Getting the correct size & fit

Custom-fit backpacks are Osprey’s legacy. Our expertise in designing backpacks that fit every shape, size and gender dates back to 1974 when our founder, Mike Pfotenhauer, first began designing custom packs for mountaineers headed to the Sierra.

SIZING OVERVIEW

TORSO SIZING

Many Osprey packs are availabel in multiple sizes to fit a range of torso lengths. To determine your torso measurement, please see diagram below.

This measurement starts at the iliac crest, which is the top of your hipbone on the side of your body that acts like a shelf. From this point, measure to the C7 vertebra, the knobby bone at the base of your neck when you put your head down. Reference the torso length below to match the correct pack size.

HARNESS SIZING

Osprey Xenith, Xena, Aether, Ariel, Atmos and Aura packs offer interchangeable shoulder harnesses. Harness sizing usually corresponds to pack size. A properly fit harness should terminate 2″ to 3″ / 5cm to 8cm beneath the armpit when at the proper torso length. The webbing should not touch the side of the body below the padding.

WOMEN’S SPECIFIC

True function and comfort along with style. We have over 20 years of experience designing women’s packs.

PACK’S SHAPE

The pack’s shape is patterned to be more narrow and with added depth in the right places. This allows greater freedom of movement and increases stabilization by lowering the position of the load to a more optimal center of gravity. As a result, the load is more proportionately supported on the hips and along the structure of the back.

HARNESS

The shoulder harness is designed with thoughtful angle changes and varying padding thickness to create an anatomical fit for a woman’s neck, shoulders and chest. This is balanced with optimizing where the tension from the pack’s load is carried. For women, our sternum strap is a key piece in equalizing the pressure across the shoulder harness. The padding used is also specific in order to be more comfortable when carrying a heavy load.

HIPBELT

The hipbelt is designed with thoughtful angle changes and varying padding thickness to create an anatomical fit. The hipbelt is also narrower in height for better comfort so it doesn’t dig into the ribs or upper thighs when scrambling or climbing. Most importantly, women’s hips are more conically shaped with a larger difference between the waist and hip measurements. We sculpt and angle our hipbelts accordingly for comfortable load transfer and optimal support. Again, the padding used is also specific in order to be more comfortable when carrying a heavy load.

HIPBELT SIZING

Osprey Xenith, Xena, Aether, Ariel and Variant series packs offer interchangeable hipbelts. To determine hipbelt size, measure around the hips, at the iliac crest, not the waist. The padded portion should wrap well around the hips, leaving a gap of 3″to 6″ / 8cm to 15cm between the tips of both hip pads when securely tightened.

FIXED HIPBELT SIZING