Backpack Selection

Backpack Harness Types

What is Backpack Harness System?

A Backpack Harness System is a combination of Backpack, Harness Shoulder Straps, and Hip or Waist Belt that offers the facility to carry a backpack. Fully functional backpack designs can also have an internal High Density Polyethylene Frame Sheet, an Internal Frame, or maybe a combination of both. These Backpack Harness System should include adjustable Harness Shoulder Straps to allow for differing Torso lengths and body types, a Sternum Strap, Upper and Lower Load Stabiliser Straps, and a comfortable Hip Belt and Lumbar Pad.

All of the harness components within a well-designed backpack work together in symphony to produce a truly balanced backpack. This symphony of backpack engineering is achieved over many years of field-testing, which is ever evolving and led by companies that commit themselves to building the better backpack. However, these backpacks will only function as the manufacturer intended in correctly fitted and personally customized backpacks.

There are several standard Harness System designs listed as follows

Fixed Harness System

The Fixed Harness System is when the Harness Shoulder Straps are not adjustable to allow for different Torso Lengths. The Harness Shoulder Straps are in a fixed position on the backpack and the common use for this type of harness system is on daypacks. Although, some manufacturers also use this harness system on larger hike and travel packs. The use of this harness system on larger backpacks is quite acceptable, provided the fixed position and length of the Harness Shoulder Straps is correct. This type of harness system is also less expensive, lighter and in some circumstances the perfect choice.

Ladder Harness System

The Ladder Harness System is when the Harness Shoulder Straps are adjustable to allow for different Torso Lengths. The Harness Shoulder Straps in this harness connect at a single point on the backpack (the yoke) and you adjust the Torso Length positioning by attaching the Harness Shoulder Straps Yoke at different points on the webbing ladder.

Sliding Yoke Harness System

The Sliding Yoke Harness System is when the Harness Shoulder Straps are adjustable to allow for different Torso Lengths. The Shoulder Straps in this harness connect at a single point on the backpack (the yoke) and you adjust the Torso Length positioning by sliding the Harness Shoulder Strap Yoke along the Internal Staves. Quite commonly, this Sliding Yoke is much larger than the yoke on the Ladder Harness System, is most often padded and usually has a ventilation channel running from top to bottom to provide airflow.

Independent Sliding Harness System

The Independent Sliding Harness System is when the Harness Shoulder Straps are adjustable to allow for different Torso Lengths. The Harness Shoulder Straps in this harness connect independently to the Internal Staves and you adjust the Torso Length positioning by sliding each Harness Shoulder Strap along the Internal Stave. This type of harness system allows for variations in the shoulder height position from the left or right side of the body. This also assists in correctly adjusting the pull position of the Upper Load Stabiliser Straps.