Godzgirlwalking
New Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Camino Frances (Sept/Oct 2018)
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The choice of backpack is the obvious thing to check. You should get it properly fitted (many packs can be made shorter or longer by adjusting the back panel) and try several different models. Each one, and each human body, is unique. In the store, you will have to judge whether or not the person really knows what they are talking about - some do, and some don't.
Can you confirm that the pack has a hip belt that you use, and that effectively transfers the weight to your hips and legs? What weight are you carrying?
Do you use walking sticks? They can help with the overall rhythm and symmetry of your walking patter.
Cc: My pack does have hip & sternum straps which I cinch up as tight as possible which feels good & snug. But when I have the hip straps fastened so the pack is sitting on my hips, the shoulder straps extend up above my actual shoulders and rub against my neck. It feels fine when I first put it on and all the weight (12-15#) seems to be sitting on my hips, but then 5-6 miles later... ouchie!
I found that two sticks helps tooThe choice of backpack is the obvious thing to check. You should get it properly fitted (many packs can be made shorter or longer by adjusting the back panel) and try several different models. Each one, and each human body, is unique. In the store, you will have to judge whether or not the person really knows what they are talking about - some do, and some don't.
Can you confirm that the pack has a hip belt that you use, and that effectively transfers the weight to your hips and legs? What weight are you carrying?
Do you use walking sticks? They can help with the overall rhythm and symmetry of your walking patter.
I am using 2 poles, and I do find they help manage the discomfort.I found that two sticks helps too
Including water, snacks, rain gear, first aid, guide book, gloves, spare battery pack, spare shirt and socks, those essentials will weigh 2-4 kg or more. Do not make the mistake of setting off for a 20-30 km hike with even that load in a flimsy little bag, especially if you have a bad back in the first place!Bring along a super light foldable pack to use while walking for essentials on the day you might send your heavy load
Including water, snacks, rain gear, first aid, guide book, gloves, spare battery pack, spare shirt and socks, those essentials will weigh 2-4 kg or more. Do not make the mistake of setting off for a 20-30 km hike with even that load in a flimsy little bag, especially if you have a bad back in the first place!
Have a comfortable well-fitted backpack of 30-40 L that you always wear walking. Have another superlight foldable bag that you use to transport things you don't need during the walking day.
The OP might check for scoliosis (curvature of the spine), which can create uneven distribution of the backpack's weight. I have a minor case of scoliosis which I never knew I had until I started training for my first Camino and started getting a sharp nerve pain alongside my spine, just below my shoulder blade. Oddly enough, in my case it was exacerbated by the use of trekking poles -- something about the repetitive motion of swinging the poles was creating additional stress on that nerve. My advice to the OP is to check for spinal curvature -- even a small amount -- and to take that into consideration when choosing a backpack size and especially when making the final fitting adjustments each time she dons the pack. In reality, most humans are slightly non-symmetrical anyway, which is why final adjustment of all those straps can make a difference in how the loaded backpack feels.That sounds very much like a pinched nerve (the burning description in particular) from a pack that is mucking about with your posture. Definitely go get fitted for one that is sized for you and made for a woman's body. The upper torso, high thoracic spine area really needs a proper fit, and men's packs do not typically fit well enough. So I second the advice about the pack. Also, if you don't have them yet, get trekking poles; they remove shock from the lumbar spine and prevent that sort of injury.
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