I'll be going out for multiple days in backcountry, and I need a pack that has the capacity for gear and that's expandable to pack out meat, but that also fits my torso length. I bought a pack last year that was too long and thought it would be fine. It wasn't. I've looked at stone glacier packs because they seem to be the most adjustable, but i'm not willing to pay that kind of money unless it is a perfect fit. (and even then...sheesh! expensive!) I saw the Monarch backpack by alps outdoorz, but it's just a day pack and doesn't fit the bill. Any recommendations?
Backpacks that fit a woman's shorter torso, without compromising capacity?
- Thread starter Suz
- Start date
Camdu7
Active member
Get a good measurement of what size you need and call the manufactures. If they don't make one short enough, they may be willing to adjust one. My wife and I both use Exo. They do go fairly short and the way they attach the harness it looks easy to add a section of mollie to shorten it up more. Otherwise there are the backpacking packs like Gregory ect. But as nice and they are they sure can't handle meat like a high end hunting pack.
Welcome by the way.
Welcome by the way.
Last edited:
bowhuntmontana
Well-known member
Kifaru offers some frames that are shorter. Give them a call and talk with Dana. She is really helpful and can give you some perspective from another woman.
BrentD
Well-known member
You should visit a good shop and try out packs made specifically for women. An REI shop generally have very knowledgeable people and quality equipment. They can fit you specifically. Even if you have to travel a bit to do it, getting fitted correctly will be worth it. Sometimes, buying on line just won't cut it.
This one ain't cheap but it fits your bill: https://www.mysteryranch.com/metcalf-womens-pack
375H&H
Well-known member
There really is nothing that compares to a high end hunting backpack that is made for the purpose. I resisted getting one for years but after I did I will never look back.
I went with exo and they are quite adjustable so I would believe that with the correct belt size they could be made comfortable for a woman's sizing.
Having said that I am 6'4" and haven't needed to adjust mine much, but I got my wife the alps outdoors pack in women's and she likes it a lot. It is not made for packing meat though nor is it optimized for hunting like a high end pack will be.
I went with exo and they are quite adjustable so I would believe that with the correct belt size they could be made comfortable for a woman's sizing.
Having said that I am 6'4" and haven't needed to adjust mine much, but I got my wife the alps outdoors pack in women's and she likes it a lot. It is not made for packing meat though nor is it optimized for hunting like a high end pack will be.
Anyfish
Member
I’ve had a Bull Pac for a dozen years and love the versatility. I use it for hiking, packing meat, and packing decoys. Highly recommend their quality. Give them a call. Bullpacs.com
belly-deep
Active member
- Joined
- Oct 31, 2009
- Messages
- 3,459
As posted above, Mystery Ranch makes hunting packs designed specifically for women. I doubt you’ll find a mans pack that will fit better than that.
And they are excellent packs to boot.
And they are excellent packs to boot.
CATAHOULA12
Member
- Joined
- Aug 21, 2016
- Messages
- 232
Kifaru makes short frames.
Wrong Burgundy
Well-known member
Mystery Ranch Women's Metcalf or Women's Pintler.
I believe MR is the only premium pack maker offering a anatomically correct yoke system to fit a woman's form. The frame and pack is the same size as the men's, but the harnessing is where it is designed to fit correctly, and not just a men's pack in XS.
I believe MR is the only premium pack maker offering a anatomically correct yoke system to fit a woman's form. The frame and pack is the same size as the men's, but the harnessing is where it is designed to fit correctly, and not just a men's pack in XS.
BrentD
Well-known member
I think you can add Osprey to that list.
I have an Eberlestock Team Elk (I purchased used, but new is $329) that even at it's longest setting is a hair "too short" for me (6'2") . It's a short frame and works well hauling meat (tested on two elk last year and I am still using it this year mostly because I'm too busy/lazy to hunt down a different pack 
). I would imagine on the shorter settings it would fit a small frame perfectly.
If you're planning weeklong trips it is too small @ ~2900 cubic inches (it's 3100 WITH the rifle scabbard - but the top 2/3 of the scabbard compartment is usable space for other stuff with the muzzle end of the scabbard zipped in, so I'm calling it 2900) , but I've used on 1-2 night trips and it works fine for that with a compact sleep system (e.g. summertime trips).
ALl that said - I think Bozone and Brent are correct in that length isn't the only design factor, Mystery Ranch and Osprey (and probably others) make packs designed specifically for womens forms. More $ but worth a look.
If you're interested in the Team Elk after looking at it and absorbing all the other information - feel free to PM me - I'd be willing to part with it.
). I would imagine on the shorter settings it would fit a small frame perfectly. If you're planning weeklong trips it is too small @ ~2900 cubic inches (it's 3100 WITH the rifle scabbard - but the top 2/3 of the scabbard compartment is usable space for other stuff with the muzzle end of the scabbard zipped in, so I'm calling it 2900) , but I've used on 1-2 night trips and it works fine for that with a compact sleep system (e.g. summertime trips).
ALl that said - I think Bozone and Brent are correct in that length isn't the only design factor, Mystery Ranch and Osprey (and probably others) make packs designed specifically for womens forms. More $ but worth a look.
If you're interested in the Team Elk after looking at it and absorbing all the other information - feel free to PM me - I'd be willing to part with it.
courtks92
New member
Agreed on the Mystery Ranch route. Honestly if you live close to a decent outdoors store, swing in there and talk to them about packs for various outdoors gear. I live in Kansas and found a retailer in a location I was visiting for vacation so I was able to swing in, get fitted, and pick the right pack for me. I actually ended up going with the regular Mystery Ranch line instead of the women's BUT I also happen to have a longer torso. If possible, see if you can find one of the higher end packs for sale on something like geartrade.com or rokslide.com - it'll be used but typically you'll save yourself a bit of cash. The investment is worth it though - I learned the hard way packing out deer quarters with a simple Cabela's day pack (was NOT planning on being successful that day).
OhHeyThereBen
Active member
Unless you're set on a strictly hunting pack, if I were you I'd head to your local REI and try on a bunch of backpacking packs. My wife really loves her Gregory but there are a whole bunch of packs that are perfectly sized for different body types. That route I've found is much better than a pack with a bunch of adjustability.
Bambistew
Well-known member
My wife uses a woman's Osprey pack, I want to say its about 70L. Its packed out a couple sheep, a bear hide, lots of moose meat and caribou. She loves it. She can only pack about 60lbs and the pack is more than capable.
Artemis.Agrotera
New member
Allow me to revive this thread from the dead with a question. If there are any ladies here with some experience on the matter, would a 70L or 85L backpacking pack be better for backpack hunting? The AAR from my recent camping trip up in Maine confirmed that my current pack is not the right fit for my needs r.e. winter camping and backpack hunting (will not fit a BV500 bear can or 4 season tent/sleeping bag). I've strongly considered a Stone Glacier or Mystery Ranch pack for 2020 (i have all of the other camping items, so the pack is the last thing), but Stone Glacier has no women's specific fit and Mystery Ranch is heavy. I am... blessed (cursed?) and won't be able to comfortably use men's pack straps. So, I started looking at the Osprey Xena. It comes in 70L or 85L, is still heavy (but lighter than the MR), and is $175 cheaper than a women's Metcalf. I'm not concerned about hauling 100 lbs of meat at a time, as I wouldn't be able to do that effectively anyway.
Is the 70L plenty for a Mule Deer/Cow Elk hunt, or would the 85L be a better move (price different is minimal); or, is the MR Metcalf so magical that I should go for it and let it do double duty as a winter pack?
Is the 70L plenty for a Mule Deer/Cow Elk hunt, or would the 85L be a better move (price different is minimal); or, is the MR Metcalf so magical that I should go for it and let it do double duty as a winter pack?
I don't know enough about the different packs to help make a decision there, mystery ranch does have women's packs on sale at www.camofire.com
Artemis.Agrotera
New member
Hey, thanks for the heads up. Have a great friday.
My daughter is going to be in the market for a women's pack also. Needs to be 3300 inch or better and have a load shelf. (I have no idea how that converts to Liters) I have the SG Solo that I believe is ~3500 inch. but has a load shelf. She needs to be able to pack meat, not just pretty pink camo. If any gals have any new suggestions please chime in. THANKS!
If any gals have any new suggestions please chime in. THANKS!
