Travel backpack

Checking a backpack for fit and comfort

Choosing a suitable backpack can be compared to choosing a pair of walking shoes. If the shoes are too big or too small they will rub or restrict your feet and make your journey a painful and miserable experience. Similarly if your backpack is too big or too small, too loose or too tight, the weight will be distributed unevenly and your neck, back and legs will pay the price.

The most common mistake when buying a backpack is using height to determine the size of your pack. Manufacturers commonly fit their packs according to torso length so you’re going to need to rope in some help. Measure from the top of your hipbone to the first prominent bone in your neck, this is your torso length and can be used as a guide for buying a short, medium or tall backpack.

As a rough guide backpack sizes fit into the following categories but can varying slightly according to brand.

Torso length (inches) Backpack size
   
- 15 Extra Small
15 - 17 Small/Short
17 - 20 Medium/Regular
20 + Large/Tall

Another important aspect to consider is the fit around the hips. Check the backpack to be sure that it distributes 80% of its weight comfortably onto the hips and does not overly burden the back and neck.

When you ask to try on a potential backpack, request for the shopkeeper to put weights inside. Most professional stores will keep a supply of weights for this purpose.

Backpack volume

The volume of a backpack is measured in litres. When choosing a bag you should be aiming for the smallest possible volume just enough to carry your essential gear plus a few souvenirs. Typically for an extended jaunt around Asia a backpack in the region of 65 litres should be fine. Anything over 80 litres should be considered a bit excessive. Have you ever heard the saying ‘work expands to fill the available time’? Well the same is true of backpacks; if you buy an 80 litre pack you will find a way to fill it. The best advice we can offer is to buy a smaller, lighter backpack and only take clothing and equipment that is absolutely essential to the task at hand.

Backpack design

There are two main categories of backpack when considering access to your gear; these are top loading and front loading packs. Top loading packs are tall and thin distributing weight well across the hips however access to items at the bottom of your pack can involve emptying the entire contents onto the floor. A front loading backpack on the other hand allows easy access to the entire contents of your pack. Many people prefer this style of backpack for those times when rapid access to essential items, (such as toilet roll or passports), may be required.

Common backpack features

Rain cover

A rain cover is an essential feature of any backpack. If yours doesn’t come with an integrated one then it’s definitely worth the extra expense to go out and buy one separately. Tropical climates are renowned for the rapid onset of extremely heavy rain, even more so during the wet season and easy access to a rain cover can protect your clothes and documents from the wet.

Attachment loops

These are attachment points on a backpack from which you can hang your gear. The most common attachment point you will see on travel backpacks are to accommodate collapsed trekking poles.

Ventilated back

These days most internal frame backpacks allow free flow of air through channels in the back padding or by ergonomic shaping of the frame. Straps and padding in contact with the body should be made from material that is well ventilated such as mesh. This allows heat to dissipate from the body.

Detachable daypack

Many backpacks now feature a detachable daypack which usually holds about 15 litres of gear. This allows the intrepid backpacker to leave their main backpack in a locker back at the hostel, and carry only essential gear for the days trekking.

Reservoir pouch

A mesh reservoir pouch on the outside of the pack allows you to carry water without running the risk of drenching all your essential gear. Typically these accommodate water reservoirs of up to 3 litres and can be of great benefit on long journeys.

Adjusting a backpack to customise fit

Now you have the perfect and most comfortable backpack to take with you on your journey you will need to adjust the various fixtures and fittings to customise the fit for your own body shape. Whenever possible you should try to do this before you set off in the morning.

Ensure the backpack is loaded with weight, preferably the equipment you intend to take with you on the day.

  1. Loosen the shoulder straps, hip belt and various adjustment straps.
  2. Put the backpack on and fasten the hip belt securely around your waist.
  3. Tighten the shoulder straps for a comfortable fit.
  4. Tighten the load adjustment straps to balance the load.
  5. Shrug your shoulders as high as possible, keep shrugging whilst you tighten the hip belt further (it should be snug not too tight).
  6. Relax your shoulders and the weight should settle on your hips, readjust the shoulder straps.
  7. Fasten the sternum strap so that it holds the shoulder straps in position but does not bear any weight.