How to Hoist a Loaded Backpack

Once you stuff your backpack, how do you get that big honker on your back? Try these steps:

1. With the pack sitting upright on the ground, move one of your legs close to it and, with one hand, grab the pack's haul loop. (That's the half-circle of webbing stitched into the pack just above the shoulder harness.)
   
   
2. Using a wide stance with knees bent, slide the pack up the side of your calf. Bring it up to your thigh and let it rest. Your thigh should be roughly parallel with the ground.
   
   
3. Steady the pack with one hand. Slip the other arm and shoulder through one of the shoulder straps, pushing your shoulder in as far as you can.
   
   
4. Without any abrupt or jerking motion, swing the pack onto your back and slip your arm through the other shoulder strap.
   
   
5. Buckle the hipbelt first, then cinch down the shoulder straps. Lastly, adjust the load-lifter straps. You're set to go! When you're ready to remove the pack, be sure to first loosen the shoulder straps.

Tip: As you walk throughout the day, tinker slightly with the tightness of your hipbelt and shoulder straps. A brief amount of relief might help your hips or shoulders feel less fatigued.