Size/Fit Guide

Planning to buy a new camera pack? We have guidance to pick out the companion that will serve you and your adventures best - start below!

TORSO TYPE

f-stop Gear prides ourselves on providing products specialized to both Male and Female torso sizes. Please see the sizing charts below to gauge your size.

Before buying any backpack, it helps to know your torso length. This is the measurement that determines where the shoulder harness sits relative to your hips and whether the shoulder straps will sit at the right angle off the bag.

Here’s how to measure your torso length:

Find the C7 vertebra — the bony bump at the base of your neck when you tilt your head forward.
Find the top of your iliac crest — the top ridge of your hip bone on either side.
Measure from C7 down to the iliac crest along the curve of your spine.

This is your torso length.

Measurements -> Pack Sizes
Now take those measurements and apply them here to find the pack size ranges that will suit you best.

Torso Length (C7 to Iliac Crest)
Pack Size

38 - 48.5cm
15 - 19"
SM

46 - 53.5cm
18 - 21"
MD

51 - 60cm
20 - 24"
LG

38 - 51cm
15 - 20"
S/M

46 - 60cm
18 - 24"
M/L

54- 64cm
21 - 25"
XL

Female
Because they have smaller frame sizes, women-specific backpacks often work well for young or shorter backpackers. The torso dimensions are generally shorter and narrower than in men's packs. Another thing to note is that the hip belts and shoulder straps in women-specific packs tend to be contoured to accommodate wider hips and breasts.

Male
Male packs use a larger standard size. Also, packs include standard size hip belts and shoulder straps to suit most male body types.

PACK SIZING

After measuring your body points, see what packs are most compatible with you below.

PACK FITTING

Follow these steps to fit your pack perfectly to your body so you can focus on your adventure/s at hand

1.) Prepare the Pack

Loosen all straps: hip belt, shoulder harness, and load-lifter straps
Load the pack with approximately 10-20 lbs( 4-9 kg) of gear to simulate typical use

2.) Position the Hip Belt

Put on the pack and center the hip belt over your hip bones (iliac crest).
The hip belt padding should cover the top half of your pelvis, distributing weight evenly.

3.) Secure the Hip Belt

Buckle the hip belt and tighten it snugly
Ensure the padding wraps comfortably around your hips, with about 1-3 inches (2.5-7.5cm) of webbing visible between the buckle and the hip belt when tightened

4.) Adjust the Shoulder Straps

Pull the shoulder harness staps down and back to secure the pack against your back.
The straps should wrap smoothly over your shoulders without gaps.

5.) Set the Load Lifters

Tighten the load lifter straps (located near the top of the shoulder straps) to draw the pack closer to your body

6.) Verify Torso Length

Locate the point where the shoulder straps converge near the base of your neck
This point should sit about 1-2 inches (2.5-5cm) below your C7 vertebra (the prominent bone at the base of your neck)

7.) Adjust the Shoulder Strap Fit

Pull the shoulder harness straps down and back to secure the pack against your back.
The straps should wrap smoothly over your shoulders without gaps.

8.) Verify the Shoulder Strap Fit

The padded sections of the shoulder straps should end about 2 inches (5 cm) below your armpits without causing discomfort.

9.) Fasten the Sternum Strap

Position the sternum strap approximately 2 inches (5 cm) below your collarbone.
Adjust its height and tightness to ensure it holds the shoulder straps in place without restricting movement or breathing

INSTALLATION/FIT VIDEOS

View our fit and installation videos below for hands-on explanations of how best to use your f-stop products

Installing the Sternum Strap - Female

Installing the Sternum Strap - Male

WE LOVE TO HELP

Still need help finding the best pack for you? Contact f-stop Customer Support and we will walk you through selecting your optimum pack and accessory combination for max comfort and utility.

Other Considerations

With other factors such as pack features, size and support to consider, there's more to finding your perfect pack, let us help! Read below for more details surrounding pack selection.

CAPACITY

Start with the size of your pack based on duration of use and amount of goods to carry

Small Trips (1-2 days)
10-20L

Multiday (2-4 days)
24-50L

f-stop Sukha 70 liter camera backpack in the Anthracite Black color viewed from the front and side

Extended Adventures (5+days)
50L +