Critical measurements for a custom-fit pack?

[David Drake]

Thinking about a (long-term) project to make a pack as custom-fitted as possible, i.e., eliminate *unnecessary* adjustability by shaping the pack to fit just one person.

Looking through older article and posts here, as well as other sources, I'm trying to come up with parameters that vary from person to person, but could be measured and given a fixed length/shape for a custom fit.

Obviously, some adjustability in the harness will still be necessary to accommodate different loads, or to allow variations throughout the day to lessen fatigue, etc.

So far, the critical measurements/parameters I'm thinking about are:

Torso length
Shoulder angle and width (affects angle of attachment of straps to pack bag in both plan and elevation, as well as space between straps and strap width).
Chest circumference
Waist and hip circumference
Hip angle
Contour of back

Any input?

[Daryl and Daryl]

I 2nd your inclusion of "contour of back".

I have a curved (hunched?) back and my wife has a very straight back.

So her straight framed pack works fine for her. When I put it on the frame is pointing backwards and the load requires that I lean uncomfortably forward when hiking.

My pack is curved with a high cross bar. Works fine for me. When she wears it the cross bar hits the top of her head.

[Roger Caffin]

> Torso length
Probably #1

> Shoulder angle and width
Limited. Obviously, don't garrot your neck.

> Chest circumference
Adjustable sternum strap – minor.

> Waist and hip circumference
Adjustable hip belt as usual.

> Hip angle
> Contour of back
Yes, probably #2. As OP has noticed with the difference between self and wife. How much your bum sticks out does affect the lumbar pad and hip belt adjustment.

Cheers

[David Drake]

Thanks, Daryl and Roger.

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