From experience, most people need load-lifter straps to reduce shoulder strain when carrying more than about 10 kg. However, if the pack is usually loaded with less than 10 kg, a backpack without load-lifter straps can still be carried comfortably.
Additionally, backpacks without load-lifter straps do not require a frame extending above the shoulders, nor do they necessarily need a rigid frame. A shorter, padded back panel can be used instead to reduce the pack’s weight. This is why everyday daypacks often omit load-lifter straps.
Let’s first review the basic guidelines for determining the proper torso length for backpacks with load-lifter straps:
1. When raising the thigh above 90 degrees (or when squatting), the top edge of the thigh marks the lowest position of the tightened waist belt.
2. After tightening the waist belt at the position above, the shoulder straps should connect to the pack slightly below the shoulders.
3. At this point, the load-lifter straps should connect to the frame at least slightly above the shoulders.
For backpacks without load-lifter straps, there is no need for a frame above the shoulders, and there is no absolute “correct” torso length. When carrying heavier loads, the shoulder strap length and waist belt height can be adjusted to achieve a more comfortable carry.
Below are illustrations showing backpacks of different torso lengths for explanation:
EX.1 Torso length normal – backpack without load-lifter straps
(The shoulder straps connect to the pack slightly below the shoulders)
Carrying this type of backpack feels similar to a normal torso-length backpack with load-lifter straps in a relaxed state. With the waist belt tightened at the normal height to bear most of the pack’s weight while maintaining its position, the backpack stays close to the back and can comfortably carry a moderate load. However, without load-lifter straps, once the carried weight reaches a certain point, the pressure on the upper shoulders will start to cause discomfort.
The discomfort from upper shoulder pressure can be slightly alleviated by loosening the shoulder straps, allowing the backpack to tilt backward. However, leaning the pack backward increases pressure on the waist and can cause the center of gravity to shift, making the load unstable while walking, which is not suitable for long-term carrying. It must be readjusted periodically.
Alternatively, the discomfort on the upper shoulders can also be addressed by tightening the shoulder straps and raising the waist belt to a higher position, creating a carry feel similar to a slightly longer torso backpack. Yet, this adjustment may increase pressure on the front shoulders and chest, and a higher waist belt can cause abdominal discomfort, so it must also be adjusted periodically.
Clearly, backpacks without load-lifter straps do not have an optimal carry posture when carrying heavier loads. The waist belt and shoulder straps need to be adjusted frequently to relieve pressure on different body areas. For everyday backpacks, which generally carry lighter loads, even slightly longer or shorter torso lengths can achieve sufficient comfort with minor waist belt adjustments.
EX.2 Slightly longer torso – backpack without load-lifter straps
(The shoulder straps connect to the pack slightly above the shoulders)
With the waist belt tightened at the normal height to bear most of the backpack’s weight while keeping its position unchanged, a slightly longer torso backpack creates the situation shown above. Like a normal torso-length pack, it stays close to the back, but the rear half of the shoulder straps is left unsupported. As a result, the downward load on the shoulders is reduced, and the waist belt can bear a relatively greater portion of the weight. However, the overall higher tension in the shoulder straps may cause increased pressure on the front shoulders and chest. Additionally, tightening the shoulder straps in this carry style may make straps that were initially properly wide for the shoulders too narrow, potentially causing friction or neck pressure.
The discomfort on the front shoulders and chest can be slightly alleviated by loosening the shoulder straps, allowing the pack to tilt backward. However, tilting the pack backward increases pressure on the waist, and during movement, the pack may sway front-to-back, making the load unstable—this is not suitable for long-term carrying and must be readjusted as needed.
The backward tilt issue can also be partially mitigated by tightening the waist belt slightly lower. However, lifting the legs while walking can cause the waist belt to ride upward, creating friction against the legs and vertical movement of the pack, which is also unsuitable for long-term carrying and requires occasional adjustment.
In general, when carrying heavier loads, it may be advisable to choose a slightly longer torso, high-capacity backpack without load-lifter straps, and select a model with a wider shoulder strap spacing that does not press or rub the neck when the straps are tightened as shown above. While this still sacrifices some comfort on the front shoulders and chest, it allows the waist to bear more weight for most of the time. For those sensitive to pressure on the front shoulders and chest, a backpack with load-lifter straps is still the more ideal choice.
EX.3 Short torso – backpack without load-lifter straps
(The shoulder straps connect to the pack noticeably below the shoulders)
Carrying a backpack like this feels similar to a short-torso backpack with the load-lifter straps relaxed. With the waist belt tightened at the normal height to bear most of the pack’s weight while keeping its position unchanged, the backpack tends to tilt backward and not stay close to the back.
To correct this backward tilt, the shoulder straps must be shortened to raise the pack higher on the back, and the waist belt lightly tightened at a higher-than-normal position. However, this causes most of the weight to be borne by the shoulders. Because the waist belt is positioned higher, even when tightened it cannot carry most of the load and may cause discomfort in the abdominal area.
In general, such very short-torso backpacks without load-lifter straps are often seen in summit packs. They are more suitable for carrying lighter loads, with the shoulders bearing most of the weight, while the waist belt primarily stabilizes the pack to prevent it from swaying.
EX.4 Long-torso – backpack without load-lifter straps
(The shoulder straps connect to the pack significantly above the shoulders)
With the waist belt tightened at the normal height to bear most of the pack’s weight while keeping its position unchanged, the backpack can sit close to the back, and most of the shoulders are almost suspended without load, allowing the waist belt to carry the majority of the downward weight. The carrying experience is similar to that of a normal-torso backpack with load-lifter straps.
However, because the upper part of such a long-torso backpack without load-lifter straps is held only by the shoulder straps pressing against the chest, the shoulders barely provide any stabilization, making the backpack prone to swaying from side to side. In some movements, the shoulder straps may even slip off, which is a critical drawback.
