View Full Version : Shoulder pads
I am looking for a commercial product to attach to/or replace my shoulder straps to give me extra padding. I carry a Mountainsmith Spectre pack and, being of slim build, my shoulders get sore quickly. I usually stuff my gloves under the straps and it makes all the difference in the world. However, my hiking partner/brother thinks I look dopey and since he frequently takes pictures of me while hiking he likes to point out how dopey I look to others. I wouldn't care so much, but I do drop the gloves and have to adjust quite a bit. (I do keep the hip belt tight and the load seems well balanced. And I know I should consider a lighter pack, but ultralight hiking is not my style.) I was wondering if there was a commercial product that attaches to my current straps that would give me the comfort I am looking for. I have tried a few googles, but came up short of anything interesting. Anyone know of such a product?
Just Jeff
04-22-2006, 10:54
Just sew some open cell foam to some DWR, then sew it into a tube that'll slide over your straps.
If you don't sew, you might be able to find some seat belt covers made from a good enough material to work well. But most of them are cotton, I think. The ones I'm talking about are ~18" long and big enough to fit around a seat belt, and you slide them up to where the seat belt rests on your shoulder. Though you could probably find a car seat at Goodwill for about $10 and take the pads from that - it may be sized better for this use.
Or sew a pocket onto the back of your straps to hold a sock...would do the same thing as your gloves without adding any additional weight.
Footslogger
04-22-2006, 11:04
If you really think you need em ...I'd go with the foam approach already mentioned. Just take an old foam sleeping pad and cut yourself a couple strips of foam about the same width as the shoulder straps and then duct tape them in place.
'Slogger
LostInSpace
04-22-2006, 11:13
Or just cut the toes out of some socks and slide them over the shoulder straps. My hiking partner carries fleece socks that she just tucks under the straps.