Guide Lite MT/Other Backpacks Fit

[Air Bear]

Hi all,

Ive been running a MR Guide Lite MT frame for a few years with Metcalf and Beartooth bags. I cannot quite seem to dial in the fit though even after watching their, and other fit videos. I am certain that i have the correct size frame (s/m) for me (6’, 190# and slightly shorter torso for my height). If i shorten up the frame i get an awful pinch in my pectoral muscles. If i lengthen just a little it really hurts my traps and leaves a gap between the shoulder strap and the outside of my shoulder ( as in it is only contacting nearer my neck) and also rides down my hips a little. I cannot seems to find a sweet spot. Something I noticed when looking at other manufacturers is that where the load lifters attach to the frame is a good inch or more wider than MR. I wonder of this could be part of either the pain/pressure on my trapezius or the pectoral pinch (haha, pectoral pinch, that sounds like some bully move i would have done to my little brother). Anyway, you all are a bunch of pros at this, any insights/recommendations for improved comfort ? And my apologies if this has been addressed before, i did some heavy searching and came up empty.
P.s. as i am typing this i am realizing i should contact MR directly. I will do that tomorrow, but nonetheless, if you all have input i welcome it.
-air bear

 

[Brehmer22]

I have the same setup as you and am a similar size at 6’2” and 185. I have experienced the exact issues you describe and have not been able to solve it. I’m leaning towards getting a different pack with a better hip belt.

If you find a solution I’d be very interested in hearing it!

 

[Air Bear]

Sorry to hear that Brehmer, but glad im not alone. I will update if I learn anything new.

 

[NXTZ]

I’m a similar weight (but shorter) and I had similar issues. The shoulder straps would “pinch” and I could never get the waist belt to my liking. Loaded, it always felt like the weight was hanging behind/below my ass. I ended up getting a used stone glacier on the classifieds and it is a night and day difference in comfort for me.

I’m not hating on mystery ranch-they seem to be great for a lot of guys. Definitely not suited for me though. Op, is there anywhere you can go to try on other packs? I took a gamble on the stone glacier but it opened my eyes for how a comfortable a pack could be.

Curious if mystery ranch can help you with the fit (that’s obviously the cheapest solution!)

 

[505Wapiti]

Did you adjust the shoulder straps in the shoulder padding before it gets to the load lifter?

 

[Air Bear]

Did you adjust the shoulder straps in the shoulder padding before it gets to the load lifter?

Hey 505, yes i did and it helped a bit, but it limits how much movement I can get out of my load lifters. I should probably play with that a little more still. Thanks for reminding me of that adjustment. I will see if I can fine tune it.

 

[Air Bear]

I’m a similar weight (but shorter) and I had similar issues. The shoulder straps would “pinch” and I could never get the waist belt to my liking. Loaded, it always felt like the weight was hanging behind/below my ass. I ended up getting a used stone glacier on the classifieds and it is a night and day difference in comfort for me.

I’m not hating on mystery ranch-they seem to be great for a lot of guys. Definitely not suited for me though. Op, is there anywhere you can go to try on other packs? I took a gamble on the stone glacier but it opened my eyes for how a comfortable a pack could be.

Curious if mystery ranch can help you with the fit (that’s obviously the cheapest solution!)

“ended up getting a used stone glacier“
The part of me that ignores my bank account wants to go this same route. I may go try one on, but will try to sort out the MR before purchasing something new.
Thanks for the input