How Hikers and Backpackers can Avoid Shoulder Pain by Purchasing Appropriate Rucksacks
The choice you make regarding which rucksack to purchase will ultimately influence whether or not your walk or hike will be enjoyable – or at least tolerable. This is especially true in situations where you intend to pack a heavy load into your rucksack and walk with it attached to your body over an extended period of time. If you purchase a rucksack that has an improper fit, or alternatively try to cram a lot of weight into a rucksack without hip straps, you might be setting yourself up for a considerable amount of unnecessary fatigue, shoulder pain, and muscle aches. You can avoid this by knowing exactly what type of rucksack you need and purchasing accordingly.
If you do not plan on carrying heavy loads, a simple rucksack design with only shoulder straps may likely suffice. However, if you are going to be packing a lot of weight into your rucksack (+15kgs), it would be a very good idea to purchase a rucksack equipped with additional waist/hip straps. Hip straps are designed so that most of the weight load from the items placed within the rucksack can be carried by the hips instead of hanging mercilessly from the shoulders. Have you ever tried walking long distances with a lot of weight hanging from your shoulders or with the hip straps of your last backpack unhooked and dangling? This often creates a disturbing muscle ache in your upper back area, between the shoulder blades and neck. You can avoid this shoulder pain or at least make it feel less pronounced by using a rucksack equipped with appropriate hip straps.
Another point to remember is that regardless of whether or not your heavy-duty rucksack is equipped with hip straps, it may still cause discomfort due to an inappropriate fit. This is why it is important to test the rucksack before purchasing it. Most manufacturers design their rucksacks with a universal fit system that can be adjusted to various widths. It is also possible to purchase a custom fit or have your current rucksack readjusted to fit your specific body type more comfortably. Taking the time to make sure that your rucksack is adjusted to be as comfortable as possible will lower the risk of experiencing shoulder pain.
Ideally you should choose to invest in a durable backpack designed by a high-grade manufacturer. Although these rucksacks may cost a lot more than a regular department store model, you will find that a well-designed rucksack could easily last a lifetime, so having to spend extra money on something long-lasting should not dissuade you from making a decision like this.