Start with a women’s pack for most women, and a unisex or men’s pack for most men.
If multiple sizes are available, choose smaller size options for shorter people, and larger size options for taller people.
If a torso height adjustment is available, adjust it to your best estimate, if needed.
Adjust the shoulder straps until the hipbelt is in place.
Close the hipbelt around the top of the hips, where the padding covers over the hipbone (the iliac crest of the pelvis). The buckle will close slightly below the belly button for most people. Pull the adjustment straps forwards tightly.
Fine-tune the shoulder strap adjustments until the shoulder straps wrap flush around the entire torso, without pinching or applying too much pressure to the upper body. The test load should now be stable, and 55-70% or more of the weight is resting on the hips.
Adjust the height of the sternum strap height to a comfortable position, if needed. Close it and adjust it until it lies level and with a very small amount of tension.
Pull the load lifter straps until the backpack feels completely stable on the upper back, without causing discomfort or putting pressure on the upper body.
If the backpack doesn’t feel right, try different combinations of adjustments of the shoulder straps and the load lifters until it does.
If the backpack still doesn’t feel right, double-check that the hipbelt is wrapping around the iliac crest, and try changing the torso height if it is adjustable.
If the backpack still doesn’t feel right, try on other backpacks.