>>2738906>Do they actually work?To an extent. None have worked well for me, but they're all better than a smooth surface.
>What's the best hot climate daypack?ALICE medium, unironically. the frame keeps the pack around 10cm off your back (much more than most exoframes). It's a bit big for a daypack, but getting an ALICE small is pretty much impossible except for the crappy rothco reproduction, so taking the medium and cinching it down is the best option.
>my current pack has wide, solid straps, and I get completely wet underneath themThat's always going to be an issue. good straps will soak through and remove the excess sweat, but your shirt is still going to be wet. Wear a merino shirt, and it won't be that bad.
I lived in Okinawa (subtropics) for around two years, didn't ahve a car and lugged my groceries home in an ALICE (two, actually - medium and large). With wide cotton shorts, merino underwear and a merino shirt, it's outright comfy even in 100% humidity. If you take my recommendation though, make sure to get an improved waist belt. The original ones suck, and te ones from the Molle pack or the non-issue ones from Okinawa Tactical or Platatac are much better. Tactical tailor supposedly also makes good ones, but those, I haven't tried because of how overpriced they are.
