Backpack - Hi Capacity for Long Trips The packs in this series are useful when you have heavier loads or a high volume of gear to carry. Examples include cold-weather trips where additional clothes and gear are required; long trips (> one week) without resupply points; or where one person is carrying gear for others as well – Dad carrying Mom’s and the kid’s stuff, for example. We’ve had a few customers take these larger packs to Europe when they wanted more room to bring back gifts. We carry several makes and models within this line - mostly Gregory Shastas – but all are top-quality brands that are durable and fit well as you rack up miles on the trail.
These high-capacity packs have a lot of comfortable padding, weighing in at a bit more than six pounds and have a capacity of around 5000 cubic inches, give or take a few hundred. They are rated to carry 50 or more pounds if needed. That’s a lot. For most solo packers, we suggest renting a medium-capacity pack for most typical backpacking trips, unless you fall into one of the needs above. We also rent expedition packs when you literally need to take the kitchen sink. On the other hand, if you can take lightweight gear that packs down well, and want to shave weight from your back, we also rent a few ultralight backpacks.
You have to specify a torso length when you select your rental period. What’s a torso to a backpack? It’s the length along your spine, starting at the top at your C7 vertebrae - that bone at the base of your neck that sticks out when you bend your head forward. Measure down your spine to a point on your lower back even with those hip bones that stick out and support your spare tire – the iliac crest is what that’s called. It’s tricky to measure yourself, so get a friend with a measuring tape to help you figure it out. For a picture/diagram of how to measure your torso, see here.
The long models are for torsos of 19" – 21”. The small/short models are for torsos of 15” – 17”, while the mediums are for torsos of 17” – 19”. Packs are adjustable within each size range. We also have a few extra-small-torso packs ( ~ 14” torso) that might work for kids or very petite women. These are not listed on the site as a separate item – just place your order for a “small” and indicate in the Comments Box of the shopping cart that you prefer the extra small if available. Not all sizes are available in all pack models.
If you don’t want to go to too much trouble, just use this as a guideline: if you’re under 5’7”, odds are a “small” will work just fine; those 6’1” and over will likely use a “long”; and in-between, a “medium”. Unless of course you’re all legs or all back. Generally, as long as you’re within a couple of inches of the suggested ranges, you should be fine except in cases of really heavy loads.
We also have a few packs available that are designed for women, although nearly all packs are reasonably unisex in comfort, form and function.
Learn more about backpacks, including the pros and cons of externals vs internals; info on fitting; how to load up with your gear and how to select the best pack for you. We also have a series of videos about backpacks. Or just give us a call at 800-994-4537 to ask any questions about the best backpack for your needs.
