I was just about to post this question as a p.m. to Eljimberino, but then I realised others might want to contribute some feedback. So this is what I was about to send to him:
Hi,
Sometime ago, you responded to my forum post about waist packs. You recommended the Zpacks Arc Blast.
Do you have the latest model, with the adjustable torso height?
I have come around to thinking that I want one too!
But, I'm trying to decide on whether to buy the short or medium model.
The short model is described as adjustable between 16 and 20 inches (40.6 - 50.8cm), and at the maximum setting would be fine for me. This is measured from bottom of hip-belt to shoulder-strap anchor point.
However, I was wondering how much that range would have to decrease by, when the frame is tensioned?
What is your experience, do you bend it by very much? About how much does the height decrease for you, when tensioned?
I am a bit wary of published dimensions, or even advice given by the sales reps -- last year I bought a pack from the USA (not one of the super-expensive ones), and beforehand I sent an email asking the exact distance from bottom of hip-belt to shoulder-strap anchor point -- but when it arrived, I measured it and it was an inch shorter than the fellow had told me.
It was still OK, just.
The reason I would prefer the short model is as carryon with airlines. Qantas specifies a max length of 22 inches (56cm), and the medium model seems to be a tiny bit over that. Qantas link:
http://www.qantas.com/travel/airlines/carry-on-baggage/global/en#carry-on-baggage-allowances
I probably should post this as a general forum question!
Regards,
Barry
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Has anyone ever taken a medium-size Arc-Blast and fitted it into one of those size-limit frames that they have at airports?
Note, I propose to carry it inside a duffel bag. I did own a super-lightweight one from S2S, but someone "borrowed" it and that's the last I saw of it. I have another from Kathmandu. These are designed to be just on the limit for carryon, and as far as I can determine without actually owning one, the short Arc Blast would fit in the duffle bag. Don't know about the medium.
This is the duffle bag that I once-upon-a-time owned:
http://www.traveluniverse.com.au/Lightweight-Travel-Duffel-Bag-Sea-to-Summit.htm