Decent sized pack for small sized people? | Squat the Planet

Decent sized pack for small sized people?

jimi

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I'm looking for recommendations for a new pack. I've been rocking a little assault pack with a bunch of shit strapped to it for most of my travels. I love it, but it's tiny and I can barely carry anything.

I'd very much prefer something with plenty of separated compartments, not just a big sack I have to dump out every time I look for something. And here's the big thing: I'm 5'1" and thin, and have back/hip problems. I'm hoping to find something with decent back support and a secure fit. I can't handle lugging around a pack that doesn't fit properly.

So far it looks like I might just have to spend some time modifying packs made for bigger people, but wanted to see if anyone had any recommendations first.
 

Satanic Botanic

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I've used the osprey farpoint and porter and love them. You can get either 40L or 55L. 40L is all I need and makes it a lot easier on my back. The smaller the better, imo.

The best thing about these backpacks is they have panel loading rather than top loading, so you can easily unzip and see everything inside, neatly organized, rather than just fucking dumping your shit in the dirt. They also have compression straps on the side to keep your pack tight like yo momma. Also, the centered weight helps your back. Having a lot of shit hanging off and swinging around can put unnecessary stress on your back.

They can be a lil pricy tho. Like $70-$100 used on ebay/amazon. New they're like $110-130. Definitely worth it for me tho.
 

jimi

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This is what im using now.

https://www.cheaperthandirt.net/pro...pack-cloth-od-green-903204000-783377004122.do

If you like to have gear seperated by purpose than something like this is what to look for. Theres a sleeve in the padded back for laptops, plenty of side pouches, and you can always add some extra molle packs.

sportsmansguide also has a big selection of mil surplus stuff thats cheaper. the british ruck is decent as are most of the canvas bags in the surplus section.
Thanks!! This looks right up my alley, style wise. It's very similar to what I have, but looks bigger. From your experience, do you think the straps/back length would adjust to fit a very small person? Think 13yo boy. A lot of the problems I've had have to do with the straps just being too long or the bag hanging down past my butt because the straps are set too high on the bag.
 

jimi

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I've used the osprey farpoint and porter and love them. You can get either 40L or 55L. 40L is all I need and makes it a lot easier on my back. The smaller the better, imo.

The best thing about these backpacks is they have panel loading rather than top loading, so you can easily unzip and see everything inside, neatly organized, rather than just fucking dumping your shit in the dirt. They also have compression straps on the side to keep your pack tight like yo momma. Also, the centered weight helps your back. Having a lot of shit hanging off and swinging around can put unnecessary stress on your back.

They can be a lil pricy tho. Like $70-$100 used on ebay/amazon. New they're like $110-130. Definitely worth it for me tho.
These look pretty good, and like something I might actually be able to find easily at a store to try on! Thanks!
 

QueerCoyote

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I use a golite and @Hillbilly Castro travelled with one and loved it.

Somewhere between a day pack and a fullsize backpacking pack.

20171208_180027.jpg
 
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LyamCass

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Probably a little late, but for all of the smaller framed travellers out there like myself (5'8" / 145 lbs) i just want to stress the drawbacks of using a larger pack.

I recently used a Kelty 55L top loading pack...and let me tell you...it slowed me down considerably.

Although i did get used to the walking weight and feel of my pack during long hikes in wyoming, one of the biggest drawbacks for me was STEALTH and MOBILITY especially riding the rails.

Now for the more endowed of mass on these forums, it may not matter, but slipping in and out of grainer holes, jumping fences, and going through brush were all hassles at the end of the day.

And like other posts in the gear section, id have to agree that over time you may find that having a bigger pack to hold more stuff just gets annoying and that simply downsizing to even a 35L would literally be like a weight off your shoulders physically and mentally.

For my next trip, im thinking of going even smaller...maybe even smaller than 30L.

But remember to each their own. Ultimately you want something that fits YOU and that takes time figuring out. The suggestions on the Osprey packs (ergonomics?) are all solid advice btw.
 

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