📏 The Golden Rule of Pack Fitting
A 5'4" person with a long torso might need a larger pack than a 6'2" person with a short torso.
When you measure correctly and choose the right size, the pack's hip belt will carry 80% of the weight—not your shoulders. This is the key to comfortable, fatigue-free hiking.
📐 How to Measure Your Torso
You'll need a flexible tape measure and a friend to help. Here's the process:
-
Find your C7 vertebra
Tilt your head forward. Feel for the bony bump at the base of your neck where it meets your shoulders. That's C7.
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Find your iliac crest
Place your hands on your hips with fingers pointing forward, thumbs pointing back. Your thumbs should rest on your iliac crest—the top of your hip bones.
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Measure the distance
Have your friend measure from C7 straight down your spine to an imaginary line between your thumbs. This is your torso length.
📊 Torso Size Chart
| Size | Torso Length | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|
| Short | 15–17 inches | Shorter torsos, many women |
| Regular | 17–20 inches | Most common size |
| Long | 20–23 inches | Taller torsos |
🎯 Hip Belt Sizing
Hip belts are interchangeable across all SummitStride models. You can select your hip belt size independently from your torso size.
To find your hip belt size, measure around your hips at the iliac crest (the same spot you used to find your torso measurement).
💡 Pro Tip
If you're between sizes, go with the larger hip belt. You can always cinch it tighter, but you can't make it bigger.
⚖️ Load Weight Guidelines
The pack you choose should match not just your torso, but also how much weight you plan to carry:
| Expected Load | Recommended Pack | Frame Type |
|---|---|---|
| Under 15 lb | TrailLite 22, RoamFly 28 | Frameless / Light |
| 15–25 lb | RidgeRunner 35, AlpinePro 48 | FlexFrame Lite |
| 25–40 lb | SummitHauler 65 | Full FlexFrame |
| 40+ lb | TrekVault 75 | Heavy-duty FlexFrame |
🎥 Need Personal Help?
Still not sure? We offer free 20-minute video fitting consultations with our pack specialists. They'll help you:
- Measure your torso correctly
- Determine the right hip belt size
- Recommend the best pack for your trips
- Answer any fit questions