Women with large breasts: what backpack do you use?

Saintly Ian,

You were inclusive and funny. Thanks for the humor.

If she hasn't looked, consider checking out sport bras at a running store. I find the best ones there. They sell ones with underwires that are "firm", so there isn't anything moving.
Having said that, the reason I bought those was for off roading. I kid not, it hurts when things are moving around! And I find that with it on I stand better, with good posture, when hiking as well.
They are not cheap though, I usually spend $40 to 50 a bra, but they last years with the right care.

thanks Sara, I will let her know. I'm pretty sure hers are from Target or somewhere.

"if an Ohm 2.0 and the Zpacks Arc Blast have similar carrying capabilities, and both have "S" shaped straps, then why not go with the Arc Blast at half the weight?"

Because some people might not like the arc of the Arc. I have disliked curved backs on other, non-Zpacks packs. Maybe the Arc Blast is different? Maybe she wouldn't care? (does the Osprey she already has have such a curve?)

I like the weight close in. Not that she would necessarily. Just saying, in principle there's a legit reason to go with the Ohm instead (which I did).

I have both. They each have advantages and disadvantages.
But the OP's concern was fit and you can figure that out unless you try it on… with weight.

I'd say, order both and return the one you like least.
Try them with weight… and do some practice hikes with the weight in them.
Both companies are good with returns.

Billy

katherine: True, I hadn't really thought of that. Her current Osprey is the Aura, which has the ventilated back panel, and she does like the fit, except that she has complained about the straps digging into her shoulders which I believe is unrelated to the back panel. That may be because she had too much weight or hadnt adjusted the hip belt properly though.

Billy Ray: We may have to do that.

Even though I am more average than large, I never buckle the sternum strap for reasons mentioned above. I have been following this thread and appreciate the suggestions. With a lighter load the sternum strap has not seemed necessary, but for a winter trip or just more days/ miles it would be nice to tighten up a pack more.
I have been happy with my Ohm with S curved shoulder straps, now that my little Osprey Hornet got chewed up.
As for bras, I am all about sports bras unless I am dressing up, which happens rarely.

"Tom: Good to know. It does look like a well built pack, and a lot of the women responding to this seem to like ULA in general."

One thing I forgot to mention. If load lifters are important, the OHM is the better choice. Its load lifters are attached to the frame, whereas the Arc Blast's are not. At least the last time I checked. Worth checking out, if it is a function you want.

“One thing I forgot to mention. If load lifters are important, the OHM is the better choice. Its load lifters are attached to the frame, whereas the Arc Blast’s are not. At least the last time I checked. Worth checking out, if it is a function you want.”

[edit – MK]

Sorry, couldn’t resist