New vs old hipbelt and question

[mankind117]

Two questions
1. Are there any real functional differences between the new hipbelt that does not have the spacer mesh and the old ones?
2. I have noticed that on my hipbelt (with the spacer mesh) sometimes the fabric starts to rotate around the foam in the belt from the weight of the pack since the fabric is just sewn around the foam but not really attached in any way. I don't know if this makes sense. Not a big deal as usually at the end of the day I take a minute to put in back and it doesn't rotate far. I was wondering anyone else has seen this.

[blgoode]

I haven't nkticed that sort of thing happening to mine. I have the old style. I prefer the 3d mesh as much as I sweat and I didn't like the new setup as much.

[Fowler]

No real difference with the new belt in regards to the rotation you mention.

I've had it happen on one belt (out of the 5-6 I've used) but couldn't explain why or why not it happens when it does. We would love to be able to bartack through the foam but it is simply too thick, keep us posted though.

the belt that it happened to me on only creeped by 1/4" to 1/2" or so, how much is yours moving?

[UncleAir]

I, too, have just noticed the rotation of the cover. I am not sure, but I think it has resulted in the seam along the bottom digging into my skin while I am wearing only a t shirt and carrying 35 lbs while training. It has actually rubbed it raw making it uncomfortable to wear. I didn't notice it until I started carrying the heavier loads.

Anyone else have this particular problem? If so, what did you do to alleviate it?

Thank you

[mankind117]

about 1/4 t o1/2 found about right for the amount of creep. Like I said usually at the end of a day I just re-adjust it and I don't think I've noticed the seam digging in. I've walked almost 400 miles so far with the same belt so it is not a deal breaker. It sounds like this only happens on some belts? I have a spare one. I'm might have to try that one and see if it does it. It would be good if it could be sewn through but I can imagine that is just not possible.

[ranger riff raff]

i have experienced the belt cover rotation with heavy loads. i also had the sensation of the finished seam creating discomfort. in the field, i used barge cement and folded the seam back and away, which helped, but i still have to manually adjust a couple times a day. i am down in town now and plan to sew a xbox in a couple spots to see if that will retard the creep. i think, if the orientation of the seam is arbitrary or aesthetic, that it might be better off if the finished seam was on the "top" of the belt. i have thought the same about the shoulder strap as well, the finished seam sometimes rubs my collarbone when i cinch the sternum strap in a way it might not if the seam were on the "outside" of the straps. i"ll drop a line to confirm or deny the tacking of the belt cover.

[kevin_t]

Thanks for the feedback. We do our best to minimize finished seams, however location of the current is to minimize discomfort. On top of the belt, the seam can dig in to the top. The finished seam on the harness started on the outside, and some people found it to be digging in to the arm pit area when tight, by moving it inside most of the issues have been resolved.

It is certainly something we can re-evaluate in the future