BackTpack Fit and Use Instructions

Fit your BackTpack while standing with the pack on, lightly and evenly loaded.
If you purchased the bag from us and it has not been used, you may return it to us within 60 days from date of purchase in as-new condition, and we will refund your purchase price.

Adjust the length of the shoulder straps so that your fingertips curl around the bottom of the bags. To test the correct length of the shoulder straps, first fasten the SIT-STRAPS loosely. Sit in an armless chair so that the compartments hang on either side of the chair. The full weight of the bags should transfer onto the thighs via the SIT-STRAP. If it doesn’t, lengthen the shoulder straps until the SIT-STRAP takes the weight. If the SIT-STRAP takes the weight and there is slack in the shoulder straps, they can be shortened to a comfortable length making sure that the weight still transfers to the thighs via the SIT-STRAP.

Always stand and sit tall while wearing the BackTpack. You should not add a load to a slumped spine. Before donning your loaded bag, correct your posture as much as possible by "lifting your heart" and head, making your body like a "T", shoulders relaxed. Your pelvis should be level, not tilted forward or backward. One way of checking your posture is to back up against a wall. Once you get into correct posture, wearing a loaded BackTpack will help train good posture. Consult your physical therapist or medical practitioner for posture training if necessary.

Adjust the chest strap for comfort and to allow the shoulder straps to stay securely on your shoulders. This position is usually best just below your clavicles.

Adjust the SIT-STRAP loosely so that the bags hang at your sides. Buckle this strap before you sit, to transfer the load from your shoulders and spine onto your thighs and to keep the bags in position and accessible. This strap does not need to be fastened during walking. If hip loading is desired, a belt should be used through the belt loops, provided as a hip loading option in BackTpack 2 and 3.

When riding a bicycle with your BackTpack, do not use SIT-STRAP so that leg motion is unobstructed. If you wish to use SIT-STRAP you may need to shorten your shoulder straps. Depending on your size and shape, you may wish to fasten the bags together in the back.

Load the bags with equal weight on each side. You might need to move a book from one side to the other when an item is removed. If you are carrying only one item, we suggest you take something in addition for the other side. It will feel lighter and more comfortable in the long run. Many users organize their items in small compartments that they can move from one side to another, depending on what else they carry.

Safe Load Recommendations. Standard load recommendation for conventional backpack use is that the load not exceed 15% of your body weight, and even less for small children. Whatever the load, it will feel lighter in a BackTpack then a conventional backpack. If the load is very heavy, if you need to carry it for long distance, or if for some other reason you need to limit the load on your spine or shoulders, use the hip loading option available in BackTpack 2 and 3. You may also unload your spine and shoulders by sitting, removing the pack, or by gripping under the bags.

The BackTpack was originally designed for carrying school books. If the things you wish to carry are bulky or cause the bags to protrude out too far, put the heaviest, flattest items in the bags and carry lighter items separately.

Donning the BackTpack. Zip the main compartments closed before putting on the pack. If the pack is loaded it is best to put it on from the sitting position, with bag behind you. If standing, put the pack on one arm at a time like a coat. Take care that the webbing of the shoulder straps are on top and that your pack is not twisted while putting it on.

Storing your BackTpack Use the hang loop to store your BackTpack on a hook.