BACKPACK: HOW TO PICK THE PERFECT SIZE & FIT

Again, from our personal experiences and multiple backpacks we used, we can definitely tell you that the saying "You get what you pay for" cannot be more truer in this case. Now that you know the size capacity (Find out your size capacity by reading this blog) you need for your trip, now it's time to find out the perfect size and fit. We all have different body shapes and it would be a huge mistake to think that any backpack can just fit anyone. You cannot compare the hip size of a woman to that of a man or the torso of a 6 foot man to one of a petite woman.

Use the key notes below to help you choose the perfect back pack.

1- THE MOST IMPORTANT ONE: If you are a man, pick a backpack made for men. If you are a woman, pick a backpack made for women. This is because women's hips and torsos are totally different from men's. In our experience one size does not fit all when it comes to backpack. We know there are lots of adjustable backpacks but for some reason we could not adjust them to fit so right and snug like the one size backpacks we current own.

2- TORSO MEANS EVERYTHING: The biggest misconception about the fitting and size of a backpack is your height. In reality height has nothing to do with which size backpack you are getting. To pick the right fit you have to measure you torso. The easiest way is to go to an REI and get measure, it is free and at least to us, they were very friendly and willing to teach us how to measure our friends. If its out of your way and you prefer to do it on your own it is fairly simple. These is the way to measure your torso:

1. Get a friend to help you

2. Tilt your head forward

3. Locate the C7 vertebra, This is the 7th cervical vertebra and it's the bone bump in the middle of the base of your neck, right on top of your shoulder line. (Fig. A)

4. Locate the top of your hip bone. This is the bony part right below your waist. (Fig. B)

5. Once you locate both points, get a measuring tape and measure the distance from point to point. (Fig. C)

Here's the breakdown of the size backpack you need according the length of your torso:

• Extra Small: Fits torsos up to 15 ½"

• Small: Fits torsos 16" to 17½"

• Medium: Fits torsos 18" to 19½"

• Large: Fits torsos 20" and up

3- Hip size: While it is less important than your torso, it is a point to take serious since 80% or more of the weight of your backpack will be resting on your hips. While most backpacks have adjustable hip-belts, for some people who have narrow hips you might need to interchange for a smaller one. The hip belt should fit snug and not too tight. Also, the top of your hip bone should be in the middle of the belt. The belt should cover the bumps of your hip bones covering about an inch above and below the top of your hip bone.

We hope this information was useful to you but if you still have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us and we'll answer as soon as possible.

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