How To Choose A Backpack That Fits Well and Feels Great

The GMC Wilderness Challenge has compiled the following information so that you can educate yourself on what to look for when buying, or renting, a backpack for an extended trip. It is useful to know this information so that you can customize the pack to fit your body. A poorly fitting pack can be very uncomfortable – and uncomfortable a properly fitting backpack is not! In addition, a properly fitting backpack is safer because it will allow you to be more balanced and therefore more agile. So take the time to read this – it is PACKED with useful information. Enjoy

The following sections will help you decide whether you need an internal or an external frame pack, and will describe the basics of how to fit a backpack and what features to look for on your pack.

DO I NEED AN INTERNAL OR AN EXTERNAL FRAME BACK PACK??

Either an internal frame pack or an external frame pack will get you to your destination. Lets weigh out the good side and the down side of each and then you can make a decision!

Internal Frame Pack  

An internal pack has a rigid support frame sheet with "stays" (2 rigid rods sometimes made of aluminum) that lines the inside of the pack. You can not see the frame from the outside.

PLUS:

+ They are light in weight

+ Conform to the shape of the wearers back which allows for excellent stability

+ The pack "moves with you" as you move over rough terrain

+ Allows for the load weight to be packed closer to your back as well as lower in the pack

+ More versatile (can be used hiking, skiing, scrambling, running, etc. Due to better stability.)

+ More streamline (travel on cars, planes, buses, etc. better)

MINUS:

- You can pack the load to heavy in the lower section of the pack which can cause improper posture

- More expensive

External Frame Pack 

An external frame pack has a frame attached directly to the outside of the pack.

PLUS:

+ Easy to fit; the weight transfers directly through the rigid frame to your hips.

+ Due to the very rigid frame the load is kept close to the center of gravity, allowing you to walk upright

+ Externals are held away from your back, which in very hot weather (south western states), is preferred by some people. The gap allows for slightly more air circulation than an internal pack. Either pack you choose, your pack is going to sweat and get wet though.

+Less expensive

MINUS:

- Balance and stability disadvantages. Due to their ridged properties external packs do not move with the body very well. On steep down hills or on rough ground they can be unstable and make walking difficult.

- Bulkier than internal frame packs

- Frame is more susceptible to damage

- Frame can limit head movement

FINDING A SIZE THAT FITS YOU

One can not simply walk into a store and buy a pack, or borrow a pack from a friend, and expect it to fit properly. Packs today are complex and designed to fit a body in very specific ways.

·         Frame size: Pick a frame size relative to how long your torso is. Properly fitted internal frame packs should extend 1 1/2"-2" above the top of the shoulders. An internal pack should extend 2"-4" above the top of your shoulders.

• Key measurement: It is important that the pack you choose can accommodate the measurement between your hip bone and the top of your shoulder. Some packs have adjustable torso lengths.
• When seated correctly on your hips the hip belt should be 3/4"-1" above your hip bone. Tighten the side tension straps to pull the load around the hips for maximum stability. Do this step every time you put your pack on – size may vary depending on weight loss and/or what clothes you are wearing.
• Shoulder straps: Shoulder straps should wrap around your shoulder completely in the back, staying flush with your back until the point where they attach to the pack. The tension straps that are above the shoulder straps should be at a 25-40 degree angle and should always be snug
• Size: For the purposes of the Wilderness Challenge, most of you will need a pack that is in the 5500 cubic inches (ci) range. The smallest pack that might work for a Wilderness Challenge trip would be a 4500 ci pack. It is always better to get a bigger pack and not fill it than it is to stuff a small pack full of gear.

PACKS DESIGNED FOR WOMEN

For many years packs were made without much thought to gender. Today, companies such as Gregory, The North Face, Osprey, Lowe Alpine, and Kelty all have packs that are specifically designed for women. WHY? Women have narrower shoulders, shorter torsos, and wider hips, and a pack that has been designed for someone with broad shoulders, narrow hips, and a long torso is simply not compatible with their "frame". It is worth trying a specialty bag on for size!

IMPORTANT FEATURES ON ALL PACKS

The Hip Belt:

The hip belt is the most important part of any pack that is designed to carry heavy loads. A well fitting hip belt should transfer at least 75% (preferably 95%) of the loads weight from your shoulders and back to your hips.

Your back and shoulders are not designed for bearing heavy loads. Backpackers that are leaning forward do so because the majority of the packs weight is on their shoulders and they must lean forward to counteract the backward pull on their shoulders. Leaning forward will strain your shoulders, neck, and back. A properly fitting hip belt will allow you to carry a properly balanced load comfortably for hours.

What to look for and consider in a hip belt:

·         Good padding and shape: Some hip belts are conical or tapered opposed to just straight. The shaped feature prevents them from sliding down your hips.

• Proper fit: The padded part of the hip belt should wrap around the approximately 2 1/2" past your hip bone. There should be enough adjustment in the straps to accommodate weight loss and/or added clothing.
• Be cognizant of what you wear underneath a hip belt: A belt or a bulky and "ruffley" elastic band waist can cause chafing and discomfort.
• The Lumbar Pad: Located in the back of the hip belt, this feature provides support for your lumbar (lower back). Make sure it fits your lower back really well...and make friends with it early on.

SHOULDER STRAPS

Most of the time shoulder straps just help keep the pack from falling off your back. Sometimes, for balance reasons, it is appropriate to split the load weight between your shoulders and hips. Shoulder straps should be ergonomically contoured (tapered and curved) to fit nicely over the top of your shoulder in front, and then under your arm. The most important part of the fit for shoulder straps is the distance between the two straps at the top.

What to look for and consider in regards to shoulder straps:

·         Shoulder stabilizer straps ( AKA: load lifters, top tension straps, or load balancers): These straps pull the load in over your shoulders to increase stability and lift the shoulder straps off of nerves around the collar bone. They help vary pressure points and improve the comfort and fit of your pack.

• Sternum straps: These straps pull the shoulder straps in toward the center of your chest directly over your sternum. They help vary pressure points and also increase comfort.
• Pads and Padding: Your hip belt and lumbar pads are both padded. Your shoulder straps, or the padding on the back of your pack should protect your back / shoulder blades. Over padding is not necessary even though it looks more comfortable – it can get in the way. Too much padding can cut down on air flow too.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES TO LOOK FOR

·         Material: is the material light or heavy and will it stand up to abrasion/abuse?

• Compartments: Some packs have lots of compartments – others do not. Look for external compartments (removable or non removable). These are useful for storing items that you might need access to at some point during the day. Some packs have a single divider on the inside of the pack that divides the pack in two. This can help organize your gear on the inside (ie: keep food items away from non-food, etc) Some bags even have an internal pouch for a water bladder and a hole for a hose (like a CamelBak) so that you can drink while you hike.
• Lids and buckles: Some lids are multi functional and turn into a lumbar (fanny) pack for small hikes. Others really fit to the bag snuggly while some "float" on top. Look for buckles that are fast and easy to clip and unclip. The fewer there are on the bag, the simpler a time you will have!
• Compression straps: These straps help consolidate the load and bring it closer to your back which helps improve balance.
• Rain cover: If all your gear is packed in Ziploc Bags or trash bags then you might not need one. They are an added feature that is not necessary.

Well – that is all the information we have for you here. If you are looking to buy a backpack, your best bet is to go to a retailer and have them take the time to help you find a pack that fits. They should load the pack up, to simulate what it feels like to be worn when it is loaded, and encourage you to wear it for 15 minutes in the store. Take your time, it will be well worth it. Oh, and one more thing – function over fashion! Good luck.