I saw a backpack I would like for traveling but it lacks a waist belt and has a sternum strap. Could I make a waist belt from a second sternum strap by attaching the sternum strap where the waist belt would go? Here is a link to an individual sternum strap: http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=9195&memberId=12500226
Posted by
Davis, CA
92 posts
You could certainly sew it on as a waist belt, but it doesn't look sturdy enough to carry any of the weight of the pack. Which I think is the value of having a waist belt, to get some of the strain off your shoulders and have it carried by the hips. You could try it, and then fill your pack and carry it around for a while and see if it does what you want.
Posted by
Napa, CA
3580 posts
It is possible to buy a waist-strap kit from a camping store such as REI. The backpack would need to have attachment sites at the bottom for hooking on the waist-strap. If you think this might work, take the bag to the camping store and get advice from a knowledgable person there. Have you checked all the pockets in the bag for a strap? The first backpack I bought from ETBD seemed to lack a waist-strap, but then I rummaged around in all the pockets and pouches and found one hidden away.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32202 posts
Jamie, I doubt that using a "modified" Pack with a jury-rigged waist belt would be a good idea. To begin with, sternum straps are usually quite small and light, whereas a waist belt should ideally be quite large and well padded as it's carrying a significant portion of the weight.
Adding a waist belt to a Pack would also not ensure that it provides the proper torso range adjustment to distribute the weight properly.
My advice would be to find a PROPER Backpack with a robust waist belt, and have it fitted according to your torso range. It's preferable to try it out fully loaded for an hour or two to make sure the fit works for you.
You might check Rick's Backpacks in the Travel Store, Eagle Creek, Osprey, Arcteryx or Gregory (depending on whether you want panel-load or top-load). A "stowable harness" and detachable Daypack are two popular and useful features.
Good luck!
Posted by
OP
Monterey, CA, USA
24 posts
Thanks for the tips! I figured I ought to find a backpack with a waist belt but I wanted to see others' opinions first.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23267 posts
A waist belt is useful IF you care carrying a lot of weight -- probably more than 25 lb. We have the older style Steves bags that did not have the waist strap (I think the new models do). I have a waist belt on an Eagle Creek bag that I rare get out. Since we keep our bags at the 20 lb. mark, I don't think the belt makes a lot of difference.
Posted by
Bend, OR, United States
1167 posts
Frank's statement that a waist belt is useful only for packs weighing 25# or more might be correct if you are very strong and/or you aren't planning to carry the pack very far. Unless you meet both criteria do yourself a favor and get a bag with a properly fitting and well padded waist belt.
Posted by
Napa, CA
3580 posts
Rick's old style bag, at least the one I had, had a waist belt hidden in a pocket in the back of the bag. It took me a few uncomfortable days to find it. For me, any bag weighing over 10# needs a waist belt. Otherwise the entire weight is on your shoulders and back. It's really important to go into "training" with the pack. With increasing weight, walk with the pack a dozen times before your trip. The body needs to build up the right muscles. I figure when I can walk comfortably for a mile with my loaded pack I'm good to go.