How To Properly Fit Your Mystery Ranch Backpack, by GOHUNT on YouTube. 2 min 2 s.
- Video length
- 2 min 2 s
- Time to do it
- 10 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Fill the pack with the weight you normally carry, around 20 to 30 pounds, so it sits and compresses the way it will on the trail.
Loosen the shoulder straps, load lifters, sternum strap and hip belt completely so nothing is tight before you put the pack on.
Put the pack on and set the hip belt so the padded center sits over the top of your hip bones, then pull it firm.
Tighten the shoulder straps until the padding wraps from your collarbone to mid-back without pulling the pack off your hips.
Check the yoke. The shoulder strap anchors should sit about 1 to 2 inches below the top of your shoulders, so move the yoke up or down to match.
Pull the load lifters at the top of the shoulder straps down and forward at roughly a 45 degree angle to bring the load close to your back.
Clip the sternum strap at collarbone height and snug it so it holds the straps in place without restricting your breathing.
Walk around for a few minutes, then recheck the hip belt and shoulder straps and adjust anything that rubs or feels loose.
Tips and common mistakes
Fit the pack with weight inside it, since an empty pack sits very differently on your body.
You should be able to slide a flat hand under the shoulder straps, so loosen them if they press hard into your shoulders.
Do not over-tighten the load lifters, or the top of the pack will lift away from your back and feel unstable.
Re-tighten the hip belt after long descents, because it works loose as you move.
Questions
How do I know if the torso length is right?
The shoulder straps should curve over your shoulders with the anchors 1 to 2 inches below the top of your shoulders. If the straps dig into your neck or the belt rides up, adjust or change the yoke size.
Where should the hip belt sit?
Over the top of your hip bones, not around your waist or low on your hips. Most of the pack weight should rest there, with the shoulder straps mainly keeping the pack steady.
Do I need to refit the pack for different loads?
Yes, a heavy load usually needs a tighter hip belt and slightly firmer shoulder straps. Readjust the load lifters whenever the pack feels like it is pulling backward.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
