pack adjustments

[orcashunt]

So I see all sorts of conversations about what to put Into a pack, how much it weighs, where people go, but how do you guys wear your pack? I know it sounds like a stupid question, "well you just sling it over your shoulders and tighten it up." I've found that if I loosen my shoulder straps a bit I can take a lot of weight off my shoulders and transfer most of the weight to my hips... way more comfortable for me. I only weigh 150 lbs and the difference between 50 and 75 lbs is huge for me. Any advice on how you guys adjust your pack to distribute the weight would be appreciated.

[jackelope]

I have drank the functional load lifter kool-aid. Pack weight will never be the same. Weight should be on your hips.

http://www.eberlestock.com/Backpack%20Tech%20Tips.htm

Almost seems weird I post the load lifter comment in 1 sentence then that link in the next.

[fillthefreezer]

^^^haha

heres a video from patrick smith, the man when it comes to packs...     Kifaru Pack Fitting - Part 1, Longhunter, EMR, MMR AG1 & AG2
its for kifaru packs but most of it translates into other packs. such as where it rides and how to adjust the straps. once you get it close and put some miles on, it becomes a bit of preference. between my friend group, all our packs ride close, but no one wheres it in the exact same spot...

[timberghost72]

It can make a big difference on fit depending on the order of strap tightening sequence and position of belts, straps, and shoulder pads. This tutorial is a good start http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/backpacks-adjusting-fit.html. Also how you pack you pack and weight distribution also can make or break a good fit. It takes alot of practice and continual adjustments to get it right.

[acnewman55]

Those resources are all good places to start.  Load up your pack and go experiment.

My preference is to carry the weight on my hips.  I use the shoulder straps only to hold the load against my body, and tighten my center of gravity.  I find that if I use the shoulder straps to carry too much of the load, they constrict my breathing and I get winded more quickly.

Build up your leg strength and carry the weight on the hips!