Tech Tip: Mont Harness Perfect Fit May 29 2014

If you've been looking at a new Mont hiking pack or large daypack you may have noticed the different Harness Systems and sizes available.

All packs fitted with Moto-Active™ and Novo-Lite™ harness systems are available in up to three sizes to make sure you find a perfect fit: Women's, Medium and Large. The Women’s size have more contoured and slightly narrower shoulder straps, the Medium and Large sizes are more universally styled to suit men and also women with larger bone structure.

To determine your harness size you will need to know your back length.
Measuring your back length is easy with the help of a friend. Measure from your C7 vertebrae down to the point level with the top of your hipbones, the iliac crest. The C7 vertebrae is the one that sticks out prominently at the back of your neck when you tilt your head forward.
Use this measurement as a rough guide for the sizing chart below.

Once you know your harness size it is important to fit the pack correctly. A correctly fitted pack is essential for load carrying comfort.

• Firstly, put the pack on and loosen all of the straps, then tighten the hip-belt until firm. The middle of the hip-belt should fit snugly over your hips.
• Next, tighten the shoulder straps, then the stabiliser straps between the tops of the shoulders and the top of the pack frame.
• If the pack does not fit quite right, you may need to adjust the harness back length by adjusting the vertical position of the shoulder yoke. This is done by tightening or loosening the red webbing beside the lumbar pad.

• The curvature of the stays may also need adjusting. Inside the pack at the top there is a flap over the Hollow-Form Stay/s. Pull back the flap, pull out the stay and shape it to fit.
• Finally tighten the stabiliser straps between the hip-belt and the base of the pack.
• With light to moderate loads you may not need to use the sternum strap, but for heavy loads the sternum strap will provide extra stability.

The best way to evaluate your harness fitting is to load the pack up with about 12kg and go for a wander. A correctly fitted pack will distribute a majority of the weight comfortably on your hips via the hip-belt, the shoulder straps are largely for stability.

Follow these instructions and you should have a correctly fitted Mont Backpack ready for adventure.