How to Fit Your Rucksack Correctly

[@trekitt]

The latest version of the rucksack used in this video! www.trekitt.co.uk/facetresults.aspx?Term=kyte

[@joachimschoder]

Thank you. This is much better and more detailed than what Osprey provided themselves.

[@Mapleaple]

You are the best at explaining everything like a actual teacher. Thumbs up for me. I've watched lots of how to fit a backpack and they never simplified it for a newer backpacker.

[@trekitt]

Glad we could help!

[@TimH767]

Walked a training walk in my loaded pack earlier this week (first ever multi day trip coming up), terrible hip pain (think it was in the IT band). Watched this video then adjusted my pack properly - feels like my pack is literally kilos lighter, way more comfortable, no pain. Thank you.

[@trekitt]

Our work here is done! Thanks for watching.

[@deborahlee1442]

That was awesome! Thank you very much. Just bought a Vaude Benta 30L and wasn’t sure how it should look/feel/hang. Great instructions!

[@GreatAchoo]

Biggest thanks for this tips, I’ve prepared this for my first solo camping in Scotland. Test everything I need and now I feel comfortable than before

[@trekitt]

Good to hear!

[@jdmmi]

thank you so so much!! i just bought my first proper hiking backpack (i usually use whatever snazzy one i have on hand!) and i was so close to returning it because it fit so poorly no matter what i tried! went through this vid step by step and its perfect now!

[@trekitt]

Good to hear, enjoy! Harry

[@feifei171]

Didn't even notice the straps above the shoulders, super helpful, thank you!

[@cruachan1191]

Very helpful video, I just got a Berghaus Trailhead 2.0 65L because although I'm tallish at 5'11" I have very short legs and needed a pack with a lot of back length. This was really helpful to get it all comfortable, walked about 12km today and no aches and pains from the pack.

[@trekitt]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ExploringWithEmAndStu]

Very helpful, made me realise I've been wearing my rucksack incorrectly, hopefully now on my next trip I'll be abit more comfortable.. Thanks for the advice 👍

[@najman2741]

The most informative fitting vid I’ve seen. Thanks!

[@kristyarthur4597]

This was most helpful! I needed a reminder as to the order of tightening up straps. And other videos didn't show how the top of the pack is at shoulder blade. Thank you

[@mchocolate2301]

Simplest and clearest way on how to Properly wear (any) backpack. You feel the difference in how it feels and carries instantaneously! 😁 Great instructional video.

[@springbloom5940]

No any backpack. For that type of backpack, yes. Generally speaking, yes. For, example, an 'assault pack', no.

[@kapurar]

Excellent video. The best I have seen on how to fit a backpack.

[@theolynwarrender]

Great video -- what a lovely bubbly character you are. Thanks for the guide ... it's often something that isn't picked up on so much but I think will have a huge difference to the pain I tend to get in my neck and shoulders!

[@trekitt]

Thanks for your kind comments and glad we have helped.

[@AgeofDoom]

What a beautiful, sunny landscape! Greetings from Greece!

[@davemcbeardface8976]

Great video osprey bags are awesome unless you have a bit of a belly

[@trekitt]

Hi Dave, this is something that we've noticed too. Manufacturers are making waist/hip belts shorter! Thanks for watching.

[@davemcbeardface8976]

Trekitt no good for the post lock down hikes!

[@ckyamanda]

This is super helpful. Thank you for making the video, really enjoyed watching it :) And now that explains why packs are more expensive than other regular bags

[@ahill7684]

Outstanding instructional video!

[@UsmanBukhariVlogs]

Wonderful ! by packing bad, I also suffered from the shoulder blade injury which prolonged for years ... Thanks for sharing such information.

[@thomasquinn284]

Very practical and informative demonstration Hannah. Well done!

[@ChicaandSunsets]

This was very helpful (even though I've been thru-hiking for 7 years now!). I got a new pack recently and it just wasn't fitting right. Thank you so much - it feels great now! -- Chica

[@TheLunarRevolution]

Thank you!! Watched two others videos and couldn't figure out how to get rid of the shoulder gap...watched yours and fixed it within 3 minutes lol.

[@trekitt]

Glad we could help!

[@seanculliton7376]

Wow. Very informative!! Now I have my pack in the right spot on my back and can enjoy those great walks even more.

[@trekitt]

Glad we could help!

[@lillysummer3546]

This is so so helpful! I’m 5’3 so I feel like I can finally relate to a woman. Too many guys videos out there and I was so confused regarding what backpack to get. I ended up buying 3 wrong ones. I really wanted an Osprey Kyte but I was doubtful without trying it myself because the country I am in doesn’t sell it but hopefully next year. Thank you for making this. It kinda makes me feel more confident now that I see a woman with a similar height! It’s also funny how even this is the exact bag I was planning to buy.

[@David-yx8bp]

Probably like most of us, I've been throwing my ruck sac on, pulling the shoulder straps tight and off I go! However, I stumbled across this vid' by chance and it's total change the comfort of my Osprey Talon 22, which to be fair was already pretty comfy. This vid' is concise, to the point, perfect length so as not to get boring and makes perfect sense. Thank you so muck trekkit ;-)

[@trekitt]

Glad we could help! Good choice of pack too. Harry

[@damianreid2452]

All these years I've been a backpack amateur and didn't even know it. Nice vid. Nice tatts too.

[@Ingridfire]

Thank you. I'm 5'1" too! Got a bag I thought was too big turns out it just wasn't adjusted right. Saved me from buying a new one!

[@CellarWolf]

Thanks for this, been hiking/trekking for years but am now getting my mum into it this was so helpful. I would say something then she would ask why and I would just look bewildered so she loved this. Thanks again :)

[@trekitt]

You're welcome!

[@shadeofheresy]

Excellent video. Just picked up my first 'proper' hiking backpack. A Talon 22 Osprey which I specifically bought to take some weight off my back as I was using an old laptop backpack. Super comfy now I've fitted it.

[@trekitt]

Good choice!

[@never0ff]

You are so shine and cool! Short and clear video. Thanks.

[@trekitt]

You're welcome!

[@Zooboy1994]

I kinda Banjoed my shoulders doing the Camino Frances last year from not wearing my back pack correctly. It was my shoulders carrying the weight. Of course I was king kong at the time about it all. Great video and needs to be watched by anyone backpacking.

[@trekitt]

Hi Raymond, thanks for your comments and for watching.

[@paulshuter6807]

Really helpful, with a very pleasant communication style. Thanks

[@davidcowan6076]

Very useful and informative, however I have what might be a daft question. Could you clarify the positioning of the hip strap please. Does it sit on top of your hip so that the base of the strap pushes down on the hip bone or does it lie across the hip bone. I have a bag with an adjustable length but knowing exactly where the strap goes would be useful. Unfortunately your diagramme doesn't show the hip bone only the spine. Getting it wrong sounds like it would be uncomfortable to say the least. many thanks

[@trekitt]

The latter - across the hip bone. The hipbelt should be squeezing onto your hips, placing the weight through your legs and not through your shoulders/lower back. Harry

[@davidtaylor7462]

that’s ace .. made all the difference to my pack and walking . thanks

[@trekitt]

Great to hear 🙌

[@blahblah5750]

Thank you Hannah.

[@trekitt]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@cpppq]

A great video. Well explained & crystal clear.

[@Charlie-yq8hu]

Thank you so much. My duke of Edinburgh is soon amd we have to adjust our own packs due to the pandemic (normally someone would help you)

[@trekitt]

You're welcome, enjoy your DofE! Harry

[@Paul-eu9jp]

Best review I’ve seen on fitting the osprey backpack. That’s really helped me thanks 👍

[@trekitt]

Glad we could help!

[@stevecurtis8614]

Really clear and helpful - particularly for people not able to get into a store. Thanks!

[@trekitt]

Glad it was helpful!

[@peterjackson2632]

well explained and makes it very simple. I'll now go and try!

[@trekitt]

I hope it worked out for you and your pack feels comfortable. Thanks for watching.

[@jeruncan]

Hello. Thank you for making this video it is far more helpful then other videos I’ve seen. My pack is adjustable for back length as well as the ability to create more or less space between the pack and frame and the tensioned back mesh. My question is you showed what a top large pack looks like but what does a too small back length look like ?

[@trekitt]

Thank you for the kind words! When a back length is too small, the hipbelt will sit too high (above your hips) and won't grip you securely.

[@timothyahernRoxyCat]

That is a pretty good job. I like that you started out with showing how important it is to have the pack "rest" on top of the hips. However, you still didn't show how to match the torso length with the back length of the pack. You showed how it should look, but not how to match the back length exactly. Thank you, not bad.

[@parthshah4863]

Its so well explained and simple to understand. I would appreciate if you can also add few videos on the detailing of packing rucksack (I know there are already many but you can explain it well)

[@trekitt]

We'll add it to the list!

[@tasmanianhutadventures]

11 months on house arrest hurry up 28th going on a 2 week state hike and camp trip be my first overnight hike cant wait, thanks for the tips love from van diemens land

[@trekitt]

I bet you can't wait to get out there! Have a great time and stay safe. Thanks for watching. Paul.

[@tasmanianhutadventures]

@@trekitt smiles from half way around the globe

[@Narx9]

THANK YOU SO MUCH! Short & Sweet, but very helpful! Just got my first ruckack! The Keb 52!

[@trekitt]

Hi Noah, so glad our little video helped, you've made a great choice with the Keb rucksack!

[@iainarthur7713]

great video, clear information delivered in an engaging style without any fluff. Bought a hydration bladder from you guys after watching this :)

[@trekitt]

Much appreciated!

[@msodois9020]

Beautiful setting, great tutorial, thanks!

[@Yer_Da_]

superb video thank you

[@trekitt]

You're welcome!

[@verykeen2please]

good, simple advise

[@davemcbeardface8976]

Great video very helpful. I do so love Osprey bags but the only thing that disappoints me is that they don't come with a method of fastening down all the loose straps!

[@krisspicado9446]

Thank you for this video. I'm still learning and will get a bag similar to this one soon. Question: should I adjust the bag while empty, full or it doesn't really matter?

[@trekitt]

It's easier to adjust with some weight in, but it doesn't have to be full to the brim.

[@TheFrog767]

You did a great job explaining some missed points thanks for the video.🥂👏👏👏👏

[@mariadillon860]

Great video. Really helped me set up my osprey tempest 20 correctly. What a difference…😊 I am right at the end of range for back length!! I had been wearing it far too short!! Will watch this again in the future. 🤗😀🖐

[@trekitt]

Glad we could help! Harry

[@herveglandu4847]

Thx for the tips

[@cwardh]

Hi! This is very helpful, I just bought my first ever "proper" backpack and have been trying to fit it. I'm 168cm tall and the length from my C7 to iliac crest was ~50cm. I had to adjust the velcro/back length of my Osprey Tempest 40 following this video. But when I adjusted the hip belt above the hip, there is a gap now in the shoulder. Am I putting the hip belt too high, or the velcroed back height wrong?

[@trekitt]

The maximum back length of the M/L sized Tempest is 50cm, s you'll want to have the back length as long as possible. If there's a gap in the shoulder strap it means the back length is too short or your hipbelt is situated too high.

[@gianalp3102]

Wonderful! Very cler explanations!

[@mrsmop1000]

Which back pack would you recommend for grocery shopping I'm 5ft 3/4 and 70 yrs old .... my shoulders are just starting to get sore I've done my bkpk shopping for about 10yrs .... everyday but I'm retired now and maybe 3 times a week I shop

[@Roland.Hoffmann]

great information easily to understand. Thank you!

[@StuartOutdoors]

Nice video. Thanks.

[@trekitt]

Glad you liked it!

[@Stllno]

Simple but HIGHLY effective! Thanks for posting! 👍

[@debgittins7426]

Very well communicated, thank you!

[@boni5865]

perfect video for what I was looking for. thank you

[@EObi-mg5oh]

hi I’m wide on the hips/waist, should I buy the extended fit? great video. Thanks

[@trekitt]

Hi. Without more specific info on packs and your measurements, it's hard to advise specifically here. The size guides on most packs should reference waist sizes which you can then compare to your own measurements.

[@themoroccanbikepacker1956]

Perfect video! Very comprehensive! Thank you!

[@Quandaledahmer]

Holy that background is beautiful

[@trekitt]

Good ol' Wales!

[@TAT660X]

Excellent explanation Thanks

[@trekitt]

No problem, glad we could help. Harry

[@AdrianW.Photography]

Very helpful. I was missing a couple steps in my adjustments.

[@dv2983]

Fantastic video, so well explained, thank you! I am using a Kelty 50 (womens) pack, is this still applicable? Thx.

[@trekitt]

It is indeed! Some rucksacks don't have an adjustable backsystem, so you'd just have to miss this step if yours doesn't. Kind regards, Harry.

[@brianmorrison9168]

A well-presented video .. just what I needed having just bought a new rucksack

[@trekitt]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@umangujjwal7610]

Beautiful video, thanks

What a lovely bubbly personality she has!! Wish she was here in Bristol so she could help me adjust my backpack! Do you guys do this service for those with backpacks from outside?? (I.e. bought elsewhere??)

[@trekitt]

From the 13th of April you’ll be able to make an appointment at our Hereford Service Centre for a pack fitting and feel free to bring along your own pack.

[@gregkotoch2765]

You just saved me from an excruciatingly painful backpacking trip.

[@anitadumpit421]

Very practical and informative have a bless day.

[@Frost-mv4pz]

Okay it feels like you're still answering questions even though this video was put up a long time ago. It is completely relevant. I'll start by saying I have a back pack I borrowed from my mom, to get through a course, thus it is over 20 years old as to not up to date. I feel like a lot of things had changed. Anyways: I packed this bag for a 3 days trip (2 nights). I ried it on for not more than 5 minutes before the blood circulation was cut off. I cannot explain this and have not had this happen to me before. I have used this bag once before to hike. I'm not sure but think I have more weight on now. I think the biggest differences from your bag is the waistband not made with the clickable things and also the back hight not being adjustable. But it otherwise have all the straps. I really hope you can help, I got nervous for my hands. 😅😄

[@Frost-mv4pz]

More information: when I wear it, I don't feel like the hip strap support the bag, even though I tighten it a lot.

[@trekitt]

Sounds like you might need to check how you've distributed the weight in the pack and play around with the straps to try and get more weight distributed through the hip belt. Ultimately that pack may not work for you and something with more adjustability will be more comfortable. We don't want any circulation being cut off when carrying packs!

[@user-ml4fj1xg1i]

Thank you. And you are lovely.

[@rrtl5175]

Thank you for the very helpful video. One question - did you say the hip-belt should sit on top, or half above and half below the hip bone? Thanks.

[@trekitt]

Generally the centre of the hipbelt should sit on your hip bone.

[@rrtl5175]

Thank you for the reply.

[@FaisalKhan-jg6kg]

Thanks for making such a clear and informative video.

[@shaneedwards367]

Great infomercial video. Thank you!!!!

[@Roskellan]

Great video, never had a backpack before, now I know. Thanks for doing this.

[@trekitt]

Glad it was helpful!

[@avocado3748]

Really helpful. I didn’t have a clue how to select a proper fit. Good to know to to pack in an L shape

[@behatiprinslooooooo]

I wouldn't put the heavier stuff all the way down in your bag. Ofc as close as possible to your back. But the heavier the load down, the more you feel the weight shift backward.

[@durchreiser6573]

Very well explained. Thanx

[@Shadow_Wraith]

I'm new to all this. I found this video and your instruction extremely helpful. Thank you Hannah.

[@trekitt]

You're welcome!

[@thesimpledevil4817]

very easy and super clear explainatiom thankyou miss🌹👍👍

[@trekitt]

You're welcome.

[@jewelpakhi]

Very helpful vedio.Thanks.

[@seansixfive]

Very helpful. Thanks.

[@ayushpainuly4530]

Great explanation henna

[@trekitt]

Hannah! Thanks for your comments.

[@Zelanias]

Excellent, thank you!

[@danielthor]

Thanks for a good tutorial! Do the same principles apply to lighter day packs, like the Osprey Hikelite, where the hip belt is not padded?

[@trekitt]

Not quite; the Hikelite's hipbelt isn't designed to take the weight of the bag, it's there for stability and to stop the pack bouncing around during movement, so you won't have to follow exactly the same steps as above. You can use the Hikelite with or without the hipbelt without any issues; the weight the bag is designed to carry won't harm your shoulders. Kind regards.

[@laurenayara]

Thank you! This is what I need.

[@speedyspeedyi]

Thanks for the video, very helpful. On the osprey site it says you should have a 45 degree angle on the load lifters, which you have. I have the right size pack I believe but I can't get anything like a 45 degree angle on these, is this angle important? Thanks

[@trekitt]

A 45° load-lifter angle will ensure the shoulder strap rolls over your shoulder correctly and doesn't have a gap like Hannah showed in the video. As long as there's no noticeable gap and the shoulder strap follows the curve of your shoulder properly, it should be fine.

[@speedyspeedyi]

@@trekitt thank you

[@HenryvdVeer]

Best video I've seen about bag fitting, great explanation, thanks alot :)

[@trekitt]

Awesome, thank you!

[@michaeljames8534]

Great video, learning so many top tips from this channel 👍

[@trekitt]

Good to hear, thanks for watching. Harry

[@angushutchison827]

Great explanation 👍 🥾🎒

[@MadGunKnut]

Brilliant thank you so much! My pack feels so different now

[@trekitt]

Good to hear!

[@normacherry8067]

Hi, Thank you so much for the info! Question: I am 5’1, 108 lbs, have a new Gregory Amber 44L backpack that I’m trying to get the fit right. Seems what I am doing is i line with everything I’ve learned from others but for some reason it really strains my neck after only having it on for 15 minutes or so. Any suggestions on what I might look at to resolve my issue? Thanks so much!

[@trekitt]

If you feel the overall fit of the pack is right after following the video, next step would be to try loading the pack differently so the weight sits at a different point in the pack. Hopefully redistributing the weight will help relieve the strain on your neck. Do you currently walk with walking poles as well? If not, they may be worth considering to help spread the load out more, they will also help keep you more upright as we have a tendency to want to lean forward when wearing a heavier pack which can roll our shoulders forward, in-turn causing strain on our neck and shoulders.

[@normacherry8067]

@@trekitt Thanks so much! I will try redistributing the weight and see how that feels. Currently I have the heaviest items (clothing) in packing cubes in the center. Maybe heavier closer to bottom.

[@KHaigh9531]

I am also a short woman, 5 foot tall and wondered if you had the Small size or the Medium/Large? Please advise before I purchase the wrong size.

[@trekitt]

Hannah opted for the S/M.

[@Stampistuta]

Well explained thanks.

[@nigelcase4851]

Just watched this very useful and well presented, thanks

[@trekitt]

You're very welcome, thanks for watching.

[@lauriebloggs8391]

Very helpful thank you, and as "pete Austin" said. Excellent clear and simple

[@trekitt]

Glad it was helpful!