Backpack that accommodates heavy hikers?

M

mec003

Joined
Jan 1, 2015
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Hey everyone,

I'm curious is you all have any suggestions for a backpack that has waist straps large enough to accommodate someone with a waist size of 36+?

My EDC/day hike pack is an osprey talon 22. I love everything about that pack except the fit around the midsection (it's a bit snug).

I am overweight (not so much that it keeps me from being active) but would still like to find something with more room. Any suggestions would be welcome. Would love to keep it under $200 (preferably less), but would consider going over for something that will last me. Thanks all!
 
38-40 inch waist I use an kelty Redwing 50. May be a little much for a day pack but they make a 30 too. Not sure if the 30 has a waist belt. Is it the waist strap or the chest strap that is too tight?

Kelty is reasonably priced and well made, IMO. Less than $200 for sure.
 
Waist for me. The chest on the osprey fits just fine.

I looked at the redwing online, I might have to see if I can locate one somewhere to try on. I do like the overall size of my talon 22. I wouldn't want to go too much larger.
 
There are extenders made for some of the military gear, I think Fastec types IIRC. Google web belt extender and you'll see some. Worth looking into. Or, have a sew shop add onto it.

A lot of the high end gear is the result of guys customizing things to get it the way they wanted/needed it so don't be afraid to make it yours.

I would go with a $10 mod before I bought a new pack if you like the pack otherwise.
 
Pack light. Roll the hipbelt out of the way.

Lose the belly.

Use the the hipbelt. Add more weight to your pack.
 
sideways said:
Pack light. Roll the hipbelt out of the way.

Lose the belly.

Use the the hipbelt. Add more weight to your pack.
Click to expand...

This is pretty much my current thought. Just joined a gym recently to try and shed some pounds.
 
Get a larger osprey belt. If you have an REI by you they can help with this.
 
When I first got serious into hiking I went to my local REI and tried on tons of different packs. I ended up getting the Kestrel 32 with a fairly large belt (at the time I was much more over weight than I am currently) and I have since gone back to REI and got a smaller belt for the same pack. You cant go wrong with Osprey packs and REI customer service imo.

If your goal is to lose weight, hiking a lot will get you there for sure!
 
I am a big guy, was 415 now 365, went from a roomy 56 to a roomy 48. When I was much more rotund, I could walk with the Maxpedition Pygmy Falcon 2, with the straps around my chest. I am pretty sure that's the one. I can take a pic when I get home. These were very short hikes, no more than 3 to 4 miles. My knees and shins are shot, and my broken back hurts like hell when I go over 3 miles.
 
When I was in the Army I never used the waist/hip belt, even when my loads where 100+lbs. I have however used the chest strap occasionally.
 
4thpoint said:
When I was in the Army I never used the waist/hip belt, even when my loads where 100+lbs. I have however used the chest strap occasionally.
Click to expand...
Neither did we, but the rucks were ALICE packs (aka ticks - they just bore right into your back) and sucked beyond measure. Hip belts helped none on those POS.
 
PatrickKnight said:
When I first got serious into hiking I went to my local REI and tried on tons of different packs. I ended up getting the Kestrel 32 with a fairly large belt (at the time I was much more over weight than I am currently) and I have since gone back to REI and got a smaller belt for the same pack. You cant go wrong with Osprey packs and REI customer service imo.

If your goal is to lose weight, hiking a lot will get you there for sure!
Click to expand...
I'll second all of the above. My "big" pack is now an Osprey Kestrel 48.
 
The larger Osprey packs offer different sized belts which will fit nearly anyone. For a daypack or Mid sized pack you really need to try them on in person and sometimes take a coat into account when fitting
 
I'm a fluffy fella as well, look like a bear in the winter. my favorite colors are greens, browns, khaki, blacks, etc... so I'm thinking I could be mistaken for a bear by a eager hunter. I recently got a Outdoor Products Cross-breeze pack in Orange for when I'm wandering about game lands. This bag is probably what most would consider to be a beginners pack, but I like it. The belt extends way more than I require for my waist line. I imagine that it extends up to a 45" waist line. Also the little buckle to reduce pull on shoulder is plenty adjustable as well. It has two spots that I use for a trekking pole and a hatchet. so far I like the back, the only downside is that there is no strap at the the bottom to put a blanket, tarp, jacket, or whatever your need is.

Also it cost me only $55 at a local outdoor store.
 
Buy some buckles the same size of your waist strap make a paracord extention. If you ever needed the cordage you got it and it helps save money on new gear that's not otherwise needed.
 
The first reply was the correct one: Kelty packs for large waist folks and well below $200.
 
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