I am 5’9” have been on the CF twice with a 24 liter Deuter. I made it work, but it’s too small and I wouldn’t recommend it. That’s why I opened this thread; I am looking for a new pack!
The Jade 28 and 38 packs each come in two sizes with slightly different capacities. This is for the current model of the Jade 28 (it may have been different when you bought your pack):
Technical specs
| Best Use | Hiking |
|---|
| Bag Style | Backpack |
|---|
| Frame Type | Internal Frame |
|---|
| Gear Capacity (L) | S/M: 28 liters
XS/S: 26 liters |
|---|
I think it is also important to note that capacity measurements are not really very accurate. I remember reading an article some time ago in Outside magazine where they had used a uniform system to measure capacity of a dozen or so different packs and compared their results to the manufacturers’ reported capacities, and they were all over the place. There was some consistency within a manufacturer‘s line, but even that was not always the case.
The specs from the manufacturer are going to give you a rough idea but not much more.
As far as capacity measurement related to the main backpack compartment is concerned, you are correct.
Perhaps my comments will make sense and clarify a few points. But first, this
Note of bias: To be upfront and honest, I do not like or trust Outside Magazine as an evaluator of equipment. Nor do I like Backpacker Magazine (which is owned by Outside Magazine) in that role.
Both have useful articles, provide neat looks at gear and clothing, and make for an enjoyable read; but I have issues with their system for obtaining and qualifying their reviews, along with questions about the influence that manufacturers might have on those reviews because of the ad revenue which the magazines depend on.
Check the stated capacity volume to include all pockets, not just the main compartment.
Manufacturers capacity measurements are more accurate than what Outside Magazine claims. What Outside magazine did was to use a measurement standard that is no longer valid and has been changed to fit the way modern backpackers ACTUALLY use the space in their backpacks.
Backpackers used to stuff everything into a main compartment and only use the limited exterior pockets for small ancillary items, like snacks. Modern backpackers have chosen to shift access to their gear and clothing between the main bag and the exterior pockets. Tents, sleeping bags, socks for changing during the day, shorts to change into from pants, poncho or rain jackets, cooking gear, etc, get placed so that the main bag doesn't have to be opened and the contents sifted through in order to get to items that the backpacker decides he needs as he is walking or wanting to pitch camp.
Thus, exterior pockets on backpacking packs designed for standard multi-day/week loads, are much bigger and are in greater number than on old style backpacks, thus providing more useful organization and access. The same holds true with a lot of 'stupid-light' backpacks as well.
Manufacturers found that a lot of backpackers were actually measuring and counting the number of outside pockets, and selecting backpacks with smaller main bag capacities but with large capacity pockets.
While a few manufacturers will state the capacity as a measurement of the main bag (old standard), most manufacturers will measure the capacities of ALL pockets (main outside pocket, side pockets, map pockets on the lid, hipbelt pockets, etc.) and add the figures together to come up with a
total capacity.
When I have measured the total capacities of the bags I have tested, I compare what I measure to that which the manufacturer claims. While there are differences found, they are fairly insignificant and many times be accounted for by the difference in how one individual worker stitches together a backpack from a fellow worker.
Anyways, maybe the above will clarify the issue.
. This pack currently works for me!
