Just curious if the angle of the load lifters on the pictured alpine pack indicate a poor fit, and if so, how much does that matter. This is a 50L pack labeled as R (regular). Details on the pack are uncertain; It was handed down to me. I found a OLD review in Backpacker showing a size fit range of 15-24 ... I can't help but suspect that covers two pack sizes, regular (15-19) and large (20-24). Just guessing though. I'm usually a tall (torso 21-22").
The shoulder straps self-adjust in terms of where they connect to the pack; they slide along an exposed section of the carbon composite stays that form an X frame.
IMG_2934s.jpg
In any case, here are two pictures, one with the belt centered on my iliac crest,
LL_hips.jpg
and the other is with the belt resting atop the iliac crest, i.e., around my waist, with the buckle over my belly button.
LL_waist.jpg
I do like the pack, but been having some LBP lately and wondering if it's unwise to try to make it work for me, if indeed the frame is too small/load lifters too horizontal to my shoulder. Perhaps I should find another pack that does a better job of shifting weight to my hips. Or maybe it's not really a big deal ... IDK! I will say this: in use, it feels OK, but I can tell that some weight is on my shoulders, more so than on other packs where it's clear that the shoulder straps only serve to keep the top of the pack from falling backwards and away from my back.
What do you think?
Thanks for any feedback.