Clothing design and pack straps

Yes, Dale, I’ve tried to compensate for compression due to pack straps. All my attempts fell in the Bad-Ideas-Are-Us category.

These experiments were aimed at insulation, not ventillation. I tried polarguard, polyurethane foam and ensolite, all built into the top and front of the shoulder of a polarguard jacket. The closest thing to adequate was the ensolite – surprisingly. But nothing worked particularly well. And compressibility tanked.

I’ve given up on using anything other than ponchos for rain gear.

This was my answer to the problem. It works really well in hot weather.
BPL Thread Link

All it lacks is a solar panel and electric fan :)

I was thinking more of the straps clamping off the areas above and outboard of the straps– across the tops of the shoulders and around to the shoulder blades– no ventilation at all. Unhooking or eleminating the waist strap at least allows some air up underneath the back.

I have seen some bike vests that have wind panels in the front and mesh in the rear.