Camping Stuff's FotoPage - Camping & Outdoor Stuff for backpackers

The only true way to size a rucksack is to try it on, in the shop, with a fair bit of weight in. Slacken off the shoulder straps and top and side tension straps, then do up the hip-belt up, bend forward, and do the hipbelt up even tighter. Now stand up - the sack should be resting on your hips. Now tighten the shoulder straps until they are close but not over-tight. They should curve gently over the shoulders from a take off point between 5 and 15cm down the shoulders. If they do not, it is a fair sign that the sack is the wrong back-length. Do up the chest strap in the same way. Finally tighten the top and side tension straps to draw the load in and acheive maximum comfort. The correct size is related to your back length which is related to, but not totally dependent upon your height. As a rough guide only:

Size W (backlength: 28-40cm), height:1.48 - 1.74m (4'10" - 5'8") approx
Size 1 (backlength: 27-38cm) , height:1.45 - 1.70m (4'9" - 5'7") approx
Size 2(backlength: 31-42cm), height:1.52 - 1.78m (5'0" - 5'10") approx
Size 3 (backlength: 37-48cm), height: 1.73 - 1.93m (5'8" - 6'4") approx
Size 4 (backlength: 39-50cm), height: 1.78m - 2m (5'10" - 6'6") approx

NB: Measure the length of your spine from your C7 vertebra (the knobbly bone at the base of your neck) to level with your iliac crest (the top of your hip bones).

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