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SMD Starlite-Adjusting torso length

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Jim MacDiarmid BPL Member
PostedFeb 24, 2010 at 5:27 pm

I picked up a Starlite on Gear Swap, and I'm wondering how one determines where to position the shoulder straps. Since it's a bit of an effort to detach and move them, I'd like to just get it right off the bat. I have an 18.25" torso, if I'm remembering correctly. I'm a medium in every pack I know of.

I know I could email Ron, but figured I'd ask here to see what the consensus was.

Thanks.

PostedFeb 24, 2010 at 6:30 pm

Hey man, it's not really as hard as it seems the first time.

I also was kind of afraid at the force needed to "rip" the inside velcro loose, but it really isn't a big deal. The torso sizes of most packs come in only 3, which means they fit a range of torsos each. The Starlite can be adjusted in 1" increments, so I'd play with it and try to get it "just right" if it were me, which it was, when I did the same thing with my Starlite.

I've gotten a fit out of mine that feels more accurate than most previous packs.

Jim MacDiarmid BPL Member
PostedFeb 25, 2010 at 5:34 am

So after reading this article by Dr. Jordan which defines(and I hope this quote falls under Fair Use laws)

Effective User Torso Length

To account for the position of a hip belt centerline for optimal load transfer (which should be one inch lower than the iliac crest for most people), we herein define an effective user torso length as the user torso length plus one inch.

I interpret this to mean that having an 18.25″ torso means I should lay out the Starlite, get out my tape measure, and measure from 1″ below the top of the hip belt and place the shoulder straps the the attachment nearest to 19.25″ from that point.

Javan, I’m glad I wasn’t the only one nervous when using the force required to detach the velcro. But this is why I’d like to get it right on the first try. Stopping in the middle of a hike to readjust torso length is not my idea of fun.

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