Help, need advice about my ill fitting Aarn pack. 10 days to go.

[audge]

After trying a number of packs, I chose the Aarn body pack Marathon Magic 33. This is the one recommended to me by the guy at Aarn USA. I love the weight distribution and front packs and the ergonomic system. However, no matter how many ways I adjust the pack and hip belt, I get a lot of pressure and weight pressing on my sacrum. Has anyone else had this problem? I don't know if my body just doesn't fit this pack, or if I am doing something wrong. If I can't figure this out, I will go back to my Osprey Kyte 36, though I really want the Aarn to work. the front pockets are amazing.
All suggestions appreciated, and I would love to hear others experience with the Aarn.

 

[Kanga]

I'm not familiar with the Marathon Magic but if it is like the Featherlite then it is important to shape the metal stay to fit your back and not have it dig into your sacrum. You also have to get the back length right (again, assuming it's like mine) and and then lift it to the right height using the shoulder straps. There are so many possible adjustments on the Aarn it can be tricky. If you can't get it right I'd send an email directly to Aarn Tate via the New Zealand website - he's very responsive and helpful. The best thing is to get someone who know these packs to help.

 

[bystander]

audge, I too have the Marathon Magic 33 but have yet to use it.
As Kanga has suggested do contact Aarn Tate and when he has replied do, please, publish his response here.
Cheers.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

The pack weight is supposed to be on your hips, not the shoulder straps. That is true for all packs, not just the Aarn. When the pack is loaded, you should be able to run your hands under the straps easily. The weight of the front pockets also is on the waist belt. You may just need to strengthen the muscles that balance a pack, which will happen automatically the first week of your walk, but not without some sore muscles!

 

[Arn]

Before some confusion begins: 1. I am not the Aarn of this post. 2. I am not the Arn of Templar movie fame. 3. I am the Arn...honored to be a mod on the Forum.

 

[Arn]

The pack weight is supposed to be on your hips, not the shoulder straps. That is true for all packs, not just the Aarn. When the pack is loaded, you should be able to run your hands under the straps easily. The weight of the front pockets also is on the waist belt. You may just need to strengthen the muscles that balance a pack, which will happen automatically the first week of your walk, but not without some sore muscles!

Falcon is correct and to the point.

Sadly, too often the store folks are motivated by a quick sale, or they are great when it comes to kayaks...packs,not so much.

 

[Kanga]

My Aarn pack sits so I can easily run my fingers under my shoulder straps - all the weight is on my hips.

 

[kmrice]

However, no matter how many ways I adjust the pack and hip belt, I get a lot of pressure and weight pressing on my sacrum. . . . All suggestions appreciated, and I would love to hear others experience with the Aarn.

How did you make out with the Aarn pack? Did you get it to fit well? Did you use it on your Camino? If so, how did it do?

Karl