By Dan Smuts
GreatOutdoors.com Backcountry Guide

Besides having a rock in your shoe, there are few things as annoying and as easily correctable as making your backpack fit and carry well. And once you’ve got it dialed you’ll be amazed how much weight you can carry comfortably for days on end.

The vast majority of packs being sold these days have internal frames or stays, though there are still some very nice external frame packs being made. Internal frame packs provide the stiffness to adequately transfer weight to the hips while allowing for more flexibility than an external frame pack a feature especially important when hiking off trail or on rough terrain. Whichever type you have, use the following tips to make it ride better.

FITTING YOUR PACK

The hip belt is the most important feature for comfort on your pack. Your hips should carry about two-thirds to three-quarters of the total weight of your pack making your larger leg muscles carry the weight directly rather than tiring your smaller shoulder and chest muscles. For proper position the top of hip belt should be 1-2" above the top of your hipbones - the first hard thing you run into when working your way down from your lowest rib.

Your shoulder straps are primarily designed keep your load close to your back for stability, direct the weight in your pack to your hips, and directly carry about one-third to one-quarter of the pack weight. The straps should fit smoothly over your shoulders and down your chest without gaps. If your pack has load lifter straps which run from the top of the shoulder strap to the upper part of the pack (around ear level) they should be taught and angle from the shoulder straps at about a 45-60 degrees. These load lifter straps are designed to snug the pack to your back, keep the load stable and shift shoulder strap pressure from the top of the shoulder to the front of the chest.

Your chest strap is the strap runs directly across the chest and connects the two shoulder straps. Worn correctly, it should improve stability, keep the shoulder straps from riding to the outside of your shoulders, and distribute the shoulder strap load more evenly across the chest. Experimentation with this strap will help you determine the optimal height and tightness of this strap for you.

If you have an internal frame pack with aluminum stays you most likely can remove the stays and bend them to optimally fit your back. When fitted properly the stays should follow the natural contours of your back without gaps or pressure points. Once again, experimentation is the key for getting the perfect fit.

LOADING YOUR PACK 

Like so many aspects of backpacking, how you load your pack is a matter of personal preference but here are some suggestions for more pleasant carrying.

Load your sleeping bag on the bottom as it’s usually the largest thing you’ve got, then tent body on top of that as you won’t need access to these things when you’re hiking.

Next load your heavier things - food, fuel, books - closer to your back where they will be more in line with your body’s balance and will place their weight more directly on your hips rather than pulling your pack away from your body.

Use your compression straps - they’re not just on your pack for show. If your load is packed tightly it will be more stable and will carry better especially over uneven terrain.

Use the outside of your pack for carrying awkward items like sleeping pads, tent poles and fly rods but keep it clean and tight so you don’t snag on branches and so a constant rattling doesn’t drive your companions to homicide.

Aim for carrying no more than one-third of your body weight for maximum comfort. Always keep raingear, gloves and a hat at the top of your pack so you can easily get to them.

These tips should give you a good idea of how to fit and load your pack well but if you have more questions about the features on your pack or need a little help getting the fit right, visit an expert at your local gear shop, ask one of your leaders, or simply experiment until you get it right.

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