Well, my point was that if the hip strap isn't properly designed for load-bearing (and if it can be accurately described as a "strap," i.e. a piece of webbing, then it probably isn't), it won't have any effect on your back and shoulders--which seem consistent with your experience.@Steve W., I think I was worried that 20-30 lbs. without a hip strap would bother my back and shoulders - it doesn't.
-S-
None that I am aware of. To be effective they really need to be an integral part of the packWould an added hip belt be of much use (assuming it was well padded)? I have a 5.11 tactical 48 rush backpack which goes everywhere with me, including up and down mountains, but can be a bit of a pain when camping due to the added weight of a tent strapped onto it.
If adding a hip belt would help, does anyone have stand-alone hip belt recommendations?