Thread: Packs for smaller builds

Hi guys,

My tatonka hinterland 70l pack is just too long between the hip belt and shoulder straps. Its either loading my hips too much or killing my shoulders.

I need a pack to suit 5'11 and 66kgs. Has to be able to fit enough gear for 10days 25-30kgs but not kill me.

Im thinking an osprey 80l pack with a small harness? Any other recommendations? Otherwise ill have to go to a tatonka bison 55+10 and really cull some gear which i dont want to considering im in fiordland for 10days


Cheers,Matt

im 6ft 75kg and my tatonka bison has the x1 harness system so you can adjust right down to 5ft 6, can you not adjust your hinterland pack at all?

Ive got it as low as it goes and its still uncomfortable, its got the y2 harness

Fiordland Packs will custom make them for you. Check their web site.

I'm 5'6 and have a Spika Drover the big one 90L it adjusts right down for me.

I've got the tatonka hinterland also and the same problem.
From what I can gather h&f only got them with the large frame and you don't realize till you load it up it's not the right fit

ok...so its a frame pack??? so move the hip belt up....if its stitched on to fabric,have a good look at it,consider changing it till its attached to frame. the straps will be attached to frame too..can you not lower how they are attached???most packs with a frame can be manipulated if you prepared to think outside the square.eg take strap from top of frame bar and reattach under it ....I saw a clever fellas pack the other day...started out same as mine a K2Hunter...but didnt fit him right,he taken the top 2" off frame and changed hip belt to a wider one with pockets all around...he is a been pole so hip belt wouldnt look like fitting my spare tyre...but I could see why he made changes...I re attached my shoulder straps 1" wider...magic difference...whatever you do,do it before you go and make sure it works.

Its your typical pack with rod inserts, not a frame pack.

I had a tatonka bison and also couldnt go down small enough, gave me grief for a year before i sold it and went to a cactus foray. They have multiple size harnesses, as mentioned an osprey would possibly suit aswell

Osprey are a good choice.

At lest its camo or sort of

Originally Posted by Bonecrusher

Attachment 191456


At lest its camo or sort of

That wouldnt even fit my lunch mate! I think ill have a look into the ospreys and macpac with a small harness.

Cactus BLT.

@matto1234 Check out the pack I've got for sale on here, its 60L and a squat shape rather than long/tall

i'm down to 86kg ( and shrinking) and 1.88m. i still use my "tika" pack from 30 years back. i believe they were bought out by macpac years back.
failing that a diet of steak and guinness will sort it