Help Which backpack???

[Strider]

Bernieq - OT I know, though can you elaborate why your friend is still unsatisfied with their Aarn?

She is particularly slim and has trouble with the waist-belt across/over the crest of the iliac - it rubs and causes bruising.

We've tried various adjustments and It works better than 'normal' packs - but still an issue.

Does it have the separate adjustments top and bottom? I am not at all slim but do have "snake hips". I find tightening the top quite severely and having the bottom almost loose works very well for me.

[bernieq]

I find tightening the top quite severely and having the bottom almost loose works very well for me

Yes, tried that. It's the lack of subcutaneous adipose tissue (ie fat) that is the primary issue, IMO - belt on skin on bone = bruising and abrasion.

It's a problem that will be experienced by a very small minority (and, still, the Aarn is likely to be better than the more common design).

[north-north-west]

I find tightening the top quite severely and having the bottom almost loose works very well for me

Yes, tried that. It's the lack of subcutaneous adipose tissue (ie fat) that is the primary issue, IMO - belt on skin on bone = bruising and abrasion.

It's a problem that will be experienced by a very small minority (and, still, the Aarn is likely to be better than the more common design).

Yes, I have the same issue, because there just isn't any natural padding between the skin and bone. I've found that a piece of CCF between clothing and skin in the appropriate spot helps a lot - the problem is keeping it in place, especially during toilet stops. One can always use a bit of double-sided tape.

[Strider]

Might be an option to get the new hipbelt holsters from Aarn and switch to a One Planet pack instead

[icefest]

Yes, I have the same issue, because there just isn't any natural padding between the skin and bone. I've found that a piece of CCF between clothing and skin in the appropriate spot helps a lot - the problem is keeping it in place, especially during toilet stops. One can always use a bit of double-sided tape.

How are you doing toilets stops to have an issue with chafing? Did you stop walking?

(Just Joking)

Jokes aside, have a look how joe from zpacks attached the lumbar pad to his arc blasts, that would solve the problems of it slipping away.

[north-north-west]

Jokes aside, have a look how joe from zpacks attached the lumbar pad to his arc blasts, that would solve the problems of it slipping away.

The thing is, to really work padding has to be between the clothing and the skin. Otherwise you just get pressure placed on any seams or wrinkles in the fabric and that causes problems.
Someone needs to manufacture a line of walking clothes with gel pads in appropriate places, like they do with the padded-arse bike shorts.

[bernieq]

With profuse apologies to the OP (for the now serious hijack);

I've found that a piece of CCF between clothing and skin in the appropriate spot helps a lot

Yes, that is my friend's solution - but, as you say, NNW, it helps but is a bit awkward.

that would solve the problems of it slipping away

It's not actually slipping, Icefest, it's rubbing/pressure.

Someone needs to manufacture a line of walking clothes with gel pads

You could just eat more

[north-north-west]

Someone needs to manufacture a line of walking clothes with gel pads

You could just eat more

There are two places on my body which never gain weight (not that anything changes much except the thighs): the boobs and the bit over the hipbones.
Life just ain't fair.

[neilmny]

What if you made a sort of shaped wide belt from CCF that has a flattish velcro "buckle" and no overlap of the CCF just have the ends butting together. You must have a bit of a hip to hang it off.

[north-north-west]

What if you made a sort of shaped wide belt from CCF that has a flattish velcro "buckle" and no overlap of the CCF just have the ends butting together. You must have a bit of a hip to hang it off.

There's no lack of hipbone, just lack of natural padding (OK, let's be frank - fat) over the bones. The shape, style and material of which the belt is made are irrelevant - the issue is that there's nothing to protect the skin and nerves from the pressure of being wedged between the rock (hipbone) and the hard place (weight of pack as transmitted by belt).
It's just something some of us have to put up with. Not a major problem, and the Aarn packs are still better in this regard than any other - mostly, I think, because the belt moulds to one's shape so perfectly because of the lack of padding.

[GPSGuided]

Excessive fat padding over the iliac crest is not necessarily a good thing as it adds instability. Needs just enough to engage the belt moulding to permit secure engagement and optimal comfort. I'd say few except the anorexics have inadequate fat layer for the task. More is not better.

[north-north-west]

I'd say few except the anorexics have inadequate fat layer for the task.

You know nothing, Jon Snow.
I'm not anorexic. Far from it. But I don't have any padding just there. Bodies differ a lot.

[GPSGuided]

I'm not anorexic. Far from it. But I don't have any padding just there. Bodies differ a lot.

Never implied you have a eating disorder. Apology if you perceived so. But trust me, you have a fat layer and a decent one over your iliac crests. A scalpel incision can prove it and then a silicon injection implant if so desired at the same sitting.

[puredingo]

Why stop there?

Get yourself a pair of Anjelina joli lips, whiten your teeth and climb the alphabet with a new set of bolt ons.

after all that work blokes will be lined up to carry your pack for you!...Problem solved.

[wayno]

ultralight packs need a bit of practice to use properly... less support in the back means you have to pack them carefully to avoid hard objects sticking into your back, they arent padded as well as most heavier packs... if you have shoulder or back issues you're probably better going with something with a more supportive frame to spread the weight to your hips properly,, some ultralight packs have no frame at all...