More than any other item of kit that you own, it is really important to get a backpack that fits you properly - it’s up there with shoe fit on how much it will affect your enjoyment of your trip.
Here we show you how to measure your torso and hip belt size so you can get the best fit - it’s really simple and will only take a minute to do. All you need is a flexible tape measure or long piece of string and ruler with measurements up to 25 inches / 65cm.
You can do this on your own but if you do have a helping hand it can make it a bit easier.
Tips before we begin:
- Wear a T-shirt and lightweight leggings/shorts only - we are looking for as close to skin measurement as we can.
- Your torso size is not necessarily linked to your height or weight. If you take a large t-shirt it won’t necessarily mean your torso is a size large. So please measure before buying.
How to measure your Torso
- Find your C7 vertebrae.
Tilt your head forward and find the bony bump at the base of your neck - this is your C7 vertebrae and the top point of our measurement. Place the top of the tape measure or string here and then tip your head back up to neutral.
- Find your iliac crest.
Place your hands on the top of your hip bones with your thumbs pointing towards your spine. Draw an imaginary line between your thumbs, where this line meets your spine is your iliac crest. If you are measuring on your own, then adjust the waistband of your trousers to sit at this point and tighten your belt - you will measure to the top of your belt.
- Measure.
Measure from the C7 down to the iliac crest (or your belt if you are measuring solo): make a note of the number - this is your torso size.
- Measure again.
A wise person once said, measure twice: cut once. Custom packs are non refundable, and returns are painful for everyone, so take the time to get this right. Apply a little common sense at this point - if you normally wear Small t-shirts but have measured as an X-Large, maybe let's go back to step 1! If you are unsure, please send us an email and we can help.
- Torso size.
Once you are satisfied with your measurement, refer to the table below to find your size*.
*If you are in between two sizes, going for the smaller of the two will ensure a good fit e.g. if your size measures 19" you should go for a size Medium - trust us on this.
|
Inches |
Centimeters |
|
|
Small |
15 - 17 |
38 - 43 |
|
Medium |
17 -19 |
43 - 48 |
|
Large |
19 - 21 |
48 - 53 |
|
Extra Large |
21- 23 |
53 - 48 |
How to get your hipbelt size:
Getting a good fit on your hipbelt is key - too small and the webbing will dig in at the front, too large and the hipbelt won't be able to tighten enough to support your load. On all of our backpacks, our hipbelts are removable - if you have the wrong size or have damaged yours, replacements are available on our website.
If you predict that you will lose weight on the trail, we would recommend that you buy the correct size hipbelt for your measurements as you are now - after all, the start of any hike is the toughest part so lets stack the odds in your favour! We can always ship you a replacement belt later if you need it.
Note: Your hip belt measurement is different to your waist measurement or trouser size. Your hips will be wider than your waist, it is the hip measurement that we need.
- Find your hip measurement.
Take the tape measure and wrap it around your hips bones (or where you wear your hip belt). Where the two ends overlap is your hip measurement, use the chart below to find your size*
*If you are in between two sizes, going for the smaller of the two will ensure a good fit - trust us on this.
|
Inches |
Centimeters |
|
|
Extra Small |
28 - 30 |
71 - 76 |
|
Small |
30 - 32 |
76 - 81 |
|
Medium |
32 - 34 |
81 - 86 |
|
Large |
34 - 36 |
86 - 91 |
|
Extra Large |
36 - 38 |
91 - 96 |
Notes on fit: To allow for worthwhile weight transfer, a well fitting hipbelt should hug the back, sides and front of your hips. The padding should cover the bony front of your pelvis - there should be at minimum a gap of 8 inches between the pads at the front to allow for weight loss on trail. Need help fitting you pack? Check out our how to guides!
Need help fitting you pack? Check out our how to guides!
