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I'm confused the Comfort Rating charts – are they explained somewhere? How do the frame extensions affect comfort rating?

I'm considering a Divide 4500, and have a 21" torso. Most of the time I'll be carrying 20-30 pounds, but for an upcoming 2-week Grand Canyon hike, will be carrying 40-60 pounds much of the time. I assume I'll need extensions – which size would you recommend? And what comfort rating would that work out at, at 60 pounds?

The comfort rating chart is more a guide than anything . Load carriage comfort is limited by frame height vs torso more than frame or suspension. In general , you want a certain amount of frame above the shoulders for certain weight. I would recommend 2 inch extensions for your trip.
Thanks


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Think of the 2" Extensions like a torso adjustment on most packs. It will increase the distance between the shoulder strap load lifters and the hipbelt. The packs are adjustable but the height can be maxed out on a 24" frame for some users with really long torsos. Another reason people may want the extensions is to carry REALLY heavy loads, like packing out an elk quarter, as it will help keep the weight off the shoulder.

If your that tall I'd recommended the standard 4800 with the mesh talon.

The reason I say that is because with the extensions and the 4500 it will raise the bottle pockets up and you may can't reach them when wearing the pack.