How to Size and Fit a Backpack
Most hikers are unaware that backpacks come in sizes that will best fit you. A good fit is not only comfortable for the hours that you spend on an outdoor adventure but also necessary to reduce distracting hassles during a hike.
Because of the much sought after fit, outdoor gear manufacturers produce backpacks for men and women separately so as to deliver a product that snugly fits the shape of their torso. To find the backpack that is made for you and how to adjust one for your back, check out the following tips.
Measure Torso Length
To measure your torso length you may need the help of another person. Feel the point where your shoulders meet your neck in the middle. The bone you feel there is the 7th Cervical vertebra. Ask your friend to hold on to that point.
Next, hold the side of your hips and feel the imaginary line that meets the two points on your lower back. Your friend should measure the point of your C7 down to this imaginary line. This is your torso length.
This measurement is listed on many backpack labels, making it easier for you to narrow down your choice in gear.
Measure Hip Size
Another way to measure for the right backpack is to measure your hip size. This is easy. Just wrap the tape measure around the top of your hips, this is the point that is a bit higher than where you tie your belt.
Remember, you carry most of the weight of the backpack on your lower back. If you should find any confusion with the torso length sizes, this is the measurement to go by.
Adjusting Shoulder Straps
If you bought your backpack according to the gender they were labeled for, you may notice that bags for women are slightly S-shaped. To know whether the bag is fitting right you have to make sure the straps are wrapped closely to your shoulders.
The anchor points of your straps should be an inch and a half below your shoulders. This is a bit over your shoulder blades. If this is not how they are sitting, you have to check if the hip belt is adjusted snugly enough.
Load Lifters
A very common mistake people make with load lifters is that they tighten it till its stiff. The goal is to have it feel snug. So loosen it if you think its too taught; otherwise, it is only burdening your body with extra tension and your shoulders will feel uncomfortable after a while.
A few things to remember is that you can always try wearing a backpack before you buy it. Also when you invest in a new backpack, keep trying to adjust the straps by taking it to your next short walk or trek. Memorize where you started in case you feel that was the best fit.
The way you position your body also plays into how you carry the load. Make sure that you lean a bit forward so that you have a perfect balance.
Final Point
You should always ensure that the bulk of the backpack weight never bears down directly on your shoulders, thus placing strain on your spine and lower back.
Instead ensure that the hip belt is properly fitted and utilised such that the weight is transferred to the legs. This will lead you to having a more enjoyable trek with a lesser risk for long term injury.
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