Description
Rikkar Specs
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Weight | 9.0–10.9 oz / 256–309 g, depending on size and fit |
| Material | 70D recycled Robic nylon with select mesh and harness-liner fabrics |
| Fits | Gossamer Gear PVT Frame+Belt system |
| Belt Styles | Straight or curved |
| Pockets | Two large zippered hipbelt pockets |
| Pocket Size | Approximately 5.5–6 × 8 × 2 in, depending on configuration |
| Sizes / Options | S/M Curved, M/L Curved, Small Straight, Medium Straight, Large Straight |
Key Features
- Designed specifically for Gossamer Gear’s PVT Frame+Belt system
- Available in straight and curved body shapes
- Multiple sizes for a more precise fit
- Two large zippered hipbelt pockets
- Pivoting center pocket accommodates the PVT frame
- Foam cushioning for comfort and support
- Designed to improve weight transfer from the pack to the hips
- Tough recycled Robic nylon construction
Sizing / Configuration
The PVT Hipbelt is available in five configurations:
- S/M Curved: 28.5–56 in / 72.4–142.2 cm hip measurement
- M/L Curved: 32.5–60 in / 85.5–152.4 cm
- Small Straight: 26–53.5 in / 66–135.9 cm
- Medium Straight: 30–57.5 in / 76.2–146 cm
- Large Straight: 34–61.5 in / 86.3–156.2 cm
Gossamer Gear recommends using hip measurement around the top of the iliac crest when determining belt size. For belt shape, a waist-to-hip ratio of 0.85 or lower generally points toward the curved belt, while a ratio above 0.85 generally points toward the straight belt.
What’s Included
One PVT Hipbelt with Pockets in the selected size and configuration.
The PVT frame itself is not included.
Why We Like It
The PVT belt is one of the more important pieces of the PVT suspension system because the right fit has a direct effect on how comfortably the pack transfers weight to your hips. Having both straight and curved options is particularly useful because hip shape varies considerably from person to person.
The two large zippered pockets are also genuinely useful on the trail, giving you substantial accessible storage without adding another accessory to the pack.
The Tradeoff
This is a specialized replacement component rather than a universal backpack hipbelt. It is designed around Gossamer Gear’s PVT Frame+Belt system, so its usefulness is largely limited to compatible packs.
Fit also requires a little more attention than simply choosing small, medium, or large. You need to consider both your hip measurement and whether the straight or curved belt better matches your body shape.
Rikkar Take
If you’re using a current-generation Gossamer Gear Mariposa or Gorilla and need a replacement belt or want to experiment with a different fit, the PVT Hipbelt is a worthwhile upgrade. The ability to choose both size and belt shape makes it particularly useful for dialing in the PVT suspension rather than simply settling for the belt that came with the pack.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.