"Itchy" backpack straps

[Camino Chrissy]

Is it just me or do any others of you "suffer" with having to tolerate itchy backpack straps as they come down around your chest area before going under the armpit? I have an Osprey Sirrus trampoline back, women's specific 36L. I really like this pack which I have owned for several years, but I always get an itchy area that is very annoying in the front from the straps and it lasts about a full week before I get used to its uncomfortable, itchy feeling. I am not a person who perspires much, but sometimes wonder if it is related to salty sweat near my bra straps (and I am rather well-endowed). This thread/post is probably mostly related to ladies, but maybe a few men struggle too.
I prefer not to ditch this Osprey pack and it's a bit late now anyway, as I leave for the Camino de Madrid in less than two weeks.
Any ideas on how to help eliminate this problem are appreciated. Thanks.

 

[J Willhaus]

Is it just me or do any others of you "suffer" with having to tolerate itchy backpack straps as they come down around your chest area before going under the armpit? I have an Osprey Sirrus trampoline back, women's specific 36L. I really like this pack which I have owned for several years, but I always get an itchy area that is very annoying in the front from the straps and it lasts about a full week before I get used to its uncomfortable, itchy feeling. I am not a person who perspires much, but sometimes wonder if it is related to salty sweat near my bra straps (and I am rather well-endowed). This thread/post is probably mostly related to ladies, but maybe a few men struggle too.
I prefer not to ditch this Osprey pack and it's a bit late now anyway, as I leave for the Camino de Madrid in less than two weeks.
Any ideas on how to help eliminate this problem are appreciated. Thanks.

Have you ever tried using a body glide stick to see if that will help?

 

[C clearly]

I would think that the problem might relate to the type of fabric in your shirts. Perhaps try different fabrics next to your skin.

 

[David]

My understanding is that it is to do with whatever fabric you have against your skin ... synthetics? Not good.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Thanks, all. I have always used a variety of synthetic tops of various brands. I will try wearing cotton t-shirts on a few of my training walks in the next few days. I had thought of putting that K-tape stuff on my skin or a piece of cut "fur" attached under my bra straps to see if that might help.

 

[Theresa Brandon]

I was going to suggest KT tape as a buffer. Or perhaps lambswool?

 

[VNwalking]

I have a beloved Osprey too, and have a similar experience. For me the upper side of the left strap (against the collarbone) can itch like crazy, but it's not consistent or all the time.

Itching comes from a mild stimulus from pain sensory cells, so something is rubbing the wrong way. A mysyery. Bit what I do know is that my posture has a lot to do with it - it's worst if I'm tired and start leaning into the straps or get hunched over. So check and see if changing your posture helps.

I had thought of putting that K-tape stuff on my skin or a piece of cut "fur" attached under my bra straps to see if that might help.

It can't hurt to try! I see people with soft foam around the pack straps, too, and that might also help (a pity memory foam is so heavy, because that stuff is magic).

Edited to add: I wear cotton all the time, so at least for me that's nothing to do with it.

 

[Pilgrim9]

After each foot-pilgrimage I dis-assemble my backpack and all of it straps, wash everything in warm water containing a slight amount of laundry detergent, rinse repeatedly in fresh warm water, then hang dry.

I only use a slight amount of detergent because my equipment never gets oily or particularly dirt-soiled, but it does get sweat-soaked. Dried sweat is hydrophilic and it does not need large doses of detergents to remove.

Another reason to ration use of detergents when washing outdoors textiles is that detergent residues can attract dirt and also create an itchy sensation. Keep the chemistry simple.

 

[JMac56]

I always have compression fabric next to my skin on Camino. No rubbing or itching with my Osprey pack. Buen Camino.

 

[Roland49]

I did use KT tape for the most itchy parts of my bp-straps (LoweAlpine Camino trek 30:40).

I used it just for some short walking trips in spring before heading out to my CP this July. But if you make 30+ km per day just in T-Shirt you'll feel every little itch. Good that I brought KT with me. Didn't need it on myself, just for the pack

 

[David]

Reading the posts above ... is this a design fault with the Osprey packs for women, females being a different shape to males at the front, or is it straps too tight?

Unless mountain climbing shoulder straps shouldn't really be tight to the chest ... the hip belt should take all the weight, the middle of the hip belt set at the top edge of the pelvic bone ... then, as there is no weight above, it is all on the hips, the shoulder/chest straps are only adjusted to bring the top of the pack closer to the shoulders - with my pack loaded and fitted this way I can get two fingers underneath the top of my shoulder straps.
Just a thought.

 

[VNwalking]

is this a design fault with the Osprey packs for women, females being a different shape to males at the front, or is it straps too tight?

Maybe neither? Certainly in my case it's not tight straps. And we're all different shapes, with places that rub, or not.

 

[Pelerina]

Hi Chrissy - I agree with @VNwalking I have had this issue in the past on the collarbone area. And I don't think it's likely to be the fabric. These days I always have a soft scarf / shesh with me on caminos (ok, more than one - they are great for multi-purpose). Maybe you already take one? I would try threading this across your chest underneath the front of the pack to provide a light 'cushion' between the straps and your shirt. Socks could also do the job. Good not to have to take something 'extra' if you can help it. Best wishes - love the Madrid Way.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I am appreciating everyone's suggestions and will try them on my walks before I leave home in nine days. I have just ordered the KT tape on Amazon and hope it will be a winner. If not, I know it will have other uses.

 

[Anniesantiago]

Is it just me or do any others of you "suffer" with having to tolerate itchy backpack straps as they come down around your chest area before going under the armpit? I have an Osprey Sirrus trampoline back, women's specific 36L. I really like this pack which I have owned for several years, but I always get an itchy area that is very annoying in the front from the straps and it lasts about a full week before I get used to its uncomfortable, itchy feeling. I am not a person who perspires much, but sometimes wonder if it is related to salty sweat near my bra straps (and I am rather well-endowed). This thread/post is probably mostly related to ladies, but maybe a few men struggle too.
I prefer not to ditch this Osprey pack and it's a bit late now anyway, as I leave for the Camino de Madrid in less than two weeks.
Any ideas on how to help eliminate this problem are appreciated. Thanks.

I wish you lived closer. I have two packs; I would have let you borrow one.

 

[MichelleElynHogan]

I highly doubt that it is the pack straps. They likely feel smooth to the touch so it is something between the straps and the skin, if is not the skin itself. Consider the material of the shirt, what detergent it was washed with. It sounds like a potential skin allergy. The pack is not the problem.

Now, if you are not wearing a shirt, the straps may need a good wash. So few wash them, ever.

 

[Carl Remarx]

I strongly recommend washing the pack thoroughly, as one wouldn’t wear the same t-shirt for 30 days or more without such. Does wonders for my comfort and everyone’s noses. Sunshine afterward to dry and kill bacteria and odor alike.

 

[timbutcher]

Chrissy. I’ve been walking with someone who has a similar problem. They’ve attributed it to an allergy to the detergent they’re washing their clothes with, and this shows as an itchy rash when the rucksack straps press clothing against skin.

 

[Gringazolana]

I know exactly where you mean. My Osprey bothers me only on one side! I wrap a bandana around the strap right there. It’s a little extra padding, also good for that pesky runny nose or whatever.

 

[t2andreo]

Thanks, all. I have always used a variety of synthetic tops of various brands. I will try wearing cotton t-shirts on a few of my training walks in the next few days. I had thought of putting that K-tape stuff on my skin or a piece of cut "fur" attached under my bra straps to see if that might help.

Cotton, as you know, is not recommended over long time or distance. Consider obtaining a couple of merino wool tops if you can. REI may carry thiem locally. Even a base layer t-shirt will provide added cushioning, friction reduction and help regulate temperature.

Lacking a shirt solution the body glide idea is a good one. If it is one small, defined area that is affected, consider a Band-Aid / Plaster to protect the sensitive spot(s).

Lastly, have you tried adjusting all of your shoulder straps so the pack weight rides differently - like maybe higher? Sometimes a slight change int he angle of your straps will make all the difference.

Finally, call Osprey Support. They are VERY accommodating. I cannoit recommend them highly enough.

Hope this helps.

Tom

 

[Camino Chrissy]

More suggestions are coming in and I will be anxious to try them and report back later.
These things I do already know and do...
1. I always wash my backpack and the straps thoroughly when I return home.
2. In spite of the itchiness, I never see any rash developing on my skin. While on Camino I mainly hand wash my clothes using mild cheap shampoo such as Suave. I will add that the itchiness begins from the first day and seems to mostly subside after about a week...possibly my skin gets used to the discomfort?
3. I do always keep my straps tightened quite a bit because with the open trampoline back it feels like I need to try to bring the pack closer to my body or it doesn't feel right.

 

[trecile]

Consider obtaining a couple of merino wool tops if you can.

Good suggestion, except for those who are sensitive to wool, including merino.

 

[pjacobi]

Make sure the wait belt is adjusted and fasten correctly. Most of the pack weight should be carried on your hips and not the shoulder straps.

-Paul

 

[David]

"Cotton, as you know, is not recommended over long time or distance."

@t2andreo - By whom? I swear by 100% cotton, for all climes, all distances, all times. Natural soft fibre.

 

[pjacobi]

"Cotton, as you know, is not recommended over long time or distance."

@t2andreo - By whom? I swear by 100% cotton, for all climes, all distances, all times. Natural soft fibre.

Google "cotton kills" for more information.


-Paul

 

[David]

Just had a random thought about rucksacks in Spanish Meseta heat .. aren't we lucky that they don't have groin straps like aircrew parachute harnesses!

 

[David]

Google "cotton kills" for more information.


-Paul

Oh yes, on our wild wilderness or mountain treks, alone out there surviving, not a refugio or village in sight for days and days - the Camino is SO like that (not)

 

[Sidknee]

Is it just me or do any others of you "suffer" with having to tolerate itchy backpack straps as they come down around your chest area before going under the armpit? I have an Osprey Sirrus trampoline back, women's specific 36L. I really like this pack which I have owned for several years, but I always get an itchy area that is very annoying in the front from the straps and it lasts about a full week before I get used to its uncomfortable, itchy feeling. I am not a person who perspires much, but sometimes wonder if it is related to salty sweat near my bra straps (and I am rather well-endowed). This thread/post is probably mostly related to ladies, but maybe a few men struggle too.
I prefer not to ditch this Osprey pack and it's a bit late now anyway, as I leave for the Camino de Madrid in less than two weeks.
Any ideas on how to help eliminate this problem are appreciated. Thanks.

Hi @Camino Chrissy

I similarly had these (those) types of problems with my Osprey backpack. A good friend suggested using lambs wool car seat strap covers. Since using them the problem seems to have disappeared.

Just finished 5 back to back Caminos (~1k km) without issue.

The covers need to be washed regularly as they absorb perspiration.

This may help?

Buen Camino

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Hi @Camino Chrissy

I similarly had these (those) types of problems with my Osprey backpack. A good friend suggested using lambs wool car seat strap covers. Since using them the problem seems to have disappeared.

Just finished 5 back to back Caminos (~1k km) without issue.

The covers need to be washed regularly as they absorb perspiration.

This may help?

Buen Camino

I had ordered these similar car seat belt covers a year ago, but they never were wide enough to fit around my straps, so I never got them out again until today. I may try to modify them as an option.
Also, I checked the mesh backside of my pack straps and notice they are quite rough, so it could be extra abrasive and contribute to my problem. I will apply the KT tape I ordered as another option to try.

Good suggestion, except for those who are sensitive to wool, including merino.

That's me to a "T".
.

 

[Sidknee]

I had ordered these similar car seat belt covers a year ago, but they never were wide enough to fit around my straps, so I never got them out again until today. I may try to modify them as an option.
Also, I checked the mesh backside of my pack straps and notice they are quite rough, so it could be extra abrasive and contribute to my problem. I will apply the KT tape I ordered as another option to try.
View attachment 157149


That's me to a "T".
.

Similar to the ones I purchased. Had the same issue with the width. Have punched some shoe eyelets (3 points - 6 eyelets in total on each cover) into the velcro parts and laced them up. That has worked a treat for me.

 

[Anamiri]

Is it just me or do any others of you "suffer" with having to tolerate itchy backpack straps as they come down around your chest area before going under the armpit? I have an Osprey Sirrus trampoline back, women's specific 36L

I ended up buying some cheap cotton socks from a china shop and padding the strap with those. I just wound the socks around and stuck the end down with a safety pin. Not attractive, but did the trick.

 

[Nocheechako]

Is it just me or do any others of you "suffer" with having to tolerate itchy backpack straps as they come down around your chest area before going under the armpit? I have an Osprey Sirrus trampoline back, women's specific 36L. I really like this pack which I have owned for several years, but I always get an itchy area that is very annoying in the front from the straps and it lasts about a full week before I get used to its uncomfortable, itchy feeling. I am not a person who perspires much, but sometimes wonder if it is related to salty sweat near my bra straps (and I am rather well-endowed). This thread/post is probably mostly related to ladies, but maybe a few men struggle too.
I prefer not to ditch this Osprey pack and it's a bit late now anyway, as I leave for the Camino de Madrid in less than two weeks.
Any ideas on how to help eliminate this problem are appreciated. Thanks.

Gold Bond

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Gold Bond

I looked it up online and see there are several types that Gold Bond makes...which one are you recommending, please?

 

[Nocheechako]

I looked it up online and see there are several types that Gold Bond makes...which one are you recommending, please?

I have only used the original. We carry the travel size in our gear for all of our multi day hikes/walks.

 

[trecile]

I have only used the original. We carry the travel size in our gear for all of our multi day hikes/walks.

Do you mean the powder?



They also have an anti-friction stick

Gold Bond® | High-performance Skincare

Since 1908, Gold Bond® has been trusted as a leader in high-performance skincare for real life. When it comes to championing your skin, don’t settle for silver.

www.goldbond.com

 

[Nocheechako]

Do you mean the powder?

View attachment 157252

They also have an anti-friction stick

View attachment 157253

Gold Bond® | High-performance Skincare

Since 1908, Gold Bond® has been trusted as a leader in high-performance skincare for real life. When it comes to championing your skin, don’t settle for silver.

www.goldbond.com

Yes the powder

 

[debstruzyna]

Is it just me or do any others of you "suffer" with having to tolerate itchy backpack straps as they come down around your chest area before going under the armpit? I have an Osprey Sirrus trampoline back, women's specific 36L. I really like this pack which I have owned for several years, but I always get an itchy area that is very annoying in the front from the straps and it lasts about a full week before I get used to its uncomfortable, itchy feeling. I am not a person who perspires much, but sometimes wonder if it is related to salty sweat near my bra straps (and I am rather well-endowed). This thread/post is probably mostly related to ladies, but maybe a few men struggle too.
I prefer not to ditch this Osprey pack and it's a bit late now anyway, as I leave for the Camino de Madrid in less than two weeks.
Any ideas on how to help eliminate this problem are appreciated. Thanks.

The itchiness of packstraps bothered me greatly, so I cut the bottom out of two old (comfy, soft, absorbent) black kneesocks and pulled up over my packstraps. Works a charm. The black was very subtle; my husband didn't even notice them. Others might prefer to go bold.

I then snipped holes to get to a few favorite clips/loops located under the socks.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Hello to all of you who have kindly offered up suggestions for dealing with my itchy back pack straps. I have tested nearly every one of them on my local trail in the last week or so, going about 2-3 miles each time, and they all seem to help to varying degrees, probably with 30-40% improvement. I think the remainder is either the shape of the straps themselves or my shape and rubbing combined with salty sweatiness. I plan to bring the powder for my skin and a pair of long socks to tuck under the straps as needed.
Thanks a bunch, everyone!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I thought I would give a final update on this thread since I returned home several days ago from my recent Camino.

I appreciated all the helpful suggestions given to me. First, I added KT tape to the inside of the straps; surprisingly it never loosened or came off. Next I used a pair of medium length black socks and wrapped them twice around the straps before knotting them in front. I think both of these things combined helped quite a bit. The socks seemed to lift the straps slightly, creating the tiniest gap of air along the back of the straps.
I didn't use the powder I'd brought, and didn't use body glide as I thought it might leave an oily stain on my clothes since I've never used it before, but it probably would help in summer. I did notice the first few days in the heat, that salty sweat, however minor, does contribute to my itching. When the weather turned colder and I wore an additional layer and my thin puff down jacket I had no itching at all.
Overall, I'd say I had about a 40-50% improvement and am quite happy with the outcome.
P.S. I always wash my pack with soapy water when I return home, paying special attention to the straps in case sweat has clung, and hang it outdoors to dry.

 

[Phil—P]

"Cotton, as you know, is not recommended over long time or distance."

@t2andreo - By whom? I swear by 100% cotton, for all climes, all distances, all times. Natural soft fibre.

My thoughts exactly, I struggle wearing the synthetic fabric tops and find merino wool "itchy". I'll be wearing cotton t-shirts in May 2024 on the French Route.

 

[J Willhaus]

My thoughts exactly, I struggle wearing the synthetic fabric tops and find merino wool "itchy". I'll be wearing cotton t-shirts in May 2024 on the French Route.

Ok for summer, but they take longer to dry and seem to collect more stains than my wool stuff. I wear it summer and winter.