Rucksack straps - tight or loose?

JohnLloyd

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Francés (2018), Português (2019), Inglés (2022)

• Mar 6, 2022

• #1

Walking 12 miles today with a half-filled rucksack as part of my Inglés preparations, I was fiddling with the chest and waist straps to get a comfortable fit.

It's that brand that has a frame and a curvature in the design called "Airspace" which keeps an air pocket between you and the pack.

I noticed when tightening the straps, the pack fitted more snugly into the small of my back.

That seemed like a good thing.

Then I wondered if that negated the benefit of the design feature.

So, what does everyone think about the strap setting? Tight or loose?

PS - it's only a short Camino, so I'm sure I'll manage either way!

 

nidarosa

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• Mar 6, 2022

• #2

Load lifters and chest strap tight, waist and shoulder strap snug. Nothing too tight or you're limiting your movement and breathing, too loose and the weight ends up in random places.

 

JohnLloyd

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Francés (2018), Português (2019), Inglés (2022)

• Mar 6, 2022

• #3

That makes sense! Thanks.

 

dick bird

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• Mar 6, 2022

• #4

Think of your pack as a lever with the base of your pack as the fulcrum. If the back straps are too loose, this will have the effect of increasing the pressure on your shoulders, exactly what modern packs are designed to avoid. Keep the back straps tightened up (snug, as nidarosa says) but making sure the chest strap (if you use it) does not restrict your breathing.

 

JohnLloyd

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Francés (2018), Português (2019), Inglés (2022)

• Mar 7, 2022

• #5

Appreciate the advice!

 

Keith H

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• Mar 7, 2022

• #6

I tend to alternate throughout the day depending on my posture, inclines and declines etc. it could be that I’m just a fiddler of course

 

P

philmickm

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first one Aug/Sept '18

• Mar 7, 2022

• #7

Hi, as I understand it, and works best for me, they’re designed to have your hips support the weight, not your shoulders.

So, tighten the waste straps so that the pack sits on, and is supported by the hips.
But not too much that you squash your stomach.

Then tighten the shoulder steps to be comfortable and tight enough not to slide around, just held positively in place.

Tighten the chest strap just enough to hold the shoulder straps in place and not at all affect your breathing.

My shoulder straps tend to spread out and rub on my arms which get sore, so tightening the chest strap just enough to locate the shoulder strap where I need it.

Main thing is that the weight is carried on the hips and not hanging on the shoulder.

Works for me.
Buen Camino

 

Cliff175

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April / May Camino Frances 2013
Portuguese Camino May of 2014
St. jean to pomplona, - Santander to Oviedo, SAN Salvador to Leon , to Santiago in 2015
2017 March -- VDLP Seville to Santiago

• Mar 7, 2022

• #8

Start with correct way to pack a backpack ( wieght distribution )
also research the type of backpack,,, will help you determine weight distribution ..,, ( don't forget location water wieght ) 1 liter little over 2 lbs, so wieghts adds up.,,,2 liter little over 4 lbs.
this may help

how to adjust backpack straps - Google Search