>>2826342yup, the hip belt is as important as knee support IMO. going from my EDC city backpack to a real one, even for day hikes, was like when i started using knee stabilizers downhill.
and i'd like to plug external frames for a minute. i've had this old $30 kelty from craigslist since i started backpacking like 6-8 years ago. i upgraded the straps, belt, and back mesh thanks to an anon on here who did the same. i think the new tioga spare parts fit it.
i've really grown into this backpack and am becoming increasingly convinced it's the perfect one: olive drab raw nylon with 6 pockets. it took about 3 years of serious intent to tailor it to my needs:
>remove top bar and make handle from spare webbing (had to cut off webbing from new shoulder straps cuz unsupported feature)>zing-it and Ti carabiners to lash hammock quilts compression sack to top via top pocket closures with loops tied at ends>paracord and short Ti carabiner runs along bottom to lash bear canister if required>made zipper pulls from zing-it, the stock zippers are tiny af>add zing-it loops to top closure toggles just in case>aftermarket water bottle holder for shoulder strap>organize and waterproof everything inside individually as needed, no trash bag pack liner, no rain cover; freed up tons of space and is organized better + way more waterproof where it matters>whistle on lanyard at right hand arm's reachthis backpack has taken all the dipshit noob meme gear i could throw at it: insulated camo tarp, USMC combat knife, giant sooty aluminum pot, 100' of paracord, north face synthetic sleeping bag, glass bottles, you name it. now i'm looking at a base weight of 15-20 lbs for any duration of trip but it feels exceedingly comfy. it could probably hold a good 50-60 lbs before really bogging down.
