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WanderinPat 
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Group: Members
Posts: 14
Joined: Oct. 2011
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Posted on: Nov. 14 2012, 8:04 am |
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So, here's my problem.
Guys at REI have pointed out that I have high hipbones, but a short torso. I also have a good-size gut.
I want to find a good pack for backpacking... I have a good pack for day hiking, which is what I've been doing most of my life. But, next summer, I want to backpack around the "Flat Tops Wilderness" in Colorado
I tried a Kelty Coyote... the hip belt is great, but the straps dont fit at it's lowest setting. They are way too wide ... The chest strap cuts across my neck.
I have another pack, an Eberlestock DragonFly, that fits the same way.
The straps come down across the shoulder ... way too wide apart.
I've considered getting an Osprey medium, and put a large belt on it. (this was suggested by an REI guy)...
I've been told that Granite Gear is also very adjustable.
Any suggestions? Please don't suggest that I lose the gut. I'm 60, have been hiking all my life. I'm ALWAYS trying to lose it.
Thanks in advance,
Pat
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stuff to do,
we do the stuff
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| Post Number: 2
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Montanalonewolf
Group: Members
Posts: 4795
Joined: Mar. 2010
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Posted on: Nov. 14 2012, 8:23 am |
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You could get a custom pack made. While not cheap, the cost isn't out of line with a top-line pack.
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Ignorance is curable with education. Stupidity is refusing to be educated.
Those who don't read have no advantage over those who can't.
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| Post Number: 3
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WanderinPat
Group: Members
Posts: 14
Joined: Oct. 2011
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Posted on: Nov. 14 2012, 9:45 am |
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I actually have thought of that ...
in regard to that I googled custom backpack, and found "McHale Packs"
QUOTE When men are overweight and have more than just a bit of a belly, a hipbelt cannot grab the upper part of the pelvis, and the pack MUST be worn lower. This would represent a compromised fit, and less hip loading performance from any brand pack can be expected with interference with leg lift movement and circulation. This is less of a problem for overweight women it seems. One of the greatest denials of the pack industry in the relationship between physical fitness and backpack performance and is one of the factors that drives the UL pack industry.
So, this quote is from McHale Packs, a custom maker of backpacks.
Hmmm.... interesting.
So, until I lose the gut, I'm going to have to go with a lower-riding hipbelt. That's what I've BEEN doing.
Thanks!
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stuff to do,
we do the stuff
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| Post Number: 4
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rodwha
Group: Members
Posts: 19
Joined: Aug. 2011
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Posted on: Nov. 14 2012, 10:26 am |
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I, too, have a short torso, and have had problems finding a large (65 liter +) pack that fits.
Look at Dueter. I compared it to the Kelty Coyote, which I was impressed with BTW, and found the Dueter to feel much better made. REI sells them at a reasonable price.
Their packs are once size fits most IIRC.
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| Post Number: 5
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Tigger
Woods Pouncer
Group: Members
Posts: 10502
Joined: Apr. 2005
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Posted on: Nov. 14 2012, 10:58 am |
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(WanderinPat @ Nov. 14 2012, 6:45 am)
QUOTE I actually have thought of that ... in regard to that I googled custom backpack, and found "McHale Packs" QUOTE When men are overweight and have more than just a bit of a belly, a hipbelt cannot grab the upper part of the pelvis, and the pack MUST be worn lower. This would represent a compromised fit, and less hip loading performance from any brand pack can be expected with interference with leg lift movement and circulation. This is less of a problem for overweight women it seems. One of the greatest denials of the pack industry in the relationship between physical fitness and backpack performance and is one of the factors that drives the UL pack industry. So, this quote is from McHale Packs, a custom maker of backpacks. Hmmm.... interesting. So, until I lose the gut, I'm going to have to go with a lower-riding hipbelt. That's what I've BEEN doing. Thanks!
Dan McHale knows his stuff. He is a pack guru in the industry.
My recommendation: Get your torso measured "correctly" from Dan's instructions on his site and give him a call. Ask him what your "real" options are. He could suggest several manufacturers/pack styles that may fit you better than what you've got.
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If I'm going to be lost, in the woods is where I want to be...
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| Post Number: 6
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nogods
Group: Members
Posts: 5418
Joined: Sep. 2007
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Posted on: Nov. 14 2012, 11:09 am |
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High Sierra has one line of packs with a huge waste belt and fully adjustable toros. I have the Sentinel 65. Also in this line are the Appalachain 75 and Long Trail 90. the Explorer 55 is also in that same line but it has a slightly shorter belt.
You can get more detailed information at their website, but their packs are sold at large discounts off msrp at ebags, sierra trading post, backcounty.com and other outdoor discounters.
http://hssc.com/product....20BAGS#
I tried to buy one of their belts to use with a Kelty, but High sierra doesn't sell the belts separately. If something happens to the belt they require that you return the entire bag and the send you a new bag.
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| Post Number: 7
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TrailTramper
Group: Members
Posts: 1288
Joined: Sep. 2009
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Posted on: Nov. 14 2012, 11:19 am |
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I've never heard of "high hipbones." Interesting.
I also have a very short torso. After going through a long series of Gregory and Mountainsmith packs, I finally went with Osprey because it's as adjustable and customizable as a pack can get.
Take a look at the Osprey Aether 70 http://www.ospreypacks.com/en/product/mens/aether_70_1
It's available in four sizes, so you start by choosing the size that's closest to your torso length. Then, the torso adjusts up or down several inches for a closer fit.
Next, the hipbelt and harness are available in five sizes. Mix and match them any way you want.
If you think you need more padding on the hipbelt and harness, you can even upgrade those to beefier versions. Personally I prefer the standard.
I think it's just about impossible to not find the right fit in the Osprey Aether. Osprey are very nice folks to work with. They will swap out the components for you free of charge and will work with you until you get the right fit.
As for the shoulder strap design, cheaper packs tend to have wide, straight straps with foam that compacts fairly quickly. On a better pack the straps will be contoured to follow the shape of your chest. They might have dual-density foam---dense for load carrying and soft for cushioning.
I spent a lot of money before deciding to spend more and get a good pack. Save yourself some money and hassle and get a good pack in the beginning.
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| Post Number: 8
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| Post Number: 9
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greenfeet
Group: Members
Posts: 127
Joined: Aug. 2005
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Posted on: Nov. 14 2012, 10:58 pm |
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I'm built the same way.
Osprey atoms 50 is the most comfortable pack I have ever worn. Fits and moves nicely. For me anyway.
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| Post Number: 10
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AlmostThere
I must not be there yet, I keep hiking...
Group: Members
Posts: 4880
Joined: Apr. 2008
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Posted on: Nov. 15 2012, 10:15 am |
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The most adjustable pack I've ever had/seen anywhere has been an Aarn. They won't have those in stores, usually, at least I've never seen them.
I have a Granite Gear that works great - GG will swap out any straps/belt you find doesn't work for you - but not all of their packs are adjustable. It depends on the kind of frame they're using for the pack.
Osprey Atmos and other "ultralight" packs similar to it are not adjustable at all, can't swap anything, so if the pack doesn't fit right, it doesn't fit - no options. Try them out with weight in and get one somewhere with a great return policy, if you try one at all - it seems to run 50-50, love-hate with those. I really liked Osprey packs. They simply hated me - torture and mayhem trying to hike more than a mile with them. Bruises, soreness, and pain.
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All truly great thoughts are conceived by walking.
Friedrich Nietzsche
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| Post Number: 11
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Survival Skills 101 • Eat Better
