MYOG Backpack question: Wing or Wrap Hipbelt (+Contoured panels)

When you say wrap, I assume you mean like a belt of foam, fabric, and webbing that goes all the way around and the pack is attached to that.

That's what works for me, but I haven't done wings much.

It seems like wrap is the strongest – which translates to lightest. You can have the lightest amount of materials that provides the necesary strength. I just have a tube of fabric with 1/8th inch foam inside, 3D mesh against me, webbing on both ends with buckle.

Strongest in that it doesn't collapse when you put weight on it.

With wings, there are some seams in the middle that are weak. But I think that's what most people do which works.

Be advised that contouring the side panels to your back is trickier than it looks. Take into account where the pack will sit when loaded near max.

A wrap hipbelt is clearly better than wings sewn into the side seams. Wings can work ok on skinnier packs (e.g. 9" wide back panel @ lumbar), but with 11" they are far from ideal.

Integrating a wrap belt to carry well with a pad sleeve is not obvious. The Gossamer Gear approach of having the belt attach behind the pad with velcro is simple, light, and effective.

Thanks Jerry and David.

David, your articles have been extremely helpful.

I went ahead and made a full wrap hipbelt and it attaches to the pack via Velcro, behind the pad I'll use as a frame sheet, like the gossamer gear packs as you mentioned. I'm actually pretty much making a knock off of the Gorilla, including the OTT closure/pocket system.

I've got the back panel all made and ready (shoulder straps, hipbelt attachment, 3D mesh/backpanel fabric to hold ccf pad) and all my fabric cut out (with contours).
As for the contouring, I traced a CCF/Aluminum stay framesheet that I had made previously that fits the curves of my back perfectly.

I tried on the harness, I guess I'll call it, to make sure the hipbelt/shoulder straps were comfortable and at the right height, etc and it is perfect at the moment. I'll only know for sure once it's all made and packed up.

My phone can't upload photos to websites for some reason so I'll upload them in the morning with my computer.