EXPED‘s suspension system

Depending on pack volume and intended use, the suspension system of a backpack can be the most important component. Defining torso length is not necessarily critical for a lightly loaded daypack, but crucial on backpacking or mountaineering packs where only precise fit will efficiently transfer weight to the hips.

For large loads and/or internal frame packs, the center of the hip belt “wings” ideally rests on the hip bone crest (pelvis) and the lumbar pad on the bones of the sacrum. But sometimes a shorter pack length is better, such as in mountaineering situations where a higher-riding pack allows easy access to the climbing harness and/or when unrestricted head movement is needed.

How is torso length defined?

Use a measuring tape to determine the distance between the top edge of the shoulders or the C7 vertebra (the one that protrudes where the neck meets the spine) and the top of the iliac crest (pelvic crest).

Note: The Lightning and Thunder series packs feature torso-length-adjustable suspension systems that cover sizes S to L for men‘s packs and XS to M for women‘s versions.