How to correctly fit a hiking pack to your body

Want to keep comfortable with your pack? Make sure to put it on correctly! I give you some pointers about how to do this.
Aether 70 Review Here: • Aether 70 from Osprey ...
-------------------------------------------------
Please follow us on:
Twitter: / reviewog
Instagram: / reviewoutdoorgear
Facebook: / reviewog
Google+: plus.google.com/u/0/b/1032179...
-------------------------------------------------
Camera Gear Used:
Canon Rebel T2i - amzn.to/20IwUV7
Canon Powershot S120 - amzn.to/1oLRK7X
Sigma 10-20 mm Lens - amzn.to/1MliT6i
Sigma 50 mm f/1.4 Lens - amzn.to/1RGGPYG
Canon L series 17-35 mm Lens - amzn.to/1MljG72
Canon 18-55 kit Lens: amzn.to/1RGH1Y1
Rode Videomic Pro - amzn.to/20Ix12W
Glidecam - amzn.to/1Mlj1T3
DJI Phantom 3 Professional - amzn.to/1SRiSLL
GoPro Hero 4 Silver edition: amzn.to/1Ygwhhy
iPhone 6 - amzn.to/1kI406P
-------------------------------------------------
Links to HOMEMADE "GLIDECAM" used in all of our shots:
-Quick show/tell: • Best DIY/Homemade Glid...
-How to make one: • THE BEST Homemade Glid...
-Update: • THE BEST Homemade/DIY ...
-Playlist off all videos shot with/about this homemade glidecam: • Homemade Glidecam

[@JaredParmenter]

The goal is to pack the heaviest stuff close to your spine. If it is too low that that can force sag and pull the top of the pack away from the body like a pendulum. Additionally, too high will cause the pack to fall backwards. Start with the sleeping back and possibly your sleeping clothes at the bottom and then put the heavy up the middle and close to your back. Pack lighter stuff around it and compress.

[@brass086]

Good video, informative, helpful without being derogatory to the audience. Great effort. 😃. Certainly helpful.

[@ReviewOutdoorGear]

fitting your pack is a huge deal! As you move along, if something starts to feel sore, readjust the pack, experiment. God Bless on your trip. Enjoy the Nature He created!! Cheers.

[@tickleyfeet29]

Thanks, mate. Been sitting here all evening watching different people explain the correct rucksack fit and yours is definitely the best one I've come across. Big thanks. 👍

[@alvarocarrilho]

One of the best tutorials about the pack setup, i've seen around here in KZbin. Thks From Lisbon - Portugal

[@HarryBradbury]

Been told you shouldn't put heavy items at the top as they'll put weight on your shoulders and you'll find yourself leaning backwards, whereas at the bottom the weight is on your hips, so it's more comfortable and keeps you standing straight

[@EmilKamppp]

Harry Bradbury If you have adjusted the pack as he shows, then it doesn't matter that the heavy items are in the top, since the majority of the pack's balance is situated on your hips. But here is a little more detailed explanation that should shed some light on this issue: www.outsideonline.com/1778856/should-backpack-be-bottom-or-top-heavy

[@CANTTUCHTHIS24]

Great video... Makes a big difference on understanding to use the hip placement first. Appreciate the walk through.

[@ReviewOutdoorGear]

Yeah, that pack has some great updates! It's nice to be on the trail and not focus on your gear being uncomfortable or lacking! Have fun, glad to be a help.

[@YOURADVENTURECHANNEL1958]

All emportant Details done in 8 Minutes! Super!

[@anniekingery7595]

Very well demonstrated..... I can't come up with any question at all coz job well done. Thank you.

[@kens1693]

Like so many others have already said, this video was very helpful. Thank you.

[@ReviewOutdoorGear]

+Kenneth Senes glad to hear that!!

[@paul333000]

Great advice. I just fitted my new xenith 105 using your really simple guide and it fits me like a glove! Many thanks from the UK!

[@MarkJonesRanger]

Last weekend we did 25 miler. I had my pack so far out of adjustment. Your video helped me get it back into comfort. It's funny how we can forget the simple things that make a lot of difference. Thanks.

[@ReviewOutdoorGear]

+MarkJonesRanger Glad to see I could help!

[@Yamaha-MT-09]

+MarkJonesRanger Saw this in recommended videos, figured i'd give it a watch. The not over tightening the sternum strap is something I learned the hard way. Was out on a 40 mile hike, it was too tight day 1 and I didn't notice.. It didn't bother me at all, but it was riding my collar bone. So day 2 when I put it on and the strap hit my collar bone it hurt like hell. It was riding my collar bone and made it sore to the touch.

[@noahhunsaker3400]

It's amazing what great video quality this is considering it's from 2012!!

[@akeeperofoddknowledge4956]

Holy cow! I learned a lot from this video! I've been doing it wrong this whole time! Thanks again and keep 'em coming!

[@ReviewOutdoorGear]

Bob Buchholz , Glad to help you out!

[@johnkulcsar5801]

... Just purchased an Osprey Aether 70. Your vids really helped in my decision making. Can't wait to try it out. Thanks for your field fitting video. It's really nice.

[@ReviewOutdoorGear]

Glad to help.

[@tuesdaysrunner4038]

I wanted to get an Osprey! But my budget got me a new Alps Mountaineering Shasta 4200 with their poor customer service! That is why I am looking at videos trying to get the right fit. And no, their videos didn't help. Neither did asking them questions! They simply blew me off. Said return the backpak, go to REI and buy another backpack! I certainly would have bought another backpack IF my budget would have let me! Terrible customer service.

[@marieinlex]

Thank you very much for the closed captioning! Great video!!

[@Apixiebear1]

Thank you! This is the best video that explains the right pack fit.

[@thetyks]

i bought osprey hydration backpack and overwhelmed w all those straps! thank you for the video i gotta try to fit it better now!

[@vinidesilva920]

This was very helpful! Thanks

[@slogue77]

Perfect tips . There was 3 things I was doing wrong. THANK YOU!!

[@eduardoorama3990]

great information on back packs thanks Eddie, I did learn a lot about the right way and size ,great

[@Maverick5588]

really good and thorough explanation. Thank you

[@cantabileloves]

Awesome vid! Thanks for sharing. Very useful.

[@zirconce]

Great video! Thanks for sharing. Learnt a few good points.

[@dougieranger]

Subbed. Great review, very helpful. I just bought the 2012/13 version, it comes with a built in raincover and the hipbelt now has zipped pockets. Thanks again man.

[@judithnagle6569]

Thank you! Great tips and easy to do.

[@venuslnd]

Great information, this can be used for selecting back pack as well.

[@TylerTechUTube]

Good tips and unintentional review of this pack :)

[@michaelhutchinson1789]

Exactly what I was looking for! Great Video. Short & succinct. Thanks!

[@ReviewOutdoorGear]

+Michael Hutchinson you're welcome

[@dougieranger]

Typical osprey, always striving for perfection, love their products.

[@crechio]

Excellent video, very helpful!

[@BrumCraft]

Excellent video. learnt a few things

[@Wastelander13]

Very informative video! Thanks a lot!

[@darillfow]

Thank you! Great video, learn something new!

[@IsuruPremaratne109]

Really good video. Learned a lot.

[@realist7190]

Great clear review thanks

[@Kroma1986]

You answered all my questions and more!

[@ReviewOutdoorGear]

I'm very glad!

[@gerald905]

Great tips, thanks

[@tobiasjonasson2693]

Thank you for this vid mate! helped me alot

[@toddnelson1260]

Really nice information. In particular the order of putting a pack on; -lift pack onto your thigh, bend forward and secure hip belt first on or above the hip bone (many people have the hip belt too low, often because they try and secure shoulder straps first), then secure shoulder straps and I actually do the sternum strap after the shoulder straps, then load lifters. After that just make sure pack is comfortable, make small adjustments most especially after about 1/4 of a mile. As far as load I do put light things on the bottom, sleeping bag, extra clothing, then heaver things and then light clothing I might use on the trail on top. If the pack is "tippey" then the weight is too high, in general people put weight too low which is very inefficent for hiking. Nice Review!!!

[@ReviewOutdoorGear]

+Todd Nelson thank you for your input! Glad you found this useful.

[@quietfire286]

that was amazingly useful, thanks :-)

[@Adiagrawal4uo]

Really Helpful!! Thanks!!

[@alexanderlee3050]

thanks! awesome advice!

[@dafwhisper]

thanks...these tips are really helpfull.

[@Ammassalik1]

Well done! thank you!

[@SQUADRONSIXTYNINE]

Great Job! Thank you. it helped me a lot, as usual :)

[@dennisdye3564]

Fine video....yes,it helped me.

[@rowdybeaver33]

Good job man. You were dead on.

[@ReviewOutdoorGear]

Hey, glad to help. Osprey is a great company!

[@TheRollingBacon]

Thanks for the video. You rock! :D

[@leilanibabydoll]

very helpful thank you!

[@hutch3531]

Thanks, helped a lot. Cheers!

[@MicBergsma]

Thank you for closed caption!

[@ReviewOutdoorGear]

+MicBergsma, hey! Nice to see you here! Nice GoPro videos and glidecam videos!

[@MicBergsma]

+ReviewOutdoorGear Thank you! :) Keep it up! Good videos!

[@philipbuckley759]

good presentation...thanx...

[@Svampadoskitsur]

AWESOME! Thank you.

[@specialk5035]

Very informative, thanks

[@lesengland6753]

Looks like the Spokane bowl and pitcher state park... good video

[@ReviewOutdoorGear]

+Les England Yup.

[@supermimi711]

Thank you, great help for fitting the pack. One question I have trekking poles I want to attach. Where do they go?

[@mandystar18]

thank you so much really specific, i like it a lot!!

[@matsvennstrom140]

Brilliant! Thanks!

[@tuesdaysrunner4038]

Funny. You replied 3 months ago, but your comment was put way down 2 levels of "show more" near comments from 2 years ago!

[@JaredParmenter]

Fantastic info man! How did you like Osprey's crossing hip belt in terms of creating a good fit versus the standard single strap?

[@Rodrigoviverosa]

very nice review, thanks!! where would you put the tent? 

[@kevinrothman7334]

well done, thanks!

[@molonlabe9602]

Thank you.

[@Joana-jy1cx]

My Gods!! Finally a review that makes sense and covers everything!! yaay! Thank you so much for doing this :)

[@ReviewOutdoorGear]

the crossing belt seems to be great!

[@PaNiTv123]

Thank you! Awesome :)

[@Sagar-ux3tx]

very useful man

[@danos5181]

Regarding the adjusting of the torso length to exact measurement. How do I do this (and which direction, up or down)?

[@rumana8463]

Very good video

[@MtBArN]

This helped, cheers!

[@Sooper8]

Nice ProTrek/Pathfinder

[@atomicbiker7918]

very helpful

[@putridperrier]

Thanks!

[@pvkjhilk8323]

one thing missed is the reason you dont want the straps hugging your shoulders is because its better to have the chest carry the load instead, also it is more comfortable obviously.

[@ubb4me]

Good explanation. You didnt go into how the measurement from your lower back to your neck affects what backpack to use. Are there different sizes? How are the sizes listed? Thanks.

[@carrjeep7538]

Most packs are sized large, medium, small but there is an actual linear measurement in inches/cm associated with the size. The manufacturer will have it listed somewhere on their website usually. A lot of packs are adjustable as well and the measurement in inches will be given from the shortest adjustment point to tallest in inches or cm.

[@breezer1588]

Nice video :)

[@tesswall1573]

I’m curious as to where the pack should actually be at the bottom: top of lower back, lower part of lower back etc. ps I just purchased a 75 Ariel osprey - waiting on it to arrive

[@skash4u]

Thank you :)

[@tuesdaysrunner4038]

At 7:28 he has the load lifters too tight since the shoulder strap is coming off of his shoulders. Unless that is how he wants it? Anyway, he had a lot of space on the shoulder strap earlier in the video...maybe I will try it that way. But as I am trying to adjust the Alps Mountaineering Shasta 4200 to carry 45-50 pounds comfortably, I have had some difficulty getting the waist belt to be as high as I want it to be. Though I'll check out some more videos to see if I get some more ideas about more things to try. Note that he didn't have a tent and sleeping pad attached to the pack like I have. I was using the top straps for the top bag to strap those down in place.

[@ariffqnet2]

Hi I use osprey argon for 8 days xpdc. Appreciate if you could do some review of osprey argon...

[@reylindsey8217]

I actually don't do well with weight being up high, I have a difficult time, I like my weight mid to lower level. My pack weighs around 50 lbs. My back is pretty strong and my legs are too, I think its prefrence, however It was an informative video and will be looking more for other you make thanks

[@ReviewOutdoorGear]

Thanks for the input!

[@tuesdaysrunner4038]

The places that you pack the heavier items in your pack will affect how the tension is on the straps and how your center of gravity is affected. This will affect how the backpack feels on you, and how you feel while hiking. It also will depend on how you cinch down the straps as that will also alter the feel of the backpack while hiking. And your backpack will feel differently going uphill or downhill. Note that the video is good in that it tells you to strap down the compression straps to help stabilize the loads. And gives good pointers on other items. I typically lift the backpack into my car with the carry strap, but use both straps to lift the backpack up to my shoulders as I put one arm in. I may try to adjust that to put on the pack with the middle carry strap since I think that I agree that this strap SHOULD be designed to carry more of a load than the shoulder strap. And that will reduce wear and tear on the shoulder strap. Will think about making a video about doing that for the Alps Mountaineering Shasta 4200 which is my new backpack that I am trying to make work for me. Also with about 50 pounds load. Just for an overnighter. With synthetic sleeping bag, tent, sleeping pad, and sleeping mat.

[@ihavea4]

nice video! i have the osprey aether 60 and i haven't used it yet so everything is basically how it came in the packaging. when i put it on, the top of the frame sticks into the back of my head when i pull the load lifter straps. even when the load lifters are very loose, i can't tilt my head back at all. is there something i can adjust to fix this or do i just need a different size pack?

[@ReviewOutdoorGear]

First of all, make sure you have the right size pack (your torso length: from c7 vertebrae down to the iliac crest- look these terms up). That will tell you the torso length. The each pack size has a range of lengths it is designed for, on Ospreys website. If this is all right, you may just need to loosed the shoulder straps and lower the pack down to your hips, then tighten the load lifters. Confusing, I know.

[@ihavea4]

I'll try messing with the straps some more. i just measured and it looks like i have the right size pack so i'm sure i'll get it to fit right eventually. thanks!

[@SpaceShipDalibor]

Dj Johnson I have kind of the same problem. . .I have a medium aether 70 and at 19" torso. . The straps are on the next to lowest setting and the pack seems to be pretty close to my head also. . .have adjusted it a bunch but I guess I can put some weight in it and try adjusting then. .

[@cibira]

GREAT!!

[@tejassingh4576]

how many inches or centimetres do the M(medium) and S(small) stand for on the back ,for the packs...since I am one who can only order online because there is no osprey pack store in my country.

[@Cassyhuggers]

Great vid! helped much more than the guys in the store! What would you suggest is going wrong if my pack gives me lower back pain? My pack is pretty light as I'm only day-hiking but it starts to hurt between the 6-10 mile mark.

[@ReviewOutdoorGear]

cassy huggers Could be a number of things, though I can't guarantee if one of them is in fact the cause. Could be that the hip belt is too tight around your waist, the pack size may be incorrect, you might be packing it incorrectly, could be your posture when you hike, etc.

[@tuesdaysrunner4038]

On my last overnighter backpacking trip with 50 pounds load and the Alps Mountaineering Shasta 4200, I had lower back pain from the "internal frame" digging into my tailbone area when I had moved the hip belt higher up because that is what I wanted. There was not enough padding to cover the internal frame that was causing a lot of pain. I had to stop. And put the waist belt back the way it was. After getting back home, I readjusted everything and will need to test it out again. But, I will be looking for some padding to duct tape around the bottom V of the internal frame. Especially the tip. They have no padding on that part! I also have a Swiss waist belt that has fairly light sand-like padding that you put around your waist. Made by Wenger the maker of the Swiss Army Knife. While I haven't tried it on a trip, I tried it at home and it seemed to help. I may bring it on my next backpacking trip. If you have a light pack, 5-10 pounds, then you shouldn't be getting lower back pain. You should tell how heavy your pack is in your comment to help get a better answer. The obvious: measure your torso length, adjust your pack for your torso length. Then follow the advice in this video when packing and putting on your pack. In the field, you can tighten the shoulder straps or tighten the load lifters to put less weight on your hips which may relieve your lower back. Then later, do the reverse to relieve your shoulders. Sucks, but sometimes you have to do that.

[@ebrahimalnuaimi3293]

best explanation I saw in this topic but If I am buying Osprey Men's Atmos 65 AG Backpacks Large size and my torso is 23inches, is it will fit?

[@pilgrim7779]

+Ebrahim Alnuaimi (Bu5ale) ** I have a 23" torso and use the Osprey Atmos 65 AG in size large and it is a very good fit. The pack is almost maxed out to the largest settings, so I would say a 24" torso would be the maximum this pack can accommodate. Hope this helps.

[@ebrahimalnuaimi3293]

Thank you very much

[@kakikenchoshvili]

THX!

[@A_Blue_1]

Awesome vid. Appreciate all the info - very informative - nice! :) One question thou: If you pull all compressins tight - how much does the backpack size down to? I just don't seem to find any info on this...

[@ReviewOutdoorGear]

+Rouge Rider it depends on how compressible the stuff you put inside is

[@A_Blue_1]

Yepp - got that :D Let me refraze: What would be the "loading-range" for this backpack, in your opinion ? I'm looking for a backpack to enable me to go on 1-2days treks mostly, and at times 5-7days. Appriciate your feed-back.

[@ReviewOutdoorGear]

Rouge Rider you can get it pretty small by crossing the compression straps over further they they are usually done. Plus you can remove the top-lid

[@tuesdaysrunner4038]

Simply measure it yourself on your backpack. You will see how much the compression straps reduce the circumference. Or distance around the backpack. It would be great if manufacturers would tell you the "load rating" for their backpacks. Meaning, how much weight they are designed to carry. And how much weight the shoulder straps are designed to carry. That would take some guesswork out of looking for new backpacks...

[@xiaoyu88]

Thanks :]

[@elguapo5753]

Could you please tell me what size pack is that and what are your basic body dimensions? I don't have the ability to measure my torso from/to specific vertebrae. Thanks~

[@troystewart6000]

Just find an rei around u (rei is a store) and go there and have one fitted to u!!

[@jesselee4872]

thanks

[@mauiwowielmsv]

I don't really have an rei or outdoors store here so I've had to order online. I got a granite gear crown 2 for women the regular torso size (18in-21in) but I find myself constantly adjusting and the pack doesn't sit up high on my body despite having my hip belts on me higher than usual. The bottom of the pack come about half way down my bottom and the top of the pack is just below my neck. Should I have gotten the smaller torso size? I had help from my friends and when they measured me they said I was the regular size at 19in but I don't trust their measurements

[@ReviewOutdoorGear]

are the shoulder straps and hip belt adjustable? (meaning can you move them in relationship to the pack, like with removable velcro)

[@robb9063]

Where did you find the belt at ?? I am having a heck of a time finding one like that. Thanks.

[@ReviewOutdoorGear]

Rob B my favorite belt right now: amzn.to/2eIRaEd

[@ReviewOutdoorGear]

[@Typicaljess]

Awesome tips!

[@babarabbas007]

what is the name of ur bag company?i really like this one..

[@ReviewOutdoorGear]

Babar Abbas The company is Osprey. They make the best hiking packs, in my opinion.

[@babarabbas007]

thanks bro..

[@kristoftom92]

ReviewOutdoorGear what do you think about Fjallraven bags?

[@EmilKamppp]

Tomas Kristof They are made of a much heavier material in and of it self. This means that the Fjallraven packs can take much more of a beating, but you will also carry more inherit weight around. For alpinism and mountaineering you really want to cut down on the inherent weight of your mandatory equipment.

[@sipapito]

many videos as to where to put the weight top or bottom ?Im confuse.

[@jean-bruno1941]

+Tonauac/Teonewhopossesseslight /Nahuatl Normally, you want to keep the weight as close to your body core as possible in order to keep your center of gravity as close to what it normally is as possible. In this video he explains closer to the top/center, I personally prefer center simply because if I trip, there's a little less chances of the top weight throwing me forward. As he explains, putting the weight on the bottom of the pack will pull you backwards in the best of cases, and in the worst of cases will put the entire weight on your lower back with your shoulder straps pulling more than they should. Wearing a pack is never really as smooth as not wearing one, but it should still be comfortable. It's also important to mention that through the day, you can use the straps to shift the weight to different areas if your body gets sore. As a general rule, keep the weight as close to your body as possibly, with lighter loads to fill the pack (not overfill), and heavy loads closer to center (this is why most bladder pockets are located right behind you when you wear your pack. Water is heavy).

[@AGuyWhoPunkUMama]

how tall are you? and what size is the bag?

[@carrjeep7538]

I was having some back pains and figured out that it was being caused by actually tightening my load lifters too much. I don't know if this is just me and the way I'm built or if others have had or are having this issue and don't realize it. I'm saying this because I noticed you really tugged on yours in the video.