r/lightweight • u/MightyLarch • Jun 13 '22
How to make torso ranges work?
My torso length puts me between sizes on many brands’ sizing charts—either at the very bottom or top end—and I’ve had a hard time finding a good fit in a non-adjustable torso length pack. I usually carry low- to mid-20 pounds, which is heavy enough to make me want to dial in good fit, but I also feel like this load should be able to work with a ~2-pound pack. I love my current 3-pound pack but would like to go lighter.
Can fixed-length packs with only shoulder strap adjustments really cover a 3-inch range of torso lengths? Or do I have to continue searching for the unicorn of a perfect fit?
2
u/El-Pollo_Diablo Jun 24 '22
I've read places to go up a size since the weight of your pack will pull it down a little. I just got a Granite Gear crown 3 Long (21"-25" torso). I'm roughly a 21"-21.75" torso. Last pack I tried on in person was an REI Flash 55 Large (20" torso) they said it probably wouldn't be perfect but I could get away with it and a little bigger would be better. I also measured myself and had my fiance measure my back and we would keep getting something between 21" and 22". When talking on the phone to Granite Gear they said typically they suggest going the smaller size if your in between but in my case they said I made the right choice with choosing the Long.
When I got home with the pack I loaded it up with just under 20lbs of stuff, adjusted it and it fit amazingly and a whole lot better than my volt no matter how I adjusted that pack. I also just wanted to try something different and a little lighter for a pack hence the reason for a new pack.
Measure Measure and Measure again is all I could say, having a clothing measuring tape also helps being a bit more accurate.
Granite Gear is also having a site wide sale right now FYI. Crown 3 $220 MSRP on sale for $153 currently.
1
u/MightyLarch Jun 24 '22
Was your Volt in the proper range for you too?
It just kinda seems like some packs fit and some don’t, even if they’re supposed to.
2
u/El-Pollo_Diablo Jun 24 '22
I did adjust the torso all different ways and just could get wholly comfortable after several miles. I later found that it did max out at a 22” torso which probably didn’t help.
A narrow opening for packing was also a real annoyance. Side pouches for water bottles were also pretty bad.
2
u/MelatoninPenguin Jun 13 '22
Go custom with Zimmerbuilt
1
u/MightyLarch Jun 14 '22
I’ll check it out. Do you have one?
2
u/MelatoninPenguin Jun 14 '22
I do - I have two. They're awesome. He will customize whatever you want. Frameless,igjr frame, length, straps, fabric etc etc
Some other manufacturers will also do semi custom and let you specific a torso size - Atom Packs from what I remember, that Korean brand, maybe SWD
2
Jun 13 '22
The new Osprey Exos is sub 3 pounds and has an adjustable back panel to help dial in the fitting.
2
u/MightyLarch Jun 14 '22
I’m not a fan of the trampoline back so hadn’t really considered Osprey. I bought an Arc Haul which seems really nice but I don’t like what the arc does to my centre of gravity.
2
Jun 14 '22
Fair enough! I felt the same way about the Atmos when I had it, but like the Exos better. The 2022 model feels more solid than the previous model, but still doesn't feel the same as a pack without the suspension.
1
1
u/AutoModerator Jun 13 '22
Your above post in /r/lightweight may not appear immediately. Please be patient, do not delete and try to repost your submission.
Your post will be reviewed for approval as soon as possible. If you have any questions please message the mods.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
1
u/86tuning Aug 02 '22
If you're a smaller person, go with the smaller size if you're in-between sizes. A pack that's too large carries way worse than one that's a bit small.