How Should a Backpacking Pack Fit?

By Robert Palmer

Backpacking is a great way to explore the outdoors and experience nature firsthand. It requires planning, though, and one of the most important decisions you’ll make is which backpack to use. The right backpack should fit your body size, be comfortable to wear, and be able to carry all your gear. Here are some tips on how a backpacking pack should fit you.

Size Matters: Backpacks come in different sizes, usually measured by their capacity in liters. A smaller pack may work if you plan on carrying only the essentials, while larger packs are necessary for carrying more gear. To find the right size backpack for you, measure your torso length (from the base of your neck to your hips) with a tailor’s tape measure or ask an experienced salesperson at a sporting goods store for assistance.

Comfort Is Key: Once you’ve found the right size pack for you, it’s time to adjust it for comfort.

Adjustable shoulder straps should fit comfortably against your shoulders without digging into them. The hip belt should wrap around your hips snugly but not too tightly. Lastly, make sure that the back panel is flat against your back – if it isn’t flat it could cause uncomfortable pressure points when loaded with gear.

Load It Up: Now that your backpack fits properly on your body, load it up with various items and go for a walk around the store or outside. Check to see how the pack feels when walking and moving around; does it stay in place or does it shift too much? Make sure nothing is digging into your back or shoulders as this can indicate that the weight isn’t evenly distributed across all areas of the pack.

Conclusion:

When shopping for a backpacking pack, finding one that fits properly is essential. Make sure to measure your torso length before purchasing and then adjust the straps and hip belt accordingly once you have it on. Load up with various items to test out how comfortable it is when walking around before making any final decisions.