Backpacks can become very uncomfortable very quickly if not packed and fitted correctly; this article explains the basics of how to pack your backpack to get the best comfort levels whilst carrying it.

The key is weight distribution no matter what type of pack you have. You want to keep the weight as close to your body as possible and in an area that doesn't cause excess strain on your back and shoulders. This centers the weight with your natural center of gravity and transfers the weight down your spine to your hips allowing your hip / waist belt to transfer the weight to your strongest muscles, your butt and upper legs!

So...   Place your heaviest items as close to your back as possible and ideally get as much of it in between your shoulder blades and above. If you're trekking rocky or more difficult terrain, try not to place heavy items above your shoulders as this could throw you off balance.

I usually start by placing my lightest items at the bottom. Things like sleeping bag and light clothing etc. Also things you may need during the day and when you reach camp. If they're close to the bottom entry (if you have one) or the top opening, you don't have to disturb all your other well packed items to get to them.How to fit your Backpack for comfort

Next, put some of your medium weight items that you won't require right away and build up to where your heaviest items will go.

Then place the heavy items in and pack light and medium weight items around them to the extremities of the pack. When everything is in, make sure you tighten all of the compression straps to secure the load. Again this helps keep the weight close to your body. Now you are ready to do a final fitting of your backpack to make sure it is sitting comfortably

Carrying a backpack can get very uncomfortable; especially if it’s not fitted correctly. There is a common misconception that you should carry a backpack with your shoulder straps tight to your body in order to take all the weight. Not so! This is where you will find the best way to fit your backpack for comfort.

This is actually easier than you may think!  I find it best done in 2 steps.

Step 1; fitting whilst your backpack is still empty…

• Measure you back length from the top of your hip bone to the top of your shoulder. Make sure you measure to the middle of the shoulder, not the edges.
• Use this measurement to adjust the height of the back harness system. Measure from the middle of the waist strap to the ‘roll’ of the shoulder strap and adjust the height until you reach the desired measurement.
• Loosen all of the straps and fittings right off (except the ones just adjusted for the back harness system) so that when you put the pack on, it is very loose fitting
• Put your backpack on your back and tighten the waist belt snug around your waist, making sure the middle of the waist belt is sitting over your hip bones.
• Pull the shoulder pad straps down toward your waist until the shoulder straps sit comfortably around your shoulders. If there are any gaps around your shoulders, then you will likely need to adjust the back harness system lower to adjust for the gaps.
• When fitting snug around your waist and shoulders, then clip your sternum strap into place and adjust it so that the shoulder pads are sitting off the ends of your shoulders and feeling comfortable.
• You are now ready to move on to step 2

Step 2; Pack your backpack and refit when full…

• Firstly put your backpack on; I usually try and do this whilst sitting on a bed or edge of a chair
• Your waist belt should now clip together in the correct position as earlier fitted, snuggly centered over your hips
• Adjust the ‘Lower Load Stabilizer’ straps on the waist belt so that they bring the backpack into your body
• Now stand up and check that the backpack is still sitting comfortably on your hips (not sagging too low onto your butt!) with the back waist belt pad firmly into the small of your back. If this isn't the case take the pack off and make adjustments to suit until you get it correct.
• Whilst standing adjust the shoulder straps so that they are snug around your shoulders but not with much pressure on them. This will make sure that you don't cut off the circulation in your arms and keep you comfortable for longer periods
• It may pay to clip the Chest strap across at this point. This allows you to adjust the width of the shoulder pads so that they don't sit too far out onto the points of your shoulders. This again will make it more comfortable for longer periods
• Now adjust the ‘Upper Load Stabilizer’ straps. These pull the top of the pack in towards the body so that the weight isn’t sitting too far back throwing your balance out. Pull these in so that the pack is just sitting against your back. Don’t pull too tight as this will make the pack spring away from your body putting undue pressure on your shoulders!

You should now have a very comfortably fitted backpack! Even so, we all get fatigued when carrying loads over distance, some small adjustments of the shoulder and chest straps can make quite a difference when this happens. Failing that, you need a rest stop to take the pack off!

Also be aware of your things moving around in your pack. This can contribute to weight shifting and making your pack uncomfortable, so make sure you pull all of the compression straps nice and tight.