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|| SportsShooter.com: Member Message Board
Camera Backpack/back pain help please
Tim Snow, Photographer
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Montreal | Qc | Canada | Posted: 11:52 AM on 05.13.09 |
->> Hi All,
I'm heading to the mid-Coast region of Maine, and for the first time in 3 years I have to dig out the old Lowepro Nature Trekker.
I have it loaded with a MkIII, a 5d MkII, 16-35, 24-70, 70-200, 45 t/s, 50 f/1.4, 135 f/2, 15mm fisheye, cards, batteries and a few other accessories.
I have adjusted it to where it feels OK on my back, but I now have a sharp pain between my shoulder blades.
Any ideas on what I've done wrong (aside from being out of shape)? Am I wearing the weight too high, too low, is it maybe just too much weight altogether? Any ideas?
And I still haven't carried it with a tripod attached...
Many thanks.
Tim in Montreal |
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George Bridges, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Washington | DC | USA | Posted: 11:56 AM on 05.13.09 |
->> I would think the weight is too low, pulling your shoulders back.
I would consider calling a local camping/outdoor store and asking if one of their backpack specialists can help you fit it. If you are a regular customer, or maybe pick up some other supplies for the trip with them they will do it for you. |
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Tom Story, Photographer
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Tempe | AZ | USA | Posted: 12:07 PM on 05.13.09 |
| ->> A pack with the padded hip belts takes a lot of the "sting" out of the weight and saves your shoulders. |
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Juliann Tallino, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Port Townsend/Seattle | WA | USA | Posted: 12:53 PM on 05.13.09 |
| ->> Tom is correct, the hip belt carries the weight, not the shoulders. Make sure the hip belt is sitting snug on your hips and carrying most of the weight. |
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Tim Snow, Photographer
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Montreal | Qc | Canada | Posted: 5:46 PM on 05.13.09 |
->> I've tried re-adjusting, but to no avail. I can't seem to get the balance right. My other option is to just use my Think Tank Skin system, which is absolutely painless. I will be shooting mostly landscapes, but save for a few, I don't think I will too far from my car (max. 1 mile at a time), though some of the terrain can be a bit sketchy. That may be my best option...
Thanks all! |
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Clark Brooks, Photo Editor, Photographer
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Urbana | IL | USA | Posted: 7:42 PM on 05.13.09 |
->> On backpacks... look for a model that has a H or A frame support along with a comfortable waist pad.
To ease your pain from fratique until your shoulder and back muscles strengthen, wear the pack loaded for 10 to 20 minute intervals and then take it off to rest those muscles. As your muscles get stronger you will be able to wear the pack longer without any issues. |
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Steve Ueckert, Photographer
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Houston | TX | | Posted: 9:18 AM on 05.14.09 |
| ->> Use the waist belt to carry as much of the load as possible on your hips and use the shoulder straps mostly to maintain balance of the load. |
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Brian Dowling, Photographer
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Philadelphia | PA | USA | Posted: 12:37 PM on 05.14.09 |
| ->> I'm guessing the bulk of the weight is at the bottom of the pack? Maybe you should hike with one or two walking poles if you are walking too vertical? As Tom said, your shoulders shouldn't feel much weight. When I pack, I usually have the breast strap unbuckled because its all in the hips. |
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