i think the reference to loadlfters was not a complaint but more of a comparison to the Gregory...

I am an 18" size as well and the medium has done well for me. The medium is for 16-20" torso, unlike so many other brands of packs I fall in the middle of the medium size specs.

With the wiast padding centered on the top of my hip bone the top of the shoulder straps at the bag are a couple inches higher than where it touches my shoulders. I dont think im wide enough! I have arranged and rearranged 21lbs and its nasty. Really not sure why. It pulls backwards way too kmuch for a little pack. I will call Grant there tomorrow and get his advice, but it looks like its going back :(

I only have 4 days to get another pack in this size range grrrr

I've had both a large Mariposa (old Style) and now now a Gorilla, in a Medium.

I like the slight wrap over the shoulders, that I get with the Medium. Its more of a balanced carry, IMHO.
With the large Mariposa, the shoulder straps where level with the tops of my shoulders, or to even being slightly above, when carrying less weight.
I never used the (2) carbon fiber stays as it would make the shoulder staps fit or ride up even higher on me.

I now like my packs to fit with the shoulder straps anchor points about 2" below the 7th vertebrate, which is the large lump at the base of your neck.

Edited by mfog1 on 09/22/2009 07:49:41 MDT.

where is the belt in relation to the top of your hip bone...?

In terms of the "bulges out at the pad" problem, consider whether you need/want to cram stuff down in the pack so tight that it forces that bulge out. Instead, pack it higher (extension collar) and/or carry more gear externally (mesh all over the outside of the thing).

I changed the configuration completely; No bladder in the bladder pouch. I have two blow up sleep pads (Big Agnes insulated) folded in the pouch along with the sit pad as the outermost, closest-to-back part.

I have changed the config multiple times - it's too big a bag...too tall. I spoke to Grant, sent himpics and he will tell me I'm the wrong size! The bag's fine ;)

He is REALLY helpful, supportive too.

where is the belt in relation to the top of your hip bone...?

Its either center over my hip bones, to slightly below it. The pack anchors nicely into my lumbar, with the hipbelts pressure keeping it in place.

I had the same problem with bulging the first time I loaded the Meriposa using my thermarest as the pad. In this configuration the pack sat too far from my shoulders when I buckled the waist properly just as you describe. My thoughts at the time were that load lifters would be nice here.

After rearranging the load I was able to straighten the back pad considerably minimizing the bulge. I then had to play with the straps a bit to get a comfortable but was still somewhat skeptical.

However, after several trips with light loads properly balanced, I found it very comfortable to carry. Yes, it does take some forethought to avoid overstuffing the center of the pack and creating a bulge, but it carries remarkably well once you have everything set.

Doc

Which of the stay styles are being used?; the older straight stays or the newer curved stays? I never used the straight stays because they did seem to pull the top of the Mariposa Plus back from the shoulders. The curved stays solved this problem for me, but to be honest, the most comfortable configuration is to use either the MP or Gorilla without the stays especially if loads are kept under 15-20 lbs. For me, a GG Sitlite pad or Torsolite pad in the pad sleeve works best. Inflatable pads can be folded & partially inflated & used in the pad sleeve but work less well than foam pads. Although, a rolled, partially inflated inflatable pad inside the pack will give very good "structure" & rigidity, it will take up considerable room & again pull the top of the pack back from the shoulders.

What I do is press out all the air in my MontBell UL pad, close the valve while the pad is flat so that the pad remains flat, fold the pad lengthwise in half, insert that into the Mariposa so that the pad lies against the back and front of the pack, but the sides are open and the valve is available at the top of the pack, put in all my gear inside, and finally open the valve on the pad and blow air back inside to stiffen the pad and the pack. Because the pack already has its gear inside it doesn't become so straight that the pack pulls away from my back and it doesn't take up any more space inside the pack than is needed. It ends up taking much less space than a rolled up foam pad.

I have a small on the way instead of the medium. I will absolutely try the semi inflated pad...great idea!