Q: Which type harness should I buy?
A: We recommend you purchase a H245 or H250 padded harness if you want to convert a long lens case or large tripod bag into a backpack. If you only plan to use the harness in the suspender mode, then the H344 is a better choice (the H344 is less bulky and as comfortable). If you plan to wear both a non-Kinesis backpack and a Kinesis harness, then the H344 is better than the, because it is thinner and will not interfere with the shoulder straps of your backpack compared to the H245/H250 + H160 combo. You might also consider the Y303 adapter instead of a harness to chest mount a case.

Q: Which size of padded harness will fit me?
A: See chart below.

Harness Recommendation Chart How to measure your torso height-- Use a soft tape and measure down your spine. Measure from the bony protrusion at the base of your neck down to the point between the tops of your hipbones. P450-series Journeyman Modular Pack P017 (best choice for backpacking) or P019 Heavy-duty Pack Frames Short to Medium Torso Torso is 48cm (19") or less or Body height is about 160cm to 178cm (5'4" to 5'10") and average body build. If your chest is 112cm (44") or more, consider the H250. P450a (Small/Medium H245 Harness) P017a or P019a (Small/Medium H245 Harness) Medium to Long Torso Torso is more than 48cm (19") or Body height is about 173cm to 203cm (5'8" to 6'6") P450b (Medium/Large H250 Harness) P017b or P019b (Medium/Large H250 Harness) If you are in between sizes and weigh 80 kg+ (175+ lbs) with a chest size of 112cm (44") or more, then choose the H250. A tall person up to about 190cm (6'3") can wear the smaller H245 harness, however it just won't fit as well as a H250 would--the padded straps won't wrap down in front as far and the sternum strap may catch you in the neck. A smaller person, on the other hand, cannot wear the H250 harness as the straps in front won't cinch down.

Q: What if purchased a Kinesis harness before 1999? Is is compatible with the current design?
A: All Kinesis Black Belts or Heavy-duty Belts shipped directly from us since April 1999 feature a slight modification to accommodate this new harness system. Older belts can be upgraded for a nominal $5 fee (which also covers shipping via Priority Mail back to you) if they are returned to us for this modification.

Q: How do I assemble a harness or attach it to a pack?
A: Included with every H245 or H250 pack harness or pack purchase is an 8-1/2x11" (one page, both sides) instruction sheet. You can print this as a PDF file -- See our How To page for PDF downloads.

Q: How do I assemble a harness as suspenders?
A: See our How To page for PDF downloads.

To download a free version of Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is required to open and/or print these documents click on this link.

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