Everything depends on how the backpack feels on your back. BACH suspension systems are built to suit different purposes; based on the weight you carry and the way you'll use the pack.
Suspension-Systems
Get to know the back of your pack.
How to find your perfect match
things to consider when looking for your next pack:
Fit Guide
Since each person has different body proportions, most BACH backpacks come in different back lengths. Basically, the larger the volume of the backpack (and thus the weight you carry), the more important it is to find the perfect fit and being able to adjust the pack to fit your needs.
1. Your torso length matters
Measure your Torso length from the middle of the hip bone (iliac crest) to the “C7” neck bone (you feel it best when you put your chin on your chest)
2. preffered position of hip belt
Subtract 3cm if you prefer to wear it slightly above your hip bone (-3cm). Add 3cm if you prefer it a little lower (+3cm).
3. Your BACH torso index (=1+2)
Add up the points above: which size (small, regular, long, x-long) fits you best? Check your corresponding pack size based on your specific BACH torso index below.
find all BACHpacks that fit your personal torso index:
Our packs will join your life for quite a while. If you have the chance we strongly recommend to try one before you buy one to be sure it fits your back.If you are unsure which back length will fit you best: opt for the larger size of the backpack (especially for large volume backpacks).
Adjustments
Make sure you get the maximum out of your backpack. Check out the video below to know how to adjust your backpack (hip belt, load lifters, load control straps, chest strap, …)
Load your pack
For best carrying comfort we recommend distributing load as shown below. Heavy gear close to your back. Light stuff close to bottom and outer part of your pack. Medium weight in hood and side pockets.
Load Control Straps
Put some weight into your BACH pack. Slightly loosen upper and lower load control straps. Put pack on your shoulders and slowly tighten shoulder straps until your pack feels comfortable. If you close hip belt now it will nicely hug your hips. To distribute more weight to your hips, you may loosen shoulder straps slightly. Position the sliders of the upper load control straps slightly in front of your shoulder as shown in the drawing. The upper load control straps stabilize your load and prevent pack from falling backwards. For best result tighten the upper load control straps slightly. You may or may not tighten the lower load control straps for firmer fit of the hip belt.
Set Shoulder Straps
Expedition Suspension System (illustrated below): The clip-in harness can easily be adjusted at the given positions.
M.A.D. Suspension System: Pull out yellow straps from behind lumbar pad and loosen 25mm buckles. Set shoulder harness 10-20mm below the highest possible position. If you are a small or slim person you may set shoulder straps lower down. Tighten the yellow straps and tuck them away.
Connect Angel Wings
Our M.A.D. back system comes with Angel Wings. These diagonal straps bring the load closer to your back and reduce the lateral movement of your pack. Please thread and adjust buckles as shown. Try the effect of the Angel wings once you are on the trail. Most people like Angel Wings slightly tightened when walking in flat areas or downhill.
Insert Hipbelt
Insert hip belt behind lumbar pad and anchor in lowest position. Connect lower load control straps to the 25mm buckles.
Individual Fitting
Bending the aluminium stay
To further improve the fit of your pack you may bend the aluminium stay. Use a plier to take the stay out of your pack without removing the HDPE frame sheet. The stay should follow the contour of your back in slightly bent forward position.
Recommended maximum weight
A very common question is how much weight one can carry with our packs. Simple questions don’t always have simple answers. Although we engineered our different carrying systems with different loads in mind it is not going to be the pack that will complain first. Ou r trekking and travel packs easily take 100kg. Question is; will you? The amount of weight you can carry is a matter of personal strength, training and terrain. Our advise should always be taken with caution and is nowhere near a guarantee that you will have nothing but fun carrying 35 kg through a dense forest. We believe our packs carry lighter and with more comfort than others but they don’t move without you putting some effort in it.
