Backpack Fit & Sizing
The do’s and don’ts and how to get it right.
Wear it don’t carry it.
If there’s one thing we could leave you with, it’s this: Don’t size your pack like your tee shirt, size it like your shoes. But since we can dedicate an entire page to making sure your pack fits well and comfortably, we don’t have to leave you with just that.

 

A well-fitted pack allows you to stay comfortable and use less energy on the trail. It also allows you to use your pack correctly and to fill it to its maximum capacity. Both of these things help you get optimal performance and enjoyment not only out of your pack, but also out of yourself and your trip—and that’s what we want for all of our customers.

 

Interested in our Plus Size Collection?
Get all the details about fit, pack offerings and more here.
Pack Fit Video
Hipbelt
This is the belt you buckle across your hips, and it allows you to carry the weight of your pack on your hips instead of your shoulders. You should position the belt pad 1” (2.5cm) above your iliac crest.
Shoulder Strap
Yes, these are the straps by which you carry your pack. They should form to the contours of your natural shape and rest completely against your shoulders, wrapping about 3” below the top of your shoulder blade.
Sternum Strap
This is the strap that buckles directly over your chest, at about heart-height used to keep the shoulder straps in place and correctly positioned on your body. This strap should not distort the shape of the shoulder strap or inhibit your breathing.
Load Lifter Strap
Critical and often underutilized, these straps connect the shoulder strap to the top support structure of the pack. They draw the weight of the pack towards your center of gravity to provide stability and energy savings and allow you to shift weight from your upper body to your hips.
Transfer Weight to Hipbelt
By loosening the shoulder straps slightly then tightening the load lifter straps on the top of the shoulder strap, you are taking weight supported by the shoulder straps and transferring it to your hipbelt.
Transfer Weight to Shoulder Straps
By loosening the load lifter straps on the top of the shoulder strap and then tightening the shoulder strap adjustment, you are taking weight supported by your hipbelt and moving it to your shoulder straps.
Pack Sizing – One Size
Yes, these are the straps by which you carry your pack. They should form to the contours of your natural shape and rest completely against your shoulders, wrapping over your shoulder and making contact with the top of your shoulder blade.
Pack Sizing – Adjustable
Packs with adjustable sizing are available in XS/SM, SM/MED, MED/LRG. These packs allow for changes in torso length within the sizes indicated. Example - SM/MED fits torso lengths 15”-19”.
Pack Sizing – Custom Fit
Custom fit packs have individual hipbelt and harness components that can be swapped out to create the perfect fit combination for you. For example, a size small Baltoro can be equipped with size large shoulder harnesses and a size medium hipbelt. Remember – start with your correct torso length to get the bag size, then you can custom fit your hipbelt and harness components. Custom fitting is best done at one of our certified fit dealers, all of which can be found using our dealer locator.