Updated August 2025

What do camping, hiking, and backpacking all have in common? They all end in -ing! Also, you need a backpack for all of them. This guide is less about -ing’s and more about backpacks, though. If you love doing any or all of these -ing activities, this guide will tell you how to pick, pack, and wear one. Of course, nothing beats an in-person fitting, so come into any Sports Basement store for your personal backpack fitting. Our handy backpack rulers (that’s right, there’s equipment to size your equipment) and staff experts will make sure that you get the right fit. Here’s a rundown of backpack fitting basics with some great advice from Bill Manger and Chelsey Peat, two wise backpacking experts at Sports Basement in Berkeley.
 

Carrying Capacity

One of the first things to think about is the type of trip you're taking. Are you backpacking for a week? A month? Forever leaving civilization as you know it? The type and length of your trip will determine the carrying capacity (usually measured in liters) of your pack.
 

Measuring Up

To find the right pack, you gotta have the right fit. A pack that’s too big will have you toppling over and a pack that’s too small will make you want to drag it up the trail rather than carry it. Your pack should fit squarely on your torso between your hips and the top of your spine (as seen on the ruler Chelsey is wearing, below).
 

Find your torso length and get sized like Chelsey did in our store!

Our staff can measure your torso for you and help you find pack options that work for your body. They'll also help you adjust the straps on your new pack so you find the right fit and learn how to adjust your pack while on the trail. We'll even help you learn the right way to pack your gear into your pack for ideal weight distribution. Which leads us to...  

Packing Your Backpack

Before you pile everything in your bag willy-nilly, remember that weight distribution matters. We recommend following Bill’s Golden Rule: “Your sleeping bag always goes in first!” 

Pack your sleeping bag first!

Don't get a thumbs down from Bill.

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t want to put your heaviest stuff on the bottom.

“You probably wouldn’t be able to go more than a mile or two, like that,” says Bill, “But putting the heaviest stuff on top will make you topple back and forth. Place your heaviest stuff in the middle of your torso. It’ll keep you and your back happy.”
 

Less is More

When deciding what to bring on your next trip, “Don’t over-do it,” Bill advises. “Pack stuff that’s light and multi use. The more stuff you have, especially if it’s hanging off your pack, the slower you’ll move. Your trip will be more fun with a lighter pack.”

If you’re not sure what you should (and shouldn’t) pack, just come into our store and ask! Not sure how much is too much? Bill has a great rule for that too: “If you have extra stuff, you either need a bigger bag or less stuff.”
 

Wearing Your Backpack

Once you’re ready to put your pack on, follow Chelsey’s methodology for adjustment:

“Start from the bottom and work up. First, ensure the top of your hip bone is centered into your hip belt. Then tighten your shoulder strap. Now, adjust your sternum strap so it’s sitting right on top of, well, your sternum. A lot of people have it too low across their chest, so make sure it’s in the right spot. Finally, adjust your anchor straps and you're done.”

1. Hip Belt

2. Shoulder Straps

3. Sternum Straps

4. Anchor Straps 

Renting A Backpack

If you’re not ready to commit to the perfect backpack yet or you’re trying it out for the first time, you can always rent one! Our buyers selected our Osprey rental backpacks for their versatility in both torso size and volume capacities. Our awesome staff can help you find the right size to rent.

Got any backpacking tips? We’d love to hear them! And if you’re in our Berkeley store, make sure to say hi to Bill and Chelsey!