hiking with a backpack

hiking with a pack

by Tracey_E - 2018-01-14 15:53:49

Zion is stunning!!! One of my very favorites. Have fun. Are you doing Bryce too? 

In a perfect world, you tell the surgeon before you get it so they don't put it where straps would get in the way! Barring that, you go shopping and test things out because everyone is different. It may not even be a problem, either the straps don't hit it or it doesn't bother you. Not everyone has problems. Some have had luck with extra padding on the strap but I don't think that's a good option if your pack is heavy and/or you will be going long distance. I'd shop at REI or something similar- where they are knowledgeable, don't bat at eye at asking to load up a pack and wear it around the store, where you can return it if it doesn't work. 

Hiking with a backpack

by Jacque - 2018-01-16 19:49:39

I hiked in Patagonia last year wearing a daypack. I went to REI and received really terrific assistance from the staff who helped me find a pack where the straps didn't sit on my pacemaker. I bought a pack with a hydration system. I just had to remove the magnet that held the  mouthpiece because it was too close to the pacemaker. Zion is wonderful. Hike the river if weather permits. Visit a local outfitter for gear to complete the hike. Well worth the effort. 

Hiking with backpack

by Jimmy Dinfla - 2018-01-20 23:13:48

Agree...Zion is great!

Don't know if a seatbelt strap gives you any irritation, but I am bothered by the strap.  

I intend to resume using a daypack and a backpack this Spring. Do not know how the strap on the left side will do.  Because of the seatbelt strap irritation, I intend to do several local hikes to see how I do. 

Hiking

by myheartbeats - 2018-01-28 11:42:09

Hi

I recently brought a Deuter Guide 30+ SL. I went to my local shop and tried on many bags with a weight in them to get the best feel for the bag. I was told to make sure the hip strap was adjust first before shoulder straps. That the weight of your pack load should be more on your hips then shoulders. I had a different cheaper bag then this one and always adjusted it the same way. I didn't have any issues but I've only done day hikes. I'll  be out soon doing thur hikes in prep for a 6 day hike. Will keep you posted if I find out any more tips. 

Hiking

by Radders - 2018-01-28 12:08:28

What about a one strap bag and keep the load down.  I walk with friends and got fed up with just using one strap and dangling the other.  Jim

Regular Backpack Wearer

by Peter P. - 2018-02-03 08:49:15

I wear a backpack once a week, often with my chainsaw inside, about 20lbs. all kitted up.

Yeah; I can feel the pacemaker against the strap, but I don't find it too concerning.

I also carry a backpack on one shoulder almost daily at work. I feel the pacemaker more in this situation.

If I were smart, I'd carry it over the shoulder where the pacemaker isn't, but my relatives never climbed down from the trees...

Hiking with a backpack

by BobwithaB - 2018-02-03 09:58:07

Thanks much for the helpful comments and suggestions. I live near an REI store and will check out both regular packs and the one strap versions. I don't think I'll like feeling the strap on my pacemaker, but I'll keep you posted on what I learn. Can't wait for September and our big trip. Good news is my wife Pam can carry plenty and I figure the hikes will be short enough to handle lighter loads.