How to Measure Your Torso to Fit a Backpack

Next time you go shopping for a hiking backpack, print off this how-to and slip it into your wallet to help you ensure a perfect fit.

Steps

Visit the store with a helper. Take along a friend or a family member
Take along tape measure. Grab the tape out of the sewing basket.
Choose a backpack. Select according to your backpacking needs (size, weight, length of trip etc.) rather than how nice the colour is!
Try it on. As you try it on, tilt your chin forward toward your chest. The bone that sticks out at the top of your vertebrae (C7 vertebra) at the base of your neck as you do this is the point from which measuring commences.
Get your friend to place the tape measure at this point. Have your friend draw it down to the top of your hipbones. Imagine a line between your hipbones that meets in the middle of your back - this is where the tape measure should be placed.
Ask your friend to read out your torso measurement.
Make a decision. Depending on the measurement read-out, you may find it a good backpack or you may wish to try another one. Hiking backpacks are not cheap and a lot goes into deciding to buy one. Proper fit is the number one consideration but you should also consider weight, pockets, room etc.

Check your posture in the mirror. Are you stooping or compensating for the shape of the backpack in any way?
Ask the sales assistant to adjust straps correctly for you. Sometimes the pack feels bad because the straps have been adjusted to the height and weight of the person who tried it before you.

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