Good pack, but for taller women

By GEP Ranked #112 - Winter Packs January 9, 2009

I am 5'3" and petite (usually a size 4) but not scrawny!! and this pack was simply too large and too long for me, despite being a women's pack. The shoulder straps didn't sit on my shoulders in the right spot, and the curve of the straps did not match my body.

Basically, the shoulder straps were the length of my torso, way longer than necessary. I had to pull all the adjustment nylon straps at the end of the shoulder straps as tight as possible to feel like the shoulder straps were snug at all. (This of course generated 2 feet of long dangling nylon straps...)

Sternum strap was awkwardly positioned for my chest as well. Crushed breasts, not comfy. Finally, I tested the pack by trying it on with stuff inside... still not a good fit plus a friend's avalanche shovel (the Black Diamond Deploy 7 Shovel) barely, BARELY fit into the large pouch. (It took some doing to get the zipper to close, and the backpack was otherwise empty!)

So although the pack seemed well-made and had nice taped zippers, I returned it. Maybe if you are 5'7" or taller it would fit you...Maybe... My boyfriend got the unisex version of this pack and it seems to fit him OK, but he's 5'10".

View Details: Ortovox Haute Route Pack - Women's

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No