Five Tips to Improve Your Backpack Game

When you’re miles away from the trailhead with a heavy load on your back, the last thing you want is a pack that feels like it’s working against you. A properly fitted pack can make the difference between a tiring hike and a smooth, enjoyable journey.

Here are our top five tips for adjusting your backpack fit, ensuring you stay comfortable, balanced, and ready for the miles ahead.

1. Know Your Pack

Before you hit the trails, take some time to familiarize yourself with your gear. If your pack has a load shelf, meat hauler, or removable components, learn how to use them and put everything together at home. Practicing in your garage or living room is much more beneficial than fumbling in the dark miles away from camp.

2. Position the Hip Belt Correctly

Your hip belt should rest directly on top of your iliac crest—the top of your hip bones. This is where the bulk of the load should sit, rather than on your shoulders. Ensure you’re using the right size belt so it can be cinched down snugly without running out of adjustment.

3. Adjust the Shoulder Straps and Load Lifters

Shoulder straps should wrap comfortably around your shoulders without pulling the pack downward or leaving a significant gap behind your shoulders. Once you’ve achieved that, fine-tune your load lifters. Keep them snug but don’t over-tighten them—cranking too hard will pull the pack away from your shoulders and create discomfort.

4. Load Smart

The placement of your gear is just as important as how you wear your pack. Keep heavier items close to your back and centered between your shoulders and hips. This positioning maintains your balance and makes the pack feel lighter while you’re moving.

5. Start Loose with Heavy Loads

When shouldering a heavy pack, begin with all your straps loose. This makes it easier to hoist and settle the load correctly. If you start with everything cinched down, adjusting will be nearly impossible, and you won’t achieve the proper fit.

The Payoff

Following these five steps will transform how your pack carries—making it feel lighter, more stable, and much more comfortable. Take the time to practice before your next hike or adventure, and you’ll be grateful to yourself miles down the trail.