Hip Belt

I think everyone should get the hip belt. It really helps relieve pressure on your shoulders. I always keep it attached to the ruck and I alternate between wearing it and not wearing it, especially with lighter loads. It's high quality with nice padding and a small pouch to keep small items like keys or a garage door opener. I buy 32" waist pants and would recommend the S/M size if you are anywhere near 32" (both sizes fit either size ruck). The excess straps tuck nicely into the belt, but a minor drawback is that if you want to readjust the sizing, you have to untuck the straps, adjust the sizing, then re-tuck them.

Hip Belt

I had a problem with the latches on the hip belt and wild gym replaced them free of charge. Excellent customer service!