Finding Your Perfect Fit: Why Backpack Sizing Matters

Choosing a backpack might seem simple – just throw your stuff in and go, right? Wrong! Selecting the right backpack size and fit can significantly impact your comfort, safety, and overall experience, whether you’re creating a hiking pack, a bug out or get home bag or just a daily EDC backpack.

grey man pack

Why Fit Matters:

  • Comfort: An ill-fitting backpack can cause discomfort, pain, and even injury.
    • Straps too tight: Can dig into your shoulders and neck, leading to chafing and pain.
    • Straps too loose: The pack can shift around, causing instability and fatigue.
    • Incorrect weight distribution: Can strain your back and shoulders, leading to serious problems.
  • Safety: A poorly fitting backpack can affect your balance and stability, especially during activities like hiking or cycling.
  • Efficiency: A well-fitting pack allows for easier movement and better weight distribution, making your journey more enjoyable and less tiring.

Hiking backpack

Tips for Finding the Right Fit:

  1. Consider Your Activity:
    • Hiking: Look for lightweight, durable packs with good ventilation and hip belts.
    • School: Choose a pack with padded compartments for laptops and books, and comfortable shoulder straps.
    • Travel: Opt for a pack with multiple compartments, good organization, and a comfortable carry-on size.
  2. Try it On: Don’t just buy a backpack online. Visit a store and try on several packs with your typical load.
  3. Adjust the Straps:
    • Shoulder Straps: Adjust them so the pack sits comfortably on your back, not too high or too low.
    • Hip Belt: If your pack has a hip belt, use it! It significantly reduces strain on your shoulders by transferring weight to your hips.
    • Load Lifters: These straps help adjust the pack’s center of gravity and improve stability.
  4. Test the Fit: Walk around the store with the pack on. Make sure it doesn’t shift around or feel uncomfortable.

tactical backpack

Finding the Perfect Fit:

  • Look for adjustable features: Many modern backpacks offer adjustable back panels and hip belts to accommodate different torso lengths.
  • Consider your torso length: Measure the distance from your C7 vertebra (the bony bump at the base of your neck) to your hip bone. To do this:

measuring backpack fit, finding your torso length

  1. Tilt your head forward and feel for the bony bump where the slope of your shoulders meets your neck. This is your 7th cervical (or C7) vertebra—and the top of your torso length.
  2. On each side of your body, slide your hands down the ribcage to the top of your hip bones (aka the iliac crest). With index fingers pointing forward and thumbs pointing backward, draw an imaginary line between your thumbs. This spot on your lumbar is the bottom of your torso measurement.
  3. Stand up straight and have your friend measure the distance between the C7 and the imaginary line between your thumbs. That’s your torso length.

Backpack weight, loading your backpack

Typical pack sizes (may vary from brand to brand) based on torso length measurements:

  • X-Small: 15” or less – Generally fits people under 5’.
  • Small: 15″ to 18″ – Generally fits people 5’ – 5′ 6″.
  • Medium: 17″ to 20″ – Generally fits people 5′ 6″ – 6′
  • Large: 19″ to 22″ – Generally fits people 6′ – 6’ 6”.
  • X-Large: 22” or more – Generally fits people over 6’ 6”.

Don’t Compromise on Comfort:

Investing in a well-fitting backpack is an investment in your comfort and well-being. Take the time to find the right pack, and enjoy a more comfortable and enjoyable experience, whether you’re on the trail, in the classroom, or on the go.