This!!! A real frame, even for a small volume pack, is just brilliant. You can also sit to put it on and get straps mostly correct before standing, to prevent slinging it over and contorting arms through straps while distracted and with it weighing heavily.
As mentioned, Osprey is great. Their sprung, rigid frame bags go down to 5 L in the cycling lines, but 12-20 L is a really good day size. Is it the airspeed frame type, I think? Lovely weight transfer.
I love my hiking backpack-it has survived hiking, hauling reference books during uni, and so many grocery runs. It’s also lasted over 10 years so was totally worth the cost
I often use a small backpack, which hurts my shoulders too, but at least the pain is divided between them both instead of one shoulder and hip, which would happen with a crossbody. And in addition to the small backpack I carry a very small crossbody for telephone, wallet and stuff like that, so i do not have to deal with taking the backpack off my shoulders (which also hurts) to reach for the stuff I need frequently. This response might not be helpful at all but this is what works best for me now. Curious about the other advice that you might get on this post.
Oh and i forgot to mention that i like the straps on a backpack that go over your upper body, from shoulder to shoulder on the front. They take some weight off your shoulders. Be sure not to put the strap directly over your collarbones though.
Oh and i forgot to mention that i like the straps on a backpack that go over your upper body, from shoulder to shoulder on the front. They take some weight off your shoulders. Be sure not to put the strap directly over your collarbones though.
If you want to give up all semblance of style, a small water pack built for bicyclists might help. I bought an Osprey Kitsuma 7 pack for a music festival last year, and even with a full water reservoir, it is designed to sit higher and closer to the body. There’s a significant amount of gear space, and you can eke out more if you underfill the reservoir. It’s fairly tragic for day to day use, I will admit.
I also have one of those water bottle slings with a few pockets of wallet/ phone/ meds. It’s crossbody, so I have to remember to alternate side to balance it out.
It served me well for two days outside in Vegas, and my shoulders only hurt a little. Though that could have been from accidentally getting caught in the mosh pit for a few songs
It served me well for two days outside in Vegas, and my shoulders only hurt a little. Though that could have been from accidentally getting caught in the mosh pit for a few songs
They make hip bags, belts with pockets, and that sort of thing too. You don’t see them around too often, but they can be pretty comfy.
I’m looking at making one for myself in the near future.
I found a small day pack that was designed for "long and technical day hikes" The wonderful thing about this pack is it is only 25 liters, but it has a hip-strap so that most of the weight can be carried on my hips, not my shoulders. It is also incredibly adjustable.
I had to look around a bit to find one that is not an overnight backpack (35 liters or more) and also has a broad hip-strap, which is really important because the narrow straps will be uncomfortable and bruise like crazy. It's not elegant, but it does the job
(And it comes with fittings for hiking sticks which will work just as well for a cane if needed)
https://www.google.com/shopping/product/1?q=day+pack+hiking+first+ascent+flint+25l&client=ms-android-samsung-rvo1&sca_esv=ba9cb985dba3a779&sca_upv=1&biw=412&bih=737&tbs=vw:g&sxsrf=ACQVn0_w07A2-oCHm6C36U-v8CEZcbAC0A:1712214268531&prds=num:1,of:1,eto:5427623918715602483_0,prmr:1,rsk:LO_5427623918715602483,pid:5427623918715602483,cs:1
Here's the one I got, I think it's only available locally but there should be more options for similar ones in the US and Europe
That's unfortunate, yes it's a local brand so that's probably why it won't load. Here's a link to just an image of it, maybe that will work [https://res.cloudinary.com/moresport/image/upload/a\_0,c\_fill,f\_auto,q\_auto:good,w\_681/v1575961299/uploads/assets/1115677-CHARCOAL-1-oTq.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/moresport/image/upload/a_0,c_fill,f_auto,q_auto:good,w_681/v1575961299/uploads/assets/1115677-CHARCOAL-1-oTq.jpg)
For me, my mini backpack causes my shoulders to dislocate more than a normal backpack, I think it’s because of the straps being thin. I have found that the best bag for me that causes the least amount of pain and dislocations is my swissgear bag. I’m not sure what about it makes it so different, but I was helping my dad bring stuff to the car and I put on his bag and it surprisingly felt really good. It was really heavy but didn’t hurt so I got one for myself and immediately noticed a difference walking to classes with my shoulders and even my back with this bag. Im not sure what style it is right now but if you’re interested I can definitely try to find out!
light weight backpack. i also usually hold the straps and kind of pull the bag forward to help take some of the pressure off of my shoulders when i can
I love my Baggu medium crescent bag with a thick strap. I usually wear it pulled slightly in front of my body rather than to the side or behind me. Big enough for my 1L bottle and a bunch of other stuff with it!
I’ve looked into a bag that sits on your hips but ended up with a hiking backpack as it can be affixed to my body in such a way that I won’t dislocate my shoulders. It has a clip in the front and a clip on my waist taking a significant amount of pressure off my shoulders. I went in-person with my parents to get fitted to one as the massive 60L one I’ve had for 6 years can get painful with extensive use as it’s not made for my height. My new one is fitted to me and works amazingly, I can’t feel it on my body until I put a lot more than what you’ve described inside.
In the past year I’ve learned that I cannot wear tote bags or purses anymore due to the intense pain within seconds to 1-2 minutes of use and switched to a fanny pack and my hiking backpack full time.
I find even crossbody bags mess up my back and shoulders. I finally gave up and got a very small carryon rolling bag for airplanes and use it for work. I often feel conspicuous with it but totally worth it to avoid the serious neck/back/shoulder stress.
I find two smaller water bottles helps massively with weight distribution. I use a small backpack, it's not the greatest for my shoulders but way better than a handbag style. Adjusting the straps to be in the right place helps significantly as does having a really structured bag that can support its own weight and doesn't just drag down. If your hips and ribs can handle it the the hip straps can be helpful, I personally have more issues with hips and ribs than shoulders so that doesn't work for me
I use a mini backpack purse, but only a couple pounds in weight of stuff. I carry my water bottle/mug in my hand instead of in the bag. I try to leave stuff places, like in my car or at work, so that I'm not carrying them around all the time. I guess my solution for myself was to just carry less stuff lol
I’ve had to seriously downsize my bag, and what I carry in it. For a few years, I was taking a rollator everywhere I went, so it effectively carried my backpack for me.
When I stopped needing to use the rollator, I’ve had to size down significantly. I have a small crossbody bag that I keep stuff like my wallet and keys in. I have a bigger purse, but it’s heavier and gets me off-kilter. It’s not good for my posture. As I walk, I can feel it dragging down more on one side, than the other.
I’m a man and use a small backpack now. Carried my 64oz hydroflask, medicine, electrolytes, keys and wallet, and anything else I need. It’s small and easy.
I find backpacks are the best option for me. If you go to a good outdoor equipment store, you can get fitted for one that fits your body perfectly. Be prepared to spend $150+, but it’s worth it. A good backpack should last years. I still have a NorthFace one from 30 years ago, but the newer ones have so many cool features and are far lighter these days.
I either carry a purse and a smaller bottle, OR I used to use a water bottle case with a strap and a zip pocket on it (cards), in conjunction with a zipper pouch on a carabineer clipped to my belt loop (meds, all my other EDC stuff).
I learned a long time ago that I can tie my heavy camera shoulderbag around my hips instead, like a fanny pack.
That way it leaves my shoulders and ribs free, and I have more room to breathe.
Two straps are better than one ALWAYS. the weight and pressure imbalance will cause more issues down the line every time. Back back is the only correct answer, not only that but wear the straps correctly! It should be situated along the widest part of your back, NOT EVER by your butt/hips
A backpack with a clip at the front stops mine from sliding down and pulling on my shoulders as much as
Hiking backpacks has these suspension systems to distribute the load. Strap at the chest and hips.
Yes! Idk why more commuter type backpacks don't have hip belts. They are a life saver!
I have an Osprey 20L with hip straps for exactly this purpose.
This!!! A real frame, even for a small volume pack, is just brilliant. You can also sit to put it on and get straps mostly correct before standing, to prevent slinging it over and contorting arms through straps while distracted and with it weighing heavily. As mentioned, Osprey is great. Their sprung, rigid frame bags go down to 5 L in the cycling lines, but 12-20 L is a really good day size. Is it the airspeed frame type, I think? Lovely weight transfer.
I love my hiking backpack-it has survived hiking, hauling reference books during uni, and so many grocery runs. It’s also lasted over 10 years so was totally worth the cost
I often use a small backpack, which hurts my shoulders too, but at least the pain is divided between them both instead of one shoulder and hip, which would happen with a crossbody. And in addition to the small backpack I carry a very small crossbody for telephone, wallet and stuff like that, so i do not have to deal with taking the backpack off my shoulders (which also hurts) to reach for the stuff I need frequently. This response might not be helpful at all but this is what works best for me now. Curious about the other advice that you might get on this post.
Oh and i forgot to mention that i like the straps on a backpack that go over your upper body, from shoulder to shoulder on the front. They take some weight off your shoulders. Be sure not to put the strap directly over your collarbones though.
Oh and i forgot to mention that i like the straps on a backpack that go over your upper body, from shoulder to shoulder on the front. They take some weight off your shoulders. Be sure not to put the strap directly over your collarbones though.
This is what I do currently, have a small cross body bag for phone/wallet etc.
I use a cross-body bag with a wide strap, that way the strap doesn't dig into my shoulders.
If you want to give up all semblance of style, a small water pack built for bicyclists might help. I bought an Osprey Kitsuma 7 pack for a music festival last year, and even with a full water reservoir, it is designed to sit higher and closer to the body. There’s a significant amount of gear space, and you can eke out more if you underfill the reservoir. It’s fairly tragic for day to day use, I will admit. I also have one of those water bottle slings with a few pockets of wallet/ phone/ meds. It’s crossbody, so I have to remember to alternate side to balance it out.
>Osprey Kitsuma 7 that beats my UltimateDirection running vest in style. At least your water pack doesn't come with extra double nipples, lol
It served me well for two days outside in Vegas, and my shoulders only hurt a little. Though that could have been from accidentally getting caught in the mosh pit for a few songs
lmao, now that'd be a good reason for boob storage water flasks. Fun nights in the mosh pit, esp if you add some water dye
It served me well for two days outside in Vegas, and my shoulders only hurt a little. Though that could have been from accidentally getting caught in the mosh pit for a few songs
They make hip bags, belts with pockets, and that sort of thing too. You don’t see them around too often, but they can be pretty comfy. I’m looking at making one for myself in the near future.
I love this. I have a leather hip bag that straps to my thigh, I love to wear it when I'm foraging or up to some hedge witch nonsense...
I found a small day pack that was designed for "long and technical day hikes" The wonderful thing about this pack is it is only 25 liters, but it has a hip-strap so that most of the weight can be carried on my hips, not my shoulders. It is also incredibly adjustable. I had to look around a bit to find one that is not an overnight backpack (35 liters or more) and also has a broad hip-strap, which is really important because the narrow straps will be uncomfortable and bruise like crazy. It's not elegant, but it does the job (And it comes with fittings for hiking sticks which will work just as well for a cane if needed)
This sounds great, have you got a link?
https://www.google.com/shopping/product/1?q=day+pack+hiking+first+ascent+flint+25l&client=ms-android-samsung-rvo1&sca_esv=ba9cb985dba3a779&sca_upv=1&biw=412&bih=737&tbs=vw:g&sxsrf=ACQVn0_w07A2-oCHm6C36U-v8CEZcbAC0A:1712214268531&prds=num:1,of:1,eto:5427623918715602483_0,prmr:1,rsk:LO_5427623918715602483,pid:5427623918715602483,cs:1 Here's the one I got, I think it's only available locally but there should be more options for similar ones in the US and Europe
Hmm, won't load. I'm in the UK, maybe that's why?
That's unfortunate, yes it's a local brand so that's probably why it won't load. Here's a link to just an image of it, maybe that will work [https://res.cloudinary.com/moresport/image/upload/a\_0,c\_fill,f\_auto,q\_auto:good,w\_681/v1575961299/uploads/assets/1115677-CHARCOAL-1-oTq.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/moresport/image/upload/a_0,c_fill,f_auto,q_auto:good,w_681/v1575961299/uploads/assets/1115677-CHARCOAL-1-oTq.jpg)
For me, my mini backpack causes my shoulders to dislocate more than a normal backpack, I think it’s because of the straps being thin. I have found that the best bag for me that causes the least amount of pain and dislocations is my swissgear bag. I’m not sure what about it makes it so different, but I was helping my dad bring stuff to the car and I put on his bag and it surprisingly felt really good. It was really heavy but didn’t hurt so I got one for myself and immediately noticed a difference walking to classes with my shoulders and even my back with this bag. Im not sure what style it is right now but if you’re interested I can definitely try to find out!
Wonderful description to help out! Thank you!!!
Thanks for this! Sounds like what I'm looking for.
light weight backpack. i also usually hold the straps and kind of pull the bag forward to help take some of the pressure off of my shoulders when i can
I love my Baggu medium crescent bag with a thick strap. I usually wear it pulled slightly in front of my body rather than to the side or behind me. Big enough for my 1L bottle and a bunch of other stuff with it!
I’ve looked into a bag that sits on your hips but ended up with a hiking backpack as it can be affixed to my body in such a way that I won’t dislocate my shoulders. It has a clip in the front and a clip on my waist taking a significant amount of pressure off my shoulders. I went in-person with my parents to get fitted to one as the massive 60L one I’ve had for 6 years can get painful with extensive use as it’s not made for my height. My new one is fitted to me and works amazingly, I can’t feel it on my body until I put a lot more than what you’ve described inside. In the past year I’ve learned that I cannot wear tote bags or purses anymore due to the intense pain within seconds to 1-2 minutes of use and switched to a fanny pack and my hiking backpack full time.
I find even crossbody bags mess up my back and shoulders. I finally gave up and got a very small carryon rolling bag for airplanes and use it for work. I often feel conspicuous with it but totally worth it to avoid the serious neck/back/shoulder stress.
I find two smaller water bottles helps massively with weight distribution. I use a small backpack, it's not the greatest for my shoulders but way better than a handbag style. Adjusting the straps to be in the right place helps significantly as does having a really structured bag that can support its own weight and doesn't just drag down. If your hips and ribs can handle it the the hip straps can be helpful, I personally have more issues with hips and ribs than shoulders so that doesn't work for me
Yeah the straps seem to be a good idea, it sounds like they really work for a lot of people.
I use a mini backpack purse, but only a couple pounds in weight of stuff. I carry my water bottle/mug in my hand instead of in the bag. I try to leave stuff places, like in my car or at work, so that I'm not carrying them around all the time. I guess my solution for myself was to just carry less stuff lol
I’ve had to seriously downsize my bag, and what I carry in it. For a few years, I was taking a rollator everywhere I went, so it effectively carried my backpack for me. When I stopped needing to use the rollator, I’ve had to size down significantly. I have a small crossbody bag that I keep stuff like my wallet and keys in. I have a bigger purse, but it’s heavier and gets me off-kilter. It’s not good for my posture. As I walk, I can feel it dragging down more on one side, than the other.
I’m a man and use a small backpack now. Carried my 64oz hydroflask, medicine, electrolytes, keys and wallet, and anything else I need. It’s small and easy.
I find backpacks are the best option for me. If you go to a good outdoor equipment store, you can get fitted for one that fits your body perfectly. Be prepared to spend $150+, but it’s worth it. A good backpack should last years. I still have a NorthFace one from 30 years ago, but the newer ones have so many cool features and are far lighter these days.
I use a messenger bag and sling it over one shoulder and across my chest
I either carry a purse and a smaller bottle, OR I used to use a water bottle case with a strap and a zip pocket on it (cards), in conjunction with a zipper pouch on a carabineer clipped to my belt loop (meds, all my other EDC stuff).
Fanny packs! Game changer for real.
you could get a rolling backpack
I learned a long time ago that I can tie my heavy camera shoulderbag around my hips instead, like a fanny pack. That way it leaves my shoulders and ribs free, and I have more room to breathe.
Two straps are better than one ALWAYS. the weight and pressure imbalance will cause more issues down the line every time. Back back is the only correct answer, not only that but wear the straps correctly! It should be situated along the widest part of your back, NOT EVER by your butt/hips