Who here uses a day pack with a hip belt? I’ve been using a badlands pack without a hip belt and have considered changing because hip belts seem to be more comfortable distributing a load but it also seems like it would get much hotter. Thoughts?
I have so I can keep some goodies in a pair of pouches, not a huge fan of things in my pockets.
Especially garden shears, I'm in thick brush and it also helps me backtrack.
If you're concern is heat and you're very active, attach a 1" webbing as a waist belt, that shouldn't add too much heat.
I have an Eberlestock I run as a daypack and I put the hipbelt on it. Can carry accessories and of course pistol and extra mag or two. Throw a small belt pouch on it for chapstick, sunscreen, and a bandana. I have never noticed the heat.
I wouldn't even think of wearing a pack that doesn't have a "waist" belt. That's where most of the weight is carried. And when you're carrying around a pack for 14+ hours a day you certainly don't want all the weight on your shoulders. My day pack weighs in at 15-20 pounds depending on how much water I'm carrying.
Mine has one but I never buckle the hip belt unless I’m hauling a load out
While regular hunting I just use the shoulder straps. I never could get use to having it buckled around my waist if I have a light day hunt load in it. Seems too hot for me.