How To Measure Yourself for Your Multiday Backpack

How To Measure Yourself for Your Multiday Backpack

Getting the right fit is one of the most important factors in choosing a multiday backpack. A properly fitted pack improves comfort, balance, and weight distribution, especially on long hikes.

This guide will walk you through how to measure your torso length and waist size accurately so your pack fits exactly as it should.

What You’ll Need

  • A flexible tape measure (or a piece of string + ruler) 

  • A friend to help (recommended for accuracy)

Key Anatomical Landmarks

Before measuring, you’ll need to locate two important points on your body:

  • C7 Vertebra – the bony bump at the base of your neck

  • Iliac Crest – the top of your hip bones

Step 1: Find Your C7 Vertebra

Tilt your head slightly forward.
You’ll feel a prominent bump at the base of your neck. This is your C7 vertebra.

This point is where your torso measurement begins.

Step 2: Locate Your Iliac Crest

Place your hands on your hips and slide them upward until you feel the top of your hip bones.

  • This ridge is called the iliac crest

  • The point where your thumbs naturally rest on your back marks the lower reference point for your torso

Step 3: Measure Your Torso Length (Primary Measurement)

Using your tape measure:

  1. Start at the C7 vertebra

  2. Measure down along the natural curve of your spine (not in a straight line)

  3. Stop at the point between your thumbs on the iliac crest

👉 This measurement determines where your shoulder straps should sit.

Step 4: Measure Your Torso Length (Secondary Check)

For added accuracy:

  1. From the C7 vertebra, measure down again along your spine

  2. This time, stop slightly lower—at the point just above your lower back where your pack should sit

This helps ensure:

  • The pack doesn’t sit too low

  • It avoids contact with your lower back or glutes

Step 5: Measure Your Waist (Hip Belt Size)

To size your hip belt correctly:

  1. Find the top of your hip bones on your sides (iliac crest)

  2. Wrap the tape measure around your body at this level

  3. This should sit:

    • Around the iliac crest

    • Roughly 1 cm below your belly button

👉 This is where your pack’s hip belt will rest – not your actual waistline.

Tips for Accurate Measurements

  • Keep the tape following the curve of your back, not pulled straight

  • Stand upright and relaxed (don’t overextend your posture)

  • Ask someone to help for better accuracy

  • Measure twice to confirm consistency

What’s Important About These Measurements

  • Torso length determines how the load is distributed between shoulders and hips

  • Waist measurement ensures the hip belt transfers weight efficiently

A poor fit can lead to:

  • Shoulder strain 😓

  • Lower back discomfort

  • Reduced stability on the trail

Final Step

Once you’ve taken your measurements, use them to select the correct pack size, or provide them when ordering your custom-fit ultralight backpack.

If you’re unsure, it’s always worth double-checking your measurements or reaching out to us at hello@niya.co.za for guidance before purchasing.

Watch the video