I think the belt that arizonabowman was referring to is the one that you might be wearing to hold your pants up. as the wrong one under the pack belt can be a real problem for the hips.
Congratulations and enjoy the times ahead.
Now from a guy with two sons in their 30's. My first thought was what I see here all the time ( buy once cry once) I say EMR II all the way. After all she did say get what you like
First I took out the stays, took off the shoulder strap assembly, and cut off the lumbar pad. Now in the center there is a vented material, I cut that at the top of the narrow section. I sewed some 1" webbing across the pack just above that cut and folded a piece of hypalon material inside that...
I also have the dragonfly but pack a little different then most. I put my water bladder in the scabbard, kill kit including game bags in the bladder compartment. My water filter, gloves and sneaking socks in the small compartment below that. Tent and sleeping pad in one side pocket and sleeping...
I have only read good things about toa on the kifaru site, but am also in the same boat as jb79. I bought a belt, sent pay pal payment april 5 and haven't herd a word. hopefully he is ok and in good health.
Thanks guys, Just trying to figure out what length frame to get. I think I will go with the 26" because I want to put a side zip long pocket below the nomad.