backpacking pains

[Stiff_Cookie]

I have started doing some backpacking with about 45lbs. This is mainly for military training but also for endurance and general fitness.

Anyways, I was using a very small day pack and other than the small straps I didnt have very many pains at all and have gone 4+ miles with it.

Recently, I bought a new Camelback backpack and used the same weight I had been using but this bag gave me a lot of pain right between the shoulder blades. I tried loosening the should straps, tightening them, and the same with the wait and chest straps but couldnt get comfortable. I am wondering if maybe it is the position of the weights.

I purchased three 15lb garden bricks and put them in the bag, just in the main compartment.

Does anyone have any suggestions to help make the backpacking more comfortable?

 

[cleanbluesky]

Pad you back?

Out of curiousity, how are you involved in the military?

E-mail in trust if you don't want ti air it publicly.

 

[6thElement]

The problem with just 3 bricks in a bag is that all the weight will be down the bottom of the bag, rather than pulled close to your back along your spine as if you were packing a bag normally. Plus which Camelback are you using as that's probably a lot more weight than most of them are designed to carry?

 

[Klytus]

Have you tried with two bricks? Does that still hurt?

Maybe worth trying dropping the weight a bit then building back up. As its a different bag it can affect the biomechanics of your shoulders, possibly stressing the muscles inbetween your shoulder blades more.

Otherwise, the obvious choice is to get a different bag.

 

[cleanbluesky]

You could stuff some old clothes in your backpack and put the bricks on top of that to change the weight...

I am going to be starting similar training soon as I have found myself pretty crap on approach of climbs. I can run quite well, but my hillwalking is pap.

 

[Stiff_Cookie]

The bad is designed to carry similar weight and is used by people in the military.

I am going to try placing it higher in the bad and therefore higher on my back by using some old clothes or something see how that helps.

Cleanbluesky, I am a Communications Technician in the US Air Force. I maintain the base network of servers and computers. I am trying to cross into a more militerized job such as Pararescue, Combat Controller or TACP.

EDIT: this is the bag I am using http://www.gearzoneproducts.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1937