For 2024 Pilgrims: €50,- donation = 1 year with no ads on the forum + 90% off any 2024 Guide. More here. (Discount code sent to you by Private Message after your donation) |
---|
As you have discovered, the women's packs are designed for shorter/smaller folks - including men. Which means that men's packs are designed for taller, broad-shouldered folks - like you! The specific points of difference are the spacing of the shoulder straps (likely not a problem for you, if your shoulders are broad) and the construction of the hip belt. The hip belt is really important, since that's where the majority of the weight transfers from the pack load to your body. So try several of the "men's" packs and see how the hip belt fits you best.... a mans' pack? I'm 5'10" and I've got broad shoulders
I wear a 43 medium (I'd be tall too if there weren't so much of me turned under!) myself. The main difference between men's and women's shoes is the width of the heel. For the same size shoe, men's will have a wider heel. So if your heel is narrower, you may need to add some heel inserts to make the fit more snug in that part of the show.... I've got the same issue with shoes too. I take a 42 wide so if I'm looking at a size bigger I'm slipping into the chaps options again... but I'm guessing with shoes it makes no difference?
Also I would strongly recommend replacing the factory insole with a good hiking insole, for better support.... I do have scoliosis and I have a tendancy to walk on the outside of my feet ...
LesBrass - good idea to go to a major town (1) they invariably have more shops that stock backpacks and shoes/boots etc; (2) the better shops with more experienced sales people will be able to measure you (approximately from hip-bone to last vertebrae of back or top of shoulders) and then show you a range of packs that are suitable. When you try the pack the sales person should load it with a load that approximates the load you will carry - most shops in Australia do this with 1, 2 or 3 KG sand packs. You will find that the packs are considerably different once you have some weight in them. You should advise the sales person what you intend to use the pack for - day trips; week-ends; 3 days or 30 days. Same with the shoes/boots - in fact its probably even more important to ensure you have boots that fit and are fit for the purpose. Keep trying until you find the product that suits you the best. Hope this helps with the decision making.many thanks for the replies - We're going to make a trip to Bordeaux in the hope that we'll find bigger stores with more of a selection and someone with more knowledge than me! I'll try on a few and hopefully the staff will be able to fit it. I wont need the pack until early next year so I was hoping to find one in the january sales... but if I know in advance what I want and what fits I'll be ready to find my bargain! many thanks again
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?