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layout: post.html
author: David Cary
date: 2025-08-08
title: Strap and Waist Belt Redesign
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I have given the FP straps and waist belts a refresh.
Last summer I had some packs on a high traverse of the southern alps. My long standing waist belt proved vulnerable carrying the weight of a rack. The new waist belt uses 45mm webbing, and the webbing goes all the way around and inserts into a much stonger seam at the sacrum. Previously I used 25mm webbing (which was all that I could get at a suitable quality) and the waist belts were intended to mould to your shape. The new 45mm webbing is spectacular, and super high quality.
I have changed the construction method, and padding, soft 12mm EVA foam is now hard and more durable 5mm foam. This works well with the much wider webbing. It also makes it easier to transfer the pack weight onto the hips.
All waist belts are now designed to optionally take a cord loop/gear loop, and all new waist belts incorporate 2 slots for ice clippers.
For the non climbers among us, I now make large, very stable, waist belt pockets. They are huge in comparison to most others. To be clear, pockets are an add on and only fit the new waist belts. They use the ice clipper slots as attachment points.
Shoulder straps also now follow the same construction method, still wide at 8cm but with hard 5mm EVA foam instead off soft 10mm foam.
Inside the strap there are a few hidden features that dramatically increase both the strength of the insertion and the spread of weight over the shoulder. I am certain there are no tougher straps anywhere.
On my last big trip (with a huge load), I felt the weight of the 20mm daisy chain through the soft foam padding, straps now have less padding but better weight distribution over the shoulders.
Previously I made my straps and waist belts inside out, turning them right side out over the padding. Now I make them right side out and the 'sandwich' is finished with a binder. Binding adds strength and dimensional stability.
FP straps and waist belts are best in class, comparing to Hyperlite and Aarn.