Coyote from United States, CA Public Profile

...but it could have been. After receiving my new NTA 85 size Short today I was at first impressed with seeing it's well done aspects, so after checking the torso adjustment recommended and finding it on the 16" setting (which is my torso size), I loaded it with 30 lbs to check the feel. That's when my disappointment set in. Several huge design flaws became very evident and makes this a pack that will not work for anyone, PERIOD. I know this is going to hurt sales of this pack, but my number one concern is for the end user's fine experience. The following is a synopsis of my experience:
1. The size M hip belt that it came with when fully tightened was slightly too big to stay in place walking around, though I used the sizing chart on Granite Gear's web site the Medium called for there is too great in circumference when cinched as tight as it will around my 30" waist/33" hips. Its fit was only snug at the bottom, so it would squiggle down a bit as I walked. Rigid and vertical without any ability to cant to the shape when in position, so the very bottom edge digs in causing numbing in a matter of minutes and from the middle of the belt to the top edge there's no contact at all; standing off my body 1" of air. I'm a small 66 year old man 5’8” with an athletic build, a 30" waist and 33" hips. The hip belt doesn't cant with my hip shape. May be easy to remedy with an exchange for a women's small size; but probably not considering the rest of the design flaws and here they are.