Pack Fitting Guide

It is important to correctly fit your pack for the right amount of weight to be transferred to the pelvic area.

Video guide by Willie Duley

Adjusting the ladder system

The carrying systems of Tatonka’s backpacks have an adjustable ladder system to adjust the pack to suit the length of your back.

  • Back Length Adjustment Guide (Based on height)

    Up to 170cm  – S – (bottom load control buckle)

    175cm – 180cm – M – (bottom or middle buckle)

    180cm – 185cm – L  – (middle or top buckle)

    190cm – 195cm – XL – (top buckle)

    2m + – XXL – (top buckle)

Step by step instructions

Before starting, put some weight into your pack to stimulate a realistic carry weight. Pack the heaviest weight at shoulder height and close into the pack. Put a sleeping bag or similar in the bottom compartment.

  • Step 1: Back length and shoulder straps

    Choose the correct back length using the adjustment guide above. Loosen the hip belt, shoulder straps, and weight control straps.

  • Step 2: Put the pack on your back

    Lifting the pack by the handle and/or shoulder straps, put your arms through the shoulder straps so you are carrying the pack like a backpack. As we fit the pack we will work from the bottom up.

  • Step 3: Put on the hip strap

    Clip together the loosened hip strap around your waist. Lean your upper body forward while firmly gripping the ends of the straps. Pull the straps forward and down as you continue to lean forward using balanced and equal tension to tighten the hip straps around your body. The clasp of the hip strap should sit centrally on your body, not too far left or right.

  • Step 4: Tighten shoulder straps

    Bring the pack closer to your back by pulling the ends of the shoulder straps firmly in a down and backward motion.

  • Step 5: Set the load control straps

    The tri-glide is a small buckle atop the shoulder strap. Its function is to aid tension with the load control strap. Before you adjust the load control straps ensure the tri-glide buckle is far enough forward to rest over the collarbone. Pull the load control straps out in front of you to create a 30-degree angle above the shoulder.

  • Step 6: Buckle the chest strap

    Tighten the sternum strap to sit snugly against the chest. The sternum strap improves the freedom of movement and stabilises the carrying system, reducing fatigue. The sternum strap is positioned higher on women’s packs.

  • Step 7: Recheck back length adjustment

    The hip strap should be centred over the hip bones, and the contact point of the shoulder straps should sit on the 7th neck vertebra, and the straps should follow the curve of your shoulders.

  • Step 8: Adjust before every outing

    The perfect pack fit is organic, ever-changing, and unique to you. Things like the order you pack in your gear, the weight of the load being carried, and the incline of the terrain being tackled can impact the fit of your pack. Little tweaks enhance comfort, so don’t be afraid to adjust before every outing.

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