Torso Length Measurement - What now?

[Sinistram]

OK, so I've searched the heck out of the forum, watched all the YouTube videos, and evaluated things. I had the wife measure my torso according to every guide out there (top of iliac crest to C7) and the number is 17.5". My pack has an adjustable yoke, so I have adjustment range, but the question I can't seem to get answered is how does the torso measurement of my body translate into an adjustment on the pack?

I've tried it high and low, and there are subtle differences but I have to be missing something. Is there a way to reference when you have the yoke correctly adjusted to your body? The only thing I could see different are where the load lifters hit my shoulder and how long the shoulder straps are. Moving the yoke up or down takes the lifter attachment point either forward or backward and the straps shorter or longer, respectively. On a few test hikes of 3-4 miles with each adjustment, I get the impression there might be more weight on my shoulders than there should be, but I don't know how much heft you're actually supposed to feel there.

I'm adjusting with 25lbs in the pack, then switching to 45lbs to test how it handles a bit more weight. I don't want to be one of those guys not getting the most out of my pack with incorrect adjustments. Anyone care to offer advice? Thanks in advance!!

 

[Tman24]

You’re overthinking it. You only need the measurement so you get a pack that will fit your torso size.
Now that you have the pack, you load it up and hike, trying different positions till you have it dialed in.
Also with different loads it helps to change the frame size. Heavy load will compress your body.
Also packs are just like boots. They don’t fit everyone. (Kifaru’s hip belt kills me)
If you just can’t get it dialed in then it’s not the pack for you. Just don’t expect to not feel 45+lbs in your pack. You’re going to feel it. The more you carry it you’ll get used to it. But it’s still weight on your body.

 

[Sinistram]

Great and clear answer! This helps a lot and in messing around with yoke length and strap configuration, I think I'm dialed in. I had 70lbs of ballast in it yesterday and went for a 1mile walk around the house to test it out. The weight is there for sure but not riding poorly on me.

 

[TaperPin]

OK, so I've searched the heck out of the forum, watched all the YouTube videos, and evaluated things. I had the wife measure my torso according to every guide out there (top of iliac crest to C7) and the number is 17.5". My pack has an adjustable yoke, so I have adjustment range, but the question I can't seem to get answered is how does the torso measurement of my body translate into an adjustment on the pack?

I've tried it high and low, and there are subtle differences but I have to be missing something. Is there a way to reference when you have the yoke correctly adjusted to your body? The only thing I could see different are where the load lifters hit my shoulder and how long the shoulder straps are. Moving the yoke up or down takes the lifter attachment point either forward or backward and the straps shorter or longer, respectively. On a few test hikes of 3-4 miles with each adjustment, I get the impression there might be more weight on my shoulders than there should be, but I don't know how much heft you're actually supposed to feel there.

I'm adjusting with 25lbs in the pack, then switching to 45lbs to test how it handles a bit more weight. I don't want to be one of those guys not getting the most out of my pack with incorrect adjustments. Anyone care to offer advice? Thanks in advance!!

If your shoulder straps are adjustable where they attach to the pack, you want them more or less as long as possible without the “Y” where the straps separate hitting your neck, or causing weird angles.

Then loosen the load lifter (strap on top of shoulder straps) so there’s slack and tighten shoulder straps so 15% to 25% of the weight is on your shoulders. Then pull on the load lifters just to the point the pack is brought up against your back - too often these are over tightened.

Done.

How to Size and Fit a Backpack | REI Co-op

Learn how to measure your torso length and hip size so you can choose the backpack size that fits you. Then learn how to adjust the fit of your pack before you hit the trail and while you’re hiking.

www.rei.com