Backpack Fitting

Backpack Loading

What is the recommended maximum weight you should carry?

We recommend the maximum weight a fit individual can comfortably carry, is less than 1/3 or 33% of their own body weight. For everyone else, we recommend less than 1/4 or 25% of their own body weight in total backpack weight.

How do you load the backpack?

Begin by stuffing the lower compartment of the backpack. If you have a sleeping bag stuff this into the lower compartment first, then fill all other space in the lower compartment with any bulky items that are without weight, making sure you fill all the bottom corners. It is essential to create a solid foundation for the rest of the load in the upper compartment.

Load the remainder of your gear with heavy items such as your stove and cooking gear near your back, and as high as possible in the upper compartment. Pack the lighter gear lower and away from the back. On travel packs, the daypack should only contain lightweight essential items and definitely nothing heavy. If your load is less than full, use your compression straps to compress and hold the load tight and prevent backpack sway. Avoid backpack sway or backpack float, as any excess of movement created would quickly cause fatigue.

How do you position the load distribution?

White Mountain™ provide total control to shift the weight entirely to your lower lumbar area, entirely to your shoulders, or you can choose to distribute the weight between the lower lumbar area and the shoulders.

Shifting Backpack Weight

How do you shift the weight to your lower lumbar area?

1. Using the Harness Shoulder Straps position the backpack correctly with the internal stave following the contour of your back. In particular ensure the backpack is high enough on your back, but still located on the lumbar region of your back. If the backpack is heavy in weight, you may need to hoist the backpack higher to allow for a greater downward shift when loosening the Harness Shoulder Straps. We do not want the backpack to pull you over backwards, and we do not want you to carry excessive weight on the shoulders. The weight should nestle comfortably on to the lower lumbar region, and on your chest
2. Tighten the Hip Belt to secure the weight comfortably on the lower back and wrap around the Iliac Crest. The Hip Belt should not be tearing into the soft tissue area above the Iliac Crest and below your lower rib.
3. Tighten the Lower Stabiliser Straps, pulling the weight close into the lower back.
4. Loosen the Harness Shoulder Straps until you feel the load shift comfortably downward onto your back. We should be looking to transfer 80% of the total weight securely to the lower back.
5. Make sure the Upper Stabiliser Straps are snug, just give these a sharp tug so that the backpack is securely placed against the upper back. This will prevent unnecessary backpack sway, or backpack float. These Upper Stabiliser Straps should have been pulled snug before putting the backpack on for the first time, and should not require much adjustment. Over tightening the Upper Stabiliser Straps will cause the shoulder straps to lift from the shoulders and put unnecessary excessive pressure on the chest.
6. If you feel the backpack is now too low on your back, not resting snugly in the lumbar region of the back, and pulling you backward from the shoulders, repeat this process from Step 1.

How do you shift the weight to your shoulders?

1. Tighten the Harness Shoulder Straps for a greater transfer of weight to your shoulders.
2. Loosen the Lower Load Stabiliser Straps.
3. Loosen your Hip Belt, reposition for comfort and retighten.
4. Tighten the Lower Load Stabiliser Straps after repositioning your Hip Belt.
5. Loosen the Harness Shoulder Straps slightly to achieve the required weight on the shoulders.