Between Pack Sizes–Which?

Others will know better than I, but I've heard the old Jam sizes ran smaller than advertised. If that's the case you should buy the bigger one.

This also makes a case for sizing up:

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/00194.html

I have an 18" torso length. I also have a Jam pack. It fits me fine. It's a Medium. Hope it works for you.

Michele:

Considering how important it is to get the right size, I would order both sizes if I were you! At Backcountrgear, for example, the additional shipping you would pay is a mere $2 ($7 to $9). And your return shipping — which of course you would pack inside a large tyvek envelope instead of a heavy box — should be pretty minimal as well. Heck, many gear stores offer free shipping, so your incremental cost can be even less.

Ben, that's a very good idea. Wish i had thought of that.

Michele, i'd go with Ben's idea. Err on the side of…

better fit!

Thanks, PJ.

Michele — REI carries the Jam 2 as well — so if the price is right and you live near one of their stores, you can order both sizes and have them shipped free to the nearest store for your pick up. After trying them on (in store or at home) — you simply keep one and return the other. No added cost at all.

size up! have you ever worn a pack that was too short? misery. a pack that is slightly too long can be dealt with. i have a 17.5 torso but i have learned the hard way that many packs' torso lengths run a bit small.

Thanks for the help, folks!

I saw an original Jam on sale for under $50 at Prolite Gear, which is what prompted my question. I've wanted one for some time. As they only have a small size, though, I'll back out on that one, as a couple of you mention I should size up, which is what I suspected.

I figure if I could find a pack at half price like this, SURELY my husband won't eyeball me for buying yet another pack! :) Looks like I'm safe, for the time being!

Ben,

Good idea about ordering both and returning the second one…doh! I never though about that! And you get free shipping to an REI store, too, so there aren't any extra $$$ involved as the end result, for me.

I wasn't intending to look for a new Jam 2…but, I must have my say… I like the idea of a women's version, but the colors on the women's Jam 2 packs are atrocious!

Yeah, in my view anyway, the only thing uglier than a purple pack is a purple tent! :)

But you know, there's nothing stopping you from ordering a men's version as well and giving it a test. Good luck with your pack purchase!