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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 337
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I'm thinking of getting my wife a pack for Christmas. She's tired of borrowing one of mine, as they don't fit her well (I'm 6' 0", she's 5' 4"). Since I want this to be a surprise, I don't think I'll be able to get her torso measurement. So I'll have to take an educated guess. I'm leaning towards Osprey. Would any of you ladies out there care to offer an opinion on what size I should choose? I know I can always exchange, but it would be nice to get it right the first time.
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Joined: Jun 2008
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Hi Steve... what kind of a build does your wife have?
"The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes." -Marcel Proust
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Joined: Aug 2006
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Steve: Does your wife have any suit jackets/coats? You could get an approximate measurement of her torso length from that. Measure from 1/2-1" below the collar line to where the coat would flare slightly to sit over her pelvis/hips. Sometimes there can be that cut in the back of the coat, and I would stop my measurement there. That should give you a rough length, which can then be translated into size. I've been really happy with all my Osprey packs. I've not had to have the waist strap molded yet, but I've heard that can be really helpful for carrying the load properly. Good luck! -L  PS: I'm 5'10.5" and I wear a medium size frame pack. But I've got a long torso.
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Joined: Jan 2007
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I took my wifes measurements from her clothes and then took them to Omar the tent maker and had a custom built rig made.They used sheet metal for extra support.
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Joined: Mar 2008
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Hi Steve,
I'm extremely happy with my Osprey pack. I haven't had any problems and I'm 5' 2" with back problems (herniated discs). Most people I know who have Osprey packs have been very pleased as well. Good Luck!
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I took my wifes measurements from her clothes and then took them to Omar the tent maker and had a custom built rig made.They used sheet metal for extra support. Hey Doc, what's your wife's email address? I want to send her a link.  I've seen your wife, and I know you're lyin'! LOL
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Joined: Aug 2006
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I took my wifes measurements from her clothes and then took them to Omar the tent maker and had a custom built rig made.They used sheet metal for extra support. Rod, you are SOOO in trouble... 
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Joined: Sep 2003
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Moosie: thanks for the great idea. It never occurred to me to try to get the measurement from her clothes. Then again, unless you'd told me where to measure from I would have come up with the wrong number anyway. Thanks a bunch!
ADVKitty: would you mind telling me what size pack you own? I suspect a small is the right size. Measurements are useful, but they're not the whole story. If you're comfortable with the size you have, then it might be an indicator as to what I should get my wife. I'd say her hips are slightly higher than average for a woman her height, and her back and shoulders are probably a bit broader than average.
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Joined: Mar 2008
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Hi Steve, You are right. I have a small Osprey Ariel 65 pack. I tried the Gregory pack. However, it just didn't feel right in the shoulders. If you visit the REI web site and check out the expert advice section on backpacks they'll give you instructions on measuring for a backpack. Maybe, you can secretly measure your wife while giving her a back rub . Anyway, if you happen to buy the backpack from REI I heard that they have no problems with returns or exchanges. I have a few pics of me with my pack in some of my Youtube slideshows under the profile Advkitty. Good Luck. Keep us posted how things turn out. Don't forget to post a pic of your wife on an adventure with her new backpack. Marie
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Joined: Dec 2002
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I went out specifically to buy an Osprey Stratos a year and half ago and ended up with Gregory Z30 because it fit me better. I think Osprey and Gregory are good places for you and your wife to start your search.
It was the first Gregory pack I purchase in 9 years...I'm an Osprey devotee...wifey and I own 4 Ospreys.
Last edited by wbtravis5152; 11/05/08 03:23 PM.
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Joined: Jul 2007
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Steve,
I'm 5'4" and use a woman's small pack (WS). Most of them, Gregory for sure (that's what I have) and Osprey, have minor adjustments that can be made to dial in the pack for the individual. My sister-in-law has a Gregory Jade and bought it after trying on lots and lots. She likes the padding and it is fairly light weight (under 3 lbs). One thing I look for is padding on the shoulders and hips. If your wife bony the padding is even more important. Pack fit is a personal thing...you might go with your gut and then make sure it can be exchanged--REI is great for that, if it isn't perfect. Another important item for me is access. I don't like packs that only have top access--total pain. I want to get into the cavity from the back too. I know it adds more zips and more weight, but we girlies tend to add and strip off layers more often and access is important.
Very sweet to be thinking about Christmas so far in advance...
Karen
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