by Hal Lillywhite

Created on: March 10, 2009

Modern backpacks are a far cry from what I remember as a youth. They will carry the load on your hips, not your shoulders and will hold that load close to your back so it doesn't pull you over backwards. About the only thing they won't do is make a heavy load light, your legs still have to carry everything you put in your pack. However they can do those nice things only if properly fitted. An ill-fitting pack is a ticket to misery.

First, be aware that modern packs are made in men's and women's versions. This is not an absolute, some women get a better fit with a men's pack (and a few men get a good fit with a women's pack though that is rarer.) Get the pack that fits your body.

The difference between men's and women's packs is in the shape of the shoulder straps and the hip belt. Women's hip belts are contoured to fit the curvature of a typical female figure. (In fact women have an advantage here because their hips make it easier to put the load there.) On a women's pack the shoulder straps will turn away from the body higher up as well, so they clear the bust. For most women, especially the curvaceous ones, those features make a big difference in comfort.

Next, get the right capacity pack. It needs to be big enough for what you will carry but if it is too big you will be tempted to fill it up. The capacity depends on how long you plan to be out and what you will need for the conditions and what you plan to do. Climbing a mountain in winter requires a lot more stuff than an overnight hike in mild weather. Plan for food, clothing, tent, stove, water etc.

Now find a pack to fit your body size. Good retailers can help with this and even have devices to measure your body. Adult packs typically come in small, medium, and large the difference being torso length. Someone from the story may measure from your iliac crest (top of the hip bone) to the C7 vertebrae (the big one at the bottom of your neck). With the pack for your torso length you will be much more comfortable while hiking.

Also, be certain the hip belt is the right size for you. Obviously it must reach around you to hold the weight, but it should not be too long. The padded part should come to the front of your hip bones but should not reach so far that you can't tighten the belt. If the padded part doesn't reach at least to the front of the hips the pack will not put the weight properly on those hips. In many pack models this hip belt can be changed to a smaller or larger one for the same pack.

Many stores

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