When I was fitted for my backpack the template (for lack of better words) had slots or holes where my iliac crest was supposed to fit. This gave me the impression that your waist belt should fit "around your hips". But if I put on my pack that way and tighten it, the belt eventually falls down from the weight of the pack and most of the weight is eventually carried by my shoulders. The only way my hips "carry" the majority of the weight is when I actually secure it just above my hips and the pack somewhat rests on top of my hips with the weight of the pack pressing down on my hips.
So the question here is how do you wear/adjust/fit/conform your pack's waist band? Is the proper way around your hips with the belt super tight so it doesn't slip down and shoulder straps cinched tight or is it just above your hips with the weight resting on top of them?
I hope that makes sense. Kind of a crazy question I guess. And no, I've never done a 2000+ mile thru hike but I have hiked a couple of hundred miles and just want to know how others do this.
Thanks