How to Properly Fit Your Backpack for Hiking and Backpacking
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 มิ.ย. 2024
- Having a properly fitting backpack is a critical component of your comfort on the trail. So in this video, I'm showing you how to properly fit your backpack for hiking and backpacking, going over everything from what to buy, to how to adjust the frame to your torso size and adjusting the load.
1:00 - What to buy?
1:32 - Torso size and getting the right sized bag
2:59 - What do all these straps do?
3:31 - Fitting the hip belt
4:55 - Adjusting the shoulder straps
5:38 - Adjusting the frame
8:12 - Adjusting the load
9:32 - Chest strap
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Gear used in this video includes: Mystery Ranch backpacks, Adidas Terrex - กีฬา
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I'm new to this channel, this is the first time I've ever clicked on it and it seems to be an excellent channel for beginners. I've been backpacking since I was 12 years old today I turn 71 and through those years I have found what this man has just taught you. It took me walking across the United States to finally figure out how to adjust a backpack. Since then I have hiked a lot on the Appalachian Trail and somewhat in the Grand Tetons and a little bit on the Pacific Crest Trail. So yeah listen to this man he makes a whole lot of sense especially if you're doing through hikes. Thanks so much I am very glad that I found this channel. I will be following this channel from time to time. Thanks for the video have a great day and stay safe and keep your pack cinched! PS I usually say keep your powder dry
The chest strap is for support and is not ever supposed to be tight, but just a light snug fit, not loose, but not tight at all, just support to prevent the straps from pulling apart. Let the Straps carry the weight.
Standing at my railway station
5 min before departure
Learning how to fit my 65L bag
Thanks man! Saved my day
How you doing?
Still on the trail?
Thank you SO MUCH for this. I've been hiking all summer in hot weather (Albuquerque, NM) and dealing with armpit pain. Couldn't figure it out until I watched this video. Didn't know that the front strap could be raised and lowered. This has made all the difference in the fit of my pack. Again, many thanks.
The absolute best video on this subject. Thank you and please take a bow, Eric. Your entire channel is fantastic.
Instablaster
Really? He doesn’t know the name of the parts of the spine or where they are to appropriately measure, he claims a 22” torso is a “medium” despite it being the max of most large size packs, he mentions the adjustability of his pack frame and assumes “most backpacks” have something similar which is entirely false to anyone with any depth of knowledge on backpacks, and he thinks pack straps should start at the scapula area and go up and over which is completely poor direction…but this is the “absolute best” you’ve seen? Maybe watch some more videos…
agrree with ban the stupid. I stopped watching at 2:05 mark when he said c6 or something, not a medical expert. WTF this is basic and critical info which you do not need a medcial degree to know.
@@Truth-Seeker75 might be harder to search out good ones than you think. A lot of this stuff that gets learned and fine tuned over time, trial and error I honestly don’t see many dedicated vids to this when I’m looking it up. I’ve figured out how to get my cheapo Amazon daypack to fit right but it’s tiny with no frame but this big arcterx altra 65 that I fished out of the trash last year is a lot bigger and certainly much better but I just can’t get it to sit right…while the wemons gregory deva is a nice fit…since I’m a 6’ 1” MALE I’d like to fit the men’s bag they looks great rather than the sweat stained ugly orange color ladies bag🤷🏽 I hike alone anyway but dam it’s ugly and too bright… but it seems to fit
Very nice indeed. I have just come back from a 15km overnight hike and my collarbones were a bit sore. Turns out, I have been using the shoulder straps incorrectly for many years! Big gaps on the straps. Your informative video allowed me to re-adjust the frame and bring those straps to fit snugly on my shoulders. One of those Ah-Ha moments.... Cheers from Australia!
Sorry to be a pain, but according to a store that is very very in the know, the belt should take 80% of the weight of the pack and the center of the hip belt pad should be where the iliac crest sits, not above it but centrally located within the pad... That was a revelation to me and made a huge difference
Same here. I had been wearing packs with the belt above the pelvis/crest since the mid 80s😂
I bought an Osprey Aether pro and had it fitted. The hipbelt should only be slightly above the iliac crest and should be on the hips not above.
Just as you said it was a revelation and showed that I had been using packs too small for my long back.
Been backpacking for a few years now and your tutorial is spot on!
Thankyou, just found out about that velcro part from you on my backpack. Shoulder saver!!!!
Thank you for this, helped me get my pack adjusted before my first hike. Appreciate it
great video. I am just about to go on a hike around UK for a few years, so was good to be reminded that my pack setup is all good. Thanks
Great video! I'm a newbie and just got my osprey aether backpack. Your info was incredibly helpful, thanks a lot!
Great video. Clear tips, sharp reasoning and awesome instructions! Thanks for sharing 😍 Happy Hiking Y'all
Mod the sternum strap by sewing some elastic band (parallel) to the webbing so that the strap has a range of movement for your breathing. Sometimes you need to double up the elastic band to achieve the required force to have the strap still pull the shoulder straps to the center. [2c]
solid recommendation!
Love the clear and informative explaination, thank you!
You're welcome! Hope it's helpful.
been really enjoying these videos! keep them coming!
Thanks for this video I just did 10 km with a 50lb pack and my shoulders are killing me lol all in all a good hike.
Why so much stuff? I wouldn't even be able to stand up let alone hike lol
Such a helpful video, thanks so much! I subscribed and liked! Keep the videos coming!
Just stumbled upon this. Excellent video. I'm about to embark on my own backpacking adventures and I'm pretty sure this saved me major headaches. Thank you!
This is probably the best video i've ever seen about this subject, thank you
The lady in the store where i got my backpack was really helpful with all this sort of stuff but when i had to just refresh myself this video really pulled through for me, thanks a lot brother
useful even for experienced hikers, very well explained.
This video deserves more views. Thank for the tips
Great video super helpful tips, thank you!
Nicely done. Eric, fit is critical. Can not emphasize the importance. Well done.
Great video, super informative. I usually only use the sternum strap when I'm going uphill for a whole. I guess o swing my arms more
Thank you so mutch fer showin me whut I was doin rong...my kelty coyote 85l now fits completely differntly and with so mutch more comfort .... hike saver....
Really helpful - thank you very much! 😊
Thanks man, this is awesome. Helped me to get the perfect fit
Constant adjustment! Also never keep going with issues always stop and correct right away to avoid any pain or injury.
This video is on spot... I’m currently using surplus gear... either an ILBE or an old ALICE and this video sure helped even with that gear... too bad there wasn’t you tube when I was still in... we just had trial and error method lol... be safe..
Thanks! Great tips! Great video!👍
Great introductory video for a newbie like me 👍
Nice! Did this at Air Cadets but learnt new things here 😁
Awesome, thanks!
Thanks for a good explanatory video. If I should add something, it would be a simple thing like when you are pulling the straps, to make sure they are equal, so you don't put strain more on to one side. On my pack, there are small straps to adjust how tight the lower part of the pack are sitting to your lower back/hips. Helpfull too.
Also, try to get a pack where the shoulder width fits you, so they are not too far between, falling out over your shoulders, and not too tight digging into your neck and throat.
Finally, as I walk, I tend to adjust it a little bit ever so often, and it helps me not becoming tired of one particular position. Also helps a person iwht a bit of back problems, if need be.
Just my two cents.
Kind regards.
Yes! Absolutely, great recommendations!
Thanks Eric. Your video is my favorite backpack fitting video. I really learned some stuff from you.
Excellent Daniel glad to hear it!
that was helpful. thanks!
Thank you!
Great
Explained with very simple instructions.
Best I've seen
👍👍👍
Glad it was helpful!
Considering I returned 4 packs for discomfort, this video has been very helpful. Next, waiting for the Bridger 65. Hope it works. Be well. Happy Trails!
Heading to Ponds Arkansas. Goat trail, big bluff and Granny Henderson's cabin this weekend
Best vedio on how to adjust your pack. Mystery ranch needs this vedio on their website..
Yeah bro so good from Costa Rica 🇨🇷
Just bought a MR Terraframe 50. Perfect companion video.
Excellent choice!
Thank you really help me to see what was my mistake.
Great stuff! Best video on subject. Much appreciated, thank you very much,
well thank you very much! Glad it was helpful.
Good ... thanks and the sunglasses .. color coordinated with the pack .. kool
😎look good, feel good?
Excellent information. Thank you👍
Glad I could help!
VERY helpful! Thanks!!
Glad to hear it!
Thanks, helped
thank you! we just got eagle creek 65L global packs. thank you!
Heck yeah! Enjoy!
great video i never realized i was wearing my bag wrong
Very helpful video thanks
Glad you liked it!
I like your channel it is very informative. with the chest straps you may want to add that Backpack straps typically rest on an area of the shoulders where they may compress the axillary vein which causes abnormally high blood pressure inside the veins and a subsequent decrease of blood flow in the shoulders and arms the chest straps / Sturnam straps pull the shoulder straps back away from the vein very important when carrying heavy loads.
Not sure you mentioned it, but maybe worth to make sure to use the compression straps to make sure the contents of the bag dont move inside and you and the bag are completely fusioned
Great video! I use the top straps to adjust the weight forward and backward depedning if I go uphill or downhill also. If helps me the get better balance. Now.. habe to ad that I don’t do much hiking but have been a para ranger for many years and we iften carry up to 90 kilos ( 198lb) and then that matters a lot to have a good balance but to reduce the pressure on knees and so on but also for not.. well falling depending how steep the trail is.
200 pounds?! That’s bonkers!
Thanks for recommending mystery Ranch. I just got mystery ranch marchell s/m size today
wonderful! Enjoy it!
start at 3:30
Thank you......
Your a lifesaver ! I'm about to go on a 17 mile hike in the Appalachians with my son. He's the (hiker) and ex military. My backpack is cheap & I knew that it needed hip support. I've been training with 45 lbs with all the weight on my shoulders, ( it was killing my neck & my arms go numb ( no blood flow) . I can't thank you enough. U
Our hike is 6 days away & I'm gonna tweak my backpack. 🙏🙏🙏😌 you would be a great hiking instructor !!🌎✌
Thanks so much Glenn! Let me know how your trip went!
@@BackpackingTV hey we completed the hike & had a great time ! We seen 3 bears. The temperature dropped to 40 degrees(nice)We hiked for 3 days up to Gregorys bald.we camped offgrid for 2 nights. It was a brutal hike . I almost fell down 2 different cliff sides.we hiked down about 4000 feet on the last day in 5 hours . I realized that the back pack definitely does not match me, but with your advice I managed to make it work while minimizing all of the pains that I could. Thank you again for your advice because it allowed me to go on my first real memorable hiking trip.& now i can say stay safe out there.thank you🏞🏕
Great video dude
Thank you!
Thankyou
The sternum strap pulls the shoulder straps inwards so the load pulls back on your chest instead of your shoulders.
Brilliant video! Thank you for making this. Something that costs nothing* but pays huge dividends.
I think it might be C7 vertebra, going by Mystery Ranch's sizing.
* Assuming you bought the size for 'you'. Research thoroughly before purchasing!
The height an frame thing makes so much more sense now. My boyfriend is 6'6" and super lanky. I'm 5'5" and much chunkier than him. We use almost the same size frame comfortably and I never understood why until now.
Great video!
Thank you! I just bought a big ass camera bag that holds a ton of equipment that has all these different adjustments and I had no idea how to set it up. I definitely would've put all the weight on my shoulders.
Glad I could help!
Thanks for the help!
What sunglasses are you wearing?
Thank you very much for this video. I have the same pack and the problem I’m having is near the end of your video with the comfort strap in the front. Mine is way up at my collarbone but in order to lower it I have to take it apart and I’m not sure how. Can you please help me with that.
Get rid of that Mystery Ranch and get an Osprey. I've used many different packs on short and long hikes. Osprey are hands down the Cadillac of backpacks especially if you get the heat molded hip belt. I currently run the Xenith 88 and 40lbs in it feels like 30lbs.
Love the Adidas Terrex shirt. Adidas all the way!!!!!
Great information bud!!!!
I've used all sorts of backpacks in my day, including Osprey. I do think they are nice and comfortable. But my biggest complaint with them is their zippers bust all the time. Maybe they've figured that out. But every pack of theirs I've used I've had zippers fail and my pack spills its guts. No bueno. Glad to hear your's is working nicely!
God bless for making this video.
P.S.. what’re those shades?
Wish I seen your video before I bought my first "real" backpack. Would have reduced the uncertainty. Great information and well presented.
I appreciate that!
Great video.. Greetings from Denmark.
Thank you so much and hello!
C7 spine neck is correct answer; good video
Great video... I made the mistake of purchasing a gently used backpack without asking about the size. It's a large and I need a small..
9:40 That chest strap is important for large backpacks with bulky, heavy loads. Good fitment helps with preventing side to side shifting and keeping the backpack centered.
For example when traversing over very uneven trails and side stepping over large rocks with a heavy pack. This is where the chest strap fitment becomes very helpful.
Also they ease shoulder stress when configured corectly.. so.. I can't believe he said it's just for mobility
Hip belt should hug the hip, not sit above. 80% at least of the weight. Mine hold 90+%. Shoulder straps are there to prevent it from falling backwards or shifting from left to right. I have them angled like the top straps so the ventilation is max. My shoulder straps often move around. No sweat there. When walking down hill, release the top straps so the pack moves backwards. Uphill, pull it in close.
Really enjoyed this. I’m curious about your pack and why that model vs something larger (65L). I’m looking at that model vs an Osprey pack
With 50l you have enough capacity for up to 5 or heck even 7 days. Part of the art is being essential or rather, smart.
Difference with an Osprey is mainly durability. Ospreys are great, a bit lighter but wont last as long.
What´s your approach on one size fits all backcpacks? Thanks!
Thanks for the video! I always struggle with the hip belt. I'm not sure if its because I have quite pointy hips and a narrow waist, but it always wants to ride upwards. When I do manage to get it to sit over the hips, they always hurt by the end of the day where the belt has put pressure on the hipbone, even with a padded belt. Any idea what I might be doing wrong / how to fix this? The back is definitely set to the right length.
It seems like the hip belt should ride just at or above the iliac crest (that's the boney protrusions at the top of your hips). I can see if you have a really low waist to hip ratio (i.e. circumference of your waist is
It is c7 vertebrae
well its actually not. although it says so everywhere. i am a doctor and i got super confused when i first wanted to buy a backpack for backpacking a while ago.
the C7 vertebra is the first one you feel coming down from your head. you feel it best when tilting your head back. it is at least 3 inches higher than the point you would measure your torso length from. I have literally no idea which vertebra everyone is really referring to as i can feel each of my vertebrae in that section of my back when tilting my head forwards. there is no anatomical bump that everybody has. i wonder who started the C7 story and how it got to every backpack company's website without anybody ever correcting it.
What do you think about Thule Guidepost?
Wonderful video!!! The only thing I would have to say is that that other strap that you use that goes on your chest is not really a comfort strain. That helps to keep your pack stabilized. The sternum strap. That strap is pretty important to use.
It does help with stability yes. So I guess in that sense it is important. I believe it mostly serves to keep the shoulder straps at a comfortable spot on your chest, but sometimes it restricts my breathing. I often hike with it unclipped and don't notice a less stable pack. But maybe that's just me!
@@BackpackingTV i notice that i relax my shoulders more if i close the strap and kind of lean into it. when i leave it open my shoulders move forwards.
Awesome video! Definitely helped me out a ton. I’m 5’11” with a 48” chest BUT my torso is only 21” long so I’m a medium! Thank you! Subscribed!
Sidenote: motions at time stamp 9:20 are sus
Only if you make it
3 bar slider that attaches to the shoulder strap needs to be moved forward so sits around collar bone
Thank you for this video. Could you tell me where is the correct place of the buccle fixed just above the shoulder straps?
It’s gonna change based on your dimensions, so there’s no easy way to answer that. You can always take your pack into a gear shop, they’ll usually help people get their pack fitted.
Say what u may but that chest strap takes off at least a couple lbs 🤣 I can feel it lol. Great video btw love the vibes and content.
Thanks for vibin' with me!
WOW, wish I know this yrs ago
Hey Eric, Great video! It’s the C7 that you measure to btw. That’s the bump on the back of your neck.
Thanks! I needed a reminder.
@@BackpackingTV well its actually not. although it says so everywhere. i am a doctor and i got super confused when i first wanted to buy a backpack for backpacking a while ago.
the C7 vertebra is the first one you feel coming down from your head. you feel it best when tilting your head back. it is at least 3 inches higher than the point you would measure your torso length from. I have literally no idea which vertebra everyone is really referring to as i can feel each of my vertebrae in that section of my back when tilting my head forwards. there is no anatomical bump that everybody has. i wonder who started the C7 story and how it got to every backpack company's website without anybody ever correcting it.
@@robopecha Well, actually, IT IS! The first cervical vertebra (Atlas) is C-1 and difficult to feel, the 7th cervical vertebra (vertebra prominens or C-7) is the typical anatomical protrusion at the base of the neck where the measurement is taken from. The endpoint, however, should be the iliac crests or top of the pelvic girdle where the weight of the backpack rests.
@@medicus5565 no. C7 is not at the base of the neck. it is just a fact. whether you want it or not.
Any tips for hip belt rubbing hip bone? Also shoulder straps leaving some decent marks as well
Ideally the hip belt should be moving reasonably well with your hips and not doing a lot of rubbing. Your pack might not be sitting on the right part of your hips. The buckle should be up close to your belly button, just a couple inches lower. Try playing around with the fit of the pack to get it right. Gear shops usually have helpful people working in them that can help you troubleshoot too.
What's those glasses 🕶️ from?
Amazing channel!
How do you feel about your waist belt? I thought ideally it is supposed to sit on your hip? Why do you have it so high? Is it normal to have it why high above your hip?
Is there anyway I can make my backpack still comfortable? I had recently purchased a backpack online which is unfortunately bigger than my size and the torso length is non adjustable. There's a slight gap between my shoulders and the strap on the outer side. Is there anything I can do to make my backpack still useful and comfortable?
I was taught by an army guy that the top strap bringing the pack closer to your back should be loosen up to create a gap between your back and the backpack. This way the weight will go into your hips that can easily take the weight. Having the sucker hugging your backbone all day will fuck up your back. Going uphill it should be tighten up so you don't have to bend forwards a bit. Also having the pack as high as possible works for me. I like the belt buckles to sit atop my hipbones, this way they give additional support. Any thoughts, guys?
Hi! I'm a tall hiker (6 feet 2) and have a backlength of about 20 inches. I have a backpack (Lowe Alpine Airzone Trail 25) with a back length of 18". It is a one size pack. Is it too small for me? Is this really that important considering you cant really fill it as heavy as a 65L pack?
Any backpack brand or model suggestions for shoulder straps rubbing under arms ? I'm 6ft6 and cant find long enough padded straps.
Modify some camera bag/laptop strap pads onto your pack straps to sit where you need?
I like to push my limits so have been hiking up rocky trails with between 80-100lbs on my back. It's hard on the shoulders and i keep rubbing the skin off the base of my lumbar. The special forces guys often do 120+ lbs at a jog so I'm wondering if there's a trick to avoiding this? Maybe it's just because I'm skinny and don't have much natural padding? Great video by the way, thanks.
Enjoyed this video. As an older, long-time back packer I was somewhat surprised to hear you recommend 50% on your hips. I was taught to get as much as possible off your shoulders and as much as 80% on your hips, was I taught wrong or have recommendations changed over the years?
You are right
Good packing and pack positioning makes worlds of difference,
My last outing I had a macpac torlesse 50 as my basepack, two 40l packs strapped to that (one each side that sit just above my shoulder height once fitted) and the sleepmats vertically at the rear,
This was over a molle vest with two doublepouches at the front, six single pouches working to the back and two pathfinder bottlepouches directly at the rear, (those have a strap set up to the drag strap at the shoulder and back down for stability).
Most of my 'useful' kit lives in the molle, the packs just contain tent/S.bags and clothing so despite looking like a Falklands Para it's actually not that heavy and folks with daypacks were calling rest stops long before I needed one.
Great video and I hope it encourages folks to examine their loadout routines/plans and improve where they can :-D
I know it’s been a long time since you wrote this comment, but i have purchased your same backpack for very low price (50€) and i used it for a 3 days long camping.
I didn’t feel any pain or discomfort wearing it, but i think that it’s a bit large for me
What do you think of that backpack? What I didn’t like was the lack of compatibility for a hydration bladder and the absence of hip belt pockets, beside that it’s a fucking tank, maybe even over padded
How did you manage to strap your backpacks on it? I was thinking to buy a small sized hiking backpack like the osprey talon 22 to strap on it so that i could leave the massive torlesse at the base camp and go on a hike with the talon
@@zio_tungst3no297 I strapped two over the top but under the lid so the shoulders straps from one daypack connected to the buckles on the opposite sides pack.
It is well padded I agree but if you check my videos out I moved onto a much stranger and larger pack system lol 👍😁