How to Fit Your Hunting Backpack for Maximum Comfort

January 24, 2025
Greg Ray

How to Fit Your Hunting Backpack for Maximum Comfort

A well-fitted backpack is one of the most critical pieces of gear for any hunting trip. Whether you’re trekking deep into the wilderness or packing out heavy loads, comfort and efficiency start with a properly adjusted pack. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process to fit your hunting backpack correctly, ensuring it supports your journey in and out of the field.

Why Backpack Fit Matters

Proper backpack fit isn’t just about comfort—it’s about safety and energy efficiency. An ill-fitting pack can lead to fatigue, soreness, and even injury, especially during long hikes with heavy loads. When your pack is adjusted correctly, you’ll distribute weight evenly across your body, reducing strain and maximizing endurance.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fitting Your Backpack

1. Start with Weight in the Pack

  • Add weight to your pack to simulate real conditions. About 25–50 pounds is ideal for practice.
  • This helps the straps and adjustments settle naturally, giving you an accurate fit.

2. Adjust the Hip Belt

  • Buckle the hip belt around the center of your hip bones, not your waist.
  • Tighten the belt so it’s snug but not uncomfortable—this is where the majority of the weight will sit.

3. Tighten the Shoulder Straps

  • Pull the shoulder straps until they lightly hug your shoulders.
  • About 20% of the pack's weight should rest on your shoulders to avoid excessive pressure.

4. Secure the Chest Strap

  • Fasten the chest strap and tighten it slightly.
  • This strap keeps the shoulder straps in place without bearing any significant load.

5. Use the Load Lifters

  • Adjust the load lifters (located at the top of the shoulder straps) to bring the pack closer to your body.
  • This adjustment helps balance the load and prevents the pack from pulling backward.

Fine-Tuning the Fit

If you notice discomfort during use, revisit the adjustments. The torso length of your pack should match your body size. Many packs, such as the Initial Ascent pack featured in this video, allow for easy torso adjustments using Velcro or straps.

Practice Makes Perfect

Before hitting the field, wear your pack during practice hikes. This helps you identify any areas needing fine-tuning while building the stamina needed for your hunting adventures.

Learn More at the Built to Hunt Summit

Want to learn more tips like this? Join us at the Built to Hunt Summit, where you’ll get hands-on guidance from hunting and gear experts. From backpack fitting to packing techniques, Plus hands on classes with the OS long range shooting team, Field Dressing, butchering from our Chef team, plus fantastic seminars from Huntin Fool, OnX and others, we’ll teach you everything you need to succeed in the field.

Click here to learn more and secure your spot!

A well-fitted backpack can make all the difference during your hunt. Take the time to adjust it properly, and you’ll enjoy a more comfortable and efficient experience. See you at the summit!

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