 Fitting Backpacks
Torso Length FAQ's
The definition of the Torso is the upper part of the human body excluding the
head and arms. For the purpose of fitting backpacks we further define the Torso
Length, as a point along the spine level with the top of the Iliac Crest (more
commonly known as the Hipbone), up to the base of the neck or top of the seventh
cervical vertebrae (the prominent bone or large knuckle at the base of the neck),
or when bending the head backpacks the crease of the neck.To assist in choosing
which size/length of backpack is best for you, first
Measure your Torso Length (This link will open a new window with
instructions and diagram for accurately measuring your own Torso Length).
You can either measure your Torso Length in a straight line, or measure your
Torso Length along the curve of your spine.
The maximum length of backpack you are able to fit correctly will depend
on your Individual Torso Length. Your Torso Length will enable you to determine
the correct Internal Stave Length and backpack that best suits your individual
back. The backpack capacity or overall size is the result of availability, within
the confines of the backpack length. There are two methods for determining the
correct length of backpack. In the first method, you can hold the backpack up
to the individual with the hip belt level with the hipbone or Iliac crest. If
the backpack does not proceed past your shoulder height by more than 5 cm, or
is not lower than shoulder height by 10 cm, then this is a suitably sized backpack.
The second method is to measure the individuals Torso Length and compare this
measurement, to the recommended backpack to Torso Length reference guide provided
by the backpack supplier.
White Mountain recommends two methods of determining the correct backpack
length.
In the first method, you can hold the backpack up to the individual with
the hip belt level with the Iliac Crest (more commonly known as the Hipbone).
If the backpack does not proceed past shoulder height by more than 5 cm, or
not lower than the shoulder height by 10 cm, then this is a suitably sized backpack
for that individual.
The second method is to
Measure your Torso Length, and compare this measurement to the recommended
Torso Length for each backpack provided by the backpack supplier, if available.
All credible backpack suppliers will list the recommended Torso Length for each
of their Internal Frame Backpacks with information supplied on each of these
products.
To
Measure your Torso Length, begin at a point on the spine level with the
top of the hipbone or Iliac Crest. Measure along the curve of the spine up to
the base of the neck or top of the seventh cervical vertebrae (the prominent
bone or large knuckle at the base of the neck, or when bending the head backpacks,
the crease of the neck)
Typically, you would measure the Torso Length vertically in a straight line,
and not along the curve of the spine. To obtain a more accurate Torso Length,
measure along the curve of the spine between the two points indicated above
and subtract 3 cm. This will hold true for all Torso Lengths.
All recommendations, all tables, and all tables of specifications for White
Mountain™ Internal Frame backpacks, assume that you have measured the Torso
Length in a Straight Line.
When measuring and adjusting the White White Mountain™ SSS or SHS Harness
System, begin at a point on the spine level with the top of the hipbone or Iliac
Crest. Measure along the curve of the spine up to the base of the neck
or top of the seventh cervical vertebrae (the prominent bone or large knuckle
at the base of the neck, or when bending the head backpacks, the crease of the
neck). Then simply set the Torso Length indicator to that measurement.
The White Mountain™ SSS and SHS Harness Systems incorporate an indicator on
the backpack that assumes you measured along the curve of the spine and not
in a straight line. The Torso Length indicator on these two harness systems
incorporates the approximate 3 cm variation between measuring in a straight
line, or along the curve of the spine.
White Mountain™ uses the extra small to large length of Internal Staves with
adjustable Torso Length positioning to facilitate a correct fitting. Each Optimum
Torso Length for each Internal Stave Length can facilitate a variation on this
Optimum Torso Length. That is, each Internal Stave Length can facilitate an
adjustment of 5 cm or 2” either side of the Optimum Torso Length. This allows
a range total of 10 cm or 4” for each Internal Stave Length.
Providing a second lower anchoring position for the Upper Load Stabilizer
Strap, then further facilitates this range and extends the maximum length by
5cm or 2". We can then fit a backpack to an individuals Torso Length of - 10
cm (- 2"), to + 5 cm (+ 2"). The first anchor position is at the top of
the Internal Stave and the second 5 cm or 2” lower than the first position.
By lowering the anchor position of the Upper Load Stabilizer Strap we are then
able to accommodate the backpack proceeding past the shoulder by as much as
5 cm (2"), in which case the last 5 cm (2") of frame proceeding past the shoulders
would need to bent away from the head. This lower position prevents the Upper
Load Stabilizer Strap pulling and lifting the Shoulder Strap from the shoulder
and leveraging backwards, which would place excessive pressure on the chest
and lower back.
White Mountain™ recommends, as the most advisable choice a
Maximum Torso Length of no more than - 10 cm (- 2"), to + 5 cm (+
2") either side of the Individual Torso Length (your own Torso Length) for an
acceptable backpack size. For example, if the Individual Torso Length were 48
cm, the best choice would be a backpack with a Maximum Torso Range of 48 cm
to 58 cm, or an Optimum Torso Length of 48 cm. If your Individual Torso Length
is 46 cm, the best choice would be a backpack with a Maximum Torso Range of
44 cm to 54 cm, or an Optimum Torso Length of 44 cm. Although, it is possible
to fit a Individual Torso Length of up to - 10 cm (- 2"), to + 5 cm (+ 2")
either side of the
Optimum or Medium Torso Length, It is far preferable to fit a backpack that
is 10 cm shorter rather than 5 cm longer than your Individual Torso Length.
The White Mountain™ Hike Pack is an example of this principal where the product
range is available only to the Medium Internal Stave Length (Optimum Torso Length
44 cm), which by design allows a maximum Individual Torso Length of 54 cm.
The Torso Length Tables
will assist you in determining the correct backpack size for your Individual
Torso Length.
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