Measurements on Backpacks

In addition to measuring your back to find your correct torso size, it can also be useful to measure a backpack that you currently own. If you have a backpack that fits you well, you can measure it using the following guidelines and we can compare it to one of our backpacks to find the size that will work best for you.

On frameless Superior packs that do not have a padded hip belt, we measure the torso size from where the straps are sewn into the pack down to the bottom of the pack.

Measurements on Internal Frame Packs

Our backpacks that come with an internal frame have two measurements on them. The first is measured from the center of the hip belt up to the crest between the shoulder straps. This is the torso height on the pack.

The image below is an example of how we measure torso height on one of our internal frame packs.

The second is measured from the bottom of the pack up to the seam that the load lifters are sewn into. This is the frame height.

The image below is an example of how we measure the frame height on one of our internal frame packs.

Example of frame sizes

This photo shows the standard frame that comes on our Long Haul packs. Notice that the load lifters are down lower closer to the shoulders.

This frame is optimized for loads of 40lbs or less. You can push it up to 50lbs for short stretches, but if you regularly carry more than 40lbs I would look into the tall frame that comes on our load hauling packs such as the Big Wild or the Wolverine.

This photo shows the fit of our load hauling frame. This frame is taller and puts the load lifters higher up closer to your ears which gives you better functioning load lifters. With the load lifters up high like this they do a great job of pulling heavy loads up off of your shoulders and onto your hips which is very comfortable for moderate to heavy loads.

If you regularly carry 40+lbs, then this may be a good option for you. This makes loads of 50-60lbs much more manageable. This is the suspension and frame setup included on our Big Wild and Wolverine packs.

Shoulder Strap Sizes

We offer three different shoulder strap sizes. Our small torso packs come with 17" long shoulder straps that are 2.5" wide. Our medium and large torso sizes come with 18" long straps that are 3" wide. We can do extra long shoulder straps upon request. Generally if you wear an XL or XXL shirt size, or if you have a chest measurement of 46" or more then you will likely need longer shoulder straps.

All of our straps have a slight S curve to them, and we have found them to work well for both men and women. Women with smaller frames will benefit from having the smaller 2.5" wide straps, even on a medium or large torso pack.

All of our shoulder straps and hip belt wings are made with thick 1/2" EVA foam and do not have any binding on the edges which makes them very comfortable.