Back pack with belt or not?

[Bingobango]

Hi people.
Very much enjoyed reading through the forum.
Planning to get more out and about this year, further than a short walk from the car so been looking for a backpack.
Just wanted advice on why some packs have belts and some not. For load bearing I'm sure. Would it be necessary is my question if I'm lugging it for a few hours each way, max?
Am considering one with option for inbuilt hydration so I don't have to take water separately, and so added weight there.
Also, as my son is becoming very keen on camping/outdoors I will end up carrying the bulk of the gear for both of us.
So, there may be a fair weight to carry.
Want to avoid if possible buying something without belt, then regretting it.
Any advice greatly appreciated.

 

[ex member coconino]

Belt for sure. A rucksack is best carried high on your back with a tight belt on the hips taking most of the weight into your pelvis and down your legs. You don't want all the weight on your back, think of your spine!

 

[Scots_Charles_River]

Seconded, I use a large pack even for day walks, partly because it's so comfy with the hip/waist belt.

 

[PaulSanderson]

i agree with the previous posts...you'll never realise how comfy a rucksackn is with the belts until you have one. It makes a world of difference!! I managed to modify my small 35ltr rucksack to incorporate a hydration bladder, but I use that for "trekking" only. If im planning an overnighter, or somewhere where i want to "cook up" its worth taking a seperate water source (i.e canteen, bottle etc)...

 

[Bingobango]

Thanks. That was my thinking but I didn't want to go over the top unnecessarily.

 

[redandshane]

Absolutely positively yes to a hip belt

But even more importantly make sure it fits your height/build ie it sits on your hips as previously said

I regularly hike with camping gear and if you are doing more than a few miles you will notice the difference very quickly indeed
Now as for sternum straps; if climbing and very rough terrain or throwing yourself around etc I can obviously see the point; but I rarely use mine; as at 50 I have given up all that rolling around wearing a pack malarkey
I have enough trouble carrying my own gear never mind someone else s

 

[Shewie]

Try to get around 65% of the weight just above the hips if possible. If it's just a day sack and you're not carrying much more than 5kg then a waist belt isn't really necessary.

 

[nenook]

hip belt all the way , if your pack is light on an occasion you can allways clip the belt around the back of the pack ,

nenook