How Important is Stay Length?

[Paleface]

I'm looking at getting a new backpack and according to the fit chart, I'm right on the cusp between 25" stays and 26.5" stays - either one should work. In the end, it's only 1 1/2" difference... Are the longer stays worth it? Will they really make that much of a difference? I am under the impression that longer stays will help to better stabilize a heavy load and the load lifters will be more effective than on shorter stays. The downside is that longer stays could possibly cause clearance issues or interfere with head movement. What has your experience been? Which would you choose (and why)?

 

[wnelson14]

I would get the longer ones and have the ability to cut them down in small increments if needed that’s what I did on my K4

 

[bradmacmt]

It would help to know which pack? What's your spine measurement from your iliac crest to c7 vertebra?

26.5" stays would typically be for someone with a long spine measurement, say 22" and over. I'm not aware of a single internal frame pack where it would be smart to cut down stays. The frames are precisely sized to the packbag size and are generally the only support for the bag, as well as the load lifters.

Typically, a well designed internal frame will give you some adjustment in the hibelt, up and down, to give further adjustment for load lifter angle for those that fall in between pack sizes.

Yes - stay length is very important!

 

[Paleface]

Thanks for the quick responses. I'm looking at an EXO K4, external frame.
I'm 6'1" with a 34" inseam. I just measured my torso length and got 18.5".

 

[SloppyJ]

They make a difference. I was right on the edge as well. I went with the 26.5 and they were too tall. They stuck up behind my head and kept it from going back too far. I swapped with someone for the 25s and it's much better.

I have a long torso and thought the bigger ones would work. If I didn't trade I would have cut them down.