View Full Version : Neck and Shoulder Pain
I've tried three different packs now, and, despite trying to pack it different ways and try different things, none ever seem particularly comfortable after a few miles. My neck and shoulder begin to hurt quite a lot.
Is this something everyone has in the beginning of a thru-hike and will go away? Or am I doing something wrong?
Thanks!
Right now I'm using the Gossamer Gear Gorilla. Felt good the first 6 or 7 miles, then began to hurt a ton.
brian039
08-18-2012, 14:36
I have the same problem. I have to take my pack off every couple of hours and give my shoulders a rest. You can also play around with the load adjusters on your pack and see if that helps. It may have gotten marginally better on my thru hike but I still remember needing to take breaks for my shoulders.
Pedaling Fool
08-18-2012, 14:44
You're going to hear a lot of people talk about proper fit and different types of packs....But I take a different approach. I don't know much about pack fitting, other then the obvious, basically if I load it up and I'm able to adjust it to a point of feeling good then it's good. Everything else is a matter of improving the body, not the pack nor the fit.
I know of this pain you're talking about, I've been there, but after time it just goes away as the body gets stronger. It's the same thing in running or cycling. Everyone talks about special shoes or special bike fitting, etc... But my shin splints and foot pains went away the more I ran and my saddle sores or numb feet/hands went away with more running/cycling.
Pain is just a part of life, do what you can to reduce it, but don't become obsessed with the gear. It's all about the body.
Do you have any weight on your shoulders? Are the shoulder straps sitting on the top of your shoulders? How high up do you have the sterum strap? When I have my pack on I have a small space between my shoulders and the underside of the straps. The shoulder straps should only keep the pack from falling off your back, the weight should be on your hips.
Hairbear
08-18-2012, 16:58
Do you have any weight on your shoulders? Are the shoulder straps sitting on the top of your shoulders? How high up do you have the sterum strap? When I have my pack on I have a small space between my shoulders and the underside of the straps. The shoulder straps should only keep the pack from falling off your back, the weight should be on your hips.
+1.................................
kayak karl
08-18-2012, 17:07
Proper posture is important also. the tendency is to lean forward to get under the weight. especially up hill. i wasn't even conscious i was doing it. stop stand straight and the weight should go back to the hip belt.
Siestita
08-18-2012, 17:54
Everyone has different experiences. For me adjusting to pain matters. I love to swim but at this point in my life I get neck and shoulder pain if I do strokes for very long, So, when working out I now swim fewer laps, interspersed occasionally with periods of walking around the pool. I sometimes also do neck stretching exercises.
These days I rarely experience neck pain when backpacking, perhaps because I use external frame packs (a vintage Kelty or an even older Trailwise), models built to handle substantially heavier loads than those that I actually carry. Those packs' suspension systems place all of the weight down on my hips and legs.
The lightest packs on the market are not necessarily the most pain free load carriers. Eventually you'll figure out how to optimize, for your particular body, the "pack system weight vs. comfort" trade off.
The Cleaner
08-18-2012, 18:38
+1......................................+2....
Right now I'm using the Gossamer Gear Gorilla. Felt good the first 6 or 7 miles, then began to hurt a ton.
How much does your pack weigh in total? The Gorilla is for 30# or less.
Also, I tried close to six packs before I found one that fit my body well and that I was comfortable adjusting. I also had to learn how much weight I could comfortably carry. gum
bobtomaskovic
08-19-2012, 02:30
I like to stay well below the max weigh rating on my pack. I'm not a lightweight hiker, I carried 45#-50# on my thru in a pack that could take a lot more. Once I got into shape my shoulders and back quit hurting.
MuddyWaters
08-19-2012, 03:19
It doesnt always take heavy weight on shoulders.
Dont discount the jarring that occurs on long downhills for hours, with every step. A much lighter wt can have same effect.
It should go away after a short break.