Question for SMD Fusion (1st gen) owners

They exchanged my small for a medium.  I sent the small back ($4) and included $6 to cover shipping.  Total cost was $10 but if you are farther east it could be slightly more.  If you read their info closely, they recommend measuring around the top of your iliac crest which will be larger than your waist/pant size.

Thanks for the info John, as I suspected SMD is a solid company. I think SMD should update their information though.

I don’t see any information in the description that says to measure around the top of your iliac crest. If they do have that information in another part of the site it’s buried. A quick update to the sizing information could save SMD a lot of trouble having to swap out hip belts and talk with customers like me.

The Fusion packs come with our Standard 10 oz. Hip Belt. Each belt is padded with a stiff 3/8″ thick foam core and backed with a rigid plastic. The Hip Belt is articulated at each end to allow it to easily fold and wrap around your hip bone. The unique 4 point buckle system allows you to lock the angle of the hip belt for a more comfortable fit.

The Hip Belt has dual pockets. Each capable of holding 60 ci. or 1 liter of easily accessible gear. They are sized to be large enough to carry a small digital camera, GPS, snacks, sun screen or other items you need quick access too. Still they aren’t so large as to get in your way.

The Hip Belts are available in three sizes.

Small – 29 to 34 inches
Medium – 33 to 38 inches
Large – 37 to 44 inches

^ On the website it specifically says “waist sizes” in reference to their listed measurements.

Yes, I found it on a Google search when looking at the packs.  I was directed to the specific page but much of this info either can’t be found while on the site or is not available through the site.

Great news regarding SMD’s customer service.  I think Ron and Co. are a fantastic cottage company that just so happened to make one of my favorite packs.

A bunch of Fusion lovers here! Have you tried an HMG pack? Thoughts on the comparison?

Sorry Shawn, I’ve never used a HMG pack so I can’t compare the two.  I’ve heard nothing but positive reviews of the load-carrying ability of those packs, considering their light weight.