This year I plan to use my packs without a waist strap. PERIOD.

Does anyone have experience with this? Any info or studies read about? I wonder how heavy I should go or not go. techniques or 2¢ would go a long way.

If your pack is heavy enough, you generally get benefit of having a full waist belt to support a portion of the weight. Once your pack gets light enough, that full waist belt may not serve much purpose. However, I find that a thin waist strap is still useful for minimizing sway of the pack. I have better balance with a thin waist strap that can be tightened.

If I am carrying 30 pounds or more, I use a pack with a full waist belt. For 15-25 pounds, the thin waist strap is sufficient. Only below 15 pounds would I think about going without.

--B.G.--

15 pounds is my comfort-weight maximum. Over that, I will want a waist strap. And over 25lbs, I will want a light frame and a hip belt.

I have been thinking along the same lines as far as weight so that is good...ive been hiking with about 12-16lbs daily at 5-8 miles (training) daily.
I have a medical condition that steers me towards not using a waist strap, the thought of one that is thin is sorta iffy. Im wondering about where to carry the pack if I go waiststrapless, higher? Lower in the back?

Btw I dont plan to be out for more than 5 days this year if that helps

> a thin waist strap is still useful for minimizing sway of the pack.
+1

Cheers