How to Size a Backpack to Fit Your Body
Selecting a backpack that fits your body properly is crucial for comfort and preventing injury, especially if you'll be carrying it for extended periods. Here's a guide to help you understand the important measurements and steps to ensure your backpack fits perfectly.
Please note, we highly recommend going to your local outfitter to test out backpack sizes and styles, you don't have to purchase through them, but they'll help you get a feel for backpack capacity and sizing for your body type.
Key Measurements
1. Torso Length
Measurement: From the C7 vertebra (the bony bump at the base of your neck) to the top of your hip bones (iliac crest).
How to Measure:
- Tilt your head forward and find the C7 vertebra.
- Place your hands on your hips with your thumbs pointing backward; the line connecting your thumbs is the iliac crest.
- Use a tape measure to find the distance between these two points.
Ideal Fit: Backpacks come in different sizes based on torso length (small, medium, large). Ensure the backpack's torso range matches your measurement, or look for a travel backpack that has an internal adjustable frame like the Osprey Farpoint/Fairview line.
2. Hip Belt Size
Measurement: Around the top of your hips, just above your iliac crest.
- Wrap a tape measure around the top of your hips.
- Ensure it sits comfortably without being too tight or loose.
Fitting the Backpack
Adjusting the Straps
- Shoulder Straps: Adjust so that the pack sits comfortably on your shoulders without gaps. The straps should contour to your body without causing discomfort.
- Load Lifters: These are small straps that attach the top of the backpack to the shoulder straps. Tighten them to a 45-degree angle to bring the load closer to your body.
- Sternum Strap: This strap connects the shoulder straps across your chest. Adjust it to stabilize the load and prevent the shoulder straps from slipping.
Hip Belt Position
- Place the hip belt directly on your hips, ensuring that the padding covers the iliac crest. This positioning helps transfer the weight to your lower body, reducing strain on your shoulders and back.
- Tighten the hip belt snugly, but make sure it allows for comfortable movement.
Check the Fit
- Torso Length: The backpack should rest comfortably between the C7 vertebra and the iliac crest without riding too high or low.
- Load Distribution: Ensure the weight is distributed evenly. The majority of the load should be on your hips, with minimal pressure on your shoulders.
Properly fit backpacks shouldn't feel heavy, in truth, they shouldn't feel like you're wearing much at all; well-designed backpacks will distribute the weight from your shoulders, down through the frame of a backpack and into the hip belt, so a majority of the load will be on your hips and not your shoulders.
Test your fully loaded backpack before committing to it; if the weight feels like it's up around your shoulders, it's either not the right fit or the backpack doesn't properly distribute the weight, in either case, it won't be comfortable for long-term travel.
Tips for Online Purchases
- Manufacturer’s Sizing Guides: Most major backpack vendors will have incredibly useful sizing guides specific to their backpacks, so be sure to check them out before you make a purchase. Some brands offer adjustable harness systems that can be tailored to fit various torso lengths. Look for gender-specific sizing guides and backpacks if available.
- Research and Reviews: Look for detailed reviews and feedback from other users with similar body measurements; this can give you insights into the fit and comfort of the backpack.
- Return Policy: Ensure the seller has a good return policy; not to be confused with free lifetime repairs, which is great, but it doesn't help if the backpack isn't comfortable. Most major vendors have a 30-day return policy from the time you receive your order, but some start from the ship date, so be sure to test your backpack for comfort and size as soon as possible.
Conclusion
There are two major measurements that you need to get right for backpack sizing, torso length, and hip belt length; well-designed backpacks will have adjustable frames and adjustable hip belts and will distribute the weight from your shoulders down to the hip belt. Test your fully packed backpack before committing, and don't be shy about trying a few models, it may take some work on your part, but the right backpack will serve you well for years.
For our top travel backpack recommendations, check out Top Travel Backpacks for One-Bag Travel 2024, or check out some of our other backpack guides:
- How to Choose the Right Backpack Size for One-Bag Travel
- How to Choose the Right Backpack for Long-Term Travel
By following these steps and understanding the key measurements, you can confidently choose a backpack that fits well and provides comfort for your travels, even if you're purchasing it online.
If you found this article useful and would like to stay updated on all things one-bag travel-related, subscribe to our blog below, and as always, happy travels!