If you read no further than, just remember this; Fit you rucksack like your shoes, not your shirt. They’re not one size fits all.
An accurately fitted backpack ensures your comfort and conserves your energy while trekking. It enables you to utilize the pack effectively, maximizing its storage capacity. These factors collectively enhance your overall performance and pleasure during your adventure. Our aim is to provide every customer with gear that optimizes both their experience and potential on the trail.
Step 1; Measure your Torso Length
Take a measuring tape and tilt your head forward to locate the prominent knob at the base of your neck. This is your C7 vertebra, serving as the reference point for your measurement. Return your head to its normal position and guide the tape down your spine until you reach the Iliac Center, situated at the midpoint of your spine and aligning with the highest part of your hipbone.
Step 2; Pick your Pack
Once you’ve determined your torso length, you can easily determine the appropriate size for any Gregory pack you’re interested in. It’s important to note that Gregory packs are universally sized, meaning a medium size remains consistent across unisex, men’s, or women’s packs.
Step 3; Try on the Pack
We highly advise loading the pack with a minimum of 4.5 – 9.0 kg. After that, ensure that the top edge of the hip belt is positioned 2.5cm above your iliac crest shelf. Subsequently, the shoulder straps should seamlessly curve over your shoulders, beginning around 8 cm below the shoulder tops. Should the shoulder strap commence below this 8 cm mark, consider trying a larger size.
Hipbelt
This is the belt you buckle across your hips, and it allows you to carry the weight of your pack on your hips instead of your shoulders. You should position the belt pad 1” (2.5cm) above your iliac crest.
Shoulder strap
Yes, these are the straps by which you carry your pack. They should form to the contours of your natural shape and rest completely against your shoulders, wrapping about 8 cm below the top of your shoulder blade.
Sternum strap
This is the strap that buckles directly over your chest, at about heart-height used to keep the shoulder straps in place and correctly positioned on your body. This strap should not distort the shape of the shoulder strap or inhibit your breathing.
Load lifter strap
Critical and often underutilized, these straps connect the shoulder strap to the top support structure of the pack. They draw the weight of the pack towards your center of gravity to provide stability and energy savings and allow you to shift weight from your upper body to your hips.
Transfer Weight to Hipbelt
By loosening the shoulder strap adjustment then tightening the load lifter straps on the top of the shoulder strap, you are taking weight supported by the shoulder straps and transferring it to your hipbelt.
Transfer Weight to Shoulder Straps
By loosening the load lifter straps on the top of the shoulder strap and then tightening the shoulder strap adjustment, you are taking weight supported by your hipbelt and moving it to your shoulder straps.
Pack Sizing – One Size
This means that a pack comes in one size and is designed to fit a wide range or torso lengths and body shapes —so you don’t need to worry about the small, medium, and large stuff.
Pack Sizing – Adjustable
Packs with adjustable sizing are available in S, M, L. These packs allow for changes in torso length within the sizes indicated. Example – M fits torso lengths 38,1 – 48,3cm.
Pack Sizing – Custom Fit
Custom fit packs have individual hipbelt and harness components that can be swapped out to create the perfect fit combination for you. Example – A Baltoro size S can be equipped with size large harnesses, and a size large hipbelt. Remember – start with your correct torso length to get the bag size, then you can custom fit your hipbelt and harness components.
We hope this helps, be sure to check out the size guides attached to each product to assist you choosing your Rucksack. If you’ve still got questions or would like help picking out your perfect pack just get in touch. We’re happy to help.
