Fitting an external frame backpack involves adjusting various components to ensure comfort and proper weight distribution. The primary goal is to transfer most of the weight to your hips while keeping the pack stable and close to your body.
Initial Considerations
Before you start, make sure the backpack is loaded with weight representative of what you’ll be carrying on your trips. This allows for more accurate adjustments.
Essential Steps for Fitting
Here's a breakdown of how to fit your external frame backpack, utilizing insights from the video reference, "How to Choose and Adjust a Backpacking Pack | Outside Watch":
- Loosen All Straps: Begin by loosening all the straps, including the shoulder straps, hip belt, load lifters, and sternum strap. This provides a blank slate for adjusting.
- Load the Backpack: Make sure to load your backpack with the typical weight you will carry, so that it is the same as when you will be hiking.
- Position the Hip Belt: Place the hip belt so it sits comfortably on your hip bones. This is crucial because most of the backpack’s weight should rest on your hips, not your shoulders.
- Tighten the Hip Belt: Once positioned correctly, tighten the hip belt so that it's snug but not overly tight. It should feel secure and comfortable.
- Adjust Shoulder Straps: Next, tighten the shoulder straps so the pack rests comfortably on your back. The straps should not be bearing all the weight. They should keep the pack from pulling away from your back.
- Proper Length: The shoulder straps should have enough give to allow a little movement. They shouldn't be so tight that they cut into your shoulders.
- Utilize the Load Lifters: The load lifter straps, which extend from the top of the shoulder straps, should be angled at around 45 degrees.
- Function: As noted in the reference video, the load lifters work to bring the weight closer to your body, just like a micro-adjustment strap. They help keep the pack from pulling backward and can improve your balance.
- Adjusting Load Lifters: Tighten these straps until you feel the backpack is closer to your back. Do not over-tighten; you don't want to lift the load off of your hips.
- Secure the Sternum Strap: Finally, fasten the sternum strap across your chest, tightening it to your comfort. This prevents the shoulder straps from slipping off and helps distribute the load more evenly.
- Fine-Tune: After making the initial adjustments, walk around with the backpack to get a sense of how it feels. Make slight adjustments to the straps as needed for optimal comfort and weight distribution. It may require some experimentation to find what is right for you.
Key Adjustment Points:
| Adjustment | Purpose | How to Adjust |
|---|---|---|
| Hip Belt | Bears the majority of the backpack's weight. | Position on your hip bones, tighten securely but not too tight. |
| Shoulder Straps | Stabilize the pack and help pull it close to your back. | Tighten until the pack rests comfortably and is secured to your back, but not so tight that they bear the weight. |
| Load Lifters | Bring weight closer to your body, prevent pulling away. | Adjust so they form about a 45-degree angle. Tighten until the pack is closer to your back but not so tight you are lifting weight off of your hips. |
| Sternum Strap | Prevents shoulder straps from sliding off, distributes weight. | Fasten across the chest and adjust until comfortable. |
Tips for a Proper Fit:
- Weight Distribution: Ensure the heaviest items are packed closest to your back and centered within the backpack.
- Practice: Don't wait until you're on the trail to test the fit; wear the backpack loaded at home or on short walks to fine-tune.
- Individual Needs: Keep in mind body shapes and preferences vary.
- Professional Fitting: Consider consulting an expert at an outdoor gear store if you are struggling with proper fit.
By following these steps, you can achieve a comfortable and efficient fit for your external frame backpack.
