I started backpacking as a teen with a Granite Gear internal frame backpack with an adjustable framesheet and eventually migrated to their first edition Virga in a size large (21-25" Torso) once I stopped growing. This is and continues to be my favorite fitting backpack but the volume (3200ci/52L) is way too big for my kit for the last few years. I've also borrowed my fathers Granite Gear Vapor Trail in large which carries just as well. I'm 6' tall and about 180 lbs. I've measured my torso from the C7 vertebrae to the iliac crest which is somewhere between 19.5-20.5" (depending who's helping me measure). Thinking that I needed a large size I tried out a MLD Prophet in Large (21.5" Torso per MLD) but it never felt as comfortable for me. Knowing that the Granite Gear Virga reports fitting a torso length of 21-25" I thought that I needed a taller backpack. So, I picked up a Gossamer Gear Kumo (Gridstop version) in large which reportedly fits torso with 20-24". FYI, Gossamer Gear's Kumo in Robic has a different torso measurement for Large as 19-22". I've attached two photos wearing the Kumo. One with the Klymit frame inflated to create a more rigid frame, and another where the Klymit frame is not inflated as much. You can see that in the first photo the pack straps attach above my shoulder and when the pad is slightly deflated they attach about an inch below my shoulder. The problem I am having is that none of these smaller packs hug my back and pull away at the shoulders which causes neck strain as I feel the need to overextend my head over my chest. I'll try and get some photos up later wearing the Granite Gear pack for comparison. Thanks in advance.
