Just realized I was packing my backpack wrong for 3 years

Did a 5-day trip on the AT last month near Hot Springs. Back hurt by mile 2 like always. Ran into this older guy who asked if he could adjust my straps. He pointed out my hip belt was sitting too low. I had the weight all on my shoulders. Been doing that since I started. Fixed it and felt 20 pounds lighter. Anyone else have a gear habit someone had to correct in person?

2 comments

2 Comments

jennifer35813d ago

Did you have the chest strap thingy clipped too tight? Mine was.

wood.noah13d ago

Oh yeah I totally had that problem. I found out the hard way after a run where I got these weird red marks and a rash. What worked for me was loosening it just enough so I could slide two fingers underneath. Also I started wiping the sensor area with an alcohol wipe before putting it on because sweat and dead skin was probably messing with the readings too. Took me a couple tries to find the sweet spot where it stayed put but didn't feel like a vice grip.