Pack Off, Pack On

“OK a little more serious question seeing I have been BSing all day and LMAO...

I have about 75% of the stuff I was told I need and I am sure I will learn what some of the other stuff I am missing when I get into the wilderness for the first time hiking.
Here is my question. I loaded my pack up and put water in hydro pack and nalgene bottles and put food in too... I still have some room left and my pack is at approx 37 lbs.... I am 6'1" 200 lbs with broad shoulders, but what is happening is my pack is digging into the front of my arm pits just walking around the yard. I have the waist belt at belly button height and the shoulder straps are tight. maybe too tight? I have a Kelty 5400 Redcloud ( I know it is not the best) But it's a Purty Blue! haha.......So how much weight should be my limit? or do I need to bend the internal metal frame ?.... any suggestion would be helpful and much appreciated....Thanks..
Have a great weekend...Happy Mothers day to all the mommies...

Signing out of The Captains log Star date 5/9/03 439 pm”

“Adjust the straps until they feel comfortable. On the trail you can readjust them for comfort as the hike goes on. And stop every hour or two, take off the pack, and take a 15-minute break. It will do wonders for your soul, and those tired muscles.”

“That's not a waistbelt, it's a hipbelt. It should be resting on the top of your hips and supporting the majority of the weight of your pack.

Here are a couple of websites that might help you.

Backpack fitting and more.

Backpack fitting guide.

I know your question was about pack adjustments but both these websites address that as well.”

“It sounds as if the pack is too small for his tall frame.”

“Yeah, that's a definite possibility. Those shoulder straps are definitely too tight. They're just there to keep your pack from sliding from side-to-side. They really shouldn't be carrying much, if any, weight.”

“I have a red cloud and I have carried 50 pounds with it.

The red cloud has a lot of adjustment for height. There are straps attached to the backpad/shoulder strap section that will extend or shorten. You will see them attached to the bottom of the backpad. The backpad/shoulder straps will slide along the frame stays to match the distance between your butt and your shoulders. It sounds like the straps need to be let out.

You didn't mention the sternum strap. Make sure you adjust it.”

“After reading my own post, I am not sure I was clear. Their are adjustment straps on the bottom of the shoulder straps too. All packs have these. The red clould also has straps at the bottom of the backpad. Adjust these straps first.

I hope I don't sound like too much like an a-hole.”

“Everyone above has given great advice re pack fitting, now let's move on to the second part of your post... packweight.

A commonly cited "rule of thumb" is that your packweight shouldn't exceed 20% of your body weight. For you, at 200 lbs, that would mean 40 lbs. However that's just a rule of thumb, not gospel, and many disagree with it.

I think whenever we tear down all the "packweight" "ultralight" conversations it comes down to this... carry what you need to, not any more, or any less. What you actually "need" shouldn't exceed the 20% rule, if it does, maybe you should re-examine whether or not you realy "need" all that junk, or just "want" it. If you want it, that's fine, take it.

The "assumption" with the 20% rule is that you're reasonable well fit....”

“Go to http://Kelty.com/ and click on instructions. Good info methinks altho I did not read it. Mary”

“I think wanderer just said that if you can't carry 37 pounds you are a wuss.

What an a-hole.”

“Pack light. It makes your trip much more enjoyable.
Do short trips at first or just hike with other experienced people.
Ask plenty of questions. No question is a dumb one. I've been backpacking for about 15 years and I still ask questions.”

“Bacpac,
I will check that out the shoulder starps tonight. I don't think your a A-hole, I do think your
A-Whole lotta laughs though.
Everyone else Thanks again for all your help. This is a awesome place to get info. and have a some funny and intelligent discussions at the same time. Thanks To BBinkley for hooking me up.
Looks like a busy day here at work :-( To all Have a good one!
Tim”

“Thank you :-)
I was able to adjust the Redcloud shoulder straps they have a very wide verticle velcro area on each side and a adjustable strap to lengthen or shorten the distance between the shoulder straps and the lumbar pad. I was able to adjust it with little effort.
I just never noticed that adjustment before...I did not get a instructional video or book with it...haha.........
Thanks for your advice :-)”

“Glad I could help.

Vote Republican.”

“all ready do DEWWWD...”