My wife is under 5ft tall and the standard molle frame is just too large for her I THINK. Anyone have experience with this scenario?

My pack is a Cuscus expedition 88 (we are set on bugging in). Top to bottom it measures 28" and there is no real frame (just supporting plastic inserts). I use a twin pack for back country camping in the mountains and it has worked well for me. I am 5'4 and less than 120 lbs. I am not "small boned" a trainer friend of mine refers to me as "healthy and strong looking". I am bringing this up because it has a lot to do with how much you can handle and where the straps hit you. I am short waisted, long legged and short torsoed, so the bottom strap hits me around the lower hip area and the shoulder straps are held together with a chest strap so they stay put. My daughter who is slightly shorter than me and has back problems uses a child's pack even though she is long torsoed

Hope this helps a little...and the doctors told my mom I would top out at 6'0!!!!

PS just make sure to balance the pack when you load it. The first time I put mine on years ago my husband over weighted it and loaded one side too heavy...I literally fell over backwards and rolled around like a turtle!

I don't know if this applies to all women but it sure made a difference for me. The center of gravity is different for men and women. Being 5'2" I had a hard time with my balance with a pack so I got a load bearing vest and that solved the problem. I can carry the same amount and my pack isn't so uncomfortable.

I noticed the molle frame sits about 4 inches above her head when the waist padding is just on or slightly above her hips.

I was thinking of maybe having her run an assualt pack with sustainment pouches instead. Less overall storage but easier for her to wear and carry.