Unbound Removable Hip Belt

While I love my Waypoint 35 - purchased about 4 months ago - I didn't like the hip belt that came with it. Looking at the Unbound system in the store (Gear Trade in Okotoks, Alberta) got me thinking... I could just order this. So I did.

I've done five 2-day trips with this set up carrying 25 lbs or less. I just got back from a 3-day trip hiking Rockwall Pass in Kootenay National Park, Canada. The trip started with 28 lbs including food and water, and both the Waypoint and its Unbound Hipbelt performed perfectly.

Pros

• The reverse pull tension system is my favourite: easy to use, stays

• Comfortable with no pinch points

• Larger pockets than the Waypoint's: lots of room for snacks, park permits, gear, etc.

• Zippers work flawlessly with one-hand operation

• Cosmetically, the Unbound hip belt compliments the Waypoint quite nicely

Cons

• The one con is this... it doesn't come standard on the Waypoint

Bottom line

• I like it. I love it. I want more of it (time on trial).

Photos: I realized I don't have action photos of the hip in the backcountry, so you'll have to settle for these two, as it sits lonely on my sofa, dreaming of it's next adventure in three weeks.

Supporting actors:

• Waypoint 35 with 28 lbs, including 3.5 days of food and water

• HMG UltaMid 2 + Half Insert + UltaMid 2 Carbon Pole - what's not to love about this arrangement?!

• Rockwall Pass (that big long rock wall) - looking north

• Tumbling Pass - looking south

This probably is not your typical response to a rating. A few years ago I had to return my Southwest 4400 for some repairs. I had also been looking for another pack in the 50 l size. Living on the BC West Coast rain and wet conditions is common and I have little faith in rain covers, etc. Thus my best option is something made from Dyneema. As much as I love my 4400 I still prefer a pack with a ‘brain’ and with load lifters. The Prism was too small for my needs.

The pack is pretty good but the removable hip belt it came with is flimsy and causes the pack to under perform on the comfort and load carrying. I was reaching the point of retiring the pack when I saw HMG has replacement hip belts. I ordered one and with a couple minor alterations was able to exchange hip belts.

The hip belt is highly supportive in carrying loads in the 30 lb range. I have not put in more yet but am sure it will do the job. I like the new adjustment system as it provides a more contoured fit over my hips. I am more pear shaped than tube shaped so being able to have the top pull in tighter works better. The holding power of the system is better than a basic straight buckle system which I always find tend to slip during the day. I am slightly concerned about the longevity of the buckle as there is a lot of pressure. However, I put a spare in the pack.

The pockets, like on my 4400, work flawlessly for me.

Thank you for saving my pack and making a difference for the planet. Sure it is small but…