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30-40 L Panel Loader with Good Weight Transfer to Hips?
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Home › Forums › Gear Forums › Gear (General) › 30-40 L Panel Loader with Good Weight Transfer to Hips?
- This topic has 8 replies, 9 voices, and was last updated 6 years, 3 months ago by lance endo.
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Dec 25, 2017 at 10:33 pm #3509419
Hi. I’m looking for a day hiking style (around 30-40 Liter) panel loader that has excellent weight transfer to hips, so that very little to none of the weight is on the shoulders. I will use this pack in a little over 2 months when I will lead a month long 8th grade trip that will involve a combination of city touring and day hikes. A panel loader is very helpful, so that I can more easily keep things easily accessible and organized. I’ll usually be carrying 15-25 pounds 6-8 hours a day. It needs to be long enough to have the hip belt at my hips (I’m 6″2 with a 20 inch torso).
In the past, I have used on this trip what is essentially a school bag with no problem (an REI one) that has a hip belt, but the weight transfer is pretty meaningless probably partially b/c of the torso size has the “hip belt” at my belly button. I want to avoid putting too much weight on my shoulders since in a kayaking accident I recently messed up my rotator cuff (tendonitis, inflamed muscles, possible partial tear of muscle) and the Orthopedist has recommended 6 more weeks of physical therapy and I’ve already done 3 weeks.
I’ll usually be carrying things like a large First Aid Kit, kids’ daily medicines, papers, 3 liter of water, extra layers, and sometimes sports equipment or gear for activities etc.
At this point, the closest thing that I’ve found is the Osprey Kestrel 32 and Stratos 34. They both seem to have some sort of a frame or backpanel that would hopefully lead to meaningful weight transfer to the hip belt. <span style=”text-decoration: underline;”>Does anyone have experience with these bags or do people have better ideas?</span> If I have to abandon the feature of panel loading for real weight transfer to hips, I will do this,
Dec 25, 2017 at 11:40 pm #3509432Not a panel loader, but consider a gossamer gear gorilla. I recently picked one up as a large daypack for family hikes, and the weight transfer to the hips is great.
Dec 26, 2017 at 7:58 am #3509458I had a Kestrel 32 for years. Hiked two three times a week with it. Went to the Japanese Alps with it and ran down my Yari and Mt Fuji with it. With about 7Kg. Carried 9Kg on the way up (water carry was 2.5~3L). The weight transfer to the hips is great (for me it did better than on my ULA Ohm 2.0 for example). Apart from the hip belt that did well, one of the things that I think helped was the ability to adjust torso length so well, and the shoulder load lifter straps to cinch the pack closer to your centre of gravity.
I don’t use it as much anymore because my base weight went down and my volume needs went down. But if you want a panel loader that carries weight well and roughly that volume than it’s a great option.
Hope you find what you need.
Dec 26, 2017 at 1:18 pm #3509464Elemental Horizons Aduro is a 30 – 40L panel loader, it will carry great.
Dec 26, 2017 at 4:42 pm #3509480I travel a lot…for pleasure…and I’m always looking for a panel backpack that I can carry on the plane and drop down at the hostel. I only use panel packs. Way easier to grab my clothing and crap.
How about the Kelty Redwing 32 or 44? I had one of these for 20 years. Worked great.
How about the MHM Salute 34? This pack interest me. It has a cool new front load system that I’ve never seen before. I’m thinking of buying it just to try it out. https://www.mhmgear.com/packs/salute-34/
How about the Osprey Farpoint 40? A bit heavy, but lots of pockets.
How about Six Moon Design Traveler? Bigger than you’re looking for, but may work.
Dec 26, 2017 at 4:58 pm #3509481I am about to purchase a Marmot Graviton 32L. It seems OK in the store, REI is selling it for 40% off. If you like Osprey, they stand behind their gear and have replacement parts available: belts, buckles, etc/
Dec 26, 2017 at 6:06 pm #3509484A bit bigger than what you’re looking for at 64l but there’s the Arc Haul Zip. I’ve used packs of similar size like the Ohm 2.0 as day packs by cinching them down.
Dec 26, 2017 at 9:40 pm #3509500While certainly not cheap or ultralight, both Kifaru and Hill People Gear have some very nice and bomb-proof options. Both companies are great to deal with and have outstanding reputations.
I have a Kifaru Tarryall with carbon arrow stays that I love for a do everything, no worries, travel pack.
For half the price of the Kifaru you could pick up an HPG Aston House Backcountry.
Dec 27, 2017 at 10:22 pm #3509600Vargo Ti Arc ?
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