This is really good advice. Apart from having a backpack which is too heavy and too large, the next biggest mistake people make is not having chosen/made it the correct torso length, then not having put it on correctly: http://gossamergear.com/wp/how-to-size-and-fit-an-ultralight-backpack
That being said though, I think these standard instructions (which might be fine for slim, tall hikers are not suitable for Della or me. We need much shorter backpacks. The packs need to swing into the small of our backs and sit on top of our buttocks. For Della (who is just 5′ tall this means a torso length of about 13″ (much less than anyone else recommends) and for me (5’7″) not much more than 15-16″ anyway nowhere near the 18″ that such instructions would lead to. You might find it hrd to find backpacks which fit. I know we do. The Budget Packs we found on Amazon work well as does this Stout Hiker’s Pack.
Gossamer Gear Gorilla: http://gossamergear.com/gorilla-ultralight-backpack-all-bundle.html
See also:
http://www.theultralighthiker.com/a-gorilla-in-the-bush/
http://www.theultralighthiker.com/fitting-your-backpack/
http://www.theultralighthiker.com/ultralight-hunting-daypack-update/
http://www.theultralighthiker.com/hunting-daypack/
http://www.theultralighthiker.com/ultralight-pack/
http://www.theultralighthiker.com/the-ideal-pack/
http://www.theultralighthiker.com/air-beam-pad/
http://www.theultralighthiker.com/klymit-air-beam-inflatable-pack-frame-update/
