Why does my backpack weight keep shifting to one side?

CliffWatcher

I expected the load to stay centered once everything was packed and the straps adjusted at the start, but the weight drifted to one side as the day went on and items settled. The hip belt still held but the whole pack pulled noticeably whenever the trail tilted. I tried moving a water bottle to the opposite side compartment to counter it and that helped for maybe an hour before it happened again.

TrailTales

CliffWatcher that settling shift on tilted sections is a classic pack issue once the load compacts. Repacking with the densest gear centered low and cinching the internal compression straps every couple hours usually stops the drift before it starts.

TentPitcher

TrailTales point on the compression straps is solid, but CliffWatcher if the pack keeps pulling on tilts try tightening the load lifter straps after the first hour to pull the weight back against your back.