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How to Fit a Gregory Pack
Would you buy a pair of size 12 boots if you were a size 9 and expect them to be comfortable?
When Wayne Gregory designed his first pack over 35 years ago he set out to create a product that in his own words “ must maintain its comfort and stability while effectively transferring the weight of the pack on to the hips”. This simple philosophy has driven Gregory’s ongoing commitment to researching, designing, testing and producing the most innovative packs
To achieve Wayne Gregory’s aim it is important that your pack fits and to have in your mind that a Gregory pack is “worn not carried”. To fit a Gregory pack there are a series of simple steps:
- 1. Measure your back length. To do this use a tape measure to measure the length of your back from the C7 (the bone on your neck that sticks out when you look down) to the point on the spine level with the top of your hip bone and then use the chart below to determine your size. It is worth appreciating that somebody who is tall may have a small or medium back length and somebody who is short can have a long back length. (fig 1)
| Back Length | = Back Size |
| 35 - 40 cm | = X Small |
| 40 - 45 cm | = Small |
| 45 - 50 cm | = Medium |
| 50 - 55 cm | = Large |
- 2. Load the pack with some weight. Shops will have weight bags that they use to simulate carrying a typical load.
- 3. Put the pack on and tighten the shoulder straps. Shrug your shoulders and then tighten the waistbelt. The top edge of the waistbelt should be about 2 cm above the hip bones. A common problem with packs is that they sit too low on the back and therefore the load is carried on the shoulders rather than transferred to the waistbelt and carried on the hips.
- 4. Lift your leg until your thigh is at a 90 degree angle to your body, see picture. The bottom edge of the waistbelt should be level with your thigh. (fig 2)
- 5. Make sure that the shoulder straps curve over your shoulders and that there are no gaps.
In Wayne Gregory’s words “Would you buy a pair of size 12 boots if you were a size 9 and expect them to be comfortable? If you get your pack correctly fitted days out in the hills will be much more enjoyable”
For more information on Gregory see www.gregorypacks.co.uk