THE KNOWLEDGE

HOW TO FIT A RUCKSACK IN 5 EASY STEPS With every strap and buckle adjusted correctly, a rucksack is more comfortable to carry for long periods of time. A properly fitted harness will ease the overall strain on your back and shoulders, and relieve the pressure points. Once you know how to fit a rucksack, it’s easy to fine-tune on the go.

Step 1: Loosen and load Start by loosening all the straps and load the rucksack with dummy weights to replicate what you’d normally carry (it’s no use fitting an empty rucksack). Put the rucksack on and slightly tighten the shoulder straps so the hip belt comes up to your hips.

Step 2: Get hip belt happy Clip and adjust the hip belt so it hugs the bumpy bits of your hip bones, sitting evenly around your lower back.

Step 3: Shoulder moulder Adjust the shoulder straps evenly so they comfortably hug the contours of your upper back, resting in the centre of each shoulder. If the harness/back system is adjustable, you may want to alter its length to better fit your back, (easier to do with the rucksack off).

Step 4: The final strap Fix and adjust the chest strap so it sits horizontally across your sternum. It doesn’t need to be tight, but should be taut enough to keep the shoulder straps in place.

Step 5: Gravitate the weight Adjust the load stabilisers to pull the weight of the pack closer to your centre of gravity, alleviating the strain on your back and helping you stay balanced.