Setting up your backpack correctly is extremely important, as it can prevent back pain, neck tension, and sharp shoulder pain. Here are a few tips on how to properly adjust your TARIGS backpack to get the absolute maximum carrying comfort out of it!

Person loosens the straps of a dog backpack before putting it on to allow for correct adjustment.
Person zieht den Hüftgurt eines Hunderucksacks fest, um eine bequeme Passform zu gewährleisten.
Person tightens the shoulder straps of a dog backpack to ensure a comfortable fit.
Person tightens the chest strap of a dog backpack to ensure a comfortable fit.
Dog backpack from behind with arrows pointing to the position of the load control straps.
Person loosens the straps of a dog backpack before putting it on to allow for correct adjustment.
Person zieht den Hüftgurt eines Hunderucksacks fest, um eine bequeme Passform zu gewährleisten.
Person tightens the shoulder straps of a dog backpack to ensure a comfortable fit.
Person tightens the chest strap of a dog backpack to ensure a comfortable fit.
Dog backpack from behind with arrows pointing to the position of the load control straps.

A properly adjusted and packed backpack is easier to control. To move stably and safely with your pet in the backpack, you need the right center of gravity. Good balance is essential, especially on demanding terrain. Properly adjusting your TARIGS backpack can make a huge difference: the better it is fitted to both you and your pet, the easier it is to carry your backpack – along with your dog, cat, or other companion – over longer periods.

If you aren’t an avid hiker, you have probably wondered: why do I need all these buckles and straps on the backpack? With a bit of know-how, you will discover how these adjustment options enhance carrying comfort.

We explain step-by-step how to correctly adjust your backpack in just a few simple steps.

5 easy steps

1. Loosen all straps / undo all webbings:

The first and most important step is to loosen all straps on the backpack – chest strap, shoulder straps, load lifter straps, and hip belt. This is the only way to adapt the backpack optimally to your anatomy from scratch and ensure proper load distribution.

2. Determine the position of the hip belt:

 

Women should place the center of the hip belt directly over the top of the pelvis. Men should position the top edge approx. 2 cm above the hip bone. Fasten and tighten the belt so that it neither constricts the waist nor rubs against the thighs.

 

A correctly fitted hip belt ideally transfers the main load from your shoulders to your pelvis. Depending on the model, simple straps or padded hip fins are used. The PaddedPlus Hip Belt can be added if needed for even greater carrying comfort.

3. Adjust the shoulder straps:

 

Tighten the shoulder straps moderately. The weight remains primarily on the hips, while the straps pull the backpack stably against your back. Make sure your arms can still move completely freely forward and nothing presses against your neck.

 

Thanks to the stepless adjustment of all shoulder straps, the backpack fits precisely on your shoulders without slipping. This guarantees an ergonomic weight distribution and sustainably relieves your upper body on long distances.

4. Adjust the chest strap:

 

The chest strap fixes the shoulder straps and prevents them from slipping. Adjust its height appropriately, close the buckle, and lightly tighten the strap without restricting your breathing.

 

It serves purely for fine stabilization and carries no weight itself. Thanks to ergonomically shaped shoulder straps, it ensures a permanently reliable and steady fit, especially during intense movement.

5. Use the load lifter straps:

 

The upper load lifter straps connect the shoulder straps directly to the backpack. Pulling them tight brings the load close to your back, noticeably increasing control and balance on demanding, steep terrain.

When loosened, the straps improve ventilation on your back – ideal for flat trails and warm days. Many models for larger dogs, as well as the Dachshund series, feature these straps for optimal center-of-gravity adjustment.

Important to know

Depending on the activity (e.g., cycling or hiking), terrain, and posture, the length of the shoulder straps should be slightly adjusted to avoid pressure points. On steep terrain (uphill/downhill), your posture changes, which is why flexible fine-tuning of the straps provides the highest level of carrying comfort.

The bottom plate of our backpacks is not made of metal, but rather of a flexible, adaptable material. Much like a good leather shoe, the bottom plate adapts to your back while being worn and becomes more flexible over time.

To alternately relieve pressure on your shoulders and hips during long hikes, you can periodically loosen or tighten the shoulder straps as well as the load lifter and stabilization straps. This allows you to shift the center of gravity and the position of the backpack on your back depending on the terrain and incline.

Due to the special fit designed for Dachshund breeds, the hip belt sits slightly above the hips depending on your own height/back length, especially with the sizes Dachshund Backpack Mini (S) and Midi (M). This is completely fine ergonomically. If you prefer a classic low hip fit, consider choosing the PeakStone Backpack or Bulldog Backpack instead.

For long tours and individuals sensitive to pressure, the PaddedPlus Hip Belt is recommended. It features reinforced padding, relieves pressure on your back and hips, and simultaneously provides optimal support for the backpack’s bottom plate.

Don’t forget: Tag us on your adventures! #tarigs