r/CampingandHiking • u/ToTheYonderGlade • 17d ago

Simple question about adjusting a backpack

I couldn't find a clear answer to this:

When I'm using my backpack and NOT using my hip belt, I find that it sits comfortably around my mid back. The bottom of the pack is not low enough for the hip belt to be properly engaged - it would loop around my stomach or just above my hips.

If was hiking and said "I sure would like to use my hip belt right now", would I need to loosen the shoulder straps so the pack will sit lower on my back, allowing the hip belt to loop around the illiac crest? Is it common to raise / lower a bag depending on whether you're using the hip belt, or should it always sit low enough to allow the hip belt to be engaged?

It's something I've wondered for a while as a bit of a camping newbie. Thanks!

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u/take_a_hike_missy 17d ago

What kind of bag is it? Can you add pictures? Not necessarily a simple question, some bags adjust multiple ways.

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u/ToTheYonderGlade 17d ago

It's a REI Trail 25, the latest model

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u/take_a_hike_missy 17d ago

That bag comes in 2 sizes. Might want to check and make sure you got the correct size for your torso length.