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Post by bluefish on Sept 12, 2019 6:29:19 GMT -8
We're getting a lighter pack for my wife and the only women specific pack with a different strap configuration that we could actually try on was an Osprey Lumina. My wife loved the fit, but the lack of hip belt pockets and a few other conveniences makes it a harder choice. ULA offers an S strap, compared to the normal J. Do any women have preferences and experience with these different straps? Does it make a lot of difference? I'm asking because my wife is not a gear head, so she relies on me to suss out the 411.
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Post by bobcat on Sept 12, 2019 9:32:18 GMT -8
Yes, the women’s straps can make a big difference in comfort, but it depends on each person’s individual shape. The tops are set into the pack narrower as well as the shape and curve of the straps. Best to try the pack on with some weight, to find out what is most comfortable for her. Hip belt shape can make a big difference too. I personally like Granite Gear women’s packs that fit me.
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Post by bluefish on Sept 13, 2019 14:00:50 GMT -8
Yes, the women’s straps can make a big difference in comfort, but it depends on each person’s individual shape. The tops are set into the pack narrower as well as the shape and curve of the straps. Best to try the pack on with some weight, to find out what is most comfortable for her. Hip belt shape can make a big difference too. I personally like Granite Gear women’s packs that fit me. Thanks. She decided the Lumina really was a great fit. I ran around the store and stuffed about 15 lbs. in it, then had her walk around with it, even do some step tests with it. It looked perfect, and she said it felt like it was weightless, much better than the Deuter she's used for the past 6 years. Considering she liked that pack, and we are looking to lose some weight, the Lumina is it. She can throw some snacks in her pants pocket like she does on day hikes. The Lumina is 2 lbs. less! Fit, fit, then check for fit. Saves the time of shipping a bunch of packs back. |
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crawford
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Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.--Edison
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Post by crawford on Sept 15, 2019 9:40:05 GMT -8
Following! I'm looking at trying to get 2 women's packs this "off season" for Narrow Path so info here is valuable.
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Post by bradmacmt on Sept 16, 2019 5:36:15 GMT -8
Good to hear the Lumina worked for her.
For anyone that is considering the ULA...
I've had both ULA's "S" and "Regular" shoulder straps. As a man I far and away prefer the "S" straps. My wife has always had the "S" straps on her ULA. One male worker at ULA I spoke with uses the "S" too.
As far as men and women's packs, it just depends... You've got to try them. My wife has a men's Gregory daypack because the women's version of the same pack was uncomfortable for her. She's 5'8"+, and has an athletic build with a broad "swimmers" back.
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Sept 16, 2019 11:32:43 GMT -8
Yes, the women’s straps can make a big difference in comfort, but it depends on each person’s individual shape. The tops are set into the pack narrower as well as the shape and curve of the straps. Best to try the pack on with some weight, to find out what is most comfortable for her. Hip belt shape can make a big difference too. I personally like Granite Gear women’s packs that fit me. I’m a little late here, but this is the point. When we bought our ULA Circuits, my husband and I tried one of each—and ended up with him in the women’s pack, me in the men’s. He liked the curve of the womens’ straps because he hangs his camera bag from the sternum strap and that one seemed to support it without tilting the strap the way the men’s did. I, on the other hand, thought the women’s pack cut the straps too close together where they headed under my arms, and it wasn’t comfortable. |
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Post by bluefish on Sept 16, 2019 13:56:55 GMT -8
I have wide shoulders and a broad back and thought about the "s" straps for my ULA Ohm, but the "j" seems fine. It's interesting to hear the different choices from experienced BP'ers. Enlightening.
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Oct 18, 2019 20:17:30 GMT -8
I just moved this thread in here from the general gear forum, since it’s of particular interest to women and will be easier to find here.
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gonehiking
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Post by gonehiking on Oct 29, 2019 7:07:34 GMT -8
I am packing with an Osprey Ariel and have absolutely no bad word to say about it; the straps are comfy. I would assume the Lumina will be nice too.  But I guess the most important thing is, that the person carrying the pack will feel good in it. P.S. Vaude might be a brand to look into. |
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Oct 29, 2019 21:15:44 GMT -8
But I guess the most important thing is, that the person carrying the pack will feel good in it. Absolutely. Just like we end up loving all different kinds of boots, pack fit is very individual. |
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