Backpack for Extra Tall Men

[AndyJ_54]

Do we have any extra tall men out there that can recommend a good lightweight pack. My grandson is 6'8"+ and will need a pack for a thru hike, he wants to go with a very light weight pack that is comfortable. I am going to take him to REI to try a few on but they will not have all of the options available. So if you are a tall guy and can recommend a pack I would like to hear it.

[Connie]

McHale has lightweight backpacks for tall size.

http://www.mchalepacks.com/ultralight/detail/summit_pack.htm (http://www.mchalepacks.com/ultralight/detail/summit_pack.htm)

[featherhiker]

I'm 6'1 and I have a Mammut lithium 32 that is plenty big and should be big enough for a through hike if you are smart.

[atmilkman]

I'm 6'6" and I have a ULA Circuit. Torso size large and hipbelts both large and XL. The large torso size works perfectly for me. The torso size also comes in an XL. One option you could take advantage of if you choose to do so would be to give Chris at ULA a call and talk to him. He's very helpful and would probably send you the large and XL torso size along with a couple of different belt sizes to try and send back what you don't select or send it all back if it's not for you.

[Just Bill]

You may get lucky at REI, but as others mentioned- plenty of good cottage guys who can help out.
ULA, ZPacks, Gossamer gear spring to mind as reasonable options.

McHale is full custom and not cheap.

[illabelle]

I'm 6'6" and I have a ULA Circuit. Torso size large and hipbelts both large and XL. The large torso size works perfectly for me. The torso size also comes in an XL. One option you could take advantage of if you choose to do so would be to give Chris at ULA a call and talk to him. He's very helpful and would probably send you the large and XL torso size along with a couple of different belt sizes to try and send back what you don't select or send it all back if it's not for you.

Definitely true. My husband is 6'4" and Chris worked with him to get the pack/hipbelt combination that worked for him.

[mankind117]

I'm 6'7" about a 22 to 23 inch torso myself and can relate. He probably will be disappointed by what they have in stock for tall people. I've found that especially mainstream manufactures, Osprey, Gregory, Granite Gear generally undersize their packs.
here are packs I've used found that work for tall people. Not that I actually like all of them. Many of these are online by the maker and will not be found in a store.
Osprey Aether 70 or 85 in the XL torso. REI will almost certainly not carry this size in store but I had an aether in xl torso that fit well albeit heavy
ULA packs makes all their packs in an XL torso, I had a ula catalyst, but I never liked it for other reasons (I never found the hipbelt, lumbar area uncomfortable)
Granite Gear Crown VC 60 in the long torso. Worked well for my longer torso but I didn't like the floppy frame. Unfortunately Granite Gear only makes this in the long torso all their other packs only go to regular size and it seems like the Crown is never available in store
Elemental Horizon makes the Kalais and Aquilo Packs that are actually properly sized. Their size large was one of the best fitting packs I have used. http://www.elementalhorizons.com/
My current pack of choice is the Paradox Unaweep: http://store.seekoutside.com/backpacks-lightweight/
It has a frame and harness (note I said both, most packs you can only adjust the harness which is silly to me because the frame still might be too short) that can be adjusted in height and works the best of any pack I have used with my tall body.

[rickb]

I am just 6'3" but long-waisted as they say (just a 32" inseam).

I found a size large ULA Catalyst was a good fit (and they have one size bigger) and a good evolution from my uber heavy XL Terraplane which had the perfect fit, but is now about as cool as a 1974 Mustang.

[Feral Bill]

McHale has lightweight backpacks for tall size.

http://www.mchalepacks.com/ultralight/detail/summit_pack.htm (http://www.mchalepacks.com/ultralight/detail/summit_pack.htm)

Yikes! That's expensive. Makes me glad I'm only 6'3"

[Connie]

I think McHale Packs would even have XS size, as well.