterproof jacket which was only £25 ($32). I have spent £120 ($153) on three Rab Interval Tee shirts because they save me 216g (7.3oz) over carrying three Cotton Tee shirts, which all cost less than £10 ($13) each, etc, etc...Saving weight costs money, and the lighter you go, the more it costs!!
No offense but you don't seem to have a whole lot of empathetic experience here
No offense, but you don't seem to be a genuine Ultralight hiker...
DuneElliot
08-12-2018, 08:29
Oh yes it is! This is the "Ultra Light Hikers Forum"! So unless you are a genuine Ultralight hiker you would better off addressing your concerns on one of the other forums, for those that prefer to carry heavy gear.
This is wrong too...All of Mountain Hardware's "Outdry" range are 100% waterproof and they are not made of DCM!
Not at all...It saves you having to carry the extra weight and bulk of a waterproof backpack cover and/or the untidy mess of using bin/trash bags. It can also double as a flotation device, which can help you cross water that is too deep to wade through.
The centre of gravity of my pack is spot on...I made my own custom webbing straps which securely strap my Marmot tent pole bag vertically on one rear corner of my backpack and my Helinox Chair Zero, in a home made ultralight carry pouch, is strapped securely vertically on the other corner...Perfect balance! This also keeps the large expandable rear centre pocket, and the two expandable side pockets accessible at all times. The two home-made horizontal webbing straps fix onto my backpack via the concealed vertical daisy chain webbing on each rear corner of my backpack, and only add a few grams.
Not for an Ultralight hiker...35l is perfect.
Only because he is carry far too much weight!
It does if you want to go truely ultralight!...I spent £320 ($410) on a Marmot Phase 30 to save me 200g (6.8oz) over my previous sleeping bag, which was £120 ($153). I spent £70 ($89) on a Berghaus Hyper jacket (in a sale...It was originally £120 ($153)) because it was 151g (5.1oz) lighter than my previous waterproof jacket which was only £25 ($32). I have spent £120 ($153) on three Rab Interval Tee shirts because they save me 216g (7.3oz) over carrying three Cotton Tee shirts, which all cost less than £10 ($13) each, etc, etc...Saving weight costs money, and the lighter you go, the more it costs!!
No offense, but you don't seem to be a genuine Ultralight hiker...
Well we will have to agree to disagree.
MuddyWaters
08-12-2018, 09:02
Jeez!...30lbs is almost 14kg!...My base weight is no more than 7kg, and with food and water my backpack is still under 10kg...That is the difference going truely ultralight makes!
Thats not UL, not even close
Scrambler35
08-12-2018, 12:27
Thats not UL, not even close
Well, that depends on your definition of ultralight of course. Sure, I could cave man and leave everything at home, except maybe for a 2m x 1m tarp and lighter, and just make basic woodland shelter every night, substituting the usual insulation of dead leaves with bundles of long grass if needed and filtering my drinking water from a stream through tight bundleof Sphagnum Moss, held in a rudimentary basket woven from willow twigs...But you know, sometimes it's nice to have the luxuries of 21st camping equipment with you, even if they add a little weight!
colorado_rob
08-12-2018, 13:35
Thats not UL, not even close
Well, that depends on your definition of ultralight of course. Sure, I could cave man and leave everything at home, except maybe for a 2m x 1m tarp and lighter, and just make basic woodland shelter every night, substituting the usual insulation of dead leaves with bundles of long grass if needed and filtering my drinking water from a stream through tight bundleof Sphagnum Moss, held in a rudimentary basket woven from willow twigs...But you know, sometimes it's nice to have the luxuries of 21st camping equipment with you, even if they add a little weight! Well, perhaps MW was referring to the generally held convention, at least on this side of the pond, of "UL" meaning a base weight of less than 10 lbs (or about 4.5 KG, maybe this loose definition is evan less now). Furthermore, one can be less than 10lb base and be completely well equipped, all the comforts, warm bag, nice pad, full bug-screen tent, full suspension and mostly waterproof pack, water filter and a stove. With today's gear, that's not difficult at all. Just kind of expensive!
Is this forum for only ultralight hiking? oops! I think I joined the wrong site.
The site, WhiteBlaze, has a forum for everyone. Lots of them.
You posted in an ultralight forum.
You’re cool.
Wayne
nsherry61
09-10-2018, 21:03
Is this forum for only ultralight hiking? oops! I think I joined the wrong site.
And, if you don't believe Venchka check out this thread! (https://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php/89891-Heavy-Thinking-with-Tipi-Walter)
Then follow other posts by Tipi for a consistently appreciated and different perspective.
Time Zone
09-11-2018, 01:14
Is this forum for only ultralight hiking? oops! I think I joined the wrong site.
I think it's not uncommon that people reply to posts found under "Today's Posts" without noticing which SUBforum the posts were from. I did that once and the "whoosh" sound was me missing the fact that I made a serious reply to a post that had come from the "humor" subforum.
Anyway, it's easy to miss if you catch up on current threads using "today's posts" instead of going to all the subforums in a seriatim manner.
DuneElliot
09-11-2018, 09:47
I think it's not uncommon that people reply to posts found under "Today's Posts" without noticing which SUBforum the posts were from. I did that once and the "whoosh" sound was me missing the fact that I made a serious reply to a post that had come from the "humor" subforum.
Anyway, it's easy to miss if you catch up on current threads using "today's posts" instead of going to all the subforums in a seriatim manner.
That's exactly how I do it except always do through "New Posts"...it is easy to miss which sub-forum something is in
Yes, this is what they won't tell you about most ultralight packs. You can't carry much weight. There may be exceptions, but the three or four I've used were murder at over about 25 lbs. The hipbelts and suspension systems just weren't made for it. It's supposed to be ultralight, right!
Toolumpy
09-21-2018, 23:29
What size ULA Circuit are you using?
cmoulder
09-22-2018, 08:20
OP posted in March and has not checked back. I guess he figured it out lol
Or, living in Myrtle Beach, maybe he has other concerns right about now? :o
While 30# seems like a lot for the UL hiker (particularly on the AT), I have done several trips in Alaska where I had an UL base weight and then added a Bearikade Expedition and 14 days worth of food and fuel so I had load approaching 40lbs. I used a Seek Outside pack, and can't recommend them enough if you carry over 30# or want the best in load transfer. IMO after you get down to 25#, which is more like a weeks' trip for me (I just did 6 days on the Wind River High Route with an UrSack and had 24lb total weight), the SO packs are overkill and there may be better choices out there, but for heavy loads, they are amazing packs.
- I've worn a number of different packs over the past 38 years, from external frame to internal; if you truly want to transfer weight to your hips, external (hence, my Zpacks Arc Haul Zip) is generally the best design, otherwise, a pack spreads the weight out fairly even over your body........now, you can pack an internal so that it rides on your hips more by putting the heaviest items in the bottom which I have done - I've packed my packs with different weight distributions over the years to test comfort but have found I love my Zpack best because of its external CF frame........
PR MAN asks a question on March 3. Provides insufficient information for meaningful answers. Then disappears.
A Zombie thread in the making.
Wayne
OP posted in March and has not checked back. I guess he figured it out lol
Or, living in Myrtle Beach, maybe he has other concerns right about now? :o
Ditto & Ditto.
Wayne
Odd Man Out
09-22-2018, 19:20
My base weight was 14 lbs, but I've lost 18 lbs since May, so is it now negative 4? Woot Woot - time to go gear shopping!!!!
If the ULA Circuit is not working and you desire a more traditional riding pack, your best bet (IMHO) is the Osprey Exos 58. Easy to find and try out at Brick and Morter Stores like REI. I actually tried it on to get sizing and see how it felt before I went to my ULA Ohm 2.0.
After reading the thread and the fighting...
back to the topic.
First, check your fit. Osprey won’t work for my wife.
For me, I’ve a 58 and all the weight is carried on my hips (I hike with the shoulder straps not supporting any weight).
Second, try out various packs in a store until you get one sized and that also rides on your hips.
An REI will have fitting tools and will let you load 20-40 lbs and walk around the store.
You don’t need a Baltero for that (5+ lbs), but you need a pack that fits and rides right for you.
Nothing beats finding that than getting fitted and then and then walking around with sandbags in your pack.
Wish you the best.
(And yes. I’ve paid more than makes sense for some gear, but you don’t have to go crazy).
no worry about packs now for the OP - too busy after the hurricane with having a place to live
TX Aggie
03-09-2019, 16:39
I’m still new to lightweight packs, but I’ve had my fair share of experience with heavy loads and the packs needed to carry them.
Load transfer is all about the gram connecting from the top of the pack down to the hipbelt. That being said, for lightweight pack setups I’m a big fan of twin spar setups like what is found on the Hyperlight packs. I haven’t tried one personally, but I have two other packs that use this design, one a huge military winter pack that I’ve had loaded up to 70+ lbs, and another being a 38L that I’ve had in the 30# range, both perform exceptionally well. Especially the larger one, it’s very easy to loose the eh shoulder straps to the point that 90% of the load is on my hips and the straps are simply there to keep the pack from falling off my back. This is most useful in hot weather when you need to vent your back a little.
Good luck in your search.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
dwcoyote
03-09-2019, 17:34
Looking at the Mountain Hardware Outdry packs I realized that my pack with a pack cover and a compactor bag inside (if I chose to use both) would be lighter than the MH pack.
Five Tango
03-10-2019, 09:45
:sun
In 9 out 10 online photos & videos I see of people wearing backpacks the hip belts are around their waists. In other words, about 6-8 inches too high.
The hip belts on ULA packs are secured by Velcro. The belts are adjustable vertically over a range of approximately 4”. Cinching the belt tight matters too. In fact, cinch it tight. Walk 50-100 yards. Then cinch it really tight.
If the belt is in the right place and tight, the shoulder straps are there to keep the pack body close to your back. Without putting any weight on your shoulders.
Good luck!
Wayne
Sorry I'm confused here.I'm one of those idiots who buckles the hip belt around the waist.If that is too high by 6-8 inches and I lowered it then I wouldn't be able to walk.If I raised it 6-8 inches it would then be around my rib cage and I wouldn't be able to breathe.
Since I don't know enough about anatomy to really identify my iliac-crest,where should the hip belt buckle be relative to my belly button?I gots enough sense to find my belly button.
I usually have around 25-30 in my size medium ULA Circuit fwiw and always have a tendency to have the load lifters pulled all the way up and can't get that perfect 45 degree angle they show on the website.Numerous emails with the company were fruitless too.Help?
:sun
Sorry I'm confused here.I'm one of those idiots who buckles the hip belt around the waist.If that is too high by 6-8 inches and I lowered it then I wouldn't be able to walk.If I raised it 6-8 inches it would then be around my rib cage and I wouldn't be able to breathe.
Since I don't know enough about anatomy to really identify my iliac-crest,where should the hip belt buckle be relative to my belly button?I gots enough sense to find my belly button.
I usually have around 25-30 in my size medium ULA Circuit fwiw and always have a tendency to have the load lifters pulled all the way up and can't get that perfect 45 degree angle they show on the website.Numerous emails with the company were fruitless too.Help?
The 45 degree thing is like a guideline.
The iliac crest is super easy to find; it’s right above your waist - just out your hands down there and feel for the biggest protruding bone...that’s it. Try to keep that big ol’ bone roughly centered in the hip belt pad (I find that I like to keep it in the lower third, but that’s something I just kinda did after countless days on the AT and it worked for me). Your belly button and the buckle shouldn’t matter, but for me with my large belly I find the buckle clasps right below the belly button.
Load lifters, especially in lighter frames packs, aren’t that huge a deal. If the weight is mostly on your hips and comfortable on your back, I wouldn’t care at all what angle the lighter straps are at. Honestly throughout the day I’m making small adjustments to the shoulder straps, load lifters AND sternum strap
My hip belt rides above my hip bones with the top third or so on my iliac crest. My belt buckle below my protruding belly. Belly button may be 3 inches or so above the buckle. If I had less of a belly, I'd wear it a bit higher, but that place now is where my belt naturally rests and the weight is on my hips, not my shoulders. I have a SO Unaweep in Cuben Fiber for most of my trips, but even my SMD Fusion 50 and 60 rests about the same place
Note: The Section Hiker has excellent illustrations on his web pages for locating the Hip Belt!
The distance that I stated previously is probably off.
Suffice to say, the HIP belt should be supported by the hard structure of the pelvis. Not wrapped around the soft area of the abdomen.
My one nit-pick with my ULA Catalyst, which I didn’t notice while being fitted, were the load lifter location. I was measured for a Medium frame and Medium hip belt. Just like my other packs. However, weeks later I noticed that the straps were horizontal. Not a deal breaker. Not perfect either.
If I replace the Catalyst, I will get a Large frame, Medium belt and S straps.
Wayne
Five Tango
03-10-2019, 19:03
My experience with my ULA Circuit is that although I wear a 34 pant which is right in the middle of their medium range for the hip belt I could not easily work the zippers on the hip belt pockets.I wound up ordering a large which moved the hip belt pockets further forward but it truthfully is almost too large as I have to pull the straps as much as possible to get a good fit.Apparently it's working for me ok as the shoulder straps don't dig in.Putting it on and connecting all straps from the top down helps it fit better too.Hip belt buckle is about even with my belly button.I find that if I do put it on as high as possible and tight as possible it will sort of settle onto the hip bones on its own.
MtDoraDave
04-01-2019, 06:55
I followed the instructions on ULA's website for fittment, measuring my torso and waist, called and talked to them on the *gasp* telephone, and received my new Circuit in a few days. It fits perfectly, the load lifters are near perfect 45* angles, and is totally comfortable and sits well supported on my hips. I wear it where the buckle for the pack is maybe an inch above my pants belt buckle - on my hips, not my waist... the top bone of my hips (on the sides) sits about in the middle of the padded waist belt of the pack... I tried to order the S straps based on several people's opinions here, and he said "I probably know more about which straps would be better for you than they do" (or something very similar). Turns out, yes, I got the S straps. He said they fit well for people with square-ish shoulders, not well for people with sloped shoulders.
We don't know if the OP bought it used, don't know if the OP guessed on torso size, don't know if the OP had it overloaded, don't know if the OP didn't watch all the "how to" videos on ULA's website...
This post wasn't so much to help the OP - since I don't think he's ever come back since his original post (?), but to let other people know that they need not be afraid to try the ULA Circuit based on how this thread started.
walkinmyshoes
04-23-2019, 15:08
Ok, and what about this recommendations? What do you think? https://gearhunts.com/how-much-should-my-backpack-weigh/
PR MAN asks a question on March 3. Provides insufficient information for meaningful answers. Then disappears.
A Zombie thread in the making.
Wayne
Didn't disappear - - Just had health problems !
Sorry.