How to Adjust Your Pack

How to Adjust Your Pack

Start with your torso length. The Resolute 50–55 has a removable internal frame. If you choose to keep the frame in, getting the right torso fit is especially important.

Like most framed backpacking packs, the Resolute uses its internal frame and load-bearing hipbelt to transfer most of the weight from your shoulders to your hips. For that system to work properly, the shoulder harness, frame, and hipbelt all need to sit in the right places on your body.

That's where torso length comes in.

Match your torso length. The distance between the shoulder harness and hipbelt should match your torso length, measured from the base of your neck, where you can feel that first bump in your spine, down to the top of your hip bones. Your torso measurement gives you a great starting point, but it’s not the whole story.

Two people can have the exact same torso length and still have completely different experiences with how a backpack fits. Shoulder width, breast size, back shape, or overall build all affect how a pack sits on your body and how comfortable it feels.

Use your measurement as a starting point, then adjust based on how the pack actually feels on your body.

Loosen everything first. Release the hipbelt, shoulder straps, load lifters, and sternum strap before you put it on. You'll get a more accurate fit with your gear already loaded inside.

  1. Position the hipbelt. Put the pack on and center the padded hipbelt over your hip bones, then buckle it snugly. It should sit right over your hip bones, not your waist. Your hipbelt carries most of the weight, taking pressure off your shoulders and spine, so adjust this before anything else.
  2. Cinch the shoulder straps. Pull down until the straps hug your shoulders, but with enough room to move your arms freely. Your shoulders should only carry about 20% of the load. If they're hurting, your torso length or weight distribution probably needs adjusting.
  3. Fasten the sternum strap. This keeps your shoulder straps from falling to the sides and your arms moving freely. Clip it and slide it to about an inch below your collarbones. Snug is good, but you should still be able to breathe easily.
  4. Set the load lifters. These are adjusted last. Load lifters are the short straps at the top of your shoulders that keep the pack from pulling you backward. Pull them toward the frame at roughly a 45-degree angle or so, snug but not cinched down. You want the pack close without creating pressure on your shoulders.
    *Optional internal frame and hipbelt. If you're going ultralight, you can remove the internal frame and hipbelt for an even lighter setup. Just adjust the shoulder straps so the weight sits comfortably across your back and shoulders rather than along your mid-to-lower back.

    Weight Distribution

    How you pack matters more than most people think. Done right, it protects your shoulders, supports your posture, and makes every mile more enjoyable. A little prep up front goes a long way on the trail.

    Keep your total pack weight around 20% of your body weight or less. The lighter you pack, the more you'll enjoy your hike.

    • Pack heavy items close to your back. Dense gear like your tent, food, and cook set belongs centered between your mid-back and shoulder blades to keep your center of gravity stable.
    • Pack lighter items at the bottom. Your sleeping bag, pillow, and other lightweight, bulky gear are great for filling the bottom of your pack.
    • Keep daily essentials accessible. Extra layers, first aid, hygiene supplies, sunscreen, snacks, and your water filter belong near the top, front, or in your outer pockets so you don't have to unpack everything to reach them.