I can't think of anything to add to what has already been said, except to say that I really like hiking without a hipbelt when I can. If I am hiking at under 20 lbs with my Rodney frameless pack I don't need the belt. Mine has a waist "strap" that helps to keep the pack centered and keeps it from pitching to and fro if I'm negotiating lots of brush and downfall, but most of the time I don't use it. It just makes me feel more "free". A good hip belt sure does make a difference, though, on a bigger pack while carrying heavier loads.

Cliff