How to Fit a Backpack to Torso Length

A well-fitting backpack distributes the weight of the pack in the safest manner possible. Whether you are hiking or carrying books to school, distributing the weight of the backpack helps to prevent pain in your back and shoulders, and minimizes the risk of injury. A well-fitting backpack is especially important for children, whose bodies are generally less sturdy than adults', or anyone who may be carrying a heavy load in the pack. Most of the weight of the pack should rest at the hips, so the pack should fit the torso and not hang lower than the hips.

Things You'll Need

• Books or other items that will be carried in the pack

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Instructions

• 1

  Place 10 to 15 pounds of items, or the items you will typically carry, in the pack.

• 2

  Fully loosen all of the pack's straps.

• 3

  Put the pack on your back with one shoulder through each of the straps.

• 4

  Buckle the pack's belt, if it has one, around your waist, allowing it to rest at your hip bones. Tighten the hip belt until it is comfortably taut across your hips.

• 5

  Adjust the shoulder straps, tightening them both at even intervals until the bottom of the backpack rests against the top of your hips. The pack should rest closely against your back without the shoulder straps being uncomfortably tight.