Adjusting your rucksack correctly is the basic requirement for a relaxed hike. This is the only way to master every tour without any discomfort. In the following blog post, you can find out the best way to do this and how you can tell whether your backpack is perfectly adapted to your body.
We will also help you to avoid common mistakes when adjusting your backpack. You'll 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 across your body. This relieves you
- Your back,
- Your shoulders
- and the neck.
At the same time, you maximize your own safety and prevent your backpack from rubbing.
You will quickly feel the difference, especially on longer tours. Is your hiking rucksack is correctly adjusted, you won 't have any back pain and you'll keep your balance even on rough terrain.
Otherwise, the weight will pull you backwards or downwards. You have to exert additional force to maintain your upright gait. This puts strain on your entire musculature. Your back in particular suffers as a result.
How does a backpack fit properly?
Your backpack sits correctly when the weight is evenly distributed across your body. It should hug your hips and back as if it were a part of you. As little weight as possible should rest on your shoulders.
The center of gravity must always be in the back and hip areaso that the stronger muscle groups can take over the work here.
How do I adjust my backpack?
To relieve your body as much as possible and optimize your carrying comfort, you should adjust your hiking backpack correctly before using it for the first time. With our step-by-step guide, this will be child's play for you.
Step 1: Pack your outdoor utensils
First pack some hiking accessories utensils. This will create realistic conditions. Your rucksack is easier to adjust with luggage. Make sure that the weight is evenly distributed and that you have easy access to the most important items of equipment. This will prevent one-sided strain and you won't have to spend your breaks searching.
Step 2: Loosen the straps
Then loosen all straps and adjustment buckles before shouldering your backpack. This will give you a neutral starting position and you will then be able to adjust your backpack optimally.
Step 3: Finding the hip belt position
Now find the right position for your hip belt. Place it in the middle of your hip bone. Make sure that it is neither on your stomach nor on your groin to avoid friction and constriction.
Then tighten the belt so that it optimally carries the main load of your luggage.
Step 4: Adjusting the shoulder straps
Now it's the shoulder straps' turn. Adjust them to your size. They should rest comfortably on your shoulders. It is important that you can stretch your arms out easily. If this is not the case, you should definitely readjust them.
Shoulder straps that are set too wide will slip while running. If they are too tight, they will severely restrict your freedom of movement.
Step 5: Adjusting the chest strap
The chest strap acts as additional stabilization for the shoulder straps. It is height-adjustable on most backpacks and should ideally be at the top of the chest.
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 slightly.
Step 6: Align the backpack on your back
Once all the straps have been adjusted correctly, you can adjust the position of your backpack. The position adjustment straps are used to adjust the distance or proximity to the body. When adjusting the backpack, make sure that it is as close to your body as possible.
Expert tip: You can also adjust the position adjustment straps on the backpack during your tour. You can vary the load distribution by tightening or loosening them to relieve the strain on your shoulders and hips.
Common mistakes when adjusting the backpack
When adjusting your backpack, mistakes sometimes creep in despite all the care taken. We show you common mistakes and how you can avoid them.
If the backpack sits too low, the back length is too short. This shifts your body's center of gravity backwards and most of the weight rests on your shoulders. Back pain is the result.
However, if the backpack sits too high, your shoulder straps will be too close to your neck. This means that your backpack is bound to chafe. This primarily affects your neck and arms. Therefore, make sure you adjust the back length of the backpack correctly.
By the way: To avoid mistakes when adjusting your trekking backpack, you should also make sure you use the correct packing technique beforehand. This is because an incorrectly 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. 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 your rucksack and, depending on the outside temperature, also put on your jacket, you will benefit from good preparation during your tour.
FAQ
How high do you carry a rucksack?
When fitting a backpack, sooner or later the question arises: How does it fit perfectly? You can tell whether you have done everything right when adjusting the back length of your backpack by looking at the fit. Your backpack should sit at least one centimeter above your hips, while the shoulder straps rest comfortably on your shoulders.
How do you carry a heavy rucksack?
To be able to carry a heavy rucksack comfortably, the packing technique plays a decisive role. The heaviest loads must be carried 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 much as possible during your tour, you can adjust the straps and belts from time to time.
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