Travels! Sights! People! In the excitement, it’s tempting to pack everything but the kitchen sink – most backpackers end up carrying bags that weigh 50% of their own body weight. Ouch.
The secret to comfy travelling is to think like a snail: if you’re going to carry your worldly possessions around on your back for a year, you want to protect them – and you – from any damage. So, show your spine some respect and choose a decent backpack.
Panel loading
Why? Saves time, more convenient.
What is it? A backpack where about two-thirds of the front zips off. This means you don’t have to delve through the top of the backpack and unload all the contents, just to get one thing near the bottom.
Internal frame
Why? It won’t get caught on things, comfier for you.
What is it? The metal frame is on the inside of the backpack. If you’re going to be camping, though, you might be better off with an external frame – it gives you somewhere to pack your tent and sleeping bag.
Padded hip belt and shoulder straps
Why? Protects all the bits that will be bearing most of the weight.
What is it? Padding acts as a buffer between you and the backpack. All good backpacks should be well padded.
Sternum strap
Why? Helps prevent shoulder pain.
What is it? Helps bring weight of load forward by connecting the two shoulder straps over your sternum. (The bony bit in the middle of your chest, sometimes called the breastbone.)
Adjustable back systems
Why? They let you get the backpack in the comfiest position possible.
What is it? They allow you to slide the pack up and down your back, getting the height and weight of the pack in the perfect position. The downside is they can be more expensive.
Back support bars
Why? Comfort, protection.
What is it? Support bars make the pack stronger and stop it bulging against your back.
Fitting a backpack…
1. Loosen all the straps
2. Keep your back straight and bend your knees. Making sure the pack is centred on your back, put the pack on
3. Stand upright then lift the hip belt while tightening, making sure that the sides of the belt are resting on the pelvic bone and that the strap is 1.5-2 inches below your belly button. Pull it really tight. (Make sure you can still breathe, though.)
4. Tighten the shoulder harness straps by pulling them down
5. Adjust the back length and load balance straps (they should be at the top of the backpack) until you’re comfortable
Ask the experts
These points are all good guidelines, but every back is different: make sure you go to a specialist equipment supplier and get some help. ‘One of the most important factors to get right is your backpack, which will be with you everywhere you go,’ says Tim Hutchful, of the British Chiropractic Association. ‘It is essential that people go to a specialist and make sure that they are equipped with a backpack that fits them properly and isn’t going to strain the back or neck.’
Get it right and you, and your back hugging buddy, will be together for years.
Get backed up at www.chiropractic-uk.co.uk
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