Get these items from this video at Amazon: Arcteryx Backpacks: amzn.to/2PJS2wm Gregory Backpacks: amzn.to/2pFZZYZ Adventure Expedition One - How to do an expedition: amzn.to/2tIASTG
The tip about the shoulder straps is great. I always listened to people say it should be tight etc. blah blah Today at home I took your advice, I think it's going to a gamechanger for me. And also the technique for tightening the hip belt. Thanks.
Right on. I've had that told to me at so many stores and it was miserable. After 10 minutes of trying it, I went back to my method I've used for 1000's of miles of trekking and I had no problems.
11:24 I've been called "Sir" only once in a sports store : it's when I tried a backpack for 2 hours, walking around in the store, and even taking out my gas stove to cook a meal... Then they told me : "Sir, you gotta leave now".
Actually by far one of the best videos I've seen on how to properly wear and adjust a pack. All the other ones claim the pack must be right fitting on your shoulders ( as you mentioned ) which i tried and it started to dig into my shoulders... This makes perfect sense and I don't know why this video doesn't have more views.
Glad it was helpful! I can't stand pulling on my shoulders. The whole point of the hip belt is not to have that happen. Different feelings by different people I guess.
I (now) fully understand the focus on the Hip Belt - I've readjusted my pack based on your advice and its made the world of difference. I do cinch up the sternum strap if I 'slow run or jog' down a descending trail; but other than that; I've taken your advice and rarely buckle the sternum strap
Thank you! I just bought a new backpack and your video was SO informative. Even though I visited the store and made my choice there after trying on several, by the time I ordered my backpack online and it arrived at my home I had questions about the hipbelt. And I knew this was a very important feature for me, especially because I do have back issues. Your video is very helpful. I appreciate it all the extra information you gave as well like about the shoulder straps just wasn’t sure anymore. I don’t do hiking and backpacking traditionally, but I wanted a backpack that I could travel with frequently with the least amount of stuff as possible and something that was easy to carry. I learned so much more than just how to use my hip though on your video thank you. Keep it up, especially for people like me that are not traditional Backpackers.
Im scouts we did Philmont 2nd from their toughest treck. We loaded 60+ pound packs. We were always told shoulders are for stability. Before we started we had to check out buddies pack by making sure we could slide our fingers in-between their back and pack. Then had to do a wiggle test and make sure pack didn't flop around and adjusted from there... Un do the belt buckle and the pack would drop about 1/2 inch onto your shoulders.
Glad it was helpful! Check out my hip specific video: Where Should a Backpack Waist Belt Sit for Backpacking (4k UHD) th-cam.com/video/jgzgC1SSWTc/w-d-xo.html
Thank you for the tips which really helps me a lot. I was having a hard time to adjust the backpack. Pulling all the straps tight is really uncomfortable and the backpacks will not fit my body. Great video fit my problems.
Another great video . Well worth the watch. I agree that hip belt positioning should be relative to your iliac crest, as you say, and it really confuses things when you start referring to the hip belt relative your belly button. Some people have a low belly button and some have a high, so, in my opinion, its generally better to position based on how it fits your pelvis and not your belly button.
Absolutely. The belly button doesn't do anything for a backpack: Check out my video: Where Should a Backpack Waist Belt Sit for Backpacking (4k UHD) th-cam.com/video/jgzgC1SSWTc/w-d-xo.html
I've learnt a lot from this. I've been struggling with regular size packs and I can see I really need an XL back length as my torso is about 23 inches. My larger pack is Deuter and I can adjust the back for comfort. Guess I felt the smaller fixed length packs wouldn't be a problem but they're uncomfortable and my weight is on my stomach and not on my hips.
the sternum strap is for pulling the shoulder straps away from your armpits. If you don't happen to need to do that, great! But they are there for the rest of us.
I totally agree with your hip-belt, pack-against-your-back, and light-on-the-shoulders points. Great delivery too. My loads are rarely this light, and although my chest is about 46 inches, I find it very important to use the sternum strap and load lifters properly. Perhaps it's because of some individual differences, like; body type, load weight or packing style... what do you think?
I rarely use the sternum strap. When the shoulder straps are too wide for me, that's when I have to use it. If I have crazy heavy loads or am on awkward terrain will make me use the sternum strap but I avoid it when I can.
If your strap doesn’t snag your shoulders, the weight is pulling backwards and pulling you in the same direction too. It can cause strap stitches to come off if you think about it.
i am fat like really fat... i had to make a fat belt so i could use my old wild country ossa 65... it ancient by 20 years lol. im hiking to lose weight. the weight i am running is 1/2 the amount of weight i have lost (38 kg, soo 19 kg in the bag). and these tips have really help. it turns out the my bag is too big in terms of torso length.
the day I learned how to fir and tighten my backpack I became 10x a better hiker. About the sternum strap, I end up always using it because my shoulder straps start sliding around when hiking and find it more comfortable to have it there just to keep them in place. Another nice trick I learned is how to pick up your backpack (from the ground) without "breaking" your back when carrying a heavy load. Do you have any tips on that?
Good question. I do this : 1) Have the back of the backpack facing you (it usually does, after you removed it and put it on the ground). 2) Slightly crouch, while opening legs to have them form a triangle (basic manutention position). 3) Use one hand to grab the small handle at the top center of the back of the backpack (if there isn't one, make one...). Pull it higher, higher. Here, a pronation movement should come naturally. 4) Use your free hand and arm to put on one shoulder strap. Done )) Hope this helps ! Cheers
As long as your pants don't roll below the belt, having your belt against your skin, it should be okay. I use a nylon belt for backpacking to prevent that issue.
Hi just a comment. 1970's.Try carrying sixty pounds of gear (it's weighed before you start) in a 1945 style steel 'A' frame rucksack (made in Bergan Norway) no adjustable back length, no hip belt, just a webbing canvas strap across your lower back that is attached to the bottom of the metal frame that digs into your hips, you could adjust the webbing shoulder straps though. Then you have twenty hours to cross forty miles of some pretty steep hills and valleys. once I carried a Bergan so heavy I had to lift it on top of a wall to get into the shoulder straps, then climb 10,000 feet in the French Pyrenees. Ah, the good old days.
I've just to fit a strap system to my fridge freezer and dynamos to the inside of my knees for a power source. To hell with comfort, I ain't going without food and a cold beer 🤬
I need help, please. Okay, so the top of the hip bone should be in the center of the waiststrap or should the entire waist strap be above the top of the hip bone, causing the bottom of the waiststrap to sit on the top of the bone?
No matter how I adjust a hip belt, it still tends to slide down. I've blamed it on not having prominent hips, but I don't know. It also pulls my pants down. I'll try again upon having watched this video. Thanks. ...David
Hope it helps! Depending on your body shape, you may need to try a different pack. Also, if the load is too much, that'll cause the problem. If the belt is slipping like mine does on this one, it'll fall down, too. The slipping buckle is very annoying.
Thanks for video, I got confused, first you say the top of hip bone should be in middle of belt, then you say the belt should go on top of hip bone. Can you please clarify. Thank you
Yes, the middle of the belt should be on top of your hip bone, 50% above and below. That's the general rule. Some of my packs ride better a little bit higher than this, but rarely lower.
With a 25kg pack and no pressure on my shoulders , I would have to tighten the waist belt to the extent that it would cut off the blood supply to my legs. And if you are carrying a weekend pack then you still need to pull in the load lifters. Do what you like bro.
Don't do the cross drawing technique: you will tighten the waist strap too much and in tho long run you will get lower back problems because you will subconciously 'correct' your posture and the load will shift to your lumbars.
Yes -- the hip belt can function in two beneficial ways -- first by transferring some of the pack weight to the hips, and also by giving a restraining influence for abdominal pressure supplied by the diaphragm during breathing and the muscles of the entire lower abdomen to properly align the lumbar spine. But you have to train yourself to stick your belly out during inhalation, instead of inflating the lungs with chest muscles. Better breathing and a happier back!
carry 40-50 pounds on steep rocky terrain and tell me how you adjust the pack to carry 100% weight on the hips without using chest strap or tension adjusters and still have balance and stability.
I use the load lifters to get all but the slightest weight off my shoulders, then use the lower shoulder straps to pull the pack to my back, preventing the pack from wiggling around. I don't use the sternum/chest strap - if I need that, the pack doesn't fit me correctly. I've carried 60 lbs (27kg) (starting weight) for 100+ miles (160km) across the Greenland tundra using these adjustment techniques and it worked well.
@@ALinsdau my problem is that one of the pack i have slips at the lower back all the time. The hip belt sits on the bones in the front, but flexes towards the back. If I take out of the weight, is much better. It was advertised as being able to carry up to 50pound so 40 shouldn't be a problem, and yet.. I can't figure out what to do. Could it be that the bag is just not good? Is fitted well and correct size and it was quite an expensive one.
If I look at the picture, the frontside of the shoulder straps should be drawn down, whilst pulling the backside up. Right now, you're too tall for this backpack.
weight doesn't bother me. I don't carry weight with my spine. Hips only. Which means my legs are doing all the work. You put weight on your spine, sure your back and spine are carrying a lot of the weight. However much you put on your shoulders-spine. It doesn't take any of the weight off your legs. So why burden your spine !!!! Your shoulder straps are just for stabilization. If you put 50% on shoulders and 50% on hips you have simply turned your pack into a back brace !!!
Thanks for watching! Check out my hip specific video: Where Should a Backpack Waist Belt Sit for Backpacking (4k UHD) th-cam.com/video/jgzgC1SSWTc/w-d-xo.html
Get these items from this video at Amazon:
Arcteryx Backpacks: amzn.to/2PJS2wm
Gregory Backpacks: amzn.to/2pFZZYZ
Adventure Expedition One - How to do an expedition: amzn.to/2tIASTG
Great video- I’m in the military and this saved my back on a hike today. Keep it up!
Glad to help - stay safe out there!
The tip about the shoulder straps is great. I always listened to people say it should be tight etc. blah blah
Today at home I took your advice, I think it's going to a gamechanger for me.
And also the technique for tightening the hip belt.
Thanks.
Right on. I've had that told to me at so many stores and it was miserable. After 10 minutes of trying it, I went back to my method I've used for 1000's of miles of trekking and I had no problems.
11:24 I've been called "Sir" only once in a sports store : it's when I tried a backpack for 2 hours, walking around in the store, and even taking out my gas stove to cook a meal... Then they told me : "Sir, you gotta leave now".
Actually by far one of the best videos I've seen on how to properly wear and adjust a pack. All the other ones claim the pack must be right fitting on your shoulders ( as you mentioned ) which i tried and it started to dig into my shoulders... This makes perfect sense and I don't know why this video doesn't have more views.
Glad it was helpful! I can't stand pulling on my shoulders. The whole point of the hip belt is not to have that happen. Different feelings by different people I guess.
I (now) fully understand the focus on the Hip Belt - I've readjusted my pack based on your advice and its made the world of difference. I do cinch up the sternum strap if I 'slow run or jog' down a descending trail; but other than that; I've taken your advice and rarely buckle the sternum strap
Thanks - stay safe out there.
Thank you! I just bought a new backpack and your video was SO informative. Even though I visited the store and made my choice there after trying on several, by the time I ordered my backpack online and it arrived at my home I had questions about the hipbelt. And I knew this was a very important feature for me, especially because I do have back issues. Your video is very helpful. I appreciate it all the extra information you gave as well like about the shoulder straps just wasn’t sure anymore. I don’t do hiking and backpacking traditionally, but I wanted a backpack that I could travel with frequently with the least amount of stuff as possible and something that was easy to carry. I learned so much more than just how to use my hip though on your video thank you. Keep it up, especially for people like me that are not traditional Backpackers.
Be safe out there.
There are tons of videos of fitting your backpack, but you did explained it best.
Thanks!
Your 15 minute video rips my 2 months of body ergonomics class!!
I hope that's good?
This gent saved me from returning my backpack
It’s perfect now
Great!
Im scouts we did Philmont 2nd from their toughest treck. We loaded 60+ pound packs. We were always told shoulders are for stability. Before we started we had to check out buddies pack by making sure we could slide our fingers in-between their back and pack. Then had to do a wiggle test and make sure pack didn't flop around and adjusted from there... Un do the belt buckle and the pack would drop about 1/2 inch onto your shoulders.
Great trek and wonderful pointers.
Brilliant advice, just totally readjust my pack and it feels much better!
Great to hear!
Great video! At last.. a video that makes it clear where the rucksack belt should fit in relation to the iliac crest!!! Thank you for your content. 👍😊
Glad it was helpful!
Check out my hip specific video:
Where Should a Backpack Waist Belt Sit for Backpacking (4k UHD)
th-cam.com/video/jgzgC1SSWTc/w-d-xo.html
Great video 👍🏻 didn’t realize there was so much to correct fitting a backpack 🎒🏕🥾
vicki Linsdau when you’re carrying that much weight over a long distance, it really matters.
I remember carrying huge rucksacks in the mountains. If the hip belt wasn't right, it was impossible. Great advice.
Thanks!
Thank you for the tips which really helps me a lot. I was having a hard time to adjust the backpack. Pulling all the straps tight is really uncomfortable and the backpacks will not fit my body. Great video fit my problems.
Great to hear!
You’re so knowledgeable. This is great useful info. “Muffintop”. Too funny.
Thanks!
tHANK YOU...BEST INFO i HAVE HEARD YET!!
Glad it was helpful!
Another great video . Well worth the watch.
I agree that hip belt positioning should be relative to your iliac crest, as you say, and it really confuses things when you start referring to the hip belt relative your belly button. Some people have a low belly button and some have a high, so, in my opinion, its generally better to position based on how it fits your pelvis and not your belly button.
Absolutely. The belly button doesn't do anything for a backpack:
Check out my video:
Where Should a Backpack Waist Belt Sit for Backpacking (4k UHD)
th-cam.com/video/jgzgC1SSWTc/w-d-xo.html
I was about to return my backpack because I thought it was too short. Thank you for helping a noob :D
No worries!
I've learnt a lot from this. I've been struggling with regular size packs and I can see I really need an XL back length as my torso is about 23 inches. My larger pack is Deuter and I can adjust the back for comfort. Guess I felt the smaller fixed length packs wouldn't be a problem but they're uncomfortable and my weight is on my stomach and not on my hips.
That's a tough one - I prefer a bigger pack even if it's a bit too tall. Once it's too small, tough times.
@@ALinsdau thanks. I got a Deuter extended length pack and haven’t looked back. The pack is much more comfortable for multi day treks.
the sternum strap is for pulling the shoulder straps away from your armpits. If you don't happen to need to do that, great! But they are there for the rest of us.
For sure.
I totally agree with your hip-belt, pack-against-your-back, and light-on-the-shoulders points. Great delivery too.
My loads are rarely this light, and although my chest is about 46 inches, I find it very important to use the sternum strap and load lifters properly.
Perhaps it's because of some individual differences, like; body type, load weight or packing style... what do you think?
I rarely use the sternum strap. When the shoulder straps are too wide for me, that's when I have to use it. If I have crazy heavy loads or am on awkward terrain will make me use the sternum strap but I avoid it when I can.
Great info on adjusting a back pack for comfort.
Glad it was helpful!
Seriously great advice for a new adventurer!
Really appreciate it - I'm spreading the good word.
Awesome, thank you!
If your strap doesn’t snag your shoulders, the weight is pulling backwards and pulling you in the same direction too. It can cause strap stitches to come off if you think about it.
Good pointers.
My Osprey now is perfect, thxs!!
"All about the hip belt"
Too true. Thanks for watching!
I love your videos, keep them coming
I love the sternum strap
Thanks for watching.
Great Video! once again thanks for the tips
Glad to help.
Great video! Thanks for the info
Thank you - glad it helped.
Watching this try to fit my 8lbs Savotta pack
Stay safe in the outdoors!
i am fat like really fat... i had to make a fat belt so i could use my old wild country ossa 65... it ancient by 20 years lol. im hiking to lose weight. the weight i am running is 1/2 the amount of weight i have lost (38 kg, soo 19 kg in the bag). and these tips have really help. it turns out the my bag is too big in terms of torso length.
Best of luck out there!
the day I learned how to fir and tighten my backpack I became 10x a better hiker.
About the sternum strap, I end up always using it because my shoulder straps start sliding around when hiking and find it more comfortable to have it there just to keep them in place.
Another nice trick I learned is how to pick up your backpack (from the ground) without "breaking" your back when carrying a heavy load. Do you have any tips on that?
Crud - I shoulda put that in this video. I’ll make a future one. Thanks!
Good question. I do this :
1) Have the back of the backpack facing you (it usually does, after you removed it and put it on the ground).
2) Slightly crouch, while opening legs to have them form a triangle (basic manutention position).
3) Use one hand to grab the small handle at the top center of the back of the backpack (if there isn't one, make one...). Pull it higher, higher. Here, a pronation movement should come naturally.
4) Use your free hand and arm to put on one shoulder strap. Done ))
Hope this helps ! Cheers
The sternum strap is available with a backpack for a reason. I use mine.
They are great backpack options.
Good stuff. Thank you 🙂
You bet!
For me, one of the major issues for me is to make sure my pants belt is above my pack's hip belt. Otherwise the pack pushes my pants down. Ugh.
Same problem here.
top tier video
Thanks!
Im thru hiking pct this year and i keep ending up on your vids so sub it is 😊
Awesome! Thank you!
what if you have a belt under the back hip belt?
As long as your pants don't roll below the belt, having your belt against your skin, it should be okay. I use a nylon belt for backpacking to prevent that issue.
Hi just a comment. 1970's.Try carrying sixty pounds of gear (it's weighed before you start) in a 1945 style steel 'A' frame rucksack (made in Bergan Norway) no adjustable back length, no hip belt, just a webbing canvas strap across your lower back that is attached to the bottom of the metal frame that digs into your hips, you could adjust the webbing shoulder straps though. Then you have twenty hours to cross forty miles of some pretty steep hills and valleys. once I carried a Bergan so heavy I had to lift it on top of a wall to get into the shoulder straps, then climb 10,000 feet in the French Pyrenees. Ah, the good old days.
Sounds like a great time. I remember my H external frame pack and how it dug into my hips. Good memories.
I've just to fit a strap system to my fridge freezer and dynamos to the inside of my knees for a power source. To hell with comfort, I ain't going without food and a cold beer 🤬
Cheers!
I need help, please. Okay, so the top of the hip bone should be in the center of the waiststrap or should the entire waist strap be above the top of the hip bone, causing the bottom of the waiststrap to sit on the top of the bone?
Help is on the way! Check out my video:
Where Should a Backpack Waist Belt Sit for Backpacking (4k UHD)
th-cam.com/video/jgzgC1SSWTc/w-d-xo.html
No matter how I adjust a hip belt, it still tends to slide down. I've blamed it on not having prominent hips, but I don't know. It also pulls my pants down. I'll try again upon having watched this video. Thanks. ...David
Hope it helps! Depending on your body shape, you may need to try a different pack. Also, if the load is too much, that'll cause the problem. If the belt is slipping like mine does on this one, it'll fall down, too. The slipping buckle is very annoying.
Thanks for video, I got confused, first you say the top of hip bone should be in middle of belt, then you say the belt should go on top of hip bone. Can you please clarify. Thank you
Yes, the middle of the belt should be on top of your hip bone, 50% above and below. That's the general rule. Some of my packs ride better a little bit higher than this, but rarely lower.
With a 25kg pack and no pressure on my shoulders , I would have to tighten the waist belt to the extent that it would cut off the blood supply to my legs. And if you are carrying a weekend pack then you still need to pull in the load lifters. Do what you like bro.
Good pointers - thanks for watching.
Load lifters?
Don't do the cross drawing technique: you will tighten the waist strap too much and in tho long run you will get lower back problems because you will subconciously 'correct' your posture and the load will shift to your lumbars.
Thanks for the tip
Yes -- the hip belt can function in two beneficial ways -- first by transferring some of the pack weight to the hips, and also by giving a restraining influence for abdominal pressure supplied by the diaphragm during breathing and the muscles of the entire lower abdomen to properly align the lumbar spine. But you have to train yourself to stick your belly out during inhalation, instead of inflating the lungs with chest muscles. Better breathing and a happier back!
carry 40-50 pounds on steep rocky terrain and tell me how you adjust the pack to carry 100% weight on the hips without using chest strap or tension adjusters and still have balance and stability.
I use the load lifters to get all but the slightest weight off my shoulders, then use the lower shoulder straps to pull the pack to my back, preventing the pack from wiggling around. I don't use the sternum/chest strap - if I need that, the pack doesn't fit me correctly. I've carried 60 lbs (27kg) (starting weight) for 100+ miles (160km) across the Greenland tundra using these adjustment techniques and it worked well.
@@ALinsdau my problem is that one of the pack i have slips at the lower back all the time. The hip belt sits on the bones in the front, but flexes towards the back. If I take out of the weight, is much better. It was advertised as being able to carry up to 50pound so 40 shouldn't be a problem, and yet.. I can't figure out what to do. Could it be that the bag is just not good? Is fitted well and correct size and it was quite an expensive one.
If I look at the picture, the frontside of the shoulder straps should be drawn down, whilst pulling the backside up. Right now, you're too tall for this backpack.
Good pointers
weight doesn't bother me. I don't carry weight with my spine. Hips only. Which means my legs are doing all the work. You put weight on your spine, sure your back and spine are carrying a lot of the weight. However much you put on your shoulders-spine. It doesn't take any of the weight off your legs. So why burden your spine !!!! Your shoulder straps are just for stabilization. If you put 50% on shoulders and 50% on hips you have simply turned your pack into a back brace !!!
Good points!
Instructions unclear, broke my pelvis while tightening.
Ouch!
👏👍👌🇳🇴
Thanks for watching!
Check out my hip specific video:
Where Should a Backpack Waist Belt Sit for Backpacking (4k UHD)
th-cam.com/video/jgzgC1SSWTc/w-d-xo.html
@@ALinsdau hey it's just too private 🤔🤭😊
between back and backpack, large cavity. very unhealthy for the back.
The goal is to have the weight vertical on your hips, not pulling backward or pushing forward.
i like that puuuu
Thank you for watching!