How to Choose a Backpack (with Pictures)

Table of contents:

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

To choose a backpack well you need to take into consideration your height, gender, body shape and bust measurements. Take some time to choose the best backpack for you in the shop before you go hiking in the mountains.

Steps

Part 1 of 4: Taking Your Measurements

Step 1. Take your waist measurements

Use a measuring tape to determine your waist circumference. This measurement must correspond to that of the backpack belt.

Step 2. Ask a friend to take your bust measurements

It begins at the base of the neck with the seventh cervical vertebra and continues along the spine to the iliac crest. The iliac crest is located on the highest point of the hip. You will need to point your finger at the iliac crest on your spine to help your friend find it.

To find the seventh cervical vertebrae you have to stand up straight. Tilt your head forward. The vertebra of the neck that comes out furthest is the seventh cervical vertebra.
The iliac crest is a bump on the side of your hip and not the upper hip on your back. This bump is much more prominent in women and is typically found alongside the hip in men.
Place one hand on your hip, leaving a space between your thumb and forefinger, to mark the line of the iliac crest for your friend to notice.

Part 2 of 4: Choosing the Right Model for You

Step 1. Choose a women's model if you have a slim body

Even men with a slim build may be better off with a women's model than a men's one.

Step 2. Choose a unisex model if you have a larger figure

Women with broad chest and shoulders may be better off with a unisex backpack, because the women's model is usually narrower at the shoulder area.

Step 3. Try a men's or unisex model if you have very broad shoulders

You may need to buy replacement shoulder straps, so look for a backpack that you can eventually change the harness and belts to.

Part 3 of 4: Choosing the Size

Step 1. Find a small frame backpack if your bust measures less than 46cm

Standard backpacks are unlikely to adjust to fit your body comfortably.

Step 2. Choose a medium-built backpack if your bust measures between 46cm and 51cm

Step 3. Choose a backpack with a larger structure if your bust measures more than 51 cm

Step 4. Choose a belt based on your waist size

If your waist size is 71 cm or less, you need a size S or XS belt. If your waist size is over 91cm you will need an XL belt.

If your waist size is somewhere in between, you should try size M and L belts to find the most comfortable one

Part 4 of 4: Try the Backpack

Step 1. Choose a shop that offers a large variety of backpacks so you can try the sizes and see how small construction differences feel

Choose a backpack and ask a salesperson to help you try it on.

Step 2. Put 9kg of weight in the backpack

Most sporting goods stores have sandbags to test weight without wasting time filling your backpack with individual items.

Step 3. Loosen all straps along the shoulders, waist and hips

You don't have to squeeze them until you put the backpack on your shoulders.

Step 4. Tuck your shoulders into the loose shoulder straps

Lean forward and let the backpack lie flat on your back. Tighten the straps slightly.

Step 5. Place the lap belt 2.5 cm above your iliac crest (hip)

Tighten it tightly. Most of the weight must fall on your hips.

Tighten the belt holders if your backpack has them. They are smaller straps that adjust the belt more comfortably

Step 6. Tighten the shoulder straps until they are level with your upper back

There should be no gaps above or behind the shoulders. You can look to the side in a mirror to check that it's okay.

If you can't adjust the shoulder straps to be tight and comfortable, your torso is probably too long for you. If the length of the bust is adjustable, remove the backpack and put it in place.
If the shoulder straps lift the weight off your hips, then either they are too tight or the bust length is not enough.

Step 7. Place the load adjustment straps in place

This is usually found on the chest, between the front of the shoulder straps. It should form a 45 degree angle with the shoulder straps.

Tighten the load adjustment straps as necessary

Step 8. Walk around the shop

Lean forward slightly as you walk, exactly as if you were walking on a mountain trail. If the shoulder straps are not sagging or you feel they are out of balance, try another backpack.

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