best pack for short torso

[Bear Cables]

I am 5'5'' with a short waist. I am looking for a pack better suited to women with short torsos any suggestions?

[Rasty]

Check out the ULA circuit. There are three adult lengths and a childs adjustable torso length. The hip belt comes in three sizes also. Its a great pack also.

[RED-DOG]

Yeah check out Mountain Hardwear. they have all different sizes

[Creek Dancer]

Check out the Osprey Aura and Ariel. They come in small sizes and the torso is adjustable. REI has (or had) a video on how to properly adjust your pack for best fit. The Osprey packs are a little heavy at 3 1/2 pounds empty, but I found that they carry amazingly. It's all about what fits you best and what works for you with your gear.

[melaniebk]

My daughter is also 5'5" and short torsoed. The REI salesperson measured my daughter for fit, pulled out 3-4 packs that were suitable for her needs, and adjusted them down until they felt comfortable. Then they loaded 20 lbs or so into all of them and let her take walk around the store and up the stairs until she sure which one felt best. The salesperson also offered to change out the waist belt for an even smaller size. She ended up with the Osprey Ariel. The Osprey waist belt is also custom moldable. Even if you end up ordering online, it's best to go into an outfitter and let them help you get the right fit.

[RJ Lewis]

Another idea is a relatively newcomer to the market, Elemental Horizons. The pack maker, Matt, will happily work with you to get you the exact pack size you need, and it won't cost you any more than a ULA pack. I have some special needs due to a rollover car accident and hook plate in my shoulder, and he made me a beautiful pack completely suited to my needs. Yes, I also have a very short torso. I border on XS torso size, and I'm 49, 5'5".

[S'more]

I hover at 5'1/2", is a 'specialist' maker a better thought for me? Until I have figured out the 'what' to pack, I figure I should wait a bit for the pack itself. Or is that wrong thinking?

[melaniebk]

I hover at 5'1/2", is a 'specialist' maker a better thought for me? Until I have figured out the 'what' to pack, I figure I should wait a bit for the pack itself. Or is that wrong thinking?

Figuring out what you're going to pack will help you make sense of all the options that are available. That's not how I did it, but I can see now how I lucked up on choosing the pack I got.

[Seldomseen]

My wife is in the same boat. We tried all the packs out there and the only one that could truly be customized was the Gregory. Xtra small frame, small shoulder straps, and medium hip belt. Sure the pack is heavier but you will never find that fit out of anything else on the market.

[cabbagehead]

deuter act zero

http://deuter.com/en_US/backpack-details.php?category=120&artnr=43831&title=ACT%20Zero%2045%20%2B%2015%20SL

highly adjustable
can be washed in a washing machine
can take the shoulder straps off

[cabbagehead]

deuter act zero

http://deuter.com/en_US/backpack-details.php?category=120&artnr=43831&title=ACT%20Zero%2045%20%2B%2015%20SL

highly adjustable
can be washed in a washing machine
can take the shoulder straps off

[Train Wreck]

My wife is in the same boat. We tried all the packs out there and the only one that could truly be customized was the Gregory. Xtra small frame, small shoulder straps, and medium hip belt. Sure the pack is heavier but you will never find that fit out of anything else on the market.

I also have a short (XS) torso and it was difficult for me to find a pack that fit correctly. I ended up getting the Gregory Deva 60 and am very happy with it. Yes, it's a little heavier than most other packs (about 5 lb) but, to me, the extra weight is more than compensated by the quality construction and all the options for custom fit. It is truly designed for women, and has a number of options to help you get the optimum fit. The hip belt is extremely well-padded and contoured to fit the curve of your hips, and the pack transfers the weight to your hips very efficiently and doesn't slip. I never feel the full pack weight dragging at my shoulders. If you're not counting every ounce, I would definitely recommend your taking a look at the Deva.

[Bear Cables]

I did go to my local outfitter and got measured. I am a XS to S torso at 15". I liked the fit of the Gregory Deva 60 and tried a small aura 50. Like them both but needed more space and they didn't have the Aura 65 in a small. I bought the Gregory and took it home but didn't like the way my gear packs in it. So I am taking in back and I ordered the Aura 65 in a small torso from REI. Thanks for your imput.

[Bear Cables]

BTW does anyone want to buy my Golite pack? Medium torso

[ighwoman]

I am 5'5', short torso of only 16.5. I have gone through so many packs over the years, but I finally found one that really fits. It is an Women's REI XT-75 in Small (retrofitted with size Medium shoulder straps and hipbelt). I've used it on two hikes on the Superior Hiking Trail (10 days, 8 days) and think it is going to be a wonderful bag for me. It's a little larger than many women are using these days, but I'm not an Ultralighter, just lighter...

[SawnieRobertson]

Check out the ULA circuit. There are three adult lengths and a childs adjustable torso length. The hip belt comes in three sizes also. Its a great pack also. When I packed and put on my ULA Circuit, I at five feet and with a torso length of 15-!/2 . . . found my true love, a pack that completes my joy on the trail.--Kinnickinic

[RibbonInTheWillow]

Which Gregory did your wife choose? I was looking at the Jade 60