Yaaaay! Finally!!! I have to have a waist strap for my packs - everyone should really I feel - it’s much more ergonomic. But I bought this to slide in place of the waist belt that came with my ThinkTank bag. That one was no worse than many others out there, but like all of them the padding just doesn’t come forward enough! The strap portion basically cuts into the top of my pelvis instead of distributing the weight across it with a wide band. This Shiloda design fit the bill. The Velcro is on the wrong side to stick to my ThinkTank but it’s wedged nicely and not going anywhere. The wide padded band distributes the weight and the added pockets are just a bonus! An iPhone 13Pro with a case just squeezes in at a somewhat tight fit because of the length. Could still ... MoreYaaaay! Finally!!! I have to have a waist strap for my packs - everyone should really I feel - it’s much more ergonomic. But I bought this to slide in place of the waist belt that came with my ThinkTank bag. That one was no worse than many others out there, but like all of them the padding just doesn’t come forward enough! The strap portion basically cuts into the top of my pelvis instead of distributing the weight across it with a wide band. This Shiloda design fit the bill. The Velcro is on the wrong side to stick to my ThinkTank but it’s wedged nicely and not going anywhere. The wide padded band distributes the weight and the added pockets are just a bonus! An iPhone 13Pro with a case just squeezes in at a somewhat tight fit because of the length. Could still throw some snacks or maybe a filter/battery in with it. And you still have the pocket on the other side too of course. Looking forward to trying this out on next big trip!

I have the FStop Tilopa and Anja. I wanted to try the X50 because of the pockets, side access and roll top plus every review said comfort. I load my packs and at 31 pounds it was fine with std hip and shoulder pads. After 5 hours it was not as fine. I wanted to add the HD belt and plus backpack straps and wow what a difference. Padding is double the tilopa and it feels so nice. Worth the money if packing heavier gear. I normally add a second tripod and snow shoes so loving that I got these. I also like the HD pockets and the ability to velcro the belt together a little larger so the pockets are at my sides and the padding sticks better to my hips. I also use the spider pro clip Allen wrenched on to the bottom pad behind the pocket on the waist belt. Now hiking ... MoreI have the FStop Tilopa and Anja. I wanted to try the X50 because of the pockets, side access and roll top plus every review said comfort. I load my packs and at 31 pounds it was fine with std hip and shoulder pads. After 5 hours it was not as fine. I wanted to add the HD belt and plus backpack straps and wow what a difference. Padding is double the tilopa and it feels so nice. Worth the money if packing heavier gear. I normally add a second tripod and snow shoes so loving that I got these. I also like the HD pockets and the ability to velcro the belt together a little larger so the pockets are at my sides and the padding sticks better to my hips. I also use the spider pro clip Allen wrenched on to the bottom pad behind the pocket on the waist belt. Now hiking longer I can have my 200-600 in that spider clip and hands are free at my sides. Perfect setup. The roll top also allows more room to put jackets and clothing than the tilopa. My tilopa will be used with two cubes for astro hatchback with video on top and astro camera on bottom.