[FONT="]OK guys, I know there is a little confusion as to why the Tenzing 5000 and 6000 are so similar in size. Here’s the scoop:[/FONT]
[FONT="]Just visited with Jay Robert (pack designer) and Bryan Emrich (Vice President of Marketing, Tenzing) about the packs.[/FONT]
[FONT="]The key difference is the entire torso systems; they are about 2” shorter on the 5000 versus the 6000. Jay’s ultimate goal was to design a pack that came in right at the 5500 ci mark that fit well for both the hunter under 5'10", as well as one for the taller guys. In reality, the difference is minimal and both can be adjusted from S to XXL via the torso adjustment system. Basically the 5000 is 2 inches shorter.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Here is a direct quote from Jay:[/FONT]
[FONT="]“At Tenzing we understand hunters always go in with less weight then they come out with. Sooooo ... We advanced our packs to having two ultra-light fluted vertical stays and one horizontal at the top. Totaling 3 stays. This combination is the ultimate in load stabilization without adding weight. Our load lifters work really good. We have two sizes on the platforms. The TZ 5000 fits really good on people up to 5' 10" and the TZ 6000 fit those over 5' 10" by adding 2" in the platform length.”[/FONT]
[FONT="]In summary, don’t let the pack size be the deciding factor when you go to purchase one of these packs, let your torso length decide. If you are 5’ 10” or shorter, then the 5000 should be your pack of choice. If you are over 5’ 10”, then the 6000 should fit you nicely.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Hope this helps clear up any confusion.[/FONT]