My wife got an outdoor research day back last year or so and while it doesn't have a proper waist belt, it is impressively light and compact, and has been reasonably durable as well. A good padded waist belt sure does a diff for heavier stuff and longer hikes, so as others state, its.always a compromise, but boy these newer types sure are light and compact , and or useful for on rack use. Nice to see other brands making them too.