Fit Philosophy
When Wayne Gregory designed his first pack over 30 years ago, he set out to design a product that, in his own words, "must maintain its comfort and stability by effectively transferring the weight of the pack onto the hips." This simple philosophy has driven Gregory's ongoing commitment to researching, designing, testing and delivering the most innovative backpack technology available.
An accurate torso length measurement is key when sizing someone for a proper fit. This ensures the majority of the pack weight is correctly transferred onto the main structure of the body's frame-the hips. This load transfer onto the hips is accomplished via the lumbar pad and waistbelt transfer panels and guarantees a comfortable experience in the backcountry.
To make sure every customer is custom fit, the 3D harness and waistbelt components on our larger capacity Response CFS and AFS packs have interchangeable components to ensure a comfortable fit. Harnesses, waistbelts and backpanels on all of our packs are gender specific and women's versions of these are designed and cut to fit a women's frame and body geometry.
Our dedication to superior comfort, fit and stability spans our entire product line, from our largest Mountaineering packs to our smallest, lightweight Active Trail models.
Follow These Steps to Properly Fit Your Mid to Large Size Gregory Pack:
- Measure your torso length and select the proper frame size.
- Set the shoulder harness in the top or bottom slot as indicated by your torso measurement.
- Load the pack with 15 to 20 pounds.
- Put the pack on, tighten the shoulder straps, shrug your shoulders and then tighten the waistbelt. The top edge of the waistbelt pad should be about one inch above the iliac crest.
- Relax. Lift your leg until your thigh is at a 90-degree angle to your body. The bottom should edge of the waistbelt pad should be level with the top of your thigh.
- Make sure the shoulder stabilizer straps are loose. At the bottom of the harness, there should be 2" of leftover adjustment without bottoming out on the pack body. Additionally, the curve in the shoulder harness should be level with your armpit.
- Pull on the shoulder stabilizer straps until they’re slightly tensioned.
Distributing your packs weight
These micro adjustments will help keep you comfortable on the trail. Ideally, your packs weight will rest more on your hips than on your shoulders.
Shifting Weight to Your Hips
- Loosen the shoulder adjustment straps.
- Tension the shoulder stabilizer straps until there is a loop in the top of the harness.
- Re-tension the shoulder harness adjustment straps.
Measuring For Torso Length
Using a flexible tape measure or Gregory Fit-O-Matic, measure the length of your torso from the C7 vertebra (at the base of your neck) to the spot on the spine level with the top of the bony hip structure called the iliac crest. Do it two or three times to get an accurate measurement. If you are between frame sizes, always go with the smaller size.
Frame Sizes
- XS: 14"-16" / 35-39 cm
- S: 16"-18" / 40-44 cm
- M: 18"-20" / 45-49 cm
- L: 20"-22" / 50-54 cm
Shoulder Harness Position
Selecting the right shoulder harness
- Most people require the same shoulder harness and frame size.
To be sure
- With the pack on and shoulder stabilizer straps loose, make sure the main curve on the harness is level with your armpit.
Picking a waistbelt that fits
Our waistbelts come in one to four sizes depending on the style. Make sure you have a minimum of 5 inches between the pads before they touch.
Waist Belt Measurement Belt Size
- S: 22"-28"/55cm-71cm
- M: 28"-34"/71cm-86cm
- L: 34" and up/86cm and up
Fitting the Quick-Adjust Five Point Angle Waistbelt System
The CFS waistbelt allows you to quickly and easily find the right hip angle that matches your body. To fit, follow these simple steps.
- Be sure to fit the harness size first.
- Then, find the correct size belt that matches your waist size.
- Install the belt by sliding the plastic load transfer panel through the webbing and pocket sleeve on the waistbelt.
- Put approximately 15-20 lbs of weight in the pack.
- Put on the pack, securing the shoulder harness first. Adjust the harness until the top of the iliac crest is even with the top of the waistbelt.
- Shrug your shoulders and fasten the belt. Suck in your belly and tighten the belt tighter than you would normally wear it. This ensures that the waistbelt covers your iliac.
- Pull the quick-adjust tabs behind the waistbelt and the belt should automatically register your hip angle.
- Release the tabs and the belt will lock into place, providing maximum comfort and load transfer.
- Make sure you can lift your leg to 90 degrees and check for even pressure between your body and the top and bottom edge of the waistbelt.
- Confirm equal settings on both sides using the scale. Manually adjust with the pack off if necessary.
