Heavy weight backpacking / hunting problem - am I normal?

[Daniel L]

Am I normal? When I carry 50# in my packs the number one problem I have is that I can feel the weight of the bag sitting on my glutes, instead of transferring to to the hip belt.

I do have large muscular glutes and a slightly more than normal lumbar curve.

My packs are brand name expensive packs - New Zealand made Macpac, Lowe Alpine Sting (least affected by this issue - seemed to fit my lumbar curve the best) and currently a Karrimor SF.

I'm wondering if I should spring for a Kifaru which admittedly costs about double of my current packs, but when you are carrying 50#+ to NOT carry it on my buttocks is worth it.

I don't have any friends to check out their packs so... am I normal or is this just part of the experience?

 

[Daniel L]

Just to add - all my previous and current packs are fully adjustable harnesses, and fit properly as as length goes.
And if the pack had bottom load lifters they are pulled tight.