Some of these steps may not apply to you, depending on your backpack's features. For example, your backpack may not have an adjustable back panel, or it might not include a hip belt. You can skip the steps that are not relevant to your backpack.

Adjusting your backpack

When you travel with a backpack, it's essential to know how to adjust it properly. Adjusting your backpack is not a one-time task. Before you take off your backpack, always loosen a few straps. If you don't, putting your backpack back on later can be challenging. For instance, your arm might not easily pass through the shoulder strap. So, every time you put your backpack on, you'll need to readjust some of the straps.

Step 1: Adjust the torso length (if applicable)

Many backpacks have an adjustable back panel. Start by adjusting the torso length to ensure it fits your back properly. The bottom of the backpack should rest on your hips when you're carrying it.

Step 2: Loosen all straps and buckles as much as possible

Once your backpack is on your back, tightening the straps and buckles is usually easier than loosening them. Make the straps and buckles as loose as possible to make things easier for yourself.

Step 3: Adjust the hip belt

Always lift your backpack by the loop between the shoulder straps, at the height of the buckle, to prevent damage to the carrying system. This loop is strong enough to support the weight of the backpack and its contents, while a single shoulder strap is not. If you are right-handed, use your left hand for this purpose, and vice versa.

Put the backpack on your back and position the hip belt on your hips. To get your backpack to the right height, it's useful to sit down or slightly bend forward during this step. Place the hip belt on your hips, fasten the buckle, and tighten it.

The optimal position of the hip belt differs for men and women. Women should place the top of the hip belt at the same level as the top of their pelvis. For men, this is too low because the hip belt won't have proper support and may slip down. Therefore, men should position the top of the hip belt about three centimeters above the top of their hip bones.

Step 4: Adjust the shoulder straps

Stand upright and simultaneously tighten the shoulder straps until the backpack fits your shoulders comfortably. The weight on the shoulder straps should be evenly distributed and feel comfortable. If your backpack has a hip belt, ensure that most of the weight rests on your hips.

Step 5: Adjust the chest strap

Fasten the chest strap, also known as the sternum strap. Tighten it so that the strap is under tention. Avoid overtightening the chest strap, as it can deform the padding in the shoulder straps. The padding is the cushioned material in the straps. When the padding deforms, the strap no longer fits the chest properly, making the backpack less comfortable to wear. The chest strap ensures that the shoulder straps remain in place and don't slip off your shoulders. Additionally, it connects the shoulder straps to relieve the strain on your shoulders.

Step 6: Adjust the stabilization straps

Most backpacks come with stabilization straps, also known as load lifters, on the sides of the hip belt and at the top of the backpack. At the top, these straps extend to your shoulder straps. Tighten the stabilization straps just enough to keep them under tension. Doing so brings the load closer to your body, providing greater stability for the backpack while walking.

If you're hiking in hilly or mountainous terrain, tighten the stabilization straps even further to bring the weight closer to your body. This makes ascending less strenuous. Stabilization straps also affect the weight distribution between your hips and shoulders. During longer trips, it can be helpful to adjust these straps from time to time for optimal comfort.

Step 7: Adjust other straps

In addition to the previously mentioned straps, many backpacks have extra straps to further enhance carrying comfort. Make sure that all the straps on your backpack are slightly under tension and not hanging loose. This includes compression straps, which are typically found on the sides of your backpack. These straps can reduce the volume of your backpack and bring the weight closer to your body, improving comfort.

Step 8: Verify the proper adjustment of your backpack

Check if the adjustment is correct by walking a short distance. Ensure that the weight distribution between your hips and shoulders is even, with most of the weight resting on your hips. Move around to verify that the backpack remains stable and doesn't slide. Adjust the buckles as needed to optimize comfort.

Step 9: Taking off your backpack

When removing your backpack, first loosen the straps of the carrying system slightly. These include the hip belt, shoulder straps, and chest strap. Do this in reverse order. In other words, start by loosening the chest strap and unbuckling it, followed by the shoulder straps and the hip belt. You'll essentially repeat steps 3 to 5 in reverse order.

If you don't loosen the straps of a properly adjusted backpack, it can be challenging to put the backpack back on your back later.

You've successfully adjusted your backpack, and now you know how to do it again while on your journey. Enjoy your adventure!