Knowing the proper way to wear your backpack can help prevent back and shoulder pain. Being able to sling your backpack over your shoulder simply is more enjoyable than when it is too heavy, which leads to more pressure on the neck, back, and shoulders. Having a good backpack habit is essential. There are various tips to get the positioning of a bushcraft backpack right and practice them so as to make them a habit.
Tips on How to Wear a Backpack
- Always wear both shoulder straps, rather than one on a shoulder. Taking note of this habit can help prevent unwanted problems.
- Always make adjustments on the shoulder straps when they no longer fit. Also, make sure that the straps are adjusted to let the bushcraft backpack extend past your waist, and it is high enough and comfortable on your shoulders.
- When you feel like your bag sways from side to side as you walk, take note that your bag isn’t balanced on your back and adjust it until it does not feel like that anymore. This is to prevent the bag from rubbing against your back.
- Always readjust the straps, depending on the thickness of your clothing, so as not to feel too tight or too loose. This brings comfort.
- If the bushcraft backpack comes with a chest strap or waist strap, you should use it. Many think this is just an added design, which is not. The waist strap mostly helps in distributing the weight to the hips. Relieving much pressure on the shoulders. A chest strap keeps the balance of the bag and prevents it from swaying.
- Also, make use of a hip belt, as it distributes the larger percentage of the load to your hips rather than your shoulders.
- There are times when we feel like our load weight is tilting our body backward when wearing a backpack. This comes from not using load lifters. They help push the weight of the backpack forwards and stabilize the body.
- After adjusting, walk around with the backpack to feel secure. If it is not, readjust, and when it feels just right, you are ready to go.
Avoid These Improper Methods
It seems fashionable when we slung one strap of our backpack over a shoulder. It is easy and stylish, but do not try this with a bushcraft backpack. This is because this method puts a lot of pressure on one shoulder and destroys the walking posture.
This also leads to back pain, shoulder pain, and neck pain. At this point, the weight load hasn’t been distributed evenly. Even if you keep switching it from one shoulder to the other, it still does the damage. Walking off-balance is the first thing you notice, and this puts a strain on your bones and the muscles of your upper body, leaving pains even when you are no longer carrying your backpack.
Wearing your backpack low on your back also adds strain and pressure to your shoulders. This low back position mat leads to a forward lean, which puts a lot of pressure on the lower back. Loose straps lead to the swaying of your bushcraft backpack, which may result in the straps of your backpack chafing on your shoulders.
Never pack a backpack that is heavier than your size. Or a backpack that isn’t your size. Balancing the backpack’s weight and your weight is essential in keeping a well-balanced posture. And if you are someone who needs to carry heavy backpacks, you can start by training your muscles to be able to accommodate a heavyweight, and it does not become too cumbersome for you.
It is very simple to reduce the risk of back, shoulder, and neck pain. All you have to do is wear a backpack correctly and follow the tips listed above. Your backpack shouldn’t add to your load. Instead, it should lighten it.
Martin Smith is not just your average outdoorsman; he is a dedicated explorer with a deep passion for survival and bushcraft. The natural world has always been his favorite playground, which led him to develop a profound understanding and love for bushcraft skills. His curiosity is insatiable, constantly driving him to uncover the secrets of the great outdoors and unravel the mystery behind survival in nature.
Martin is the creator and host of the popular YouTube channel, 'Bushcraft Explorer,' where he shares his experiences and teaches essential survival techniques. But he isn't just a content creator; Martin is a survival expert who has spent countless hours under the open sky, perfecting his bushcraft skills.
From constructing shelters and crafting tools to identifying edible plants and purifying water, Martin has honed his survival skills in the most challenging environments. His dedication to mastering bushcraft has shaped him into an authority in this field, making him more than qualified to share his knowledge with others.
But Martin doesn't just talk the talk; he walks the walk. He spends a considerable portion of his life outdoors, continuously expanding his knowledge base and skill set, all to feed his love for the wild and provide his followers with up-to-date, reliable, and practical survival tips. He is also an avid hiker and explorer, often traveling to remote locations to test his skills against nature’s challenges.
Martin's writing, much like his videos, is brimming with practical advice and insightful tips. Through 'Bushcraft Explorer,' he not only shares his profound expertise but also inspires his readers and viewers to embrace the beauty of the outdoors and the thrill of survival. His commitment to making bushcraft accessible to all is evident in his easily digestible content, making his work valuable for both beginners and experienced outdoorspeople alike.
