backpack for someone with lower back pai n

“Hello everyone,

I decided that I need to get a new backpack for a few reasons and was wondering if you can provide me with some suggestions based on your experience. Currently, I have an old, large external frame and am now looking at going to an internal frame pack for a few reasons. 1) I have a herniated disk and experience lower back pain with caring large loads so I need to find a pack that will limit the strain on my lower back. 2) I also have a very weak ankle and believe that having a more compact pack will give me more stability and control when descending down a rocky path. And lastly, 3) I would like a pack that I can use when I travel overseas and I think that an internal pack will lend itself to be more manageable in a city environment.

Thank you all in advance,

…pieper”

“An internal frame pack will certainly ride differently. If you really want to add stability because of weak ankles or other reasons I would suggest you look into trekking poles. Whatever pack you get would not be as effective as poles in terms of aiding your ankles and adding stability. Changing packs would only do so much.”

“Thanks for the reply and yes, I did just pick up a trekking pole for added support.”

“Its easy, lighten your load, lighten your pack, and lighten your wallet too!”

“Just be sure to get something that will actually carry the weight on your hips. I can't carry weight on my shoulders anymore without the lower back raising hell, either, < G >

An internal frame will definitely lower your center of gravity and the weight is carried closer to your back as well. (and they're not as easy for baggage people to break!)

I have a Mountainsmith Auspex from a few years ago that's about 3.5 lbs and close to 4000 in³. The women's model is called the Chimera, with similar specs. The only thing about it I miss is some padding to keep your stove from sticking you in the kidneys.... I've got a small foam pad that takes care of that and doubles as a warm dry seat.

Chances are they don't make those exact models still, but I'd be curious what Mountainsmith has come out with in the meantime.


Oh -- and trekking poles (plural) help take pressure off knees, ankles, etc.”

“You might want to consider two trekking poles, not just one. Also, as has been mentioned, time to go ultra light.”

“Mule, Lama”

“llama llama duck

http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/llama.php”

“Go light. there are many models out there. the Granite Gear Vapor trail is a good place to start but there are many others.”

“I had 5 herniated discs "fixed" 2 years ago. I moved from a Golite Trek pack (that I loved)for just the same reason you mentioned. I moved over to the Osprey Ariel. I finally had my first bag night a few weeks ago and my Osprey was GREAT!! My back did not hurt my arms did not go numb and I was pleasantly surprised that my hips didn't hurt from the hip belt. The male version of the Ariel is the Aether. Proper fit is a must. There several measurements you must make to get the fit right. Good luck.”

“From a two time back surgery receipient:
Get a pack with a good hip belt and use it. Carry most of your weight on your hips, little on your shoulders.
Also, the hiking poles help tremendously by limiting the jaring.
I did a fifty miler a couple of weeks before my last back surgery with no problems while I was walking. Crawling around to get the tarp up and cooking was the most painful time.

I use an Osprey Aether 80, with a molded to form hip belt.”