Stone Glacier Comfort?

[hrnhntr]

I have switched from my MR to Stone Glacier this year and on my first pack it was very uncomfortable on my hips and lower back on the hip belt. Anyone else have this issue or what I might be doing wrong? I loved the comfort of the MR especially with heavy loads, but the way their belt was I couldn't run my pistol and other items without it pulling all the loose belt and smashing on the ground.

 

[bojangles808]

any 80 90 100 lb packout is going to suck but if its way less comfortable than something else i was running before thatd be a red flag for me, and id probably look to switch back. theres plenty of backpack fit vids out there so im guessing youre somewhat close with fit if you were able to do it with the MR.

i have issues with the stone glacier belt pinching the skin between where my pants waistband and boxers waistband all meet on the front of my hip and making a hot spot on uphill packouts with loads. Never had that issue with an exo or kuiu. SG didnt have much of a solution except tell me theyve never heard of that problem and to wear a thinner pants belt but it happens with any belt and any pants. Kind of silly for a 6-700$ pack but whatever. The rest of the pack is very comfy though with a load as the x curve fits my body really wellso ive stuck it out. as long as i put 2 strips of leukotape on the front of each hip before i go im good. ideal situation would be a kifaru belt on a SG frame for me

 

[justin davis]

Found the same thing when we tested 60 lbs. found the the Kifaru was much more comfortable with weight than stone glacier

 

[Kotaman]

I agree with Justin in that anything over 60 lbs, it gets "tougher" with SG for me. I am willing to sacrifice a tough pack out or in for carrying a lighter pack the rest of the hunt though. When I KNOW I'm going to be hauling a really heavy load, I take my Kifaru. ie. moose hunting. When I'm hunting the mountains, I take my SG and "embrace the suck" for the pack out. I've packed out some 80-90 lb. loads with my SG and while I don't want to do it on a regular basis, I don't mind it for a successful pack out.

 

[hammer0419]

I actually had that problem with the SG Original Krux and the new Evo. Horribly uncomfortable. I sent the Evo back for an X-CURVE and it is incredibly comfortable. Obviously everyone is different though.

 

[Jimss]

Most of the reviews I read when I was deciding between SG and Kifaru mentioned that the Kifaru belt and harness was more comfortable with hefty loads. When it came down to the nitty-gritty I ended up with a Kifaru. The other thing I didn't like about SG is it doesn't come in camo. It's pretty wild that SG doesn't offer camo...but I guess it doesn't matter to some guys. I bet SG looses customers just from the fact they don't offer camo and a little more comfortable belt?

 

[Courtlandfarms]

I’ve owned or had access to most packs currently made. I began with the original SG krux Fra and with heavier loads had the same experience with discomfort on my hips. SG worked with me and upgraded to the x curve frame when it came out and haven’t looked back. The upgraded belt and being able to customize the tension on your hips really solved my issues.
What I really noticed from the other I had were they were actually very comfortable belts and lumbar I just didn’t like how they carried loads. I feel like the SG is more “ridged” and don’t notice any sagging or swaying with it.

Give SG a call I have had the best customer service of any company I’ve ever dealt with.

 

[RAPTOR]

I’ve owned or had access to most packs currently made. I began with the original SG krux Fra and with heavier loads had the same experience with discomfort on my hips. SG worked with me and upgraded to the x curve frame when it came out and haven’t looked back. The upgraded belt and being able to customize the tension on your hips really solved my issues.
What I really noticed from the other I had were they were actually very comfortable belts and lumbar I just didn’t like how they carried loads. I feel like the SG is more “ridged” and don’t notice any sagging or swaying with it.

Give SG a call I have had the best customer service of any company I’ve ever dealt with.

Agreed, they really are just good people there. You find out alot about what back profile suits you when you up the weight in the pack. I have a feeling a lot of guys assume one thing, and find out they're the opposite.

 

[Jimss]

There's a lot to comfort when hauling extreme loads. Top on the list would be proper fit. It helps having a frame, shoulder straps, and belt that can easily be adjusted to your particular body profile. Load lifters are SUPER important, In fact, I'm ready to sell my current Kifaru frame and buy another one with a longer frame with higher load lifters. Small things like a sternum strap also help support the load.

It's also important to have a bag/frame that is snug to your body so there is no dangerous shifting of weight on steep, uneven terrain. Loading your pack properly so the bulk of the weight is tight against your core. Having proper straps to tightly secure the load tight to your frame is also key.

I hate sweating when hauling. It's nice having materials and construction against your back that allow circulation and quick drying.

 

[bcimport]

I went back to the MR NICE after trying SG, Kifaru, HPG and the MR Guide Light. That old school NICE frame is heavy but it sure is comfortable.

 

[Turkeygetpwnd38]

I’m running a stone glacier x-curve and it fits me like a glove. I’ve been lucky enough to have several 80Lbs+ this season and several more last season and I feel it’s as comfortable as a heavy pack out could be. That being said, there is definitely no one size fits all and just have to find out what works for you. It’s definitely hard when quality packs are $500-700 so can’t try them all, but stone glacier is a great company ran by great folks, I’d reach out. If you’re in the area go by and I’m sure they can load it up and get it adjusted perfectly there, then at least you would know.

 

[HookUp]

I tested a SG and it just didn't feel comfortable. My kifaru is like a glove. I really think it depends on body type. The SG had thinner padding and was noticeably lighter built and obviously lighter in weight than my Kifaru.

 

[hammer0419]

Most of the reviews I read when I was deciding between SG and Kifaru mentioned that the Kifaru belt and harness was more comfortable with hefty loads. When it came down to the nitty-gritty I ended up with a Kifaru. The other thing I didn't like about SG is it doesn't come in camo. It's pretty wild that SG doesn't offer camo...but I guess it doesn't matter to some guys. I bet SG looses customers just from the fact they don't offer camo and a little more comfortable belt?

Camo is probably one of the most over rated things in hunting!! SG is not losing a penny because of that. Before Aron came into the Kifaru picture. ALL Kifaru packs were black. Never ever lost a shot on an animal because of my black Spikecamp or Longhunter. Colors satisfy the buyers. Not the game!

 

[Kotaman]

Camo is probably one of the most over rated things in hunting!! SG is not losing a penny because of that. Before Aron came into the Kifaru picture. ALL Kifaru packs were black. Never ever lost a shot on an animal because of my black Spikecamp or Longhunter. Colors satisfy the buyers. Not the game!

I agree with this...I always said, if you aren't getting opportunities because of the color of your pack, you have more problems than the color of your pack...

 

[Fins_N_Tines]

I tried a out a kifaru lat year with the new duplex lite and although I do believe their lumbar and hip belt are best in class, I just couldn't get the shoulder straps to fit comfortable. I also felt like a heavy load was not tight against my back. I will say I love Kifaru and still want to try another pack as I really want to use a Kifaru pack, but there is no denying my SG fits like a glove., so I went back to SG. That being said I have had a minor issue with the Xcurve hip belt and had a little discomfort only on the right side right on the front of my hip bone. I finally contacted SG and Pete took care of me and sent me out a brand new hip belt to try out and see maybe I had a bad hip belt. Although I was skeptical I tried it out and it instantly felt better. I later compared the inside foam with my older hip belt and noticed that they changed the foam apparently recently. The old hip belt was a firm foam and was dual density. the new belt feels a little softer and is single density and so far has made my pack a dream again. Funny how we are all different. i feel the SG really shines with the heavy weight over 80lbs and I have tried KUIU, Kifaru, and Exo K2.

Also, I feel SG packs are second to none with keeping the pack against your back and not sliding down. When I put 80lbs - 100lbs and secure the straps I never have to worry about re-adjusting and moving the pack back up on my hips.

 

[wind gypsy]

Last year I tried an Xcurve on in Black Ovis showroom and hung out for a while with some weight in it. I could feel pressure points on the front of my hip bones I knew would be a problem.. This summer I stopped into the SG showroom and again tried on a xCurve. They got me fitted and after 20 minutes with some weight in it i wasn't feeling the same pressure points and walked out with a pack. After a sheep and elk hunt with it I'll say it handles weight and stays on my hips better than my Gen 2 duplex, SO revolution, and exo k2 frames did. It isn't as comfortable with light loads as the exo or Seek outside frame but not bad.

Frames are a personal thing, how your mobility, strength/build, and skeletal structure is impacted by the pressure points of a given frame can vary quite a bit from someone else. I'd give the folks at SG a call before giving up but in the end it might just not be for you.

 

[THBZN]

I have switched from my MR to Stone Glacier this year and on my first pack it was very uncomfortable on my hips and lower back on the hip belt. Anyone else have this issue or what I might be doing wrong? I loved the comfort of the MR especially with heavy loads, but the way their belt was I couldn't run my pistol and other items without it pulling all the loose belt and smashing on the ground.

Take a look at the new MR Guide Light MT frame/waistbelt (on the Beartooth, Sawtooth and Selway). Five piece belt, beefy foam, MOLLE attachments for your holster, etc.

 

[Gumbo]

I had a Krux and have tried the new SG frames at the shop (that were fitted to me by Pete) and even under a moderate load of 60 pounds the packs lacked the rigidity necessary for me to maintain a normal posture. The NICE frame is better, but under 80+ pound loads with lifters even they compress. You can visibly see this when watching someone go from day load to hauling weight (all my friends run MR because we have a friend there so I have a lot of experience with the NICE and GL frames). Once I switched to the Kifaru Duplex Hunter a few years agoI knew I found the right pack. The frame allows me to walk in a normal posture under even very heavy loads (100+). Don't get me wrong, it still sucks packing that much weight, but at least the pack maintains its position on my body and the frame doesn't flex. Now when I pack out with my MR buddies I watch them suffer all hunched up and leaned forward while I walk upright. I honestly feel bad for them because it is clearly far less painful for me than them.

 

[Fins_N_Tines]

I tried a out a kifaru lat year with the new duplex lite and although I do believe their lumbar and hip belt are best in class, I just couldn't get the shoulder straps to fit comfortable. I also felt like a heavy load was not tight against my back. I will say I love Kifaru and still want to try another pack as I really want to use a Kifaru pack, but there is no denying my SG fits like a glove., so I went back to SG. That being said I have had a minor issue with the Xcurve hip belt and had a little discomfort only on the right side right on the front of my hip bone. I finally contacted SG and Pete took care of me and sent me out a brand new hip belt to try out and see maybe I had a bad hip belt. Although I was skeptical I tried it out and it instantly felt better. I later compared the inside foam with my older hip belt and noticed that they changed the foam apparently recently. The old hip belt was a firm foam and was dual density. the new belt feels a little softer and is single density and so far has made my pack a dream again. Funny how we are all different. i feel the SG really shines with the heavy weight over 80lbs and I have tried KUIU, Kifaru, and Exo K2.

Also, I feel SG packs are second to none with keeping the pack against your back and not sliding down. When I put 80lbs - 100lbs and secure the straps I never have to worry about re-adjusting and moving the pack back up on my hips.

Update: I guess I spoke a little to soon. Today I loaded up the pack with a heavier sand bag and I again had some discomfort on the right front hip. Although it is much less then with the original hip belt it still doesn't feel as good as the left side.

 

[Fins_N_Tines]

I tried a out a kifaru lat year with the new duplex lite and although I do believe their lumbar and hip belt are best in class, I just couldn't get the shoulder straps to fit comfortable. I also felt like a heavy load was not tight against my back. I will say I love Kifaru and still want to try another pack as I really want to use a Kifaru pack, but there is no denying my SG fits like a glove., so I went back to SG. That being said I have had a minor issue with the Xcurve hip belt and had a little discomfort only on the right side right on the front of my hip bone. I finally contacted SG and Pete took care of me and sent me out a brand new hip belt to try out and see maybe I had a bad hip belt. Although I was skeptical I tried it out and it instantly felt better. I later compared the inside foam with my older hip belt and noticed that they changed the foam apparently recently. The old hip belt was a firm foam and was dual density. the new belt feels a little softer and is single density and so far has made my pack a dream again. Funny how we are all different. i feel the SG really shines with the heavy weight over 80lbs and I have tried KUIU, Kifaru, and Exo K2.

Also, I feel SG packs are second to none with keeping the pack against your back and not sliding down. When I put 80lbs - 100lbs and secure the straps I never have to worry about re-adjusting and moving the pack back up on my hips.

Update: After loading the pack up again with sandbags I am still experiencing some minor discomfort on my right hip bone in the front. Although it does feel better with the hip belt it still doesn't feel the same as my left side.