How to Fit an Internal Frame Backpack

1. Find your torso size: You will need a friend to help you. Have your friend find the knob at the base of your neck (fifth vertebrae). Next, draw an imaginary line between the top of your hips. Measure the length between your fifth vertebrae and the imaginary line. It is best to use a soft tape-measure and follow the contour of your spine.
2. Adjust the backpack to your torso size: see specific pack instructions.
3. Loosen all straps: The straps must be tightened in a specific order for best fit.
4. Fill pack with a reasonable amount of weight (10-30 pounds): Packs feel different when filled wi th weight, make sure not to overload it.
5. Put the pack on your back: The pack should be easily lifted by yourself on to your back. If you need a friend to help you place the bag on your back, reduce the weight.

6. Position the belt centered and resting on your hipbone: Do not rest the belt on your waist.

7. Tighten belt as much as possible: This holds the bag in position while you adjust the straps.
8. Tighten the shoulder straps until comfortable: Shoulder straps should fit snuggly over your shoulder and down your back with no gaps.

9. Tighten load lifters until comfortable: Ideally, the load lifting straps will form a 45 degree angle with the shoulders and the top of the stays. While wearing your bag for extended period you should adjust these straps ever so often to adjust the weight of the back between your waist and your shoulders.

10. Clip the sternum strap on chest: This should be on the center of your chest a few inches below your collarbone.

11. Tighten the compression straps on the belt.
12. Walking around for an hour with the backpack on your back (around your house is fine): This will let the bag settle on your back.
13. Readjust shoulder straps and fit loaders for comfort.
14. Mark the positioning of the straps with tape or permanent marker for future reference.