When buying tops like T-shirts and tank tops, we need to measure the back length to determine the length of the garment and ensure a comfortable fit. But did you know that you also need to measure your back length when buying a backpack? Why? And how do you measure it? This article will tell you the answers.
Definition of Back Length
Back length refers to the distance between your C7 vertebra and your iliac crest (or the top of your pelvis).
The Importance of Measuring Back Length
Have you ever experienced shoulder pain, lower back pain, or instability while carrying a backpack? If so, it’s likely that the backpack’s back length isn’t suitable. To reduce this, it’s important to measure your back length before purchasing a backpack. Besides reducing the strain on your body, there are several important reasons:
1. Many brands, especially outdoor backpack brands, use back length to size their backpacks. Measuring your back length can help you determine the correct size for your backpack more quickly.
2. A properly proportioned back panel will help the backpack fit better on the back, allowing the shoulder straps and waist belt to naturally fall into the correct position. This reduces weight on the shoulders and waist, reducing stress and protecting the body.
3. A backpack with a properly proportioned back panel is more stable when walking than one with an inappropriate back panel. A backpack with a back panel that is too long will cause the backpack to sink, shifting the center of gravity downward; a backpack with a short back panel will cause the backpack to tilt upward, placing more strain on the body.
How to Determine Back Length
To determine back length, first identify the two measurement points: the C7 vertebra vertebra and the iliac crest mentioned in the definition.
Determining the Measurement Points
Locate the C7 vertebra easily. Simply feel the back of your neck while lowering your head. The bone that protrudes most when you lower your head is the seventh vertebra. This is the starting point for measuring back length.
The iliac crest is located near the pelvis. You can place your hands on your hips and extend your thumbs toward your back. The tips of your thumbs are generally at the iliac crest, which is also the end point of the back length measurement.
Specific Steps
- Prepare a tape measure.
- Stand upright and place one end of the tape measure or ruler at the C7 vertebra vertebra, securing it with one hand.
- Let the ruler hang naturally along your spine. With your other hand on your hips, extend your thumb toward your back to find the hanging ruler.
- Keeping your thumb in place, release the remaining four fingers and turn it back toward your back. Stretch the ruler as straight as possible and pinch the measured area.
- Release the tape measure from the C7 vertebra. Keep your hand at the iliac crest measurement point, and then move your hands forward.
- Finally, read the measured back length above your thumb.
Something Needs to be paying attention to when measuring my back length
There are a few details to be paid attention to when measuring back length. It ensures accurate data and a better fit for a backpack.
- Avoid slouching or hunching over. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart and maintain a relaxed posture with your back straight.
- Use a soft measuring tape instead of a metal tape measure or ruler. A soft tape measure will better conform to the curve of the back, providing more accurate measurements.
- Wear light, fitted clothing, such as yoga wear, rather than loose T-shirts or shirts. Thick or loose clothing may cause measurement errors.
- Make sure to start measuring from the correct starting position. Begin measuring at the base of the cervical spine, keeping the tape measure close to your back, until you reach the junction of your torso and hips.
- If possible, let someone help you measure. You simply need to stand as instructed. Measuring alone is not only inconvenient but may also result in less accurate data.
After the back length is determined, you can choose a backpack that suits you. To ensure that everything is safe, it is best to try carrying the backpack before receiving and paying to ensure that it fits our back well.
FAQ
F: How often should I measure my back length?
A: If your body shape doesn’t change much, measuring twice a year is sufficient. When customizing a backpack or buying a new one, it’s best to measure your back length before purchasing.
F: Which backpack brands particularly emphasize back length design?
A: Some well-known backpack brands focus on back length design, such as Ospery, Deuter, Gregory, USLINT, and Kewei. These brands offer multiple adjustment options, including shoulder straps, waist belts, and chest straps, allowing users of different body types to adjust them to their liking.
F: Is there a relationship between backpack size and back length range?
A: Backpacks are usually categorized into different sizes based on different back length ranges, such as S, M, or L. Different brands have different size ranges, so it’s essential to inquire beforehand.
F: Is there a significant difference in back length between women and men?
A: Generally, women’s back length is shorter than men’s. When buying a backpack, it’s necessary to measure your back length beforehand, or purchase a backpack specifically designed for women. These backpacks for woman are usually optimized based on women’s shoulder width, back length, hips, and other physiological structures, making them more suitable for women’s body curves.
