At Outfitters, Rab backpacks are one of our go-to packs for hiking adventures. In this guide we outline our recommended steps to help customers fit Rab packs correctly.

Step 1: Understand how Rab pack sizing works

Rab pack sizes differ depending on volume and intended activity, such as day hiking, multiday hiking, trekking and remote trekking. Within those ranges, some models also have:

• Different back length options such as small, medium and large.
• Adjustable back systems so you can fine tune the torso length.
• Narrow dimension (ND) fits, with a shorter and narrower back system for people with smaller frames.

The key point to remember when choosing a pack is that your back length matters more than your height or clothing size. The harness needs to be set so that the hipbelt and shoulder straps sit in the correct place on your body.

When checking the pack fit you should adjust the torso or back length so the hipbelt rests on your hip bones and shoulder straps sit snugly over your shoulders.

Before you start adjusting any pack, note whether it has a fixed back length or an adjustable system, and if it’s a standard or ND fit. That will tell you how much you can tune it to your body.

Rab backpack buying guide recommends the following pack sizes for different activities, including:

• Hiking/Day hikes: 18–40 L
• Hiking/Multi-day: 35–50 L
• Trekking/Multi-day: 40–60 L
• Trekking/Multi-day remote: 60–120 L

Typically, your pack shouldn’t exceed 20% of your body weight. Keep that in mind so you don’t pick one too big for your needs.

Step 2: Measure your back length

Your back length is the distance from the base of your neck to the top of your hip bones. Use this measurement to match you to a pack size or back-length setting.

To measure:

• Find the bony bump at the base of your neck (C7 vertebra).
• Find the top of your hip bones on each side (iliac crest).
• Measure straight down your spine from C7 to the line of your hip bones.

It’s easiest if a friend measures this for you while you stand upright and relaxed. Once you have that measurement, you can choose an appropriate Rab pack size or adjust an adjustable back system to match.

Step 3: Load your pack as you would for a real trip

An empty pack does not move or feel like a loaded one. Before you fine tune the fit, we recommend you load your pack with items similar to what you will carry on a multiday trip or Great Walk, for example:

• Sleeping bag and warm clothing
• Waterproof jacket and overtrousers
• Several days of food or equivalent weight
• Water and basic safety gear

This makes sure that when you adjust the harness, you are setting the pack up for realistic New Zealand hiking, not for an almost empty pack.

Step 4: Follow this fitting sequence

We recommend that you always adjust your pack in the same order so everything lines up properly. Follow these easy steps:

1. Loosen all the straps.

   • Loosen the hipbelt, shoulder straps, load lifters and sternum strap.
   • Put the loaded pack on and stand naturally.

2. Position and tighten the hipbelt.

   The hipbelt should carry most of the weight.

   • Position the padded part so it is centred over your hip bones.
   • Tighten it until it feels snug and supportive, not painful.
   • You should feel most of the load resting on your hips rather than your shoulders.

3. Adjust the shoulder straps.

   Now bring the pack in against your upper back.

   • Tighten the shoulder straps so they follow the curve of your shoulders without large gaps.
   • They should feel close and secure but should still allow you to breathe and move your arms freely.
   • The point where the straps attach to the back panel should sit close to the level of your shoulders when the back length is correct.

   If your Rab pack has an adjustable back system, move it up or down until the hipbelt and shoulder straps both sit correctly.

4. Use the load lifters.

   Load lifters fine tune how close the top of the pack sits to your body.

   • Gently tighten them so the top of the pack comes in toward your shoulders.
   • Avoid pulling them so tight that the pack tips your head forward.

5. Set the chest or sternum strap.

   The sternum strap keeps the shoulder straps in place.

   • Slide it up or down until it lies comfortably across your chest, not on your throat.
   • Tighten it just enough to stop the shoulder straps sliding outward while still allowing free breathing.

Once this sequence is complete, the pack should feel stable, close to your body and well balanced.

Step 5: Match fit and volume to your trip

Make sure your pack matches with your activity. For hiking in New Zealand, DOC recommends:

• Day packs are usually around 5 to 35 litres and are designed for lighter loads and single day activities.
• Multiday hiking is usually around 35 to 50 litres.
• Trekking over several days is usually around 40 to 60 litres.
• More remote trekking can be 60 litres or more.

DOC gear lists for day walks generally ask for a day pack with a waterproof liner, while their multiday and Great Walk lists recommend a pack of about 40 to 60 litres.

Step 6: Adjust on the track

Even a well fitted pack needs small adjustments as you walk. You will probably:

• Tighten hipbelt and shoulder straps slightly on long climbs.
• Loosen them a little on easier or flatter sections for comfort.
• Tweak the load lifters if you feel the pack leaning away from your back.

Remember, the aim is to keep the hipbelt doing most of the work, keep the load close to your centre of gravity, and still allow enough freedom to move naturally on roots, rocks and sidles.

Common fit problems and quick fixes

For Rab pack fit guidance, these are simple corrections you can try.

Sore or tired shoulders:

• Check that the hipbelt is tight and centred on your hip bones.
• Shift more weight to your hips by tightening the hipbelt and then slightly loosening the shoulder straps.

Pack pulling you backwards:

• Tighten the load lifters so the top of the pack sits closer to your shoulders.
• If needed, repack so heavier items sit close to your back rather than out in external pockets.

Hipbelt rubbing or digging in:

• Slide the hipbelt so the padding sits on top of your hip bones, not below them.
• Loosen it slightly so it feels firm and secure, not painful.

If you are unsure, start again from the fitting sequence, in order, with the pack fully loaded.

Quick checklist for fitting a Rab pack for NZ tramping

Use this summary to check your setup.

• Measure back length from C7 to your hip bones.
• Choose a pack volume that matches your trip.
• Set the back length or torso adjustment if your pack has that feature.
• Tighten the hipbelt on your hip bones so it takes most of the weight.
• Snug the shoulder straps so the pack sits close to your back without restricting movement.
• Use load lifters and the sternum strap to bring the load close and stable while you breathe freely.
• On the track, fine tune for climbs, descents and changes in clothing.

Once you are familiar with these steps, you can confidently fit any Rab pack you buy from Outfitters for New Zealand day walks, Great Walks and more rugged multiday trips. All our tips and recommendations above are drawn from Rab’s Fit Pack Guide and Department of Conservation. If you have any further questions about packs contact our team.