How to Size Backpacks for Torsos

Your backpack must be adjusted to the size of your torso to hike efficiently. If the backpack is too high or low, it will not fit snugly and you will expend extra energy while hiking due to the movement. Each brand and style of backpack adjusts differently -- check with an outdoor retailer for the proper way to modify your specific backpack. Many backpacks do not have adjustable torso pieces. Instead, buy a small, medium or large backpack and use the other movable parts and straps to fit the pack properly. This method is modeled after the Lowe Alpine series of backpacks.

Things You'll Need

  • Backpack
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the padding on the inside of the backpack, the part that rests next to your back, to expose the adjustable strap. Use a piece of plastic that often comes with the backpack to peel the Velcro apart. If you use your fingers, the Velcro can cause your fingertips to become tender.

    • 2

      Pull the strap completely out of the sleeves that are holding it in place. The strap should be long and double backed through a plastic holding device. The plastic piece will be at the base of the backpack.

    • 3

      Remove the second piece of padding that has the long strap attached to it. This is the movable piece that makes the torso section longer or shorter. The shoulder straps should be attached to this second piece of Velcro padding.

    • 4

      Insert the long strap into the sleeve that is going to be the appropriate length for your torso. Many backpacks list which sleeve coordinates to which size torso. The Lowe Alpine brand uses a color-coded system.

    • 5

      Tighten and secure the long strap back into the plastic piece. Before you put the last piece of Velcro back onto the pack, put it on and test the adjustment. When you put the hip belt snugly on your waist and buckle it, there should be no more than 2 inches of excess above the shoulder straps. The shoulder straps should not be snug to the tops of your shoulders.

    • 6

      Replace the last piece of Velcro.