Originally Posted by smokepole
I don't know, I've got packs with both kinds of pull. I like forward pull better but it's never been an issue to get the belt cinched down with side pull.


But there is always "good enough" design, and "excellent" design... a forward pull is plainly a better design, and it's silly to go backwards from it.

And it's far and away easier with a forward pull if you have shoulder issues.

I still occasionally use a side pull from the packs in my "collection" and am always amazed how much easier a forward pull is to use, especially with an 80lb load.

“Perfection is Achieved Not When There Is Nothing More to Add, But When There Is Nothing Left to Take Away” Antoine de Saint-Exupery