How do I fit a hiking backpack?
Measuring your torso
Have someone help you measure for the most accurate result. Find the bony bump at the base of your neck, then measure down your spine to the top of your hip bones. This number is your torso length and guides which pack size to buy.
Many packs come in small, medium, and large sizes with adjustable torso ranges. Trying a pack on with weight in it gives a more accurate result than a number on a chart alone, so bring a loaded bag or water bottles to the store if you can.
- Measure torso length with a helper
- Match the pack size to the torso range
- Try on with about your planned load
- Check hip belt size separately
Hip belt and shoulder fit
The hip belt should wrap your hips snugly and sit on the top of your hip bones. Many packs have different hip belt sizes, so check the fit before you commit. Shoulder straps should curve over your shoulders without big gaps or pressure points.
If a pack feels too big or too small, look for a size that matches your torso before relying on adjustments. Adjustments can fix small differences, but they cannot make a pack that is far off feel right.
- Hip belt sits on the hip bones
- Shoulder straps curve without gaps
- Torso range matches your measurement
- Small differences can be adjusted
Common mistakes
- Choosing a pack by height instead of torso length.
- Trying on an empty pack and assuming the fit will hold under load.
- Buying a pack that is much too big just to make room for extra gear.
