| What they are | Straps shoulder-top to pack-top |
| Job | Pull load in for balance |
| Set to | About a 45-degree angle |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
Load lifters are the straps running from the top of the shoulder straps up to the top of the pack frame, used to pull the load closer to your body for balance and to fine-tune how weight sits. Adjusted to roughly a 45-degree angle, they keep a heavy pack from pulling you backward.
Setting them
After the hip belt and shoulder straps, snug them to ~45° so the pack rides close — key to internal-frame fit.
Frequently asked questions
What are load lifters?
Load lifters are the small straps that connect the top of your shoulder straps to the upper part of the pack frame. Tightening them pulls the top of the load in toward your body, improving balance and stopping a heavy pack from sagging away from your back.
How do you adjust load lifters?
After setting the hip belt and shoulder straps, snug the load lifters so they form roughly a 45-degree angle from the shoulder to the pack. Tighten to pull the load closer when it feels like it's tipping you back; ease them slightly if they're lifting the shoulder straps off your shoulders.
Why do load lifters matter?
They keep the load's weight centered over your hips rather than levering backward, which improves balance and comfort, especially with a heavy pack on uneven terrain. They're a key part of dialing in pack fit, alongside the hip belt and shoulder straps.
Sources
- Backpack fit — American Hiking Society