7 Signs Your Backpack Doesn’t Fit
We’ve all been there…halfway up the trail, adjusting straps that won’t stop digging, shoulders aching, wondering if it’s us or the pack. (Spoiler: it’s probably the pack.)
A well-fitted backpack should feel like an extension of your body—steady, balanced, and supportive. But for too many women, “good enough” has been the default for far too long. Here’s how to tell if your current pack isn’t doing you any favors and how to fix it before your next adventure.
1. Your Shoulder Straps Dig or Slip
If your shoulder straps constantly slide off or cut into your chest, it’s a fit issue, not a you issue. Most packs are built around straight, unisex torso shapes that don’t account for curves or narrower shoulders. Look for S-curve straps that contour comfortably and give your chest space to breathe while keeping the load stable.
2. Your Sternum Strap Doesn’t Sit Right
If you’re constantly readjusting your sternum strap, or skipping it altogether because it sits in the wrong spot, it’s a red flag. That strap should help with balance, not restrict your breathing. A three-way adjustable sternum strap helps you find that just-right position where your pack feels secure without pressure.
3. The Weight Feels Off (All on Your Shoulders or Lower Back)
If your pack feels like it’s pulling in one direction or pressing unevenly, it’s not distributing the load efficiently. Frameless packs, like the Aspen, rely on smart packing to keep your center of gravity close to your spine. Keep heavy items near your mid-back and lighter gear toward the top and outside to help your pack move with you, not against you.
4. You Feel Neck or Shoulder Pain After a Few Miles
Soreness at the end of a long day shouldn’t come from your pack. Pain in your shoulders or neck means your pack isn’t balanced or sitting right on your torso. Try adjusting your load height, tightening the roll top evenly, and making sure your straps aren’t over-tightened (a common culprit!).
5. The Pack Pulls Backward When You Walk
When you lean forward slightly and still feel your pack tugging you off balance, it’s likely too long for your torso or packed unevenly. Your pack should stay snug and close to your body, not swinging or pulling you off rhythm.
6. You Can’t Reach Your Water or Snacks Without Taking It Off
If you have to do a full yoga twist to grab a snack, it’s not you—it’s the design. Easy-to-reach pockets (like front phone pockets or oversized side pockets) are a small but huge detail that make a world of difference on trail. Comfort isn’t just about fit; it’s about accessibility too.
7. You Dread Putting It On
The biggest sign of all: if your pack makes you hesitate before heading out, it’s time for a change. The right fit should make you feel ready, not reluctant.
At Symbiosis, we’re redefining what “fit” means for women, because it’s about more than measurements. It’s about feeling strong, supported, and seen on the trail.
The Aspen Pack was designed from the ground up to move with your body—boob-friendly S-curve straps, adjustable sternum system, thoughtful pocket placement, and a frameless design that lets you decide how the weight sits.
Because you deserve gear that fits your body and your way of hiking.