Sorry to hear that. Packs that fit one person perfect may be terrible for someone else. I really liked the Eberlestock X2, but it was very hard on my back. My Oregon Pack Works Orion fits me like a glove.

I just bought a Cruzr Escape pack last week and I love the pack, but the waist belt doesn't get as tight as I need it to (31" waist, so not tiny).

 

If the ranger 22 would have been available when I checked, I'd own one. It just so happened that kuiu was running a sale at the time. I picked up a venture 2300 with the large frame and have loved it. I wish it had the flap the ranger has but I've been able to strap my lwcg .5 and sticks tightly and comfortably no problem. They have another pack called the divide that would be a competitor to the first lite transfer pack that looks amazing but was full price and I could not pass up the 153 for the venture. Side note, can you slide the waist belt out to make some space?

 

Yes. The other thing that I realized that I am able to adjust is the length of the upper straps connecting the shoulder straps to the pack. This would allow the pack to ride lower which I believe may hopefully solve this issue.

Take it easy on me for not noticing these as the pack has 297feet of straps on it. Lol

I appreciate the extra but on a few it’s a bit much. I do love Velcro closures. Without them my OCD would be on tilt. lol

 

Update.

After extending the upper straps to allow the pack to ride lower, I believe the problem has been solved.

The lower pad is now over my lower back and not mid, to lower back. Meaning the top of my pelvis is within the pad.

How they come preset causes them to ride much higher than my previous pack and sit mid to upper back. I think this an me trying to run the sticks vertical, put a "lot" of weight above my lower back which caused the issue.

Also moving the pack down allowed my sticks to ride lower as well.

I have not had it in the field or walked without outside for distance but I believe this is now going to work.