Elkliver:

There's an REI store in Bend. You can rent different packs from them and give them a try before buying.

Take a look at Ospre packs. They come in different sizes to match your torso. I have the opposite problem from you. I have a long torso and most packs don't fit properly. But the Osprey Aether XL does fit properly. You might want to try a small Aether to fit your short torso.

BTW since you can rent them, I suggest that you do more than just walk around the store with some weight in the pack. Take it out for a weekend and see what your back feels like after a couple of days.

KC


Wind in my hair, Sun on my face, I gazed at the wide open spaces, And I was at home.