This guide is designed to help you get the most accurate measurements possible for your custom Sockdolager Equipment backpack. Video demonstrates how to measure your torso, frame height, total waist size, and padded hip belt.
Every pack I build to these measurements, so they are critical to getting an ideal fit.
Items You Need
Fabric Measuring Tape: these can be found at your local craft store like Joann Fabrics or Michaels. They are also inexpensive and can be ordered from Amazon. A flexible measuring tape is far more accurate than a rigid ruler or tape measure.
A Friend: These measurements, in particular the torso size, are hard to do accurately on your own. A friend can help make sure your spine is straight and the measurements aren't distorted.
Measuring Your Torso Size
1. Locate your iliac crest. Place your hands under your ribcage and compress your waist, sliding your hands down until they come to rest on the hard ridge of bone - that is your Iliac Crest. Trace a line between the top of your Iliac Crest to where it intersects your spine.
2. Locate your C7 vertebra. Gently tilt your head forward to find the bump at the base of your neck. This is your C7 vertebra. After finding your C7, stand tall and upright before making the measurement.
3. Measure the distance from the Iliac Crest to the C7. This is most easily accomplished with your friend using a flexible measuring tape, and following the contour of the spine from the Iliac Crest to the C7. This is your torso size.
Measuring Your Frame Height
1. Locate your iliac crest. Place your hands under your ribcage and compress your waist, sliding your hands down until they come to rest on the hard ridge of bone - that is your Iliac Crest. Trace a line between the top of your iliac crest to where it intersects your spine.
2. Measure the distance from the iliac crest to the ear lobe. Stand tall and upright, and have your partner use a flexible measuring tape to measure straight down from the ear lobe to the iliac crest.
This measurement roughly corresponds to frame height, though it's not exact. It serves as a second reference point so I can confirm the measurements are in the same ballpark.
Measuring Your Waist Size
This measurement is the total circumference around your waist, around the iliac crest. This is NOT your pant size. It is the exact measurement of your total waist circumference.
Measuring Padded Belt Size
This measurement is your total circumference of your waist, from the forward edge of your hipbones around your back to the other edge of your hipbones. This measurement is used to make sure that the padded section of the belt fully wraps the entire skeletal structure.
Submitting Your Measurements and Custom Options
After you place your order, you will receive a customization form where you enter all your measurements and custom build options.
Learn more about the Bad Larry and join the waitlist here: https://sockdolagerequipment.com/products/bad-larry-90l-packrafting-backpack
1 comment
Great info and video, thanks Dan!