Sizing Guide: Backpacks

Having a comfortable pack can be a make or break for your trip. No matter if you're carrying 18kg on a multi-day expedition, or just an extra layer and lunch on a short hill day. Fitting your pack properly takes a little time. But we promise it'll be time well spent.

All our packs have their sizes detailed on the product pages. In this guide, we'll look at how to measure your back length and how to fit your pack.

How to measure your back length

You'll need a tape measure and a friend to help you out with this.

1. Place your hands on your hips and tilt your head forwards.
2. Ask your friend to measure from the bony bit at the back of your neck (the C7 vertebrae) to where your hands sit on your hips.
3. This measurement will give you an idea of which back length to choose.

All our packs have their sizes detailed on the product pages.

Fitting your pack in 6 steps

1. Loosen all the straps.
2. Add a little weight into the pack. 3-4 kilos will do it.
3. Put the backpack on your shoulders and do up the hip belt. This should sit over your hip bone.
4. Check that the pack is sitting well over your shoulders. It should follow the contour of your upper back. If the hip belt is sitting above your hip or pulling down your shoulders, you'll need to lengthen the back. If it is below your hips or really loose over your shoulders, then shorten the back length.
5. Once you're happy with the back length, whilst wearing the pack, tighten the shoulder harness so it is just tight enough. If you grab the straps and pull down and back, your hands should not usually pass your waist.
6. Make sure the sternum (chest) strap is in the right place for you and clip together. This should only be 'finger-tight'.

And you're good to go.

It's also a good idea to go through these steps every so often to make sure your pack still fits you well.