How to Attach a Lumbar Backpack

Lumbar packs are made so the weight in the pack is supported by and rests over the small of the back (lumbar region). These packs use waist straps that are snug around the waist and hip bones. Some lumbar packs also have a criss-crossing set of back straps to help evenly distribute heavier loads. When using lumbar packs it is important to get the straps centered over the hip bones and not over the diaphragm, which may disrupt breathing.

Instructions

    • 1

      Pick up the lumbar pack by the waist strap and bring it around the body so the main backpack part of the setup is behind you and over your hips.

    • 2

      Bring the waist strap together in front of you and connect the male to female end of the quick-clips. Most lumbar packs use a 2-inch plastic quick-clip buckle.

    • 3

      Pull the lumbar pack and center the weight from the actually pack portion in the center of the small of you back. Reach to the side straps and pull them out and up from your body. These are the smaller straps that are attached over the larger waist strap.

    • 4

      Pull the main waist strap tight making sure the pack is centered over the small of the back and the waist strap is over the waist and hip bones and not over the tummy.

    • 5

      Pull the side straps once more to center the weight closer into the back. Go hike.