Triad Hiking

Backpacking can be fun for those who have trepidation or are new to the sport –Yes, even with a fully loaded 30-40 lbs pack on your back. Though weightlifting your belongings for eight sweaty hours on end doesn’t sound that appealing at first, it can be quite enjoyable as long as the backpack you’re using fits like the proverbial glove—the two most important backpack tips are hoisting (how to properly get in and out of your backpack) and hanging (how the backpack hangs or fits you). We’ll start with the former and assume that you’ve gotten a backpack that has both the proper torso length and the proper hip belt for your frame.

A properly fitted backpack will put most of the weight on your hips (by most we mean around 75% to 85% of the loaded weight). Some backpackers believe that holding the bulk of the weight between the shoulder blades works just as well; however, we’ll assume that your hips are carrying the majority of the weight. Ergo, in order to get a proper fitted backpack, start with these simple adjusting rules of thumb before heading out on that big backcountry bramble.

First you’ve got to get that pack hoisted onto your back. Hoisting a backpack that weights roughly a half or a third or more of your body weight can be daunting over time. There are developed methods for properly hoisting a pack to your back however. The easiest way assumes that you have no picnic table or tree branch to help you out, as that method may even be better. In any event, rest the pack upright on the ground. Use the lifting loop found on the top of every pack to raise the pack onto your thigh, close to your knee. You’ll want to have your knees bent and your legs parallel to the ground before the hoist. Pull your left arm through to the shoulder strap and then simply sway the pack to your back, simultaneously putting the right arm through the corresponding shoulder strap. The trick is to be fluid and conquer this move in one motion. After a few times, you’re destined to get it right. Adjust the pack using the next technique.

The first thing you’ll want to adjust is the waist (aka hip) belt. To do this properly, you’ll want all straps and cinches loosened on the backpack. While the pack is at least loaded with ten or more pounds, tighten the hip belt securely around the hips. Generally, these belts are thick and padded. Be sure that the belt is resting on your hips and not your waist. Be sure to cinch the belt into a comfortable position. You should notice that your hips are now carrying the pack.

After adjusting the hip belt to a comfortable fit, it’s time to position the shoulder straps. The trick to shoulder straps is simple: The straps are there to hold the pack closer to your back, not to carry the weight. If it feels that you are carrying the volume of weight on your shoulders, you do not have the hip belt adjusted correctly. You can now pull the straps on top of the shoulder straps just above the collar bone. This is there to bring the pack to the correct 40-45 degree angle. Don’t adjust these too tightly.

Additionally, be sure to position the small sternum strap across your chest. Again, this strap is not for holding weight but used to pull your two shoulder straps inward away from your shoulders to allow for more range of motion. There are two pull straps on the hip belt. Adjust those tighter a bit and loosen up your shoulder straps just a smidgen. Your pack should be comfortable and feel lighter than it actually is. After some practice, hiking 15 or 25 miles feels about the same.

September 8th, 2009 | Tags: backpack fit, backpack hoist, fitting a backpack | Category: gear, skills | Subscribe to comments | Leave a comment | Trackback URL