Originally Posted By: clearwater
I like the looks of the larger packs posted, but they all look
short. Even ordered a couple of the LL bean packs, but the waist
belt is up around my navel.

Any packs with a usable hip belt out there? Other than full on
multiday backpacking versions?

I bought a Snugpak Sleeka Force 35 from Botach Tactical, on discount for $55. It's dark brown, a bit darker than "coyote" color. Seems solid, fairly simple, good waist belt. Runs 35 liters (hence the name), but you probably get 2-3 of those with the side pockets. Seems good in the one day so far I've used it, very comfortable. I'm 5'8, and it sits just about perfect on me. I would estimate you could use it as a 72 hour bag if you packed light - say, 3 MRE's, fleece jacket, and nylon pants would probably take about 3/4 of the main pocket. A 1-liter Nalgene would fit in each side pocket, with maybe a little room to spare. For the price it was worth the gamble.