Both padded shoulder straps and waist (hip) belts are available individually. I used to backpack with a friend who liked to unhook his waist belt occasionally and carry all the weight on his shoulders. I was just the opposite, I set up the shoulder straps on my pack so as to maximize the load on my hips. I was more comfortable and more stable over rough terrain that way. I suppose it depends on how much weight you are going to carry over what distances, as well as your personal preferences and budget, but a trio of padded straps might be worth considering.
"Michael Daly" wrote in message ...
On 12-Dec-2004, Tom McCloud wrote:

Sewing, even with multiple passes of carpet thread
will eventually work loose, so sew first, then rivet in the center,
and lock the thread with some glue.

Carpet thread is too heavy. Use a good quality polyester thread and
use a short stitch. A bar tack does wonders. No rivets required.
If you use carpet thread, you'll never get the seam tight and it
will work loose (unless you have an industrial machine made for that
thread weight and have it set for a lot of tension).


On 12 Dec 2004 17:58:40 -0800, (Tedr)
wrote:

type of webbing - nylon? canvas?

Nylon or polyester - the former is the most common. Canvas rots.

width of webbing - 1"? 1.5"

1" for most webbing. 1.5" to 2" if you want unpadded shoulder
straps. 1.5" for a tump.

type of rivets - aluminum? brass? blind/pop type?

would it be better to sew?

Sew it right and you won't need rivets - see above.

Buy the shoulder straps if you want padding. It's too much
work and too tough to sew if you want a really professional
looking padded strap. There are lots of replacement shoulder
straps sold and they aren't any pricier than doing it yourself
for the same quality materials.

Mike