Backpacks: Adjusting the Fit

• Six Steps to a Great Fit
• Step 1: Hipbelt
• Step 2: Shoulder Straps
• Step 3: Load Lifters
• Step 4: Sternum Strap
• Step 5: Stabilizer Straps
• Step 6: Final Tweak

Once you've selected a pack with the right torso length and hipbelt size, you need to get properly fitted. REI's pack-fitting experts recommend these steps to help you enjoy a comfortable fit every time.

Six Steps to a Great Fit

Your goal is to have 80% to 90% of the load weight resting on your hips. To achieve this, start by putting about 10 to 15 lbs. of weight into the pack to simulate a loaded pack. Follow the steps below in front of a mirror. Get a friend to help if possible, or visit an REI store for more assistance.

Step 1: Hipbelt

• First make sure all the pack's straps and hipbelt are loosened.
• Put the pack on your back so that the hipbelt is resting over your hip bones.
• Close the hipbelt buckle and tighten it.
• Check the padded sections of the hipbelt to make sure they wrap around your hips comfortably. Keep at least 1" of clearance on either side of the center buckle.
• Note: If the hipbelt is too loose or tight, try repositioning the buckle pieces on the hipbelt straps. If this doesn't solve the problem, you may need a different pack (or hipbelt).

Step 2: Shoulder Straps

• Pull down and back on the ends of the shoulder straps to tighten them.
• Shoulder straps should fit closely and wrap over and around your shoulder, holding the pack body against your back. They should NOT be carrying the weight.
• Have your helper check to see that the shoulder strap anchor points are 1" to 2" inches below the top of your shoulders.
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Step 3: Load Lifters

• Load-lifter straps are located just below the tops of your shoulders (near your collarbones) and should angle back toward the pack body at a 45-degree angle.
• Gently snug the load-lifter straps to pull weight off your shoulders. (Overtightening the load lifters will cause a gap to form between your shoulders and the shoulder straps.)

Step 4: Sternum Strap

• Adjust the sternum strap to a comfortable height across your chest.
• Buckle the sternum strap and tighten until the shoulder straps are pulled in comfortably from your shoulders, allowing your arms to move freely.

Step 5: Stabilizer Straps

• Pull the stabilizer straps located on either side of the hipbelt to snug the pack body toward the hipbelt and stabilize the load.

Step 6: Final Tweak

• Go back to the shoulder straps and carefully take a bit of tension off of them. Now you're ready to go!