so im about 6 food i have a long torso, i need to find a backpack no bigger then 45 liters that will fit me. tired a few on today the only ones that the waste strap would actually be on my waste was 65 liter backpack. any suggestions on brands that would be good for me?

Anyone have this same problem? most of the straps were around my stomach at about the bellybutton.

What you really need is the measurement between the seventh cervical vertebrae (that bump that gets bigger when you lean your head forward) and the iliac crest. That's not something you can easily measure without some math.

Here is an explicit example of how to do it: http://www.mchalepacks.com/packs/detail/measure.htm

On the webpages of the pack manufacturers you look at, you'll see ranges that each pack size works for. For example, from the Gregory Z65 page:
Size Torso Length
S 16" - 18"
M 18" - 20"
L 20" - 22"

If your measurement is more than 22" - there are packs that will fit you.

I recommend going to a local outdoor store like REI that sells backpacks. Look at packs like Gregory that have waist belts that are either adjustable or swappable for larger/smaller belts. Or, check out the McHale page above - McHale custom builds packs. Sometimes for people who have different proportions than the general average person find their joy with custom packs.

No bigger than 45 liters is a tough one - but there are packs that will fill the bill. I have a Gregory Jade 40 with an adjustable belt that came in several back sizes.

I do not have any specific packs to recommend, because I have not needed a pack that fits your requirements, but one thing struck me right away when I read your post: if a pack must necessarily be long to fit a long torso, but also of limited capacity, then the manufacturer will have to limit its depth and width because they cannot limit its length. Such packs would be fairly simple to pick out visually, because they'll look very tall and narrow.

Sometimes I see packs designed for mountain climbers that have this obviously tall-narrow profile. However, given the stresses on a climbing pack, these packs tend not to be made of lightweight materials and they will include features not useful to backpackers.

You may need to rethink your 45 liter limit on capacity. Limiting your overall pack weight is more important than limiting your pack size. Good luck.

Well here is the thing, i already have a 65 liter pack, i go on a lot of overnight hikes, and i bring my huge pack witch is overkill and heavy. the only one i was able to find with a adjustable length was another 65 liter. looking more for 35 something that i can just take overnight that doesn't weigh 6 pounds on its own.

If your 65 liter pack weighs 6 lbs. then you can absolutely find a pack that fits your long torso and weighs considerably less, regardless of its capacity.

From your initial post, it sounds as though you may be confused as to where the belt is supposed to go. The "waist" strap of the pack is not a waist strap, it's a hip belt. Its function is to transfer the pack's weight to your hips, where your body can most easily carry it. For me, the belly button level is just about right, but I'm female.

Feel your sides below your waist to find the top of your iliac crest--the top of your pelvic girdle/hip bones. That is where the pack's hip belt should rest. Level with the top of the pelvic girdle, on your backbone, is the bottom end of the torso measurement. As Lori mentioned earlier, the top end of your torso measurement is that bump on the back of your neck.

Get someone else to do the measurement for you. Every time I've tried to do it myself, I come out with a different number! It's pretty hard to do alone, since none of us have eyes in the backs of our heads and few of us are contortionists!

If possible, find a store that specializes in backpacking gear (like REI, EMS or a local store), find an experienced clerk (not always easy!) and try on a bunch of packs until you find one that is comfortable for you. It's best to box up your gear and take it with you, because the pack needs to fit three ways: It needs to fit your body, it needs to fit your gear and it needs to be comfortable for you to carry around with the gear in it. Pack fit is almost as individual as shoe fit, so be persistent! Even if you don't buy one of the packs you try, at least you'll know how a comfortable, properly-fitting pack should feel. Try to go when the store is not crowded, or, better, make an appointment with their most experienced clerk at fitting backpacks.

Have you read the helpful articles on the home page of this site, left-hand column?

Good luck!

found the pack i need, its a Gregory z40, my measurements are 21+ the guy at rei, didnt have one that would reach that far.

As far as the palcement on the belt im a bit chubby so having it on my gut is uncomfortable so it needs to be on my waste thanks for the help.