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.

 

[Beendare]

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".

Stay length is important to get the right fit. I'm 6'3" with a proportional build so a fairly long torso. The EXO long [I can't remember length] made for a perfect fit.

I would get it and immediately try it on with various loads; 20#, 40# load, 60# and after 10 minutes you will know what works for you. Keep it clean and they will swap it out for the one that fits.

When you find the perfect fit- it's amazing. Keep in mind the pack will mold a little after wearing it for awhile.

 

[bradmacmt]

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".

Yeah, you're more legs than torso for sure. It takes some experience to measure backs, but lets assume your back is 18.5" - that's fairly short. I looked at the Exo site and their information is fairly generic and emphasizes the users overall height more than back measurement. You absolutely don't need the 26.5" stays. I'd go with the 25" and see how that works. As long as the load lifters are 25* to 45* above your shoulder with a weighted pack you'll be good.

 

[MT_Wyatt]

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".

So I’d call the shop there - you can actually switch out 26.5 and 25” stays (ie try both) the way their frames are constructed. They also have it so you can cut down stays, Exo has a video on it.

 

[WV Mountaineer]

18.5 torso. Go with the 25” frame. You’ll be glad you did.

 

[Paleface]

I ended up ordering an EXO with 26.5" stays (thinking that if they're too long, I'll trim them down for a custom fit). Also, I re-measured my back and my torso is 19" (not 18.5").
So far, I've put about 30 miles on the pack (with 80 pound loads) and decided to cut 1/2" from the top of the stays. Now, when the pack is loaded, the top of the stays line up with the middle of my ear and it seems to be a great fit.
Ideally, where to you guys like the top of the stays to be (in reference to your ears)?

 

[roosiebull]

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)?

If you aren’t in a bunch of brush, I would go with the longer stays. I’m going to get some 26.5” stays that I will put on my pack as soon as archery elk is over, and I’m not constantly in the salmonberry and vine maple

Brush is the determining factor for me, the head clearance thing isn’t a big deal to me, just brush