At the Summit Hut, we are always on the lookout for products that solve problems; a boot that fits a challenging foot, a piece of climbing gear that fills a particular need, or as discussed here, a large capacity day pack that fits people with short torsos.

Many of us need and use big day packs. Rock climbers, search and rescue personnel, and winter sports enthusiasts are all examples of users who may need a large capacity day pack.

With this class of pack, a correct fit is critical for optimum comfort and performance, because somewhat heavier loads are often carried in them.

And here’s the rub: it can be challenging to find a well made, big day pack that fits adults who are relatively short from the waist to the top of the shoulders.

Women ranging in height from 5’0” to 5’4” are often faced with this problem: large day packs with the carrying capacity and support they need are simply too long to fit correctly and hence virtually unusable.

To solve this problem, we often look at youth packs because they are designed to fit shorter torsos; but we are sometimes frustrated because many manufacturers of youth packs don’t offer the features or quality components that short-waisted, adult users are looking for.

Jib 35 by Osprey

We have been very impressed with the “Sprint Series” for youth from Osprey. Don’t be fooled by the playful graphics; these packs are well built, feature an adjustable suspension system, and have a light frame to support heavier loads. Osprey suggests that these packs are excellent for youngsters ready to start carrying their own gear on overnight trips (and they are), but we quickly learned they also make a fantastic big day pack for smaller women, or anyone with a short torso.

The Jib 35 is especially versatile as a large day pack because of its 2,100 cubic inch carrying capacity. Stop by one of our Summit Hut stores and check this pack out, especially the fit; I think you’ll be impressed.