Do I need a hip belt on a hiking daypack?

For loads under about 10 pounds, a sternum strap alone is usually fine. Once you're carrying water, layers, and food for a full day, a padded hip belt makes a meaningful comfort difference because it shifts weight to your hips. Packable ultralight stuff packs typically skip the hip belt to save weight, which is why reviewers describe them as fine for short side trips but not as a primary daypack.