How to Properly Fit Your Backpack for Hiking and Backpacking

[@terryqueen3233]

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

[@DiabloOutdoors]

Sorry, but I'm going to disappoint you here. That video is full of mistakes. If you want to know the right way to do it, then read my comment I just posted. You'll also find the same valid info with REI and various other sources.

[@krisjanisk.5019]

Standing at my railway station 5 min before departure Learning how to fit my 65L bag Thanks man! Saved my day

[@swayback7375]

How you doing? Still on the trail?

[@Threat_LvL]

​@@swayback7375i guess so.. poor dude

[@Rykoro2]

@@Threat_LvL he never made it back, he missed the load straps :(

[@karlbratby4349]

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

[@BrokenBackMountains]

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.

[@robertmcenroe1755]

I was told the same at REI

[@medicus5565]

@karlbratby4349 you are correct! Nonmedical folks often misconstrue "hips" with pelvis (particularly iliac crests) and vice versa. They are not the same. It is unrealistic to position your "hip belt" across your hips as that will be much too low. Your recommendation to place the hip belt pads midposition across the iliac crests is most correct for comfort and weight bearing. Yes, the nomenclature of backpack "hip" belts is incorrect - they should be iliac belts (but who would accept that?).

[@gabrielDasilva-vu6vp]

Yeah but your legs are going to be sore in no time bcs you will cut off blood to there the area around your hips has a huge amount of veins so i prefer doing 50% on the hips and even less if my backpack is heavier

[@seerking]

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.

[@melindaguillemette4799]

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.

[@DapperDavo]

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!

[@glennwhitt7375]

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 !!🌎✌

[@BackpackingTV]

Thanks so much Glenn! Let me know how your trip went!

[@glennwhitt7375]

@@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🏞🏕

[@skulzinka5117]

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

[@bredemeijer9648]

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.

[@ahilbilyredneksopinion]

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....

[@rstar88105]

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.

[@BushcraftEurope]

Also they ease shoulder stress when configured corectly.. so.. I can't believe he said it's just for mobility

[@PapajosTraders]

Been backpacking for a few years now and your tutorial is spot on!

[@hikingtogether2157]

The absolute best video on this subject. Thank you and please take a bow, Eric. Your entire channel is fantastic.

[@rylandbriar6085]

Instablaster

[@Truth-Seeker75]

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…

[@jpjonesmd]

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.

[@swayback7375]

@@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

[@blitzz1168]

start at 3:30

[@overtonesnteatime198]

Constant adjustment! Also never keep going with issues always stop and correct right away to avoid any pain or injury.

[@coaltowking]

The sternum strap pulls the shoulder straps inwards so the load pulls back on your chest instead of your shoulders.

[@obiwanjacobi]

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]

[@BackpackingTV]

solid recommendation!

[@Canadian_Eh_I]

Thankyou, just found out about that velcro part from you on my backpack. Shoulder saver!!!!

[@NormanDimmick]

This is super helpful, thank you! Not a backpacker, but got sick of destroying my shoulders trying to carry all my survey gear with random cheap backpacks, and had no idea how to properly adjust the Osprey pack I bought.

[@lukeweather]

Me and my son and a good friend do alot of hunting and hiking together and this tips are good to know thanks

[@stephengrenenger7270]

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.

[@monzarace]

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.

[@BackpackingTV]

Yes! Absolutely, great recommendations!

[@metrixon11]

This is probably the best video i've ever seen about this subject, thank you

[@iPig]

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.

[@BackpackingTV]

Glad I could help!

[@OntarioHikingTrails]

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.

[@kimwoodbury3885]

Why so much stuff? I wouldn't even be able to stand up let alone hike lol

[@m00seknucklejohnson45]

This video deserves more views. Thank for the tips

[@xxslydavyxx]

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!

[@1024Pete]

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!

[@Bager_Wisdoms]

Thank you for this, helped me get my pack adjusted before my first hike. Appreciate it

[@jasonbryce5083]

Heading to Ponds Arkansas. Goat trail, big bluff and Granny Henderson's cabin this weekend

[@g.t.4961]

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

[@MissileGuidance]

Nice! Did this at Air Cadets but learnt new things here 😁

[@lokote235]

Great video! I'm a newbie and just got my osprey aether backpack. Your info was incredibly helpful, thanks a lot!

[@maxviking3210]

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.

[@BackpackingTV]

200 pounds?! That’s bonkers!

[@dotty7789]

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!

[@Balmorax]

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?

[@thomasquinn284]

Nicely done. Eric, fit is critical. Can not emphasize the importance. Well done.

[@BjornDov]

Love the clear and informative explaination, thank you!

[@BackpackingTV]

You're welcome! Hope it's helpful.

[@oldtrooper8320]

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..

[@jad2484]

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!!!!

[@BackpackingTV]

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!

[@MrButterpantz]

Just bought a MR Terraframe 50. Perfect companion video.

[@BackpackingTV]

Excellent choice!

[@nickbaker6129]

Great introductory video for a newbie like me 👍

[@ogbunno]

Great video. Clear tips, sharp reasoning and awesome instructions! Thanks for sharing 😍 Happy Hiking Y'all

[@liveforthenow]

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

[@areafifty]

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

[@danielholman7225]

Thanks Eric. Your video is my favorite backpack fitting video. I really learned some stuff from you.

[@BackpackingTV]

Excellent Daniel glad to hear it!

[@ARluvr1]

Great video, I was assuming I wanted it down by my belt. Thank you.

[@LouisTaylorLife]

Thanks man, this is awesome. Helped me to get the perfect fit

[@kritsada1971]

Thanks for recommending mystery Ranch. I just got mystery ranch marchell s/m size today

[@BackpackingTV]

wonderful! Enjoy it!

[@shoos9315]

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!

[@markhawkins2723]

useful even for experienced hikers, very well explained.

[@OutdoorBoys.308]

Best vedio on how to adjust your pack. Mystery ranch needs this vedio on their website..

[@joejoe-lb6bw]

Wish I seen your video before I bought my first "real" backpack. Would have reduced the uncertainty. Great information and well presented.

[@BackpackingTV]

I appreciate that!

[@robertolopez2282]

Yeah bro so good from Costa Rica 🇨🇷

[@beejoy6153]

Such a helpful video, thanks so much! I subscribed and liked! Keep the videos coming!

[@GameFloWM]

literally he know who he talking to, he know who's watching he's videos

[@jessywanders8829]

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..

[@benjaminbrown5245]

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.

[@BackpackingTV]

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!

[@robopecha]

@@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.

[@andyg4082]

Great Explained with very simple instructions. Best I've seen 👍👍👍

[@BackpackingTV]

Glad it was helpful!

[@vixtorialee376]

thank you! we just got eagle creek 65L global packs. thank you!

[@BackpackingTV]

Heck yeah! Enjoy!

[@wyndwalkerranger7421]

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?

[@LaiPt]

You are right

Hey I actually thing you should carry more than 50% of your weight in the belt around hips. I usually say to my friends between 70-80%. It can damage shoulders and your back if you carry that much weight talking about 50% as u said on 18-23kg load on your shoulders. What do you think?

Other than that good and clear explanation. So many people are carrying the heavy packs not properly.. I always feel so bad for their shoulders and back.

[@cheetocairo]

I feel the same way. 50/50 is too much for the shoulders.

[@timturkstra500]

This

[@robinperry9212]

3 bar slider that attaches to the shoulder strap needs to be moved forward so sits around collar bone

[@jamesnurgle6368]

the chest strap brings the weight off your pecs which definitely helps lighten the load and make your bag less fatiguing.

[@GemintheMud]

Really helpful - thank you very much! 😊

[@dalek179]

Great stuff! Best video on subject. Much appreciated, thank you very much,

[@BackpackingTV]

well thank you very much! Glad it was helpful.

[@gweisa899]

C7 spine neck is correct answer; good video

[@prsimoibn2710]

What's those glasses 🕶️ from?

[@guanaca6622]

Thank you really help me to see what was my mistake.

[@jhh243]

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

[@PanaMaJwaaRd]

Only if you make it

[@Northern_Rockhopper]

God bless for making this video. P.S.. what’re those shades?

[@monkeymox2544]

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.

[@dianachung8173]

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

[@rpsota23]

my bits to the discussion. I am going to thru-hike PCT in 2024. Having certain experience from pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, I know how any tiny detail can decide whether you succeed or not... Walking to Santiago I noticed, that I can destroy within a month tough cordura bag, which accidentally rubbed against my bag. I calculated than, that during 780km I did one milion movements by my hands back and forth when walking. So...? So I purchased Deuter Aircontact X 70+15, my pilgrimage Deuter has just 40l, too small. I try to adjust this monster already week, to be 100%happy. My shoulders are not perfectly symetrical, so to fit shoulder straps perfectly was a challenge. Until I noticed, that shoulder straps are attached to the bag by carabines with choice to select between two attachment points. Closer or little bit far from the body axis. Guess what, the bag fitted me 100% only when I chose asymetrical attachment of shoulder straps. One closer to the body axis, one more far... By the way, I haven't found any manual to this very complex bag. Pay BIG attention to the bag adjustment. Walking to Santiago, I found so many bizzar cases, people not knowing at all, how to adjust bag, people walking to Pyrenea mountains with plastic bags in each hand, a girl with telescopic walking poles, not knowing ,that she can expand collapsed poles... Your channel can be live saver for those, who got impression from web that anybody can thru-hike to Santiago or even PCT... It is possible, but being less prepared, more obstacles on the road and higher mental endurance to overcome them. Unfortunatelly, mental strength is not a strong point of today population...

[@d0minar]

that was helpful. thanks!

[@perjrgensen8280]

Great video.. Greetings from Denmark.

[@BackpackingTV]

Thank you so much and hello!

[@hikingmileswithsmiles3020]

Great video super helpful tips, thank you!

[@minhster714]

been really enjoying these videos! keep them coming!

[@KettleCamping]

Thanks! Great tips! Great video!👍

[@TomCashTV]

VERY helpful! Thanks!!

[@BackpackingTV]

Glad to hear it!

[@johnny30806]

Excellent information. Thank you👍

[@BackpackingTV]

Glad I could help!

[@torybrydges8853]

Hey Eric, Great video! It’s the C7 that you measure to btw. That’s the bump on the back of your neck.

[@BackpackingTV]

Thanks! I needed a reminder.

[@robopecha]

@@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.

[@medicus5565]

@@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.

[@robopecha]

@@medicus5565 no. C7 is not at the base of the neck. it is just a fact. whether you want it or not.

[@zachz2333]

Any tips for hip belt rubbing hip bone? Also shoulder straps leaving some decent marks as well

[@BackpackingTV]

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.

[@AnnoyingNewsletters]

And also consider the fit of your pants/how high up your waistband is. It's become more common in the past few decades that men's jeans/cargo pants/shorts are worn lower down, instead of higher like dress slacks.

[@bullfrogboss8008]

I actually like to adjust my chest strap in a way that it bears quite a significant amount of weight. But I agree that sometimes it can restrict breathing. That's why sometimes I loosen it up a little bit

[@g_gaming2893]

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.

[@BackpackingTV]

Thanks for vibin' with me!

[@arbanaskocudo]

It is c7 vertebrae

[@robopecha]

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.

[@OldNavajoTricks]

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

[@zio_tungst3no297]

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

[@zio_tungst3no297]

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

[@OldNavajoTricks]

@@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 👍😁

[@TasHikingAdventures]

Great video dude

[@BackpackingTV]

Thank you!

[@richsusan123]

As a short (5') woman, I have never found a pack that fits. I have been backpacking for nearly 60 years. Ever since they came out with those revolutionary new materials...aluminum, nylon and down.

[@BackpackingTV]

A lot of higher end companies are making more specific sizes these days... where are you getting your bags from? Are you getting them off the shelves or ordering them?

[@richsusan123]

@@BackpackingTV never thought of ordering. Thanks.

[@richsusan123]

@@BackpackingTV what are some companies who do this?

[@danielmiklas4893]

Thanks, helped

[@hcc3513]

What causes me to feel like all the weight is on my shoulder and not distributed to my waste belt even I tighten down my belt

[@BackpackingTV]

Hey there! It's likely your pack size isn't quite right for your torso and my guess is that it's too small, thus not allowing the weight to sit on both your waist and shoulders. Usually your local gear shop can help you learn how to make the proper adjustments. But if your pack is just the wrong size, it might be time for an upgrade so you can be comfortable out there.

[@mspadorchard1]

FYi... that "knob" on the neck is C7... the seventh cervical vertebra. Tidbit for the day... All mammals have 7 cervical vertebra. Now what do you mean by "just above your lumbar"?

[@EnricMagic]

Very helpful video thanks

[@BackpackingTV]

Glad you liked it!

[@nKarje]

The blog post you refer to at 11:06 isn't in the description

[@BackpackingTV]

Hmm.. I'll take a look.

[@malaniebanney1634]

Thank you!

[@HawaiiLimey]

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.

[@AnnoyingNewsletters]

Part of it's proper fitting and weight distribution in the backpack or rucksack, part of it is bringing only the bare essentials, reducing extraneous items (field stripping MREs, etc.) , and part of it is having resupply drops. I can't vouch for Special Forces, but I can speak to my experience with 50lb rucksacks plus gear plus a 30lb SICGARS radio and batteries plus 40lb Stinger Missile Field Handling Trainer or PVC Sandtube for 12 mile ruck marches through swampy muskeg in Alaska. Would not recommend. Push yourself all you want now; you're not going to have any cartilage in those knees and ankles later. And even with proper medical documentation, the military doesn't like to cover that kind of disability.

[@positivelynegative9149]

I pulled the top-most straps (What are they called?) and the pack pushed my head forward. 😕

[@davemacdonald7928]

Evan though I did pick up one good piece , I really have to disagree with the way you've got your pack adjusted. I've been pack fitting for about 10 years . The reason for the gap in the strap was due to the position of Q load lifter strap. Where its attached to to th e shoulder stap is adjustable and should be at the top of the shoulder or a bit in front. You have it behind the shoulder and that causing the gap. Also look at curve of the should strap. That curve should start just above the pectoral muscles or breasts. Then the sternum strap wouldn't have to be as low

[@davemacdonald7928]

Ps. Glad to see this video as I did pick up one more tip that will in turn be better for my customers. No matter how long I fit people with packs I'm always willing to learn more. Thanks

[@BackpackingTV]

Hey Dave! Yeah you’re totally right. I didn’t have that exactly right. I too am still learning! Cheers to that!

[@rtpcannon]

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

[@positronikiss]

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.

[@bencrocker4975]

Good review! Love the simplistic approach. However if you’re not well versed in anatomy then neither is your typical viewer or user! So for “Step 1” in the very 1st min of your video, it would be better to either provide a specific reference or better yet a schematic or diagram or link to show us exactly how/where to measure the torso. Otherwise an inch or two off may imply a totally different size.

[@BackpackingTV]

Great point Ben!

[@CalienteCarlos305]

Thanks for the help! What sunglasses are you wearing?