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Backpacks : How To Size And Fit A Backpack?

As a part of traveling, packing up is always an incredible responsibility. A backpack is something that must hold all your necessities.  Before buying a backpack, know your backpack size and how to fit the Backpack perfectly.  You can read further to learn more details on measuring size and steps to fit the Backpack.

Hiking is an adventure. Sorting out things in the checklist and making sure you haven’t left any supplies is fundamental. The Backpack is a sack on which you can gather your materials. Hence selecting a perfect backpack makes your hiking more comfortable.

Apart from the brand and fabric, the size of the backpack matters. You should also know the steps to fit a backpack flawlessly.

There are various types of backpacks

You may wonder what’s the preference of size while choosing a backpack. You have to know the inclination of wanting a backpack before overthinking. These packing sacks can be widely classified into Daypack,  Rucksack, and Backpack.

Daypacks are backpacks that are used for daily purposes. These backpacks are smaller in size and range from 20 to 40 liters in size. They may have shoulder straps, not all straps.  These bags cannot be used to fill up stocks for more days.  

Rucksacks are sacks with large compartments and pockets. These are made of canvas. Rucksacks are widely used for military purposes.

Backpacks are larger ones compared to daypacks. The size of backpacks ranges from 40 to 80 liters and even more.  Backpacks are used while packing for long day trips, including trekking and hiking.

Backpacks help you to store relevant supplies for your journey. Backpacks are to be selected by measuring the torso length.

Choose a Perfect Backpack for hiking

There are a plethora of backpacks available in the market. You can select a perfect backpack based on your personal preferences and by knowing the size.

Hiking backpacks are vastly spacious and different from other backpacks.  These backpacks are available in multiple sizes, from extra small to large. The range of backpacks varies by gender too.

Body Measurements for Backpacks

Your torso length and waist measurement is needed while choosing a backpack.

The torso is the trunk part of your body, apart from the head, hands, and legs. To scale the size, you will have to know two points of your body.

  • Slide your hands in the top of the hip bones; the center point between the thumb is called the Iliac crest, which is the first point.
  • The second landmark to measure torso size is c7 vertebrae ( 7th cervical)  which protrude out when you tilt your chin down to the chest. 
how to choose a backpacks

How to Measure the torso length for Backpack

  1. 1
    Stand up straight in a normal position.
  2. 2
    With the help of a measuring tape, start from the c7 vertebrae down to the iliac crest.
  3. 3
    You will get the measurement, and that is your torso length for backpacks.


How to Measure the hip size for Backpack   

Most people are not conscious about the point of measuring the waist. Measuring the hips have added benefits while choosing a backpack.  

  1. 1
    Measure your hip using the tape.
  2. 2
    Bring the tape around the hip exactly in the iliac position and note down the measurement.
  3. 3
    This helps you to choose a backpack with a perfect hip belt.  

What do you mean by a hiking backpack size chart?

The size of the Backpack differs as per the torso length. You have to go through the guidelines before confirming your Backpack.

The details about torso length and its perfect size will not be given in the Backpack. Check in the Backpack whether it’s a small size, medium size, or large size.

Ensure that you check the size chart of each brand before buying it. Whether it’s online shopping or direct shopping, ask for the measuring chart each brand follows. The size of a backpack for your torso length may not be the same in every brand. 

Suppose you are taking measurements without anybody’s assistance. Make sure that you take the measuring notes three times. Hence you can get an average rating of accurate measuring.

How to fit  a Backpacking Pack

Your duty doesn’t seem to conclude after estimating your size and getting a new backpack. Fitting your Backpack competently will help you in continuing the trekking without much stress.

Backpacks for females are different from males. The straps may have different extensions to give extra support. However, you can follow the steps below, irrespective of gender.

Major straps for fitting 

The very crucial step is fitting the straps correctly. There are four major straps or belts in the Backpack that can be adjusted around without any mistake.

  • Hip belt /Waist Strap
  • Shoulder Strap
  • Load lifter Strap
  • Sternum Strap / Chest Strap

Positioning the Hip belt/ Waist Strap

It’s always important to have a strong foundation before building up. Hip Belts are the major foundations while fitting a backpack. Hip Belts are otherwise known as Waist straps.

  • After you carry the Backpack in your sleeves, put the hip belt around your waist.
  • Your hip area and leg are the parts that will weigh the whole pressure of the Backpack.
  • Make sure you comfortably tighten the hip belt above the iliac crest.

Placing the Shoulder Strap perfectly

  • Adjust your shoulder strap by pulling the straps forward.
  • Don’t tighten it too much.
  • If you tighten the strap, the tension may cause you discomfort while trekking.
  • Make sure your shoulder strap is close to your body.
  • The perfect curve of the strap is the manner it must be.
  • The strap must rest entirely on your shoulder without much pressure.

Load Lifter Strap placement

Load lifter strap is on the top of the shoulder strap in the Backpack. Load lifters strap helps in balancing.

While you continue your trekking, your backpacks will be stiff rather than shaking and jerking away.

  • Adjust the load lifter strap by pulling it forward.
  • You can yank it slowly forward for a comfortable level.

Adjusting the  Sternum Strap / Chest Strap

Sternum straps are also known as Chest Straps. This helps your shoulder strap from slipping off and, at the same time to be comfortably stiff. 

  • Bind it across your chest.
  • You can feel your relaxed level whenever you pull a strap, so don’t tighten it.
  • Don’t yank your strap, as it may inhibit your breathing.

After you fit all the straps, loosen the shoulder strap if that is closely sealed. Ensure you haven’t ruined the curve of the shoulder strap. When it is loosened comfortably, you can feel the tension of the Backpack veered below the hip and leg.

Assure that the Backpack has at least 8 to 15 kgs of weight while fitting on the straps to test your contentment. 

If you are a fresher, you may feel discomfort after covering few distances while trekking. Don’t hesitate to stop and adjust your backpack straps to your comfort level.

Backpacks have an undeniable role in your hiking. Therefore buying a backpack is not just brand and look oriented. The size of a backpack varies on each person’s torso length and waist size.

If you are a constant traveler or a fresher, let us know through your comments,

  • Do you own a backpack that you bought without knowing these things? What are its drawbacks?
  • What do you think is the major advantage of buying a backpack after knowing the above things?
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Tags

Backpacking Guide, How To


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