SUBSCRIBE | NEWSLETTERS | MAPS | VIDEOS | BLOGS | MARKETPLACE | CONTESTS
Full Name:
 City:
Address 1:
 State:
 Zip Code:
Address 2:
 Email: (required)

If I like it and decide to continue, I'll pay just $12.00, and receive a full one-year subscription (9 issues in all), a 73% savings off the newsstand price! If for any reason I decide not to continue, I'll write "cancel" on the invoice and owe nothing.


Offer valid in US only.
Canadian Subscriptions | International Subscriptions

CLOSE WINDOW

BACKPACKER PHOTOS

Email this page RSS feed
User rating:
-
Digg Delicious Yahoo Facebook Reddit StumbleUpon Google Newsvine Facebook Twitter

Beginner Basics: Fitting A Backpack

Even the best backpack isn't comfortable if you don't fit and adjust it correctly. To start: Pick a pack that's the proper gender and general size for you. For example: women's small or men's medium.
Photos by Jennifer Howe / howephoto.us
«
  • Step 1: Load the pack with about 20 pounds, then loosen the hipbelt, shoulder straps, hipbelt stabilizers, and load lifters.
  • Step 2: Put on the pack. Snug the hipbelt and shoulder straps slightly. Check to make sure the overall torso length is comfortable and shorten/ lengthen to taste.
  • Step 3: Properly sized, there should be no gap atop the shoulders, and the load lifter anchor point should be at collar-bone level.
  • Step 4: The hipbelt should sit over your pelvic bones.
  • Step 5: Once the basic torso length, hipbelt and shoulder strap length is dialed in, snug the hipbelt stabilizer straps.
  • Step 6: Snug the load lifter straps for a more stable load.
  • Step 7: Fasten the sternum strap. Position it properly between chest and collarbone level.
  • Step 8: If the sternum strap is too low, it will restrict chest expansion and breathing.
  • Step 9: When correct, it will keep the shoulder straps from slipping outward during scrambles, while letting you breathe deeply.
>
»
Step 1: Load the pack with about 20 pounds, then loosen the hipbelt, shoulder straps, hipbelt stabilizers, and load lifters.
Image 1 of 9

Step 1: Load the pack with about 20 pounds, then loosen the hipbelt, shoulder straps, hipbelt stabilizers, and load lifters.

READERS COMMENTS

Page 1

This is what I should have had when I first got my backpack .

Thanks.
— John B

Great little article as it helps remind us what things to visually check on our fellow hikers pack adjustments. It is easy to to get your own pack dialed in and easy to forget that your fellow hikers may not know how to adjust theirs properly. Use the Golden Rule!
— Wayne Hobbs

I was very impressed on the fitting a backpack article. Very well written.
— Mom

Keep a stiff upper lip
— Mom

Simple and accurate info. I think it's the first time I've seen the proper emphasis on the sternum strap location. Most other references tends to gloss over this very important point, or flat out get it wrong. Nicely done, Thanks.
— Old_Mountaineer

Who is this guy? I've seen him in a couple of tutorials that I've been reading in the past half hour or so, I like how thorough his tutorials are. Learned more than I would have watching TV that's for sure. I just ordered this magazine today I can't wait to read it.
— Bead_Ogg

Anybody guess what kind of pack that is? One picture has a little "m" by the hipbelt and the shoulder strap says something on it... Are those faux-leather shoulder straps?
— Irishman

3 and 4 are reversed. You need to get the hip belt in place first and then check the shoulder strap placement.
— GerryR


POST A COMMENT

Your Name:
Comment:
My Profile Join Now

Most recent threads

Trailhead Register
How is Your Garden Doing?
Posted On: May 24, 2012
Submitted By: Adirondackiteer
The Political Arena
Healthcare costs for American families increase
Posted On: May 24, 2012
Submitted By: Kevins89notch
Most viewed Most emailed Top Rated

  1. Make a Tyvek Groundcloth for Your Tent

    Save money (and weight) with this tent-saving DIY trick.

  2. How to Make a Survival Bracelet

    In an emergency, you can use paracord for lashings, tourniquets, shoelaces, ...

  3. Beginner Basics: Corrective Boot Tying

    Having boot trouble on the trail? You might be able to save your day, and your ...

  1. Hiking to Grand Canyon's Royal Arch

    Join photographer Elias Butler on this trek to one of the Grand Canyon's hidden ...

  2. How to Make a Survival Bracelet

    In an emergency, you can use paracord for lashings, tourniquets, shoelaces, ...

  3. 2010 Reader Photo Contest

    Your best shots: BACKPACKER readers have been to some spectacular places and ...

TIP 24: Heavy Loads

Putting on a heavy pack? Rest it on your knee, then pass one arm through a shoulder strap.

Special sections - Expert handbooks for key trails, techniques and gear

International Travel
From Nepal to New Zealand, we have stories and tips to help you plan the perfect 'life list' trek abroad. Powered by:

Navigation Center
Learn how to orient a map, navigate any terrain, and the ins-and-outs of GPS devices.

BACKPACKER's Free Smartphone GPS App
Record and share you adventures with our new, free navigation app. Plus, discover thousands of GPS-enabled hikes in national parks and major cities.

Backpacker Expeditions
Backpacker Expeditions will challenge your outdoor fortitude and indulge your passion for discovery. Powered by:

Follow BackpackerMag on Twitter Follow Backpacker on Facebook
Name:
Address 1:
Address 2:
City:
State:
Zip:
(required) Email:

If I like BACKPACKER, I'll pay just $12.00 and receive a
full one-year subscription (9 issues in all), a 73% savings
off the newsstand price! If for any reason I decide not to continue, I'll write "cancel" on the invoice and owe nothing.

SUBMIT MY ORDER Offer valid in US only.
Canadian subscriptions | International subscriptions

Pay Now