Women’s specific pack suggestions

You may not want that much volume.

A 45 liter volume is about 2750 cubic inches. The rule of thumb is that you need 1000 cubic inches of volume for each 10 pounds of load, so that volume would be good for approximately 27 pounds of load. That's a lot more than the typical 15 pounds.

–B.G.–

Wow, I was way off on my estimate. Thanks Bob.
So what I really need is a 25-30 liter pack.

It depends on how typical your typical numbers are.

–B.G.–

I've been very happy with my Six Moons Designs Traveler backpack. I was able to set the torso where I needed it, and ordered it with the large hipbelt. Short, stout, curvy in the waist-to-hip area. Haven't used their other packs, so the comparison may not be great, but I have been fine with the volume. I'm not really ultralight, though, more lightweight although I'm working to get lower.

Hi-

I too am a curvy woman. I'm 5'8", 140lbs. with big hips and a teeny waist which has made finding a pack somewhat difficult. First I need to ask, is your wife looking for a daypack (which would classify in the 25-30L capacity) or for a multi-day or light backpack? For the former I use the Camelbak Trinity which has never given me any problems and I absolutely love. If your wife has a short torso, this backpack might be a little small for her. For my backpack trips I use the Osprey Ariel 65 (which has a much larger capacity) and again, I love it. When I bought the backpack I worked with someone at REI and they fit me with a different size pack and waist strap. I like both of my packs but it's really a matter of preference. My overall recommendation is to go to REI or Adventure 16, or any outdoor store, and talk with a sales rep. They are knowledgeable and will really be able to help your wife find a pack that fits her. Good luck!

Maybe check into Osprey. I know the 1995-2000 models could be found with both specialized shoulder harnesses and specialized belts. Particular models designed only for women. The belts would have a smaller length on the top than on the bottom, so they would conform to the smaller waist and bigger hips. The harness was curved around the chest and said to be much more comfortable. You can find packs like this for REALLY cheap, too. Durability off the charts. Very comfortable and carry well. eBay has a couple models right now. Isis and Amelia. That era of Osprey are some of the finest packs ever made.

Although the ultralight packs didn't work for my wife, she did find a Deuter that works well for her. I also heard an interview where ULA makes a different waist belt for women. Not sure if this is still the case, might be worth a check though.

How long of trips are you guys planning? In my opinion, 25-30 litres is a little smaller for anything but overnights. A 35 is right on target for a few days with an ultralight load.

Thank you for your input. I put all of her gear in a Golite Peak, 36 L, and it is the right capacity for a weekend or up to several days. The fit was not good though. I am going to look into all of your kind suggestions in search for pack nirvana for her!

Granite Gear makes women's specific packs, usually designated with "Ki". Worth looking into as well. Good luck!

As a curvy woman myself, I like the Granite Gear and Osprey Packs. If I were going to pick any internal frame pack in the world for myself it'd be the Osprey Exos. Really comfy and great ventilation all around.

Just bought my girlfriend a Granite Gear Blaze AC 60 Ki. Going to give it a good test next week @ Isle Royale, but she hiked ~2 miles with a load in it and seemed to like it. Pack construction is great, not too much excess.

She wanted a little more support/load transfer than is available on most true ultralight packs, plus she wanted something that was woman-specific.

I'll try and gather her thoughts on the pack after our trip and post a review for her.

I think she's going to want something in the 30-35 liter range. I think 45 liters will be too big.

I like my Peak in that size. I also have an older women's Jam2 (either a 2008 or 2009 model). It's a little narrower than the Peak and the hipbelt is sewn in and fits my hips better.

I would also try a Talon 33. I thought it was a nice little pack.

Granite Gear Vapor Ki is the women's version of the Vapor Trail. Nice simple pack, great hipbelt. It may be a little big, volume-wise, and I'm not sure that they even make it anymore but I think worth looking for.

I ended up with a ULA Circuit, which I really like. Sounds like she doesn't need anything that big but if she wants to consider a bigger, potentially more versatile pack (for longer trips, bear canisters, etc.), it may be worth considering. I use it now for what I used to use my Peak, so it certainly handles small loads comfortably. What's nice is that the hipbelts are interchangeable and you can choose shoulder strap styles to fit. You can also bend the aluminum stay to customize the fit.

Curvy over here, too. For that volume I use the Osprey Talon 33. It's not woman specific, but if you lengthen it enough, it will clamp around the hips perfectly. I finally got mine dialed in this weekend. Just make sure that she doesn't buy too short of a pack. Mine is a S/M and I have it lengthened out so that it fits around my hips and not my waist.

My wife has had good luck with the women's Golite Jam and the Osprey Talon 44

In June, 2012, I will be touring Philmont Boy Scout camp with 2 of my 11 children – will turn 50 on the trail. I need a pack – recommended size is 4200 in. cubed – I've tried on an Osprey (man's version) and a woman's Alps Denali. I really like the Osprey – which version of the Osprey would you guys recommend?

I have an Osprey Ariel (65 l)-wonderful pack, carries crazy weight like a dream, but way too big for my needs these days.
I've been experimenting with packs for the past year.
I really like the Osprey Hornet (42 l)- also carries weights up to about 25 pounds really well, but because of my shape, the hip belt folds over.
I also have two Jams- an older one and a new one- carry weight fairly well but the shoulder straps are too wide for me.

I've tried the BPL Absaroka pack but just around the house. Have not taken it on an outing yet but the straps are a little wide.
Tried on a couple other Osprey packs- Exos and Stratos. Bought a Kestrel but the hoop hit me in the neck.

I finally figured out that I have a bunch of special needs related to packs, so I decided to go the custom route. I'm still waiting for that one- just placed the order this week.

It totally depends on your shape- as to what pack will fit well. And you cannot judge the comfort of a pack by loading it up with sandbags at the store- at least I can't. I have to wear it for a day or two of backpacking before I can judge that.
I'd be willing to sell either of the Jams (one a small and one a large) or the Osprey, if you are interested.
The small Jam might be on the small side- depending on your gear and how much you leave at home.
Good luck to you in your search.

Jennifer – send me the specifics on the Osprey – what size is the pack- small/med/large? I need to make a run to REI and try one on – also how old is the pack and what is the condition. Thanks for commenting – really appreciate it!