Just got in from a 3 mile hike in the southeastern AL jungle checking trail cams with a 40 lb bag of salt, some water, and a Mossberg 500 pump for sneaky snakes on my new Pro suspension with a load hauler and tall frame. Due to foot issues I’ve taken it easy on my legs and feet until now, just got a cast off my left leg two weeks ago today. Until last week January was the last time I had taken a weighted hike, so I’m not in hiking shape.
All up, that setup had me 11-13 lbs heavier than my hunting weight for this Fall.
I’m not sure how something is supposed to be any more comfortable than this new Pro belt and suspension at that weight (49-51 lbs total). I could barely tell I was wearing it. It easily put the weight on my hips, and even though my first Lite Wick 150 shirt was literally completely soaked in sweat the belt did not slip, not even a little. I could feel sweat running down my back and I’d stop thinking surely I’d need to lift it up some but no, right where I left it.
For the money I am tickled. It may struggle under ultra heavy loads, I haven’t tested that but honestly I’m not going to ever put it over more than 70-75 lbs.
Also, it was quieter than a church mouse. My hiking partners Alps sounded like a symphony of squeaks but mine was absolutely silent.