Sizing & Fit Guide

Measuring Your Torso

The most important measurement for backpack fit is torso length, the distance from the base of your neck to the top of your hip bones. This determines where the shoulder straps sit and how weight transfers to your hips.

How to measure: Tilt your head forward and feel for the bony bump at the base of your neck. That’s your C7 vertebra. Place your hands on your hips with thumbs pointing backward along your iliac crest (the top ridge of your hip bones). Have someone measure the distance from C7 down to an imaginary line between your thumbs.

The CARGO backpack fits torso lengths from approximately 16″ to 22″, covering the vast majority of adult body types. The adjustable shoulder strap system accommodates this range without requiring size selection.

Adjusting the Shoulder Straps

Proper shoulder strap adjustment is the foundation of a comfortable carry. Follow these steps every time you load the CARGO for the first time or after significantly changing your load.

• Loosen all straps completely before putting on the backpack
• Position the hip belt (if applicable) so it sits directly on the iliac crest, the top of your hip bones, not your waist
• Tighten the hip belt first to transfer weight to your hips
• Pull the shoulder straps down until they wrap smoothly over your shoulders with no gaps between the strap and your body
• Tighten the load lifter straps (at the top of the shoulder straps) to pull the pack closer to your upper back at roughly a 45-degree angle
• The goal is to distribute approximately 60–70% of the weight on your hips and 30–40% on your shoulders

Sternum Strap

The sternum strap connects the two shoulder straps across your chest, preventing them from slipping outward and stabilizing the pack during movement.

• Position the sternum strap across your chest at approximately armpit level, about one inch below the collarbone
• The strap should be snug but not restrictive. You should be able to breathe deeply without the strap digging in
• Helps stabilize the pack during quick movements, running, or uneven terrain
• The CARGO sternum strap includes an integrated emergency whistle, accessible at all times without removing the pack

Load Distribution

How you pack the CARGO matters as much as how you wear it. Proper load placement keeps the center of gravity close to your back and prevents the pack from pulling you off balance.

• Heavy items should sit close to your back and centered vertically. This keeps weight over your hips
• Lighter, bulkier items go toward the outside and top of the pack
• Use the external compression straps to cinch down the load and prevent shifting during movement
• The armor compartments (IIIA back panel + hard plate pocket) add weight directly against your back. This is intentional, keeping ballistic mass close to your center of gravity for better balance
• Avoid packing all weight on one side. Distribute evenly left to right

Armor Fit

The CARGO backpack has two dedicated armor compartments designed to work independently or together as a layered ballistic system.

IIIA Aramid Panel

• Slides into the dedicated back panel compartment, accessed via a zippered opening along the top edge
• Covers the full rear surface of the backpack when inserted
• No adjustment needed. The compartment is sized to hold the panel flush against the pack body

Hard Plates (III+ / IV)

• Insert into the height-adjustable plate pocket, located inside the IIIA compartment closer to your back
• Adjust the internal retention strap to position the plate at center mass, roughly between your shoulder blades and the bottom of your sternum
• To adjust plate height: loosen the retention strap, slide the plate up or down to the desired position, then re-tighten
• Plates should sit flat without tilting. If the plate rocks, check that the retention strap is fully engaged

The plate pocket adjusts vertically within a 17.5″ range (2″ to 19.5″ from the base), accommodating standard 10″ x 12″ SAPI-cut plates at your preferred ride height.

Pack Weight Guidelines

Below is a general reference for CARGO system weights at various configurations. As a rule, your loaded pack should not exceed 20–25% of your body weight for extended carry.

For reference: a 180 lb person should aim to keep their loaded pack under 36–45 lbs for all-day carry. Shorter trips or mission-specific loads can go higher, but extended carry above 25% body weight increases fatigue and joint stress significantly.