Determining Your Back Length

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Determining Your Back Length

Height and back length don't always match: tall people can have a short back, and shorter people can have a long back. So the height guide given for backpacks is only a rough reference.

The most important factor in choosing the right backpack size is your back length.

How to measure your back length:

• Feel for your iliac crest (the top edge of your hip bone).
• Measure along your spine from the iliac crest up to the C7 vertebra.
• The C7 vertebra is the one that sticks out slightly when you tilt your head forward.

What do you need?

1. Determine your back length: Measure the distance between the 7th cervical vertebra and the top edge of the iliac crest.
2. Find your measuring points: Tilt your head forward — the 7th vertebra will protrude. Locate the edge of your hip bone with your index finger and thumb.
3. Helpful tool: Place a belt horizontally on your hip bone to keep your spine straight.
4. Position the tape measure: Start at the 7th vertebra and run the tape measure down to the top edge of the belt.
5. Mark the measuring point: Use your thumb and index finger to mark the point where the tape measure meets the top edge of the belt.
6. Finish measuring: Release the tape measure at the top and hold it in place at the bottom.
7. Read the result: Bring the tape measure around to the front and read your back length at your thumb.

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