Padded Hip Belt

This wider padded hip belt performs better than the standard belt at pack weights of 25-50 lbs. It hugs my pelvis better and reduces slippage, also reducing pressure points on the sacrum and iliac crests. Unfortunately it does not fit waist sizes smaller than 34” like the standard hip belt. My waist is about 32 “ and I’m trying to make it work but the straps are maxed right out as tight as they can go. This seats the medial ends of the pads deep into my abdomen which is not so comfortable. The upside is that the extra coverage helps reduce slippage even better. Eberlestock ‘s adherence to “one size fits most“ packs, harnesses, and hip belts is suboptimal at best. This type of equipment has to fit perfectly or it will not work well for you. The foam could be a little more stiff and grippy, but it’s functional as is. I like how the molle panels are looser than on the standard belt so I can tuck in the straps getting them out of the way. If you like to attach accessory pouches you may find yourself wishing those panels were more flush to the belt.

This belt is exactly what I needed for heavier loads. Honestly it’s way better than the standard belt and changes the pack system considerably.
5’11” 190lbs

5 star but it should have been an option when I got my pack. Now I have an extra hip belt and shoulder harness.

Quality must have for carrying heavier loads on varying terrain.

I needed a wider hip belt with a little more padding for a heavy pack. This works very well.

Exactly as ordered. If you plan on carrying loads greater than 45lbs, you need this upgrade.

To give some background, I am just getting into outdoor activities. I don't have much experience in backpacking, camping, or hiking. I recently used Eberlestock's equipment on a church mission trip, and I am very pleased with the quality they put into their packs.

I purchased Eberlestock's Little Brother mission pack 2 months ago, and as I was doing research on other modular parts to add to the pack, I stumbled upon this padded hip belt, along with the Gossamer G-Type Frame. I was debating which one to buy, or whether to buy both due to my inexperience in the field. I asked a friend who has been in the military which one he preferred and he said that a hip belt is a "must have" when it comes to having a lot of weight on your back (which aligned with what people were saying online). I purchased it within the last couple weeks and I tested it out on a short hike. I'm pleased to report that it works very well. I immediately experienced how the belt puts most of the weight onto my hips, taking the strain off of my shoulders. Even though it was just a test with not a lot of weight in the pack, I wouldn't be surprised in the future if this piece helps me on future backpacking, camping, and hiking adventures.

When it comes to the features of the belt, it was very easy and straight forward to install. I was a little bit confused as to why there were 2 sewn on straps near the center of the belt, but after some research I figured out that those are meant for the Battleship pack. The MOLLE webbing is fantastic, and I was easily able to thread on a large padded accessory pouch and double threaded pouch that I had purchased along with the belt. I will say that the excess portion of the large straps used to tighten the belt around my waste, tend to come out of their loops pretty easily, but it's not to big of a deal.

To anyone reading this on the fence as to wether to start with the Standard Hip Belt or this Padded Hip Belt, I'd say go with the Padded one. I was debating this myself, and I decided to just go with the best solution for my future adventures. And, it's a $5 difference, so a good investment in my eyes.