Part 1--yes, with certain internal frame packs they make a big difference. It's hard to describe but they sort of prestress the frame and make it more responsive. An example is the Mountainsmith Ghost, which is floppy and unbalanced until the load control straps are pulled in. The transformation is dramatic.

I find they're most effective on flexibile rod frames, on packs that fit correctly and with straps that have about a 45-degree upward angle from the shoulder straps to the attachment point. The value of adding them would depend on the pack design and fit. If the pack has a tendency to pull away from the shoulders and if there are potential anchor points, adding some could help.

(They can also be useful on certain frameless packs, but more to re-center the weight closer.)

Cheers,

Originally Posted By billstephenson
Do "Load Lifters" really offer much?

They look to me like they'd mostly just pull the top of the pack closer to your back. But if they do add some adjustment that offers added comfort, it doesn't seem like it be very hard to retro fit a pack with them. Has anyone done that?
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--Rick