Gregory Packs Escape Series Fit Guide
1. FRAME SIZE
Measure your torso length using a flexible tape measure, or Gregory Fit-O-Matic. Do it two or three times, just to be sure.
If your torso measurement is: Your frame size should be:
14" – 15 1/2" XS (not all packs are made in XS)
15 1/2" – 17 1/2" SM
17 1/2" – 19 1/2" MD
19 1/2" – 21 1/2" LG
2. WAIST BELT SIZE
Measure your waist around the top of your hipbones.
If your waist measurement is: Your belt size should be:
22" – 28" SM
28" – 34" MD
34" – Larger LG
To change the waist belt size, reach behind the waist belt and locate the plastic panel and metal slider that attach the belt onto the pack. Release the front buckle and remove the side stabilizer strap. Twist the metal sliders to remove from the plastic attachment and slide the belt out from behind the lumbar pad. Reverse the process to install the correct size belt.
3. SHOULDER HARNESS SELECTION
Shoulder harnesses come in six sizes:
- Men’s SM, MD, and LG
- Women’s XS, SM, and MD
In general, the shoulder harness size is usually the same as the frame size. Check to make sure the main curve on the harness is level with your armpit. Make sure the load lifter straps on top of the harness are loose.
The sternum strap may be moved up or down on the shoulder harness by releasing the snaps that attach it. The only rule of thumb is that it should be in a comfortable position, and it should not restrict your breathing.
4. SHOULDER HARNESS INSTALLATION
Your torso length determines the shoulder harness setting.
Twist the metal slider at the top of the harness to remove it from the Auto·Cant™ slot. Reverse the process to re-install.
STERNUM STRAP ADJUSTMENT
The sternum strap may be moved up or down on the shoulder harness by releasing the snaps that attach it. The only rule of thumb is that it should be in a comfortable position, and it should not restrict your breathing.
POSITION ON YOUR BODY
With a lightly loaded pack on (15 to 20 pounds), the top edge of the waistbelt should ride about 1" above the top of your hip bones. Try lifting your leg so that your thigh is horizontal with the ground. The break in your leg should be level with the bottom edge of the waistbelt. If you push up on the waistbelt when you lift your leg, re-position the pack higher on your hips.
PUTTING ON YOUR PACK
Loosen the shoulder stabilizer, waistbelt stabilizer, and shoulder harness adjustment straps. Use your legs to lift the pack onto your body. Tighten your shoulder strap adjustment straps first. Shrug your shoulders skyward and attach the waistbelt – make sure the top edge of the waistbelt is 1" above the top of your hips. Now tighten the waistbelt and check to make sure your leg breaks at the bottom of the waistbelt pad. Lightly tension the shoulder stabilizer straps and check to see that they are at a 25 degree angle.
DISTRIBUTING YOUR PACK'S WEIGHT
With a few quick adjustments you can shift the weight entirely onto your hips, or entirely onto your shoulders – or distribute it between the two. This allows you to relax or stress different parts of your body while in motion. Experiment on the trail to find the optimum adjustment for various terrains and activities.
SHIFTING THE WEIGHT FROM YOUR SHOULDERS TO YOUR HIPS
This is generally the most comfortable place to carry the weight, but experiment to find the weight distribution most comfortable for you.
1. Loosen the shoulder stabilizer straps and shoulder harness adjustment straps until you feel the weight of the load shift downward onto your hips.
2. Tighten the shoulder stabilizer straps until there is about a finger’s width of space (a gap) between the top of your shoulders and the shoulder harness.
3. Re-tighten the shoulder harness adjustment straps. You may want to tighten the waistbelt slightly in response to the weight transfer.
SHIFTING THE WEIGHT FROM YOUR HIPS TO YOUR SHOULDERS
Selecting a balance between your shoulders and hips will keep the pack stable for maximum balance and mobility:
1. Loosen the shoulder stabilizer straps by pushing up on the buckles.
2. Tighten the shoulder harness adjustment straps.
3. Lightly tension the shoulder stabilizer straps to stabilize the top of the pack. You may wish to loosen the waistbelt for additional weight transfer to the shoulders.