Backpacks: what's with the sholder bite

calyth

calyth

#!/bin/sh of a man
Joined
Feb 23, 2002
Messages
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Even though I used to lug quite a bit of books on my back, I still don't get used to a heavy pack.
It has decent shoulder padding, and adjusted so that it's close to my back, but it still really strain my shoulder.
Any remedies?
 
The best remedy that I can think of is to get a pack with a waist strap.

Make sure that the waist strap is nice and tight (not too tight though :eek: ), and it'll transfer most of the weight to your hips. Make's things a hell of a lot easier IMO.

Orm.
 
Keeping weight down is the best way to enjoy a packing trip. My pack weight is 22 lbs.It takes a good deal of time to assemble an outfit..
For a pack weight above 35 lbs. you'll have to suffer thru the weight..
 
You're stuck with the books. I'd get a better backpack--probably a small internal frame pack with a decent waist belt to transfer some of the weight to your hips. You might check out the Mountainsmith Mountainlight series, particularly the Ghost or Wraith. Good luck.
 
You definitely need a hipbelt. It's best if most of the weight is supported by your pelvic girdle.
Even a heavy load can be comfortable if the pack has a good suspension system.
I haven't looked at many of the smaller Dana Design packs, but if they're anything like the larger ones, they'd definitely be worth a look. They're not cheap, but they feel great.
 
I'd second that Mountainsmith recommendation. I've got a Ghost and its just enough space for a weekend trip, up to three days or so...or more if you know what you're doing in the woods.

Nitin
 
Thanks all!
It does have a waist belt, but I've yet to figure out to keep it in place.
Besides I know that i'm out of shape so that could be partially the problem too.
 
Excellent recommendations thus far. For heavier packs it's important to have a padded hipbelt, not just a waistbelt made of webbing. The hipbelt transfers most of the weight to your pelvis, and the shoulder straps essentially keep the pack against your back. The shoulder straps and sternum strap distribute the remaining weight on your chest, so your shoulders feel much more comfortable after a long day's haul.

Even a frameless pack such as the Becker Patrol Pack can be made to carry heavy loads because of the hipbelt. However, most packs that feature hipbelts are framed, medium or large capacity. The BPP is one of the few packs under 2000 cubic inches with a hipbelt.

~SteelDriver
 
Dana Designs is a great company. You might also look at Gregory packs. I've used their top of the line model and it is hands down the best pack I and the rest of my team ever came across. It only comes in bright red but hte other models havea variety of colors.

If you don't mind a more military look, look into Blackhawk (Contact Javahed on this forum if he's around) and Eagle. Great stuff, and durable as all get out.
 
The only reason I don't own a Mountainsmith Ghost now is my old Gregory Day-and-a-half pack is still going strong. This wouldn't work as well for school, but you can make a small backpack into its own "frame" by packing it snugly. I've carried over 30 pounds and gear and provisions for five days and four nights in the Gregory.

For traveling fast and light I have a Golight Day Pack I got on sale from REI. If I pack careful, it's good for 2 nights and 3 days in the Cascades (July through September).

For real load monsters check out McHale's custom packs.
 
Originally posted by Kampfjaeger
If you don't mind a more military look, look into Blackhawk (Contact Javahed on this forum if he's around) and Eagle. Great stuff, and durable as all get out.
Click to expand...
Actually I'm using a south african surplus.
Pockets and storage is OK, but I got a older version, that's why the hip belt clip was finiky and didn't stay on very long. The guy agreed to give me a QD buckle and the strap for free, and my mom sew this stuff for a living (for Canadians, she work for Taiga works. However she got no factory discounts :( )
I know I could've got better ones, but I had a lot of supplies to buy and I couldn't possibly fork out the amount of money for a good new commercial pack. Besides I like external frames anyways.
 
I use an Eagle Becker Patrol Pack - I carry around 25 lbs of gear in it every day. My only problem with it is that _I_ can't use the hip belt, but that is because of MY build - I have two problems

1)I'm fat
2)I have an EXTREMELY long back length - I'm 24" from my hips to the base of the neck - if you are really long in the back, it's hard to get a pack that fits - most only fit upto about 20-22 inches, and that's for a "Long Torso" pack! The Becker is only 16" between the base of the waist belt and the straps. To wear the belt, the straps would have to be 4" below my sholders!

Charlie
 
Calyth,
Here's a Canadian camping, climbing and hiking Co-op you might consider joining. For $5 CDN you become a member for life and can buy some very well made camping gear at very attractive prices. You also have access to a lot of gear-swaps from other members. Co-ops are a good thing for beginning campers & hikers, you save money, get access to experience, and can learn a lot, some more info here.

Mountain Equipment Co-op

As mentioned, a good hip belt will cure a lot of your backpacking woes. Go try on a few packs with functional hip belts, get a good idea of how they work and I bet you can buy or make a hip belt that you can attach to your surplus rig. For heavy packing, you can also sew on a webbing, canvas or leather tumpline, or just wrap one on (I use an old karate belt). This is a strap attached to or slipped under the pack that you then fit over your forehead, you wind up using your arms/hands and neck muscles to help your shoulders. Sounds weird, but for carrying a heavy load, this really works. Check out some of the illustrations of the guys carrying heavy packloads as they portage during canoe trips in this catalog to get an idea.

Duluth Packs

A page with a lot of links to Ultralight Backpacking info. Some tips on making your own lightweight pack, etc...and info on what NOT to carry. The real secret to shoulders that don't ache is how much stuff you leave at home. Good luck!

Ultralight Backpacking

More ultralight Backpacking

Make your own pack
 
As many have mentioned, carrying the load on your hips is very important. However, I find that by the second day my hips begin hurting.

The best advice I can give is;
1) get a good pack and be willing to pay for it (whatever brand you like best)
2) make sure it fits well (get it professionally adjusted if you are new to backpacking)
3) shift the weight frequently. I am constantly adjusting the straps depending if I am going up hill or down. This keeps various body parts from getting too tired or sore. This is very easy to do with a good backpack.
 
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