I use those side straps on mine to hold the shoulder straps when I am traveling and putting the bag in the overhead compartment so that the shoulder straps don’t flap around - really handy, actually!
Have you tried the waist strap and/or sternum strap while hiking? Could potentially make it a lot more comfortable. I wouldn't carry heavy while hiking, so I hope this bag would be fine.
The waist strap is just horrible for me personally since it sits about my tummy, so way too high for what it should be. The sternum strap is one of the most revolutionary things imo, however that is relative to your body I would say. But I did not try hiking with it (like serious hiking) this summer will do so. However this backpack is very non ventilated so you will have a heavy sweaty back even if you don't sweat a lot, in the summer this thing let's no air through, not a bad thing, since only real hiking backpacks with suspended backs can help prevent that. For me the fact that I hacked the Load Lifters on this backpack helps a lot, it will be a little more comfortable. I tend to use it for Travel. I can carry 4 days of clothes in it plus my video gear. But I dont' think it will do great on mountains for example. However, this summer will try it out and tape it. Cheers
@@VlogsByEl Hey! Great review! I'm very confused between the Lite and 21L as well and this video helps me decide what to choose. Can you please explain how did you hack the load lifters? As this was one of the cons that many pointed out about this bag.
@harisghole hi there, so it should be somewhere on my channel. Just here: you attach one part of the straps to the front loops of the backpack. And the other part on one of the four loops on the back of the backpack. There are 4 loops on the back. You choose the upper two. It’s hard to explain like this so if you can find the video on my channel would be better. I have a couple about it but the latest is what I use and it is very very effective. Hope that helps 🙏