In reply to Stuart the postie:
Hi Stuart - sorry, I didn't reply earlier. It's a fair point. I suppose not everyone who buys a pack like this is doing super technical climbing like you - and me on my better days - so might be fine with a waist belt over their harness if the waist belt has usable gear loops on it.
Also, I don't mind a bit of padding when lugging a heavy bag up to where I'm climbing full of kit, but agree, either removable padding or a removable belt entirely would be better.
Having said that I don't actually remember the belt when back around the pack causing me any problems at all.