Fit is the key to proper pack performance. Without the correct fit, none of the features built into a pack—regardless of the manufacturer—will work or feel right. Each consumer should take time to determine proper fit when selecting their pack.
Step One: Determine Your Torso Length
The first step in pack fitting is to determine your torso length. Torso length is measured from the C7 vertebrae (where the neck meets the shoulders) to the iliac crest (the top of the hip bones).
Step Two: Determine the Right Pack Size
Once the torso length has been determined, it is easy to determine the corresponding pack size. Simply refer to the charts below:
THREE SIZES:
MEN’S WOMEN’S
X-SMALL --- 13-16”
SMALL 15-18” 15-18”
MEDIUM 17-20” 17-20”
LARGE 19-22” ---
TWO SIZES:
MEN’S WOMEN’S
SMALL --- 14-17”
MEDIUM 16-19” 16-19”
LARGE 18-21” ---
Step Three: Loading the Pack
The North Face® packs are designed to carry loads over the most rugged and extreme terrain imaginable. However, how the contents are loaded in the pack have a great deal to do with how stable and comfortable that load is. Ideally, a light object (such as a sleeping bag) should be loaded in the very bottom of the pack. Many packs are designed with a separate sleeping bag compartment in this exact area. In the main compartment of the pack, heavy objects should be stowed in the middle, the lightest objects on the outside, and medium-to-heavy items stowed right against the back. The pack should be as compressed as possible in order to hold the load closer to the body. The lightest objects should be stashed in the top areas of the pack.
Step Four: Fine-Tuning the Fit
Before heading out, it’s important to fine-tune the fit, making minor adjustments and ensuring the pack is the proper size. Ensure that your shoulder straps wrap smoothly from the back panel over the shoulder without any gaps. There should be a 45 degree angle between the load-lifter strap and an imaginary horizontal line where the load-lifter strap exits the shoulder strap. This indicates that the load is being carried in the best position. Ensure that your hipbelt fits snugly, with the hipbelt fit zone positioned over the iliac crest, while still allowing room for adjustment to remove or add layers of clothing.
