Exactly what I expected
Great product and made in the same high quality fashion of their packs. When full the lumbar packs are to heavy and sag, this makes it very usable.

Necessary Gear
If you own one these packs, you need these strapettes, especially if you like to load up in hot weather and still remain comfortable.

Great addition
I would have to say that with the addition of the strapettes, my hiking has been revolutionized. Being somewhere between a minimialist and an "overpacker" I can now take along my lumbar pack instead of hauling out the day pack for longer day trips. This has always been a problem for me espically with the varied weather conditions where I live. Now I can take just what I need and a little more in my lumbar pack since the weight no longer flops the pack around. A great idea and addition to my hiking equipement.

Shoulder Straps Count!
Even if you need and value an lumbar-focused pack for back and spinal health, using the Mountainsmith Strapettes will convince you of the truth of what Mountainsmith has to say about packs: the weight must be on the lumbar area, but the shoulder straps are necessary for balance. This accessory to my old BC Office pack saved me a lot of discomfort that I did not understand when my pack drooped and caused pain. Thanks again, Mountainsmith, for retrofitting my back and making it truly useful. It cost a little more than I would have liked, but it was worth it; I might have had no choice at some point but to buy a new pack. That's no small thing when you've already invested $100 in a pack!

A great addition
About a year and a half ago, I purchased a Mountainsmith lumbar pack. I live in Virginia and do a lot of hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains when the weather is hot and humid. Frankly, I got tired of sweating under even a daypack on hikes, and the lumbar pack looked like it would be a lot more comfortable. And so it has proven to be, except when I would load it up to its maximum capacity. Then it would tend to ride down on my hips no matter how many times I would cinch up the waist belt. Getting the Mountainsmith strapettes has made a noticeable difference in comfort in those situations when I carry that much gear. Now I can squeeze in a lot of heavier items without having to hassle with the pack slipping around. And the strapettes are so narrow and intelligently padded that I still enjoy virtually unrestricted arm and shoulder movement. The strapettes are a first rate piece accessory for Mountainsmith's excellent lumbar packs.