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"It doesn't even feel like I am wearing a pack!"
Getting a new pack is EXCITING! Especially if you are getting an Aarn Pack & Pockets.
To help choose your pack, first you need your back length by measuring your torso. Then you will need your hip belt measurement. Don't worry - we have easy instructions below.
After that, choose your volume and adventure!
You will need: A soft measuring tape and a friend.
1. Tilt your head forward and feel for the bony bump where the slope of your shoulders meets your neck. This is your 7th cervical (or C7) vertebra—and the top of your torso length.
2. Next, find your Iliac Center. This is the point in the centre of your spine that aligns with the highest boney point on your hipbone.
3. Tilt your head back up and have your friend run the tape straight down your spine from your C7 until you reach your Iliac Center.
This is your torso length. Check it twice to be sure! Use your torso length to determine your pack size looking at the size chart below.
You will need: A soft measuring tape.
To determine your hip belt size, measure around the hips at the iliac crest (the boney part of your hips), not the waist.
Aarn Hip Belt Size Guide:
Small: Between 64 cm - 80 cm
Medium: Between 81 cm - 90 cm
Large: 91 cm - 100 cm,
Extra Large: 101 cm - 120 cm
If you are on the cusp, go to the bigger size.
The pack volume you need varies considerably between individuals and also depending on gear choice, the season and the terrain. While some can fit all they need for a week in a 50L pack, other will need a 65L pack for a weekend.
Based on your back length and the required volume, you can see in the chart above what models will work for you.
To further refine your selection, you need to consider your activity and the sort of country you will be using the gear in. For example, if you do a lot of bush bashing, we recommend taking one of the packs made with a tougher fabric.
We LOVE Aarn Balance Pockets!
And strongly recommend using Balance Pockets in all situations except technical climbing. They will reduce energy use and body pain compared to carrying all your load behind in a backpack.
The instant gear access of the pockets also increases efficiency, as you do not have to stop and take the pack off to access items needed during the day. How good is that!
In addition, specific purpose Balance Pockets and clip-on accessories allow you to customise your pack for different activities. Winning!
Attach the Balance Pocket wire frame to the holsters on the hipbelt. Click it in with the press stud to lock it in place. This will transfer the load onto the hipbelt.
Clip the small rods at the top of the Balance Pockets into the matching O rings on the Aarn Packs shoulder straps. The O rings will free-slide up or down the shoulder straps; so the shoulders bear no load from the pockets.
By sharing weight between the front Balance Pockets, hipbelt, and pack, we can reduce or eliminate the leverages on the hips and lower back.
The Aarn Balance System works to remedy the forward lean created by standard packs.The wireframes can be bent to fit all body types and sizes and to create airflow.
Shoulder straps can be worn more loosely than a backpack (eliminating back and shoulder strain) so that more of the load is transferred onto the hips.
The two separate pockets are designed to create a gap between them so that you can see your feet as you walk.
The Balance Pockets are attached to the pack before you put it on. They can be left permanently attached or removed for separate use.