How should my backpack fit?

I will just try it out before making any hasty decisions. I just don't get out much since I have a two year old and a wife in nursing school. I kinda feel pressured to try it before I run out of time to return it. And the whole thing is frustrating because, while you all have been very helpful, I don't have a clue as to how a properly fitting pack feels. This one feels ok but I think it could be better fitting. All I can do is try it though. So thanks.

Internal frame packs need to have the stays adjusted (bent) to match the curvature of your back. My packs required more adjustment than most people need due to the unusual curvature of my spine. Your pack should be close to your back at all points, which is accomplished by bending the stays. The straps should be on a parallel plane with the top of your shoulders or higher. A properly designed and fitted internal frame pack will utilize the straps to keep it in place when hiking, the straps shouldn't be carrying any of the load, the stays should transfer the load to your hip belt.

The picture below are the stays from my McHale Bump (top) and McHale LBP 36 (bottom). You will notice the lower one is shorter, the thick end has a swivel that makes it the same size as the top one, meaning the stay length is adjustable. Also the LBP has stay extensions, not shown, which increases the upper frame length when load lifters are used — it is necessary to have a longer frame for load lifters to work properly. Also, you will notice the Bump stay is thinner and lighter than the LBP. This is by design, as the Bump can easily carry 40 lbs with little compression of the stay, the LBP can carry more weight than I am willing to hike with.

Steve,
Just from your photo, first I would loosen all the side compression strings. Then fill the pack full with sleeping bag and clothing, till the whole space is filled evenly. Then talk to the makers and fit according to their instructions and send them photos.
I was one that their packs just did not fit and I'm not an unusual body type. Sometimes that just happens. It should feel comfortable. If there is any part that immediately feels uncomfortable, try adjusting things one at a time and walking. Don't change six different things at once if you can cause it ruins the process of elimination. I know it's frustrating but it takes time to find a pack that really jives with your body, how you move and the weights you want to carry. But once you get experience with different models you will know by how it feels that it's THE one that works for you. I bought used over and over until I hit the sweet spot for me, and what I finally ended up with feels like I'm hardly carrying anything and fits like it's made for me. A pack should not pull, pinch, or pressure you in any way when it's right.
If it's any consolation, lots and lots of us here have been down the trail you are just stepping onto. It's not the easiest journey, but very very worth it when you are finally heading down new trails feeling comfortable and happy with what you have.

Thanks everyone for the posts. While the pack first exactly hurt or feel uncomfortable, I do have to have it too loose to the point where it doesn't hug my body. It's kinda floppy which I dot think is necessarily bad but I would like it to be a little more form fitting on my back. But I will fill it up, take some pictures, try it out on a few hikes, and go from there.
On another note, I do think the pack is overkill volume wise. In that picture, I have every piece of backpacking gear I would take on a trip plus an extra pot and even a .357 magnum in it's zippered case. No food though. So if I do decide to return it, I'll be looking for a smaller volume pack as I'll only be doing overnighters or two night trips at the most this year.

Steve, I reckon you're overthinking this. If the Ohm transfers the weight you need to your hips, is stable, and doesn't chafe then it is getting the job done. If the shoulder gap prevents any of these you'll need to trade for a pack with an aluminum frame you can bend to fit your upper back (which does look a little un-normal). Most packs with such a frame will be too big for your needs, so you may have to decide which end deserves priority.

If you have all your clothing in the pack already in your pics, and only need 2 days of food – then I'd look at the CDT instead of the Ohm.

I think the size / torso length of the Ohm in your pics appears about right, but the Delrin hoop stay is just to straight for your back. You'd need a pack that curves in at the top – which will require an aluminum stay for heavy loads.

But if your pack includes clothing, then you are looking at summer weights – and a frameless pack with a layer or two of closed cell foam slid inside as a frame will do fine with 20 lb weights – as long as you keep the load compressed / solid with the side and top straps.

The closed cell foam can be used to sit on at camp too – so it's more versatile than a pack with a built in frame.

If you need a little more support, you can duct tape a piece of aluminum from Home Depot to the pad and bend it to the shape of your back. This works best if the straps are about 1/2" above your shoulders in terms of pack-fit.

Ps: the gossamer gear packs are similar to the ULA packs, but use an aluminum frame rather than a Delrin frame. They may fit you better.

Both the ULA and GG packs with a frame will keep weight off the TOPs of your shoulders significantly better than the frameless pack with loads above 25 lbs. At 15 lbs, pretty much everyone is comfortable with a frameless packs. Between 15 and 25 lbs it seems to vary by person.

You're probably right about that. But that probably stems from having 30 days to return it. Ill get out once in the next 30 days. Maybe a few short day hikes here and there. Hopefully it'll be enough to determine if it's going to work out. But I guess if I'm not 100% certain by the end of the return period, I can just return it. Don't need to know tonight if it's going to work out. And like I said, I don't even know how it's supposed to feel so it's all new. One of the reasons I went with ula though is the healthy used market. They seem to hold their value pretty well. All I can do is see.

I actually talked to Chris at ula. He had me adjust a few things and send him some pictures. He pretty much told me to tighten the shoulder straps more and not worry right now about any pressure on the front of my shoulders. He said the straps will wear in and soften up and it'll end up fitting fine. So I'll try it out and go from there.

Chris is very good at what he does. Glad you gave him a call. He is such a good resource.

So I decided to just return the ohm. I knew the pack just didn't fit the way I wanted. So I bought a GG gorilla instead. With the curved aluminum stay, it fits perfectly. It's exactly how I always invisioned a pack to fit. So just wanted to update this thread and kinda close it out. Thanks everyone for all the help.

I'm glad you got it sorted out. I know we all have our preferences in fit and brand, but I think we can appreciate that "aha" moment when you got the right pack for you.

Too bad it didn't fit. I am a trail ambassador for GG, so I didn't want to be pushing the GG packs here, but I don't think you could have made a better choice.

In testing, the Gorilla, did fair for hauling. I turned in a few comments, many of which are now part of the current pack. It is a delightful change! It was a nice pack before, now it is just excellent. If it doesn't quite fit you, you can easily bend the stay to your back. One of the few that do this. A level of comfort that literally "clings" to you whole back. Of course, the downside is it is rather warm. I remember having to let it slide back a bit to cool my back.

GG rates the pack at 2350, but this is not including the extension collar. Of hand it is about 3000ci including the extension. For all but deep winter trips at <0f(-18c), this is really an ideal pack for most. Enjoy it!

It's was definitely an "aha" moment. Before I even put the stay in the pack, I showed my wife and said "this is going to be perfect". And the pack does cling to my back. I also told my wife I don't think I would even need the hip belt. There was no weight on my shoulders with 12 pounds in the pack. Of course that was just walking around the house. And I could see how my back would get warm. But I'm super happy with the fit.