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Backpacking packs for petite women can be challenging to find, but here are some tips and recommendations for gear that might work for you!
If you're a petite or short woman, finding backpacking packs for your adventures can be a real struggle.
My (significantly taller) husband has his choice of many packs, but at 5 feet, 2 inches, I've found my own options to be much more limited. That said, I've found, not just one backpack, but multiple packs!
Here are some things to keep in mind when shopping for backpacking packs for petite women.
Looking for more women-specific outdoor gear? Check out our guide for our favorite women's camping clothing, favorite women's hiking shoes + boots and favorite women's winter outdoor clothing.
Top Tips for Finding Backpacking Packs for Petite Women
Because this isn't the easiest shopping task, you need a game plan! Here's what helped me.
1. Measure Your Torso
Not sure how? Here's a guide.
Packs often have a torso length, and it's helpful to know what size you need before shopping.
2. Look for Pack Measurements, Not Generic Sizing
Just because a pack is listed as "small" doesn't mean it will fit.
I've found that lots of "small" packs only adjust to a 15-inch torso, which was still too long for me. I needed closer to a 14-inch torso length.
3. Remember That One Size Does Not Fit All
Packs with adjustable torsos are great, but try to find one that's somewhat close to being the correct size before adjusting.
If your pack can technically adjust to an extra-small size, but can also adjust to fit a very tall person, you might find the adjusted fit isn't very comfortable. Or, when adjusted to the smallest setting, the top of the pack may be far above your head (which isn't ideal).
4. When Possible, Shop in Person
I bought my first backpacking pack in person at REI, and they were able to help me load the pack down with weights and make sure I had a good fit.
5. Learn How to Adjust the Backpack Straps for the Best Fit
If you're shopping online, you'll need to adjust the backpack straps yourself. Learn how with this guide from REI.
If the shoulder straps hover above your shoulders even after adjusting, the pack is too large.
6. Try Shopping in the Kids or Juniors Department
My first backpacking pack was a junior pack, cost significantly less than adult packs, and served me well for years!
There are some downsides to shopping in the kids department. Kids' packs don't always have all the bells and whistles, don't come with straps meant to curve with a woman's body, and might not come in larger capacity sizes.
7. Smaller Capacity Packs Might Be Best
If you're both short and petite, smaller capacity packs might be best.
Backpacking packs shouldn't weigh more than 20% of your body weight, and the larger the pack, the easier it is to accidentally over-fill. If you're short, dense and muscly like me, this is less of a concern, but still something to be aware of!
Our Favorite Day Packs
Day packs are (in my experience) much easier to find than backpacking packs. The packs are smaller, so it's easier to make them fit a short torso.
We've had good success with Osprey women's daypacks. Our favorites so far are these:
Our Favorite Backpacking Packs for Petite Women
Backpacking packs have been the most difficult to find. Here are the packs we've found for short torsos.
- Deuter Fox 40 junior pack: This is a kid's pack that I used and loved for years. It was extremely sturdy.
When I wanted something slightly larger, I had a difficult time finding a pack, but these are my favorites so far.
- Deuter Aircontact Ultra 45 + 5 pack: I tried and loved this pack, but ultimately decided it wasn't much larger than the Deuter Fox 40 junior pack I was trying to replace.
- Osprey Eja 58 pack: This is my current pack. It's the perfect size, and so far I'm thrilled with it. It's also comfortable and distributes weight well.
- Osprey Eja 55 Pro: If you like the idea of the Osprey Eja 58 pack, but want something ultra-light, this pro version of the pack weighs under two pounds!
Are there any other extra-small backpacking packs that you think we should try? Let us know in the comments.
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