Pack fit

From Trail-Finder -- Dedicated to getting you outside

Every pack is comfortable... in the store

When you try on a pack in the store, it weighs about 1/4 pound. You put it on your back and, unless it really, really, really doesn't fit, it's comfortable. So how do you find one that really fits?

1. Start with length. Put the pack on your shoulders, then fasten the waistband. If it doesn't have one, put it back on the shelf. Even if you don't use it much, this strap is important. The waistband should be around your waist. If it's too high, the pack is too small.
2. Add some weight. Everyone store has something you can throw into the pack to simulate load. If you expect to carry 10-20 pounds (5-10kg) in your pack, load it on the heavy end with bag weights (available in the better stores), climbing rope, even full 2-liter bottles of soft drinks, anything to get up to weight. Strap it on, then walk a bit, bend over, tip side to side, forward and back, climb up and down from a chair, and make sure the pack feels secure. It should move with you, not flopping around, but also not restricting your movement.
3. Adjust everything. Make sure you're not at any extreme of any strap. If you add a heavy jacket, you may need to loosen straps. Lose some weight (lots of outdoor activities can do that to you) and you might need to tighten them.