In reply to Tom Ripley Mountain Guide:
Hi Tom,
38mm, no padding whatsoever. This width offers some support, whereas 25mm doesn't.
Yes, I wouldn't buy a climbing pack if it had padded hipbelt. I nearly purchased a Montane Featherlight Alpine 35, chose against due to hipbelt padding. Price, features, colour, size ticked all the boxes and you wouldn't use a pack of this size without!
Stuart