Used North Face Gear: How to Check Fit for Boots, Jackets & Backpacks

You know that feeling when you find an amazing deal on outdoor gear, but you're not sure if it'll actually fit? 

When you're shopping for used outdoor equipment like a used North Face jacket or boots, sizing becomes tricky. 

The gear has been broken in, compressed, and worn down. Here's how to get the perfect fit every time.

Boots Change More Than You Think

Used boots aren't just smaller versions of new ones. They transform in ways that can throw off your entire sizing strategy.

The sole compression happens gradually as you wear boots. EVA midsoles lose about 15-20% of their original thickness after 300-400 miles of use. That might not sound like much, but it means a size 10 boot with a compressed sole feels more like a 9.5.

Your foot shape changes how boots fit too. The average foot spreads by 6-8mm throughout the day due to swelling and weight-bearing. Used boots that fit perfectly in the morning might pinch by evening.

The Sole Wear Reality Check

Boot Age/Miles	Sole Thickness Loss	Size Impact
0-100 miles	5-8%	Minimal
200-400 miles	15-20%	0.5 size smaller
500+ miles	25-30%	1 full size smaller

When you examine used boots, press down on the heel area. If it compresses easily, the midsole has lost significant cushioning. This affects not just comfort but also how your foot sits in the boot.

Backpack Compression Changes Everything

Backpacks suffer from fabric stretch and frame compression over time. The areas that take the most abuse? Shoulder straps, hip belt, and the main compartment.

A well-used 65-liter pack might only hold 55-58 liters effectively due to fabric stretch. The hip belt padding compresses by roughly 30-40% after heavy use, which changes how the pack sits on your body.

Check these compression points when buying used:

• Hip belt thickness (should be at least 1 inch thick)

• Shoulder strap padding (press firmly - it should bounce back)

• Frame integrity (no visible bends or cracks)

Measuring What Actually Matters

Most people measure wrong when buying used gear. Here's what to focus on:

For boots: Measure your foot at the end of the day when it's naturally swollen. Add 0.5-1cm to account for sock thickness and natural foot movement. For used boots, add another 3-4mm to compensate for sole compression.

For backpacks: Your torso length matters more than overall height. Measure from your C7 vertebra (the bump at the base of your neck) to the top of your hip bones. Most people get this wrong by 2-3 inches.

The Real Sizing Numbers

Women's torso lengths typically range from 15-19 inches, while men's range from 16-22 inches. But here's what the gear companies don't tell you: used pack frames often sag by 1-2 inches, effectively shortening the torso range.

Field Testing Your Pre-Owned Find

You can't just try on used gear and call it good. Wear the boots for at least 30 minutes while doing normal activities. Your feet need time to settle into the compressed footbed.

For backpacks, load them with 20-30 pounds and wear them for 15-20 minutes. The compressed padding will reveal pressure points that weren't obvious when empty.

Watch for these warning signs:

• Hot spots on your feet within 10 minutes

• Pack straps digging into your shoulders immediately

• Any numbness or tingling in extremities

When Size Charts Lie

Brand sizing varies wildly, and used gear sizing is even less reliable. A size 9 boot from five years ago might fit like today's 8.5 due to manufacturing changes and wear patterns.

European sizes tend to run 0.5-1 size larger than US equivalents, but this gets complicated with used gear because the previous owner's foot shape has molded the interior.

Always go by measurements, not size labels. A boot labeled size 10 with an interior length of 28cm is actually closer to a size 9.5.

The Bottom Line on Pre-Owned Gear

Buying used outdoor equipment saves serious money, but you need to account for the changes that come with use. 

Boots compress and conform, backpacks stretch and sag, and what worked for the previous owner might not work for you.

Take measurements seriously, test everything thoroughly, and don't be afraid to walk away from a deal if the fit isn't right. 

Your comfort and safety on the trail depend on gear that actually fits your body, not just the size label sewn inside.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do used North Face boots fit differently than new ones?

Answer: Used boots lose 15–30% of sole thickness after a few hundred miles of use, effectively making them feel 0.5–1 size smaller. Always measure your foot at the end of the day and add 3–4mm for compression when buying used boots.

Can a used North Face backpack still fit properly?

Answer: Yes—if the torso length still matches your body. But remember, used packs often sag 1–2 inches due to frame and fabric wear. Always measure torso length (C7 vertebra to hip bones) and check hip belt and shoulder strap padding for compression.

How can I tell if a used North Face pack has lost too much support?

Answer: Check three things:

• Hip belt padding (shouldn’t be thinner than 1 inch)

• Shoulder straps (must bounce back when pressed)

• Frame integrity (no cracks or bends)

Why shouldn’t I trust the size label on used gear?

Answer: Because brand sizing changes over time, and used gear molds to the previous owner. A North Face size 9 boot from 5 years ago might fit like today’s 8.5. Always go by measurements, not labels.

How do I field test used boots or packs before buying?

Answer:

• Boots: wear them for 30+ minutes, checking for hot spots or pinching.

• Packs: load with 20–30 lbs and wear for 15–20 minutes—compressed padding will reveal problem areas.

Is buying used North Face gear really worth it?

Answer: Yes—if you measure carefully and test thoroughly. A used North Face jacket, boots, or backpack can save serious money, but the fit must be right for safety and comfort.