KNOW-HOW 
|
Backpack - Getting The Right Fit
Your backpack plays a very important role in contributing to your overall comfort on the trail. In determining which size of pack and componentry is correct for you, there is no substitute for actually trying a loaded pack on to get a feel of the load. However, if you know what goes into selecting the right pack, you may still end up better than someone who actually tried on and bought a pack that's not suitable for him/her.
Backpack Fitting Guide
To determine the correct pack size, you must have your torso length measured first. This is the single most important thing you can do. Backpacks don't care how long your legs are, or how tall you are, only how long your torso is.
Step 1: First measure your torso length. Ask a friend to use a flexible tape measure (a tailor's tape works best) to measure along the surface of your back from your seventh cervical vertebra (the most prominent bump on your neck) to a horizontal line across your back connecting the outward protrusions of your hip crest (iliac crest). Once you know your torso length, you'll know what frame size of backpack is suitable for you.
Step 2: Then determine the right sized belts to ensure a comfortable carry. To determine the right size, you must measure your hip circumference. A tailor's tape works best. Remember that the hipbelt is wrapping around and cupping over your hip bones, so be sure to measure the circumference of your hip crests (see diagram), not your stomach. Once you've determined your hip circumference, you'll know which size belt is right for you.
NOTE: The layer we call clothing , between you and your pack, can make or break the whole comfort equation. Look for clothes that place seams out the way of the harnessing, don't restrict your movements, and wick or dry quickly. Studying your clothing system for these details can make a good trip turn into a great trip. Since the obvious isn't always so obvious, here are some examples: belts and crumping pants wrinkles and creates pressure around your tender under- belly -> not so great. Girls with frilly undies: frequently you have hardware where your packs shoulder pads come over your collarbones as well as where the pack rests on your back. Options are plain -> put on a sports bra, or in the tradition of the 60s don't wear one at all.
Putting On Your Pack
Loosen both shoulder harness straps, the load lifter straps, and the hipbet. The load lifter straps are the ones on top of the harness, and extends upwards at an angle, connecting into the top of the back panel.
Put 10-15 kg into the pack. Ideally put a sleeping bag in the bottom and some additional weight on top of this.
Put the pack on and attach and postion the hipbelt so it basically straddles your hipbones (iliac crest); close the buckle and make the hipbelt straps snug.
The bony structure on the side of your hips should be 1" below the top edge of the waist belt. An easy way to determine this is to lift your leg so your thigh is horizontal to the ground. The break in your leg should be level with the bottom edge of the waist belt. This is important! Many people have the tendency to wear the waist belt too low. This tendency means the iliac crest is not supporting the weight, and therefore will creep down, onto the top of your bottom, as you hike.
With the waist belt in the correct position, tighten the straps on the bottom of the shoulder harness. No gaps should appear between top of your shoulders and bottom of the shoulder harness. The lower end of the adjusting shoulder harness straps should terminate approximately two inches below your armpits.
Lightly tension the shoulder-pad lift straps at the top of each shoulder harness.
Place the sternum strap in a comfortable position on your upper chest and snug it lightly. It should be abbout 2" below your collarbone. You should be able to breathe comfortably when the strap is fastened. It is not essential that you keep your sternum strap fastened at all times. It is most helpful when you are negotiating uneven terrain.
Correct loading of a Pack
Care should be taken to load the pack correctly.
Heavy items such as food and stove should be placed as close to the frame of the pack as possible and above the lower compartment.
Lighter, bulkier items such as spare clothing should be used to pad around the load to prevent shifting.
Pack small items that you may need quickly in the pack's top pocket or side pockets.
If you are hiking on moderate or level trails, pack the heavier items higher in your pack so your bones support the load instead of your muscles.
If you are hiking in the backcountry or in uneven terrain, pack heavier items lower in the pack giving yourself a lower center of gravity to reduce top-heavy pack sway.
How To Hoist A Loaded Backpack
Once you stuff your backpack, how do you get that big honker on your back? Try these steps:
- With the pack sitting upright on the ground, move one of your legs close to it and, with one hand, grab the pack's haul loop. (That's the half-circle of webbing stitched into the pack just above the shoulder harness.)
- Using a wide stance with knees bent, slide the pack up the side of your calf. Bring it up to your thigh and let it rest. Your thigh should be roughly parallel with the ground.
- Steady the pack with one hand. Slip the other arm and shoulder through one of the shoulder straps, pushing your shoulder in as far as you can.
- Without any abrupt or jerking motion, swing the pack onto your back and slip your arm through the other shoulder strap.
- Buckle the hipbelt first, then cinch down the shoulder straps. You're set to go! When you're ready to remove the pack, be sure to first loosen the shoulder straps.
Tip: As you walk throughout the day, tinker slightly with the tightness of your hipbelt and shoulder straps. A brief amount of relief might help your hips or shoulders feel less fatigued.
|
THIS SECTION
|
