How to Adjust the Torso Length on a Backpack

A well-fitting backpack is healthier for your back. Ill-fitting packs can cause back pain and strain on your entire body. Aside from fit, proper loading of backpack and backpack quality are other factors to consider when choosing a pack. A proper torso length fit is a must. After choosing the correct backpack size, adjust the torso length of your internal frame backpack for a more customized fit. The shoulder straps should go around the shoulders snugly without any space between the top of your shoulders and the shoulder strap.

Instructions

    • 1

      Determine if the backpack's torso length is too long or too short. It's too long if the harness sits above the base of your neck and if gaps are present under the shoulder straps. This gap makes the top part of your pack to be unstable when you walk because the shoulder straps lack proper contact with your shoulders.

      The torso of your backpack is too short if the harness hangs too low from the base of your neck and the shoulder straps end is closer to your armpits instead of being closer to the waist belt. This improper fit can make you tired especially when hiking. The load rests more on your shoulders and not enough on your hips.

    • 2

      Adjust the shoulder harness to fit your torso. The shoulder harness attaches by a buckle and piece of webbing under the pack's lumbar pad. Fold open the lumbar pad by unfastening the Velcro at its top. Set the lumbar pad aside.

    • 3

      Loosen the webbing strap and buckle of the shoulder harness. Adjust the harness by sliding it either upwards to lengthen or sliding it down to shorten to fit the pack's torso length to your body.

    • 4

      Tighten the webbing and buckle snugly once you adjust the torso length of the pack to your liking. Slide the lumbar pad back.