Correct Fit and Adjustments of a Backpack

[Deleted member 67185]

After watching a gazillion videos and photos of various Caminos and pilgrims, I have become increasingly aware (and bothered) by the large number of ill-fitting backpacks being worn. There is a big difference to the comfort and feel of a backpack that is sized correctly and adjusted properly. To this end, I have included two YouTube videos for those who might be interested because they are beginners searching for a new backpack, or for those who are curious if their backpacks can be better adjusted.

Even though the video demonstrations are using specific brands of packs, the sizing and adjustment procedures are nearly universal to all packs.

In the next video, the fit and adjustment description starts at the 2:10 mark, although the information to that point is good.

It also helps, when choosing a backpack, that you load it with around 20 pounds (9 kg) and spend 20 minutes or so walking around the store, including up and down stairs, to get a good impression of how that pack really feels to you. And be sure to ask about the vendor's policy of returning or exchanging the pack if, while using it during your pre-trip conditioning walks, the pack just doesn't seem to fit correctly.

 

[ScooterB]

Wow -- so helpful! Thank you. I watched them both.

 

[Kieran Kenneally]

After watching a gazillion videos and photos of various Caminos and pilgrims, I have become increasingly aware (and bothered) by the large number of ill-fitting backpacks being worn. There is a big difference to the comfort and feel of a backpack that is sized correctly and adjusted properly. To this end, I have included two YouTube videos for those who might be interested because they are beginners searching for a new backpack, or for those who are curious if their backpacks can be better adjusted.

Even though the video demonstrations are using specific brands of packs, the sizing and adjustment procedures are nearly universal to all packs.

In the next video, the fit and adjustment description starts at the 2:10 mark, although the information to that point is good.

It also helps, when choosing a backpack, that you load it with around 20 pounds (9 kg) and spend 20 minutes or so walking around the store, including up and down stairs, to get a good impression of how that pack really feels to you. And be sure to ask about the vendor's policy of returning or exchanging the pack if, while using it during your pre-trip conditioning walks, the pack just doesn't seem to fit correctly.

Very useful thank you. God we need all the help we can get sometimes if we got that much right it would be a load off my mind as well as my back. Thanks again genuinely.

 

[notion900]

I would like to put my two-penneth in - I think women-specific packs are worth it.

 

[Kieran Kenneally]

I would like to put my two-penneth in - I think women-specific packs are worth it.

Notion are you doing that L'Oreal ad thingy again?

 

[Deleted member 67185]

I would like to put my two-penneth in - I think women-specific packs are worth it.

Women specific packs solve a lot of sizing issues for women, and even some men. Seriously. It should be kept in mind to not be averse to choosing a well fitting pack because of gender labeling.

 

[Kieran Kenneally]

Women specific packs solve a lot of sizing issues for women, and even some men. Seriously. It should be kept in mind to not be averse to choosing a well fitting pack because of gender labeling.

We need to address both side of our personalities

 

[trecile]

I would like to put my two-penneth in - I think women-specific packs are worth it.

I agree. I tried on the unisex/men's version of my backpack (which is a women's fit), and despite them being pretty much the same length, the shoulder straps didn't feel comfortable. I was a little disappointed, because I did like the color scheme of the men's pack better.

 

[Deleted member 67185]

I agree. I tried on the unisex/men's version of my backpack (which is a women's fit), and despite them being pretty much the same length, the shoulder straps didn't feel comfortable. I was a little disappointed, because I did like the color scheme of the men's pack better.

There are two basic styles of straps: the "S" strap, and the "J" strap. Various manufacturers may call them by different names, or offer them as the standard shape for male or female specific packs. It is one of the reasons that packs designed for women can feel better for an individual woman. There are also manufacturers, like ULA, which forgo women or men specific packs, but can switch out both shoulder straps and hip belts to suit individual body types and sizes.

The J straps are the traditional shaped straps, and work best on most men with average builds.

The S straps work best on almost all women and men with larger upper body builds, square shoulders and good posture. If you are a short torso, but with a larger upper body, a slightly longer strap might help.

I've listed some sites that demonstrate these shape differences. Ignore the specific brands.

https://massdrop-s3.imgix.net/produ...c.jpg?auto=format&fm=jpg&fit=crop&w=955&dpr=1

https://www.goruck.com/gr1-curved-straps/

https://www.rei.com/c/backpack-shou...b&ir=category:backpack-shoulder-straps&page=1


I might note that the design of the hipbelt plays a role in a comfortably fitting backpack. Instead of having 2 straps to adjust and tighten the hipbelt, a belt with 4 straps --- 2 straps on each side of the belt, one on the top part of the belt and one on the bottom part of the belt.

By having 4 straps, you can get the belt to better snug to the curve of the hips. You can better dial-in the adjustment and feel of the belt.

 

[Pabloke]

I agree. I tried on the unisex/men's version of my backpack (which is a women's fit), and despite them being pretty much the same length, the shoulder straps didn't feel comfortable. I was a little disappointed, because I did like the color scheme of the men's pack better.

Same here. I liked it In red but it was just for women.

 

[OTH86]

@davebugg, you are, at this moment - 4 months late - a Camino Angel. Thank you! Since starting the Camino Inglés a few days ago, I have not felt comfortable with my pack - which I have used on my past 4 Camino's comfortably! Today while walking I was, in a sense, asking for help in finding the right one for my elderly, changing body. And here's the starting point for my search! Amazing! Thanks so much!

 

[Deleted member 67185]

@davebugg, you are, at this moment - 4 months late - a Camino Angel. Thank you! Since starting the Camino Inglés a few days ago, I have not felt comfortable with my pack - which I have used on my past 4 Camino's comfortably! Today while walking I was, in a sense, asking for help in finding the right one for my elderly, changing body. And here's the starting point for my search! Amazing! Thanks so much!

I am happy that the information is of help to you.