Welcome to the "WHY DO WE?" video series.
Every stitch and square inch of our K4 Packs are designed on purpose and built for a purpose. The videos in this series will go behind the design to explain why we build our packs the way we do.
In this video, we explain why we offer the K4 Hipbelt in 5 sizes. We also discuss the importance of hipbelt fit for pack performance.
"The number one component of a pack's performance is the hipbelt." — Steve Speck, Exo Owner & Product Designer
The hipbelt secures and distributes the load, so that you can carry the majority of the pack's weight using the strength and structure of your lower body. If you are carrying 100lbs during a packout, the hipbelt should work with the structure of the frame to keep the majority of the weight off of your shoulders and back.
The performance of the hipbelt is also important with lighter loads — enabling the pack to move with your body's natural motion and eliminating any issues of discomfort or "hot spots" — so that you can hike mile after mile in comfort.
Even a properly designed, well-built hipbelt cannot do its job if it doesn't fit YOU well.
SIZE SELECTION
We offer 5 hipbelt sizes for the K4 Frame so that we can fit a wide range of people well, and also so that we can have more overlap between sizes to fit people who may be "in between" sizes.
Selecting the best hipbelt size begins with taking the right measurement. Instead of relying on your pants size, take a physical measurement around the crest (high point) of your hip bones, and then use that number to select your hipbelt size from our K4 Size Selection Chart. Do not "size up" to accommodate for clothing layers that you may wear under the pack's hipbelt.
See how the padded portion of the hipbelt runs right up against the center hipbelt buckle? This hipbelt cannot be pulled tight enough, which means it is too large of a size.
TOO BIG? TOO SMALL?
A hipbelt that is too big will not get tight enough, especially as the loads get heavy. If you cannot get the hipbelt tightened properly, the weight will "sag" — putting pressure on your lower hip flexors and creating fatigue as you carry more weight in the shoulders.
As hipbelt is too small will not fully cover the hip bones with padding, which creates pressure points and discomfort.
BUILT TO FIT. BUILT TO PERFORM.
We all come in different shapes and sizes, which is why we have created the K4 Frame weight 5 hipbelt sizes, 4 frame heights, and several micro-adjust fitting features that offer a simple way to fine-tune your pack fit.
If you have any questions about the fit, features, or function of our pack systems, our small team of hunters would be glad to help.