Hip Belt Padding Short

[Bob Hummel]

Hello All!
I could use some advice from you Camino Veterans again.
I have an Osprey Exos 48 with a medium frame. I like everything about this pack, especially the weight.
But, on one of my training hikes I noticed that the padding on the hip belts only extends to about the middle of my side.
I don't know if this will be a problem or not. The pack feels great on my training hikes. But the longest one has been only 4 hrs. I wonder if this will become an issue on an all day hike.
Some say the passing should wrap around to the front of the hips.
Unfortunately, the shoulder straps and hip belt are not adjustable.
What do you all think?
Bob

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

If I found this was a problem on long hikes I would experiment with some improvised pad extensions before buying another pack.

 

[fraluchi]

...
I have an Osprey Exos 48 with a medium frame.[...] on one of my training hikes I noticed that the padding on the hip belts only extends to about the middle of my side.
I don't know if this will be a problem or not....

Not all padding of backpacks reach 'round the waist. If your padding fits well over your hip bones, your pack should wear OK.

 

[VNwalking]

My Osprey padding goes over the hipbones but it still causes 'saddle sores'--this year I've promised myself to remember to put omnifix or even molefoam over the hips before I begin to walk. I don't know why this happens--it's adjusted to fit and does fit well otherwise. And I love the pack.
So...well, perfection is impossible.

 

[gerardcarey]

After losing a little weight, usually a good thing, I find the hipbelt on my Osprey Talon 44 biting into my hips.
Anybody got any ideas as to adding a little permanent cushioning?
Regards and TIA
Gerard

 

[VNwalking]

I just sent an email to Osprey; since I'm not the only one, they may have heard from others with the same problem and have a suggestion. Stay tuned, @gerardcarey.

 

[camino-david]

Looking at my adjacent photo, you will see some grey covers over the backpack shoulder straps, which I wear because I have bolts and pins in my left shoulder. These covers are sheepskin about 30 cms long and are some people use in Australia use them to cover seat belts in cars. I have never seen them in other countries, but if you are interested send me a PM and I will send you a photo and the shop where they are made. I see no reason why they would not be suitable on waist belts. The main items sold in the shop are sheepskin 'Ugg' boots and slippers.

 

[Priscilla NC]

I would do some longer training walks to see if this became an issue. Due to my build and my lower back issues, I do best with the hip belt at my waist - or at least above the hip bone. I have no problems with this, but I'm sure I would if I were to wear the belt on my hip bones.

 

[gerardcarey]

These covers are sheepskin about 30 cms long and are some people use in Australia use them to cover seat belts in cars.

Thanks David.
There's a sheepskin shop, that does a little manufacturing, just a few blocks away here in Brissy. Somewhere with a few inches of scrap and a sewing machine may solve my problem.
Regards
Gerard

 

[nidarosa]

@Bob Hummel and @Viranani - I crumbled and bought the new version Talon 44 today. I already have a new (=unused), old (=previous version) one. Both are size S/M and a quick comparison of the waist belts shows that the padded bits (=fins) are actually about an inch longer on either side on the new one, but the total length of the belt is the same as the old version. In fact when I loaded both with about 8 kg I thought the belt on the new version felt better. I should add that I am of the tall and chunky persuasion and need the full length of the waist strap, so to me those extra inches of padding really make a difference. The padded fins on the M/L version(s) are longer again but the back is then way too long for me. There are a few other changes on the pack too but these are minor - the belt will be the deciding factor for me. I have also asked customer service just now if this means the Tempest models will also have wider padded fins - I will let you know when I get a reply.

 

[jmcarp]

After losing a little weight, usually a good thing, I find the hipbelt on my Osprey Talon 44 biting into my hips.
Anybody got any ideas as to adding a little permanent cushioning?
Regards and TIA
Gerard

My Osprey Kestral has openings in the mesh on the inside of the hip belt. I cut some foam padding approx 10mm thick to fit and slipped it into these openings. See the attached photo -- you can see the grey foam inside the opening.

 

[jmcarp]

Looking at my adjacent photo, you will see some grey covers over the backpack shoulder straps, which I wear because I have bolts and pins in my left shoulder. These covers are sheepskin about 30 cms long and are some people use in Australia use them to cover seat belts in cars. I have never seen them in other countries, but if you are interested send me a PM and I will send you a photo and the shop where they are made. I see no reason why they would not be suitable on waist belts. The main items sold in the shop are sheepskin 'Ugg' boots and slippers.

You can buy those sheepskin seat belt pads at auto parts stores here in the US.

 

[Sixwheeler]

It won't be a problem.

 

[Bob Hummel]

Looking at my adjacent photo, you will see some grey covers over the backpack shoulder straps, which I wear because I have bolts and pins in my left shoulder. These covers are sheepskin about 30 cms long and are some people use in Australia use them to cover seat belts in cars. I have never seen them in other countries, but if you are interested send me a PM and I will send you a photo and the shop where they are made. I see no reason why they would not be suitable on waist belts. The main items sold in the shop are sheepskin 'Ugg' boots and slippers.

That's a great idea David!
Thanks!
Bob

 

[dougfitz]

@Bob Hummel, I don't see why you want longer hip wings. Once they have reached past the iliac crest, there is no more bony structure in your hips to protect. Certainly if they are too short for that, it might be a problem, but if they reach past the mid-line at your sides, that doesn't appear to be a problem.

 

[Bob Hummel]

@Bob Hummel, I don't see why you want longer hip wings. Once they have reached past the iliac crest, there is no more bony structure in your hips to protect. Certainly if they are too short for that, it might be a problem, but if they reach past the mid-line at your sides, that doesn't appear to be a problem.

They go right to the mid-line and no further.
Once I knock off a few pouches, it will probably be perfect!