A great addition in carrying those hefty loads, the Mountain Smith Strapettes is a handy shoulder harness that converts classic and recycled lumbar packs as well as travel trunks into day packs.
Necessary Gear
If you own one these packs, you need these strapettes, especially if you like to load up in hot weather and still remain comfortable.
Great addition
I would have to say that with the addition of the strapettes, my hiking has been revolutionized. Being somewhere between a minimialist and an "overpacker" I can now take along my lumbar pack instead of hauling out the day pack for longer day trips. This has always been a problem for me espically with the varied weather conditions where I live. Now I can take just what I need and a little more in my lumbar pack since the weight no longer flops the pack around. A great idea and addition to my hiking equipement.
Shoulder Straps Count!
Even if you need and value an lumbar-focused pack for back and spinal health, using the Mountainsmith Strapettes will convince you of the truth of what Mountainsmith has to say about packs: the weight must be on the lumbar area, but the shoulder straps are necessary for balance. This accessory to my old BC Office pack saved me a lot of discomfort that I did not understand when my pack drooped and caused pain. Thanks again, Mountainsmith, for retrofitting my back and making it truly useful. It cost a little more than I would have liked, but it was worth it; I might have had no choice at some point but to buy a new pack. That's no small thing when you've already invested $100 in a pack!