Backpacks and Backpacking

Ensuring that your backpack is a good fit and distributes the weight well is paramount when choosing a backpack if you want to avoid postural problems. While there are some essential design basics that should be present in every backpack, the final choice is the one which you feel comfortable and fits your particular shape and stature.

• The weight of the backpack needs to be kept above the waist and as close to the back as possible as this will take the strain off the back, neck and shoulders.
• The shoulder straps should be curved to fit with the contour of your body; they should also be padded for added comfort and to prevent any edges cutting into your shoulders and avoids pressure on nerves around your arms.
• A strap which fastens round the waist will keep the backpack in position and snug against your back and relieves stress on your spine.
• A pad along the lower edge of the backpack will again add to comfort and take the hardness away from any hard items in the backpack.
• Ensure that there are plenty of accessible pockets so that the backpack can be packed in an orderly fashion with the weight evenly distributed for maximum comfort.
• Buy one that can not hold more than 15% of your body weight to ensure that you do inadvertently carry too heavy a pack.
• A reflective safety strip is a must on the back of the pack for those dark winter mornings and evenings for children at school.

Spending a little time to find the right backpack for yourself or your child is paramount to ensure that carrying it is an enjoyable experience.

 
It is so easy for a backpack to cause painful strain to the lower back through adopting a hunched posture which can lead to spine, neck and shoulder injuries to young bodies. A little time and effort can make sure that you or your child does not suffer unnecessarily.