Adjusting your backpack correctly is the basic requirement for a relaxed hike. Only then can you master every tour without complaints. How to best achieve this and how to recognize if your backpack is perfectly adapted to your body, you will learn in the following blog post.
We also help you avoid common mistakes when adjusting your backpack. This way, you will become a pro in just a few minutes. Ready?
Why is it so important to adjust a backpack correctly?
The correct adjustment of your backpack ensures that the weight is evenly distributed on your body. This relieves your
- back,
- shoulders
- and neck.
At the same time, you maximize your own safety and prevent your backpack from chafing.
Especially on longer tours, you will quickly feel the difference. If your hiking backpack is correctly adjusted, you will have no back pain and maintain your balance even in rough terrain.
Otherwise, the weight pulls you backward or downward. You have to exert additional effort to maintain your upright posture. This strains the entire musculature. Your back, in particular, suffers from this.
How does a backpack fit correctly?
Your backpack fits correctly when the weight is evenly distributed on your body. It should hug your hips and back as if it were a part of you. Ideally, as little weight as possible should rest on your shoulders.
The center of gravity must always be in the back and hip area so that the stronger muscle groups can take over the work.
How do I adjust my backpack?
To relieve your body as much as possible and optimize your carrying comfort, you should correctly adjust your hiking backpack before first use. With our step-by-step guide, this will be child's play for you.
Step 1: Pack outdoor utensils
First, pack some Hiking Accessories utensils. This way, you create realistic conditions. With luggage, you can adjust your backpack better. Make sure that the weight is evenly distributed and that the most important equipment is easily accessible. This prevents one-sided strain and ensures you don't spend your breaks searching.
Step 2: Loosen Straps
Then loosen all straps and adjustment buckles before shouldering your backpack. This creates a neutral starting position and allows you to optimally adjust your backpack afterward.
Step 3: Find Hip Belt Position
Now find the appropriate position for your hip belt. Place it centrally on your hip bones. Make sure it is neither on your stomach nor on your groin to avoid chafing and pinching.
Then tighten the belt so that it optimally carries the main load of your luggage.
Step 4: Adjust Shoulder Straps
Now it's the shoulder straps' turn. Adjust them to your size. They should rest comfortably on your shoulders. It's important that you can stretch your arms without any problems. If this is not the case, you should definitely readjust the straps.
Shoulder straps adjusted too loosely will slip while walking. If they are too tight, they will significantly restrict your freedom of movement.
Step 5: Adjust Chest Strap
The chest strap provides additional stabilization for the shoulder straps. It is height-adjustable on most backpacks and should ideally be positioned at upper chest height.
When adjusting your chest strap, make sure that your chest can rise and fall easily when breathing. If this is not possible, we recommend loosening the chest strap a bit.
Step 6: Align Backpack on Your Back
Once all straps are properly adjusted, you can adjust the position of your backpack. With the so-called load adjustment straps, you set the distance or proximity to the body. When adjusting the backpack, ensure it fits as closely to the body as possible.
Expert Tip: Even during your tour, you can adjust the load adjustment straps on the backpack. Here, you can vary the load distribution by tightening or loosening to relieve your shoulders or hips.
Common Mistakes When Adjusting a Backpack
When adjusting a backpack, mistakes sometimes creep in despite all caution. We show you common mistakes and how you can avoid them.
If the backpack sits too low, the back length is too short. As a result, your center of gravity shifts backward, and most of the weight rests on your shoulders. Back pain is the result.
If the backpack sits too high, your shoulder straps are too close to the neck. This will inevitably cause your backpack to chafe. Primarily your neck and arms are affected. Therefore, make sure to adjust the back length on the backpack correctly.
By the way: To avoid mistakes when adjusting a trekking backpack, you should also pay attention to the correct packing technique beforehand. A wrongly packed backpack is difficult to adjust. Below the hiking backpack products, we have compiled practical tips for you in a questionnaire.
Conclusion
Even if it may seem tedious and time-consuming at first glance, it is important to adjust your backpack correctly. This applies to every backpack, by the way. Only then can you enjoy your tour without pain.
Always remember to adjust all straps and belts individually to your body. If you pack your equipment before adjusting the backpack and also put on your jacket depending on the outside temperature, you will benefit from good preparation during your tour.
FAQ
How high should you wear a backpack?
When adjusting a backpack, sooner or later the question arises: How should it sit optimally? You can tell if you have set the backpack's back length correctly by its position. Your backpack should lie at least one centimeter above your hips, while the shoulder straps rest comfortably on your shoulders.
How do you carry a heavy backpack?
To comfortably carry a heavy backpack, the packing technique plays a crucial role. The rule is: The heaviest loads should be transported as close to the body as possible.
To do this, pack heavy luggage as high up as possible so that it is centered at the height of your shoulder blades. To relieve your hips and shoulders as best as possible during your tour, you can occasionally change the settings of the straps and belts.
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