Backpacks and PM's/ICD's

I asked this on another group, but might as well ask here.

A highschool friend has moved back into town and I'm looking at going for some outdoor activities.

I can't place much pressure on my left chest and I know a lot of larger Backpacks sit on your hips, so lacking the left strap might be easier for those.

Has anyone had experience with or found some implant friendly backpacks?

8 Comments

Just me......

by Angelie - 2009-05-13 02:05:01

I wear mine slung over my right shoulder opposite my implant, but sometimes I also wear both straps.
I don't give it a second thought, and it doesn't hurt me.

I don't let my pacer hinder me too much, and am finding that there's not a whole lot that I can't do since my implant.

If anything, I would assume, some extra padding right at your implant site would help.

All I know, plus my two cents-
Angelie

sling backpacks

by gargoyle725 - 2009-05-13 05:05:29

I have not really thought about this I am still new @ this but I do know they make back packs that only have one strap.

Backpacks

by Blueaustralia - 2009-05-13 07:05:17

I had this problem and bought a backpack with a waist strap and did not use the left shoulder strap.

Blue...

by turboz24 - 2009-05-13 09:05:27

So, no issue with off center or anything? If that works, that's probably what I'll do, try on some and just don't use the left strap.

Regarding Backpacks

by NY Hiker - 2009-05-25 10:05:58

I don't know if I can post brand names on this site. However, I just came back from an overnight trip. I had no problems. Please read on: When I received my PM I realized that I might have a problem with the strap too.

I went looking around and found a day pack that has a hip belt and it works just fine. I even filled it up with overnight and day hiking gear and it works fine. No problem. I must mention that it has a sternum strap and I pull it loosely to keep the strap away from the area.

This is a pretty well known brand and there are others out there, but I looked at this model for what is called "minimalist backpacking" as well as using it for carrying books and other things. After all, if I buy something it has to do "double duty" and this model works for me. If you really want me to mention it, just post a note, however what works for me might not work for you.

Did this help?

strap padding

by gevans - 2009-05-29 07:05:44

I don't use any additional padding for less than three days on the trail (or if there is potable water sources enroute). For the last few week long hikes (when I couldn't go ultra-lite) it taped some extra padding (foam cosmetic triangles - I guess women use them for makeup? - available in drug stores) can be placed under the strap on the pm side. It really isn't an issue - the darn device is really quite rugged :). The biggest problem is keeping them (the pads) taped tightly to the strap.

Gary

unfortunately...

by turboz24 - 2009-05-29 09:05:49

Unfortunately my ICD protrudes a good deal into my deltoid/pectoral groove (the groove between your shoulder and chest muscles). So, an edge sticking up 3/8th to 1/2" is right where almost all straps go, be it a cooler bag from a wholesale club or a backpack. I tried on a few without luck, but I'll keep trying.

check it

by E from Spain - 2009-06-04 02:06:16

Hi,

I do lots of outdoor activities and many times I'm carrying over 10 kilos in my backpack. In that cases I can not use backpacks with only one strap. At the end I did check different models and there are some that are prety comfortable (I normally use Lowe Alpine, Osprey, Vaude, or Deuter).

So don't think that there is a brand that is better than the others, you should check the different models and choose the one fitting with you. At the end it will depend on your particular case because we don't have the PM implanted exactly at the same place.

have fun

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