Backpack Fit

I find my hip flexors get sore after just a few miles, if I let the pack settle too low on my nonexistent hips. I've gone so far as to raise the pack so the hip belt crosses my navel, which seems to eliminate the hip flexor problem.

April had side hips, and nothing in the trunk. This allowed her to set the hip belt at her waist, and it would stay there. Essentially, her pack was at the same place, her navel, as I ended up moving to. If I stand in front of a mirror (with my navel exposed) and put my thumbs on the top of my hip bones, I can see that my navel is only slightly above my thumbs.

It doesn't take an ill-fitting pack to give a beginning packer sore hip flexors.

Some hip belts have two straps on each side, one to run above the iliac crest and one below. This can help dial in a hip belt's fit and comfort.

You're correct she doesn't have much body fat at all. Maybe before she goes again she'll have her own pack at that point. She doesn't live near by so it's kind of hard to help with the process of finding and fitting pack.

I was struggling myself on that trip because I had a brand new pack that I was trying to dial in. I finally got my pack adjusted where I like on a hike that I've done more recently.

I'm not sure how everyone else does things but I can hike for miles without hardly noticing my pack if I can put almost all the weight on my hips. I know you're not suppose to but I like it best when there is the a bit of a gap between the straps and the top of my shoulder.

The size of everything (frame or at least strap placement) is individualistic to a great extent. Frame size (both pack and person), how much “ledge” (= non butt, regular butt, .. up to Kim Kardashian takes a hike). Then there’s how much is packed within a volume. Had one pack maker recommend a taller size if the load goes over 35lbs, and maybe a couple more makers too.    Of course those are “lightweight” to “ultralight” gear makers who’s users may load down with food, water, or short segments with an added bear can (probably less water on the latter though).

Think the designs are becoming more sophisticated in their own way.  Now most packs with a hipbelt with have 4 mini-straps to adjust..

Ok another question for you good people out there, only this time I'm trying to find a good fit for my nephew. Just for fun we went into his local REI so he could visually see and touch some options. However, what we discovered is that all the men's backpacks hipbelts are too big, even the smalls. His torso is 20in but his waist is 29in. And even the medium pack's hipbelts were too big. We tried a couple of women's packs and although they might work for his hips the shoulder straps are way too small.

So I'm thinking that we need to start looking at pack brands where you can choose your hip belt size. I've never had to go this route before so does anyone have a recommended brand where you can get a smaller hip belt?