The most important element when shopping for a new hiking backpack is finding one that fits your body correctly. There are two main factors to focus on when finding a well-fitted hiking backpack; torso length and waist width.

Step 1: Find your torso length

Standing straight, tilt your head forward and located your C7. This will be the bump near the base of your neck where your neck connects to your shoulders. Next, you want to locate your hip bones using your thumbs. The line between your thumbs from hip bone to hip bone is the bottom of your torso. Have a friend measure the distance from your C7 down to the line between your two thumbs located on your hips. this measurement is your torso length.

Step 2: Find your hip width

Locate your hips again and using a measuring tape, measure your hips. Although this measurement won’t 100% determine your backpack size as the torso does, it is a beneficial step as you can verify if the hip belt on the backpack you are interested in will fit. Your hips are located higher than your waist so the measurement will be similar to your pants size although not the exact same.

Step 3: Find your hiking backpack

Once you know your torso length, you can refer to the size charts for the particular backpacks you are interested in. This measurement will let you know whether you should be purchasing an x-small, small, medium or large. It is important to note that backpack sizes may range from brand to brand, so although you are small in Osprey, you should refer to the size chart for Gregory before settling on a backpack.

Testing the Fit of the Hiking Backpack

Once you’ve found a backpack with the appropriate size for your body, you can try it on and see how it feels. As mentioned earlier, you want the weight load to settle on your hips rather than your shoulders. Pack some weights or jackets, clothes, anything really, into the backpack so you can test the feel with weight inside.

• Tighten the waist strap first and make sure it is snug on your hips but not so tight you can’t breathe.
• Next, tighten the shoulder straps. You want the backpack to feel close to your back and not hanging off your back. 
• Fasten the sternum strap and wobble around. Do the twist, throw in a few high knees and maybe even a small jog on the spot. 

The backpack should feel stable and snug on your back. You shouldn’t feel any uncomfortable hot spots so be aware of how all the connection points with the backpack feel.

If ever you are in doubt of which size hiking backpack you should purchase, order both. At Altitude Sports we have hassle-free returns and with the lifetime membership,  there are no return fees.

Get Hiking!

Using these easy tips will make finding the right hiking backpack a breeze. Once you’ve determined which one is the right fit for you, all that’s left to worry about is finding it in your favourite colour. Pack it up and get hiking this weekend!