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Backpacks

Getting the right fit.

Step 1: Know your numbers.

Almost all pack makers offer a variety of sizing options. The most important measurement in pack fitting is torso length. Standing erect, with chin at your chest, have a friend, partner, spouse, co-worker, child, or pet, measure (with a fabric tape measure) from the seventh vertebra (largest bump at the base of the neck), straight down the spine (it's that bony thing in the middle of your back) to the top of the hips (approximately where you place both hands in disapproval while tapping your foot at a misbehaving loved one). This number, give or take, gives you the size of the pack body or frame sheet you'll need. As a point of reference 80% of men are mediums (and a majority of women too). It's important to remember that torso length has very little to do with height. If you're tall don't assume you're a large and vice versa.

Step 2: Harnessing

In the cases of Madden, and Gregory, the shoulder and hip belt harnessing is also sizeable (great news to those of us with medium bodies but out of the ordinary shoulders, chests, and hips). In determining what sizes to mix and match for harnessing, you'll need two measurements: 1) hips (at the widest part) and 2) chest (expanded). Take these measurements and reference them with our Gear Techs when placing your order. Women may also wish to review our Gear for Women section, which highlights products in our shop designed or fitted for women specifically.

Pack fit is also a function of usage. If you buy a larger capacity pack for long trips, but stretch it's usage to a day pack or for single overnights, you probably won't be happy with the performance.

Email comments to Gear Tech at geartech@backcountrygear.com or call us at Backcountry Gear Ltd: (800) 953-5499. All rights reserved. © 1997, Backcountry Gear, Ltd LLC