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Posted by Bill S on May 14, 2007 at 9:20:38 pm EDT
In reply to ill-fitting pack posted by Backcountry (Guest) on May 14, 2007 at 7:05:27 pm EDT

Unfortunately, packs are like shoes - if they weren't fit right to begin with, they won't ever fit right without major modifications. I am assuming that "sherrie" is a woman's name, in which case, the Isis is the right model. However, there is enough difference company to company (and even models within a given company) that sometimes you can't get a pack of nominally the right size to ever fit comfortably (I haven't been able to get any Gregory or Arc'teryx pack to fit me, but Osprey, Dana, Lowe Alpine all fit fine).

Having said that, a lot of "pack fitters", especially at the large "general outdoors" stores like REI, EMS, Sports Authority, etc, do not really know how to adjust a pack that is actually the right size. This has been discussed on Trailspace before, but to save a lot of searching, here is a brief summary that should help:

1. Loosen all "carrying" straps

2. Put the pack on and fasten the waist belt so that the pack rides on your hips (the Isis is a women-designed pack with a shaped waist belt). Tighten the waist belt so it is snug (2 fingers between you and the belt is about right).

3. Tighten the shoulder straps so they are snug (not so tight they cut circulation, of course).

4. Now fasten the sternum strap and snug it down (but not so tight it interferes with taking deep breaths) You probably will need to shift the sternum strap up and down to find a comfortable location. The sternum strap is primarily to keep the shoulder straps from sliding off your shoulders, and doesn't carry any load. I don't have an Isis in front of me, but as I recall, there is no adjustment on the pack where the shoulder straps attach for shoulder width (few current internal frame packs have this adjustment anymore).

5. Next start tightening the tensioning straps - it helps here to have a companion. First the load lifters (the straps that go from the pack to the top of the shoulder straps), then the hip/waist belt tensioners. The load lifters help lift the load off your shoulders, and hence off your back, and the waist belt tensioners help with keeping the load mostly transfered onto your hips, letting your legs do the main work.

Since your legs do the main carrying (when the pack is fit and adjusted properly), and the weight transfer to your legs is via your hips, you may well get some soreness in your hips (from the pressure) until you get into shape. But if everything is adjusted properly (and the right size) you should not have a sore back, even when carrying half your body weight. By the way, start at 1/4 your body weight or less and do a half-hour walk around the block (or better, on a local trail) to build muscle endurance. Without knowing your body weight, 1/4 your body weight in the pack or less (much less!) is more than enough for a weekend backpack. That is, 15 to 20 pounds should be plenty, including food. And, actually, if you are in that pack weight range, you shouldn't be having sore back or hips unless the pack is grossly mis-fit.

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