How to adjust a mountaineering backpack and distribute weight

ByTravesía Pirenaica
How to clean a mountain backpack / Photo: Blaise Vonlanthen
How to clean a mountain backpack / Photo: Blaise Vonlanthen

Index

Adjusting your backpack:

To save your fatigue and respect your back, you should lighten it. The aim is to carry about 80% of the backpack's weight in your pelvis. To adjust your backpack, loosen all the straps and straps. Put the backpack on and adjust it:

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  • 1/ Place the "or lap" belt on the upper part of the hips.
  • 2/ Tighten the shoulder straps, but do not tighten them all the way. Tightening them too much will cause the bag to rise up and put too much pressure on the lower back.
  • 3/ Adjust the load reminders to prevent the bag from swinging. These straps bring the bag closer to the back for better stability.
  • 4/ Close the chest strap if your bag has one. It prevents the shoulder straps from being pushed out of the shoulders, especially due to fatigue.
  • 5/ Hand rest, no hands! Insert only your thumbs to free your hands more quickly in case of imbalance.

Fill your rucksack: weight distribution

Distribute the weight evenly throughout the bag to avoid being dragged backwards. For good balance and freedom of movement, place heavy objects close to your centre of gravity (in the centre of your back).

  • At the bottom of the rucksackLightweight items such as a sleeping bag.
  • In the middle (middle of the back)Heavy items such as water, food (cooker, food...), tent, etc. Place a rug or fleece against your back to protect your spine from sharp objects. If you use a water bag, place it in the accommodation provided or along your back.
  • At the top and frontMedium weight or bulky items. On top of the bag and/or in the pockets put the day's equipment: lamp, sunglasses, sun cream, map, papers, fleece jacket and/or breathable waterproof jacket.

The weight of the rucksack. Full, it should not exceed 15 to 20% of the weight of the wearer. Don't forget that if at the beginning of the day your bag seems light and the load bearable, you will have to carry it for several hours and sometimes on difficult terrain. With your tiredness, your bag will seem even heavier and you risk making the end of your outing unbearable!

In addition to the weight distribution that ensures comfort and safety when walking, the functional aspect of the organisation of the bag is essential. For a day hike, spare clothes are stored at the bottom of the bag, the water bottle, cereal bars, cap and sun cream (or gloves) remain easily accessible. Similarly, orientation tools (map, compass, ...) are within easy reach, precious objects, silver papers are protected in the inside pocket of the bag's flap.

Avoid heavy loads on the kidneys or on the top of the bag and watch out for bumps or corners of the cooker or bowl that point to your back. Care should also be taken to balance loads on the sides, on the outside pockets and also on the inside of the bag.

Use your compression straps to keep the weight of the backpack close to your body and prevent the equipment from shifting.

Cover photo: Blaise Vonlanthen