Gossamer Gear Kumo question

There are others with Kumo specific experience, but as a longtime backpacker and REI pack fitter over the last year, I have some thoughts. There is a textbook position the pack companies teach, which is that the weight bearing belt should sit on the hip shelf. Most big (maybe all?) pack companies are designing for a stereotype, but that’s not reality for most.

Some with wider hips or a gut will want to wear it higher or lower. My experience is that for years I wore my belt lower, because it wasn’t comfortable compressing my gut.  When I lost weight I needed a smaller pack so the belt rode higher. Otherwise my hips were getting numb because I had to overtighten the belt.

Also, some with a running style pack aren’t looking for as much weight transfer, but help locking it into position and stop movement.

Not everyone has access to an REI, but if you do they will measure your torso and hopefully talk to you more about hip belt positioning. Gossamer Gear has a good page for sizing. There are instructions on most cottage pack sites as well – I found you need a helper, and hopefully someone with experience. I noticed GG says the “fastpack is designed to be worn higher and tighter than our original Kumo. “

Yeah, I’m also a long time backpacker, so I know where I want that hipbelt – right on my hips. I don’t carry a heavy enough load for my hips to hurt, but wearing something around my digestive tract or diaphragm is definitely not optimal. I wouldn’t do the fast pack, just the ultralight model Kumo.

I actually went to an REI some years back, when I was replacing my regular 60L pack. The guy there said I should put the waistbelt around my belly button, which is a few inches below where my rib cage ends. My hips are 3 inches below that! Different anatomy, which the salesperson found difficult to understand, that we are not all the same! I may just have to order one and risk having to return. Now that return shipping is at least $30 if not more, I like to get as much info as possible before jumping into the deep end.

I always thought the hip belt is the starting point. It goes where you want it. Then it is up to the shoulder harness to adjust to torso length.

I believe my M/L Kumo (a few years old) measures around 19” from where the shoulder straps are connected to the bottom of the hipbelt. I can verify the measurement if that would be helpful.

I know what number I like for that dimension (~19”) in frameless packs and go by that number. YMMV.

Looks like GG is selling older models for $99 in their Gear Closet:  https://www.gossamergear.com/products/kumo-36-superlight-backpack-previous-model

Yeah, I’m also a long time backpacker, so I know where I want that hipbelt…

LOL!!!   Too much mansplaining for you?

You got it Dan!

Could be a new thread – how many times guys on trail tell me how to do things…