How to Adjust and Fit A Backpack

Finding the right backpack size is crucial for a comfortable fit, and the key measurement for this is torso length, rather than height. The best backpack is the one that fits the individual's body the best.

To adjust and fit your backpack for your needs, fast read the following guide:

1. Sizing a backpack

2. Measuring Your Torso Length

3. Measuring Hip Size

4. Adjusting Backpack Torso Length

5. Adjusting Backpack Straps

Sizing A Backpack

Sizing a backpack is an important step in ensuring that it fits comfortably and distributes weight properly for the wearer. Here are the steps to properly size a backpack:

Determine your torso length: Measure your torso length by starting from the base of your neck and measuring down the length of your spine to your hipbone. This measurement is the most important factor in determining backpack size.

Check the manufacturer's sizing chart: Most backpack manufacturers provide sizing charts to help you choose the correct size for your torso length. These charts may also take into account other factors such as gender and weight range.

Try on different sizes: Once you have an idea of the backpack size you need based on your torso length and the manufacturer's sizing chart, try on different sizes to find the best fit. Adjust the straps and hip belt to ensure a snug and comfortable fit. The hip belt should sit on your hip bones, not your waist, and the shoulder straps should fit comfortably without digging in or slipping off your shoulders.

Load up the backpack: Once you have found a backpack that fits well, load it up with weight to get a feel for how it will distribute the load. Adjust the straps and hip belt as needed to ensure the weight is evenly distributed and the backpack feels comfortable.

General Backpack Size Chart

Measuring Your Torso Length

To measure your torso length, tilt your head forward to locate the bony bump at the top of your spine and have a friend measure the distance between that point and an imaginary line drawn between your thumbs at the top of your hip bones. Use this measurement to find your pack size by checking the torso range listed on product pages or sizing charts, though physically trying on backpacks in-store is the best way to find the perfect fit.

Measuring Hip Size

Good hipbelt fit is important for carrying pack weight, so it's recommended to measure your hip size by wrapping a tape measure around the top of your hips, hugging the iliac crest found when measuring torso length. Hipbelt size may differ slightly from pant-waist size. Double check on Manufacturer to ensure the waist/hip measurement of your chosen pack size is right for you, or consider interchangeable hipbelt options at store if necessary.

Adjusting Backpack Torso Length

Adjustable suspension allows a pack to fit a wider range of torso lengths and to more precisely fit individual users. If your pack has this feature, torso length is your first and most important fit adjustment. Other adjustments won't work correctly if torso length is not set correctly, and if you're having trouble, consider bringing the pack to the store for assistance.

Adjusting Backpack Straps

To adjust the fit of your backpack for greater comfort, use the four primary adjustment straps: hipbelt, shoulder straps, load-lifter straps, and sternum strap. Start with about 15 pounds of weight in the pack and loosen all the adjustment straps before beginning. Adjustments happen in two phases: first, adjust the shoulder straps and hipbelt for the majority of the load to rest on your hips, then adjust the load-lifters and sternum strap. Experienced hikers continuously work to relieve pressure points by adjusting the tension in their straps.

Adjusting Backpack Hipbelt

To adjust your backpack hipbelt, put the pack on and move the hipbelt until the padding hugs the top of your hip bones. Fasten and tighten the hipbelt buckle, ensuring it's snug without uncomfortably pinching your hips. Check the padded sections of the hipbelt to ensure they sit on the top of your hips, adjust the shoulder straps and hipbelt as necessary. Belt padding should extend slightly beyond the front point of your hipbones and you need at least one inch of clearance on either side of the center buckle.

Adjusting Backpack Shoulder Straps

To adjust backpack shoulder straps, pull down and back on the ends of the straps to tighten them. The straps should wrap closely around your shoulders, but should not carry significant weight. Check that the shoulder strap anchor points on the pack are 1 to 2 inches below the top of your shoulders. Vary shoulder strap tension by tightening and loosening the straps to relieve pressure points or pain.

Adjusting Backpack Load Lifters

Load-lifter straps connect the top of the shoulder harness to an anchor point near the top of the back panel and should be angled back at roughly a 45-degree angle. When adjusting, be careful not to overtighten the load lifters, as it can lead to discomfort, and strive for snug, not stiff, tension. If there is a space at the top of the shoulder harness, loosen the load lifters and readjust.

Adjusting Backpack Sternum Strap

Load-lifter straps connect the top of the shoulder harness to an anchor point near the top of the back panel and should be angled back at roughly a 45-degree angle. When adjusting, be careful not to overtighten the load lifters, as it can lead to discomfort, and strive for snug, not stiff, tension. If there is a space at the top of the shoulder harness, loosen the load lifters and readjust.