Lightweight pack suggestions for a tall person?

[harok11a]

I am 190cm (6ft 3), torso is approx 21inch. Finding gear that fit is always a nightmare.

I need a framed 45-60l pack depending on pockets. Weight carried by the pack will be 9-10kg.

I have an Osprey Exos 38L which fits all my gear, but it has a big stretchy pocket so I'm sure it's much more than 38L.

The Exos is a large, and it's too big. The hip belt falls too low for me, but it's a comfy pack with padded straps and the Osprey back system. I have never actually used it though as it's just too long in the torso. The medium Exos is too small.

I just received an Exped Lightning 60 which has an adjustable back, but I can't make it work well. Either I'm adjusting it all wrong (very possible), or I'm just a little too tall for it to really work well. It's meant to adjust to 23 inch torso, therefore should be absolutely fine, but even for me it feels on the limit, and the load lifters pull the straps into my shoulders.

I wanted to try the Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor but they're out of stock everywhere with no deliveries for months.

GG Crown 2 maybe? But it's really expensive. Almost AtomPacks money.

I'm not ridiculously tall at all, but the height where I'm always between sizes, or just a little too tall.

If anyone else here is tall and has suggestions for packs to try then please let me know.

 

[Odd Man]

I'm 191cm and had Flex Capacitor M/L (up to 21") and it was too short for me and sold it off. Realised I needed 21"+

Obvs it's the torso length is a very personal thing.

I then bought GG Crown2 L and that felt good, but I didn't like the outside pocket arrangements and sold it off.

Now I have GG Mariposa L and G4-20 L which both feel to be the right size.

Keep an eye out for them 2nd hand. I picked up my Mariposa for £100 less than new and it only had had 6 nights out.

 

[Mole]

I've had an Exos 58 and 38, and find them an ok fit, size large ( I'm 183cm but a long torso 20" or maybe 21") but didn't like the "pulling back" from the sprung frame. So sold them. A friend who is 188cm bought my 38 and found it a perfect fit.


I find the Gossamer Gear Gorilla size L a good fit.

Also find the Lightwave size 3 ok.

 

[Teepee]

I've a 21.5 " back and 182cm. I got on really well with the mk 3 GG Mariposa in L , so started making similar style packs. That first one fitted a 22" back, but it was still a touch too big.
I've also got a G4, I made that for 21", it's about spot on.

Even though they are made specificaly to fit me, I have to put a few cm's adjustment in the hipbelt height to dial the packs in perfectly. You just have to try on as many packs as you can.

 

[harok11a]

It’s tough when stores have no selection other than Osprey, and anywhere online with a better selection doesn’t have free returns!

I’ll perhaps try a GG Crown 2, it’s just pushing the budget a little far.

Its definitely worth saying that it’s really my first pack, so I also don’t really know how to fit it properly, or what it should feel like. Im just going off videos and what I read online. This likely isn’t helping matters!

 

[Odd Man]

It’s tough when stores have no selection other than Osprey, and anywhere online with a better selection doesn’t have free returns!

I’ll perhaps try a GG Crown 2, it’s just pushing the budget a little far.

Its definitely worth saying that it’s really my first pack, so I also don’t really know how to fit it properly, or what it should feel like. Im just going off videos and what I read online. This likely isn’t helping matters!

If you read the reviews here, you can see the differences between the different versions, it'll help you if you come across a used Crown

MassDrop x Granite Gear x60 Backpack Review - SectionHiker.com

The MassDrop x Granite Gear x60 is a roll top backpack with an optional top lid and an adjustable le

sectionhiker.com

Mine was the (Mass)drop version.

 

[ADz]

I am 190cm (6ft 3), torso is approx 21inch. Finding gear that fit is always a nightmare.

I need a framed 45-60l pack depending on pockets. Weight carried by the pack will be 9-10kg.

I have an Osprey Exos 38L which fits all my gear, but it has a big stretchy pocket so I'm sure it's much more than 38L.

The Exos is a large, and it's too big. The hip belt falls too low for me, but it's a comfy pack with padded straps and the Osprey back system. I have never actually used it though as it's just too long in the torso. The medium Exos is too small.

I just received an Exped Lightning 60 which has an adjustable back, but I can't make it work well. Either I'm adjusting it all wrong (very possible), or I'm just a little too tall for it to really work well. It's meant to adjust to 23 inch torso, therefore should be absolutely fine, but even for me it feels on the limit, and the load lifters pull the straps into my shoulders.

I wanted to try the Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor but they're out of stock everywhere with no deliveries for months.

GG Crown 2 maybe? But it's really expensive. Almost AtomPacks money.

I'm not ridiculously tall at all, but the height where I'm always between sizes, or just a little too tall.

If anyone else here is tall and has suggestions for packs to try then please let me know.

If you like Osprey packs I think some models have adjustable height on shoulder straps. Unless I imagined it. Not had one for long time.

Have you tried going into a outdoor shop and getting measured/trying some on for size? Another option would be to buy a cutsom pack from somebody like Atom packs maybe?

Or if you could dial down base weight you could go for a beltless back and not worry about belt being too high?

 

[Hd8ekownio24ugh5]

.

 

[Robert P]

Atom Packs can do custom back length packs, as in this extreme example: https://www.instagram.com/p/CQnmH_dFkhn/

 

[harok11a]

I'm going to order a GG Crown 2 in large to try.

I'll also go and look at more Osprey packs with adjustable torso sizes as maybe that will at least help me understand this a little more.

Atom Packs take months to arrive so don't really work for me. It's also my first pack for multi-day use so is perhaps a little extreme!

I think this will be like trying to find shoes that fit. I have a nightmare with that as well as virtually nothing fits me. My body is just wrong some how.

 

[JRT]

If you hadn't mentioned your problems with the Exos packs that's exactly what I would have recommended. I'm 6.2 and get on great with the Exos in large. Torso length is the key factor I guess.

 

[tom]

The zpacks arc-blast has a system for seamless back height adjustment. I was sceptical at first but did all my thru amd section hikes for some years with this pack and still miss this feature (their current models sadly have the wrong size for me). Its great to have the hip belt exactly where I want it...

 

[harok11a]

If you hadn't mentioned your problems with the Exos packs that's exactly what I would have recommended. I'm 6.2 and get on great with the Exos in large. Torso length is the key factor I guess.

Part of it is also my build. I'm slim and tall and I'm not sure that's the best body shape for most normal packs. I do wonder whether I can play around with the Exos more to try and make it fit, but it's a little less adjustable than many packs, and I feel the hip belt moving down too far and then getting in the way. I think I'm just at the perfect torso length to be between sizes on many packs.

It perhaps doesn't help that there really aren't any stores near me that have packs in larger sizes, or from brands that aren't Osprey/Lowe Alpine/Deuter.

When I was trying to find new trail runners this year I had to go through 10's of different options until I found something workable (not perfect, but acceptable). I see the same thing happening with packs. My body is just wrong it seems.

 

[cathyjc]

Part of it is also my build. I'm slim and tall and I'm not sure that's the best body shape for most normal packs. My body is just wrong it seems.

No your body is not wrong.
Just not in the middle of the distribution curve of size/shape. Don't play yourself down.
My son is long and skinny too - jeans are an issue when you take a 28/29" waist and a 35/36 leg.

Manufacturers just aren't interested in catering for those not in the mainstream = makes problems for some.

Sending my Sympathy.

 

[harok11a]

Yes don’t worry, I’m fine with being tall and slim, it’s just annoying when trying to find any outdoor gear that actually fits. It’s expensive, and time consuming. I really wish I could go into any store and find multiple options that work, but for me that’s not possible.

I have a GG Crown 2 now so will compare that with the Exos and Exped Lightning that I also now have.

I just find that most packs sit so that the load lifters are mostly worthless. I’ve barely seen any options where I get much of an angle on them. Im willing to believe I am adjusting some packs incorrectly though, but this was also the problem when I had assistance in my local independent store. I’m also willing to believe the load lifters isn’t that big a deal if I can get the rest of the pack feeling ok.

I’m going up north to Yorkshire next week for a trip so am a little tempted to divert slightly (actually 1hr+ each way) and go to see Ultralight Outdoor Gear.

 

[harok11a]

The GG Crown 2 actually seems ok. I can't get much angle on the load lifters, but I suspect that's hard for me to get on this capacity packs for someone my height. It seems comfortable enough without much pressure on the shoulder straps.

I'll keep testing as I have a few packs to try out now, Exos 38, Exped Lightning 60 and GG Crown 2 60.

The Crown 2 60L seems a lot more space than the Exped Lightning 60! It's interesting to see how different measurements appear to be.

 

[benp1]

6'3 here, standard torso and leg dimensions. My exped lightning fits fine, find it very adjustable, surprised it doesn't work for you. My large golite fits well, so does a large osprey and a large Aiguille Alpine

 

[harok11a]

6'3 here, standard torso and leg dimensions. My exped lightning fits fine, find it very adjustable, surprised it doesn't work for you. My large golite fits well, so does a large osprey and a large Aiguille Alpine

I do just wonder whether I'm adjusting it all wrong.

Where do you have the adjustable harness set at?

I like a lot about the Exped. It doesn't sag down and keeps good structure and it's got a good ventilation gap for the back. My biggest issue seems to be that the shoulder straps dig in. I can't seem to get it to fit without it doing this. I can get almost no angle on the load lifters, they can even be angled the wrong way and pulling the straps into my shoulders.

I want to see it work as I do like the pack, but that's not the best way to make a decision!

 

[WilliamC]

I do just wonder whether I'm adjusting it all wrong.

Where do you have the adjustable harness set at?

I like a lot about the Exped. It doesn't sag down and keeps good structure and it's got a good ventilation gap for the back. My biggest issue seems to be that the shoulder straps dig in. I can't seem to get it to fit without it doing this. I can get almost no angle on the load lifters, they can even be angled the wrong way and pulling the straps into my shoulders.

I want to see it work as I do like the pack, but that's not the best way to make a decision!

Some photos of you with the pack on might be helpful for people to advise on how you're wearing the pack.
I've read several people on this forum complaining that the Exped Lightning straps are thin and uncomfortable.

 

[problem_chimp]

Her's a couple of videos that may prove useful if you haven't come across them already:

 

[harok11a]

Yes I've seen those.
That person is significantly shorter than I am.

I loaded this with a normal load to ensure it's realistic. The adjustable back is maxed out. It almost works. Just the straps dig in and feel as though they take more of the weight than they should

 

[Teepee]

Yes I've seen those.
That person is significantly shorter than I am.

I loaded this with a normal load to ensure it's realistic. The adjustable back is maxed out. It almost works. Just the straps dig in and feel as though they take more of the weight than they should

That's not right. Those load lifters are doing nothing. The attachment points for the load lifters are not high enough above your shoulder line to be effective transferring load to the hipbelt. It will be a shoulder killer with a bit of weight in.
I'm not familar with the Lightning( if that's what it is? ), but I'd say from those pics it's not big enough.

The hipbelt looks a litttle high though, it should be centred on your Iliac crest to transfer weight directly to the pelvis.. It always annoys me when I see 'Waistbelt', it's incorrect.


Just out of interest, does the pack frame extend up to the load lifter attachment points, or does it rely on the pack being stuffed to provide the height and stiffness above the shoulder line? It looks like the frame extends up to them. If it does, they should be effective and be able to hit circa 45 degrees from horizontal.

FWIW, if there is no frame then a pack will always have a hard time having effective load lifter straps unless it's really well rammed in.

 

[harok11a]

The hip belt is in the correct place, it’s just a long tshirt! The hip belt is fine.

The load lifters attach to the top of the T-frame and I can’t see that any additional packing would change their angle enough. I’ll give it a go though.

I have seen maybe one pack where the load lifters are at an angle, and that was an Osprey Atmos that is wrong in other ways. I have tried a lot of packs:
- Osprey: Atmos, Exos, Rook
- Lowe Alpine Manaslu
- Lightwave Fastpack
- Deuter (don’t remember model)
- Exped Lightning 60
- Granite Gear Crown 2 60

 

[WilliamC]

It looks too short for you IMO.

 

[Teepee]

The hip belt is in the correct place, it’s just a long tshirt! The hip belt is fine.

The load lifters attach to the top of the T-frame and I can’t see that any additional packing would change their angle enough. I’ll give it a go though.

I have seen maybe one pack where the load lifters are at an angle, and that was an Osprey Atmos that is wrong in other ways. I have tried a lot of packs:
- Osprey: Atmos, Exos, Rook
- Lowe Alpine Manaslu
- Lightwave Fastpack
- Deuter (don’t remember model)
- Exped Lightning 60
- Granite Gear Crown 2 60

No point stuffing it if the frame attaches to them, it won't make any appreciable difference.