Part Three:  Fitting a Backpack

Previous issues have discussed types of backpacks as well as why you might want to travel with a backpack.  The most essential ingredients to a successful backpacking experience are fit and comfort. Many backpacks will list their sizes as small, medium/regular or large/tall.  It is important, however, to understand your stature does not automatically qualify you for one of those sizes.  Fortunately, many stores like REI have experienced salespeople to assist you in obtaining the proper fit.  It is still helpful to arm yourself with a little information prior to purchasing your backpack.   The first thing you should do is determine your torso length.

1. Recruit a friend or family member to assist you in this measurement.  Tilt your head forward to locate the bony bump at the base of your neck where it meets the slope of your shoulders (7th vertebra).
2. Using a flexible measuring tape, have your able assistant measure from the bump on your neck down your spine following the curvature of your back.
3. Place your hands on your hips with the thumbs pointing backwards.  Feel your iliac crests--the pointy protrusions on the front of your hips.
4. Measure from your neck to the point where the tape crosses an imaginary line between your thumbs.  This is your Torso Length.  

Small is generally up to 17 1/2 inches.

Medium/Regular is 18 to 19 1/2 inches.

Large/Tall is 20 inches and greater.  

If your torso length is between the above categories (19 3/4 inches), it might be beneficial to try on both the medium and large packs to see which is the most comfortable.  Many packs have the technical specifications on an attached tag or a chart located in the backpack area of the store.  If not, such information can be obtained at REI.com.  REI stores have onsite computers for customers use.  

Hipbelt.  Feel your iliac crests again, those pointy bones on your hips, just above the front pockets of your pants.  Draw an imaginary line between the two crests.  A well positioned hipbelt will straddle the iliac crests about an inch above and below the line.   When trying on a backpack at the store, the salesperson should load your pack to give you a more authentic feel for the fit.  You can also feel free to bring in a duffle bag of your own gear to really personalize your fitting.   Next, loosen the shoulder straps, the load adjustment straps and the hipbelt.  Slip your arms through the shoulder straps.  Position the hipbelt so it covers the hipbones as mentioned previously.  The hipbelt should be snug but not too tight or you will develop sore spots on your hips.   Tighten the shoulder straps and then release the tension slightly.  The padded section of the straps should cover the crest of your shoulders comfortably and attach to the frame about one inch below that point.  No gaps should appear.  The buckles to the shoulder straps should be approximately one hand width below your armpit to prevent chafing.  The straps should be far enough apart so they do not squeeze your neck but not so wide your pack feels like it is slipping off.   The sternum strap should be about two inches below your collarbone.  It should allow you to breathe easily.               

Some final considerations might be:

1. Does the pack feel good?
2. Does it restrict your movement?
3. When you look up do you hit the pack with the back of your head?
4. Can you squat down?
5. Can you walk around, climb stairs, take the pack on and off?      

Fitting a backpack need not be an overly complicated matter.  Some information is absolutely necessary if making an online purchase.  If going to a store, your torso measurement would be beneficial.  Many retail establishments sell backpacks and if you now know more than the salesperson, choose another store.   All the information for this article was provided by REI and Live Life Travel wishes to express our gratitude for their assistance.

Part One:  Types of Packs

Part Two:  Why a Backpack?