Originally Posted by
slidergirl
I got out my tape measure and looked at how long the waist belt is on my 65. I pulled the snaps so that they were at full length. I measured 49 inched end to end. Now, be aware that this isn't a padded hip belt. It starts out wide, about 4.5" and tapers down to 2", where the webbing part of the belt starts. I never used the belt, so I can't tell you if it is of any help or not.
I notice that you are in YUL/YOW. On the Osprey website, they do list several stores in YUL and YOW that carry Osprey products. Perhaps one of them has a Porter 65 that you can test drive.
Thanks for measuring that for me, and I hope it isn't in vain, and I'll explain why.
The cardinal rule is, before you buy a pack always try it out. Well if I go ahead and order the porter I will be violating such a rule, and really putting myself in a pickle if it isnt the right bag for me.
What I am going to do (changed my mind again), is demote that bag to third place. I will try out the Deuter first (again) at MEC. I remember it having really big zippers and the internal compression was that like a butterfly panel and not straps like on the Waypoint. If I am not happy with that one I will then see the Waypoint again. The Deuter has the problem of being the heaviest at 3.2kg whereas the Waypoint is 2.7kg (yeah I know 500g). If neither tickles my fancy I will then bite the bullet and do the Porter which comes in at around 1.5kg, but then again no frame.
I really love the porter, but the risk I am taking is way to great IMO.
There was a store that was selling the Porter series, but earlier this week they dropped it from their website. When I enquired they said they no long carried it (and at a good price too of 135; the other store price matches but hopefully they will accept my pdf printout of the prices). I blame this entirely on myself as I procrastinated a lot attempting to buy this bag.