BP opinons for bad back..

Elemental Horizons Kalais.

I have had bad lower back issues, but it's almost never an issue anymore. Backpacking has been a large factor to that.

The pack I used was a pretty lightweight pack, but still with great support – an Osprey Kestrel. You can get them in different volumes and they are torso adjustable, which greatly helped me get the right fit. I use other packs now too, but the Kestrels are still the most comfortable for me and my back.

What has worked for me could be a disaster for you, but take a look at them/try it out if you can.
It will get you a lighter pack, but like you say provide you with the support you need.

Good luck with it.

Jim,

No one is really going to be able to give you very accurate advice about it, because the pack itself isn't really going to matter all that much. Your main concerns will be one that carries well on your hips, doesn't weight very much, and doesn't pull you backwards (you want all the force to really push down, not back – this will mostly be a function of how you pack your pack).

You'll also need to work on low back and abdominal strengthening – lots of deep core work (not sit-ups, but deep stuff like you'd learn in PT).

From a biomechanical perspective, the addition of a frame at lower pack weights should not make any difference to stress and forces through your low back. Focus more on reducing overall weight that you have to carry.

Thanks Jennifer, I value your opinions having read many of your posts here but I would have to respectfully disagree that the pack itself doesn't matter as I believe good design and suspensions do make a difference, especially when you add in a physical deficit. At least that was the case in my pack purchases to date. Trying as many packs as I could proved many carried much better than others (packing being the same). I am a little more optimistic that other BPers suggestions here would prove to be helpful to me. I do realize its all personal fit but what works for others may give me some good leads to follow.

Thanks for taking the time to reply to my post, jimmyb

I've years dealing with my back, I keep doing what I want, just can't do it long, like splitting firewood, shoveling snow, bending over in the garden etc. I've been using SMD Starlight and recently the ZPacks cuben packs with no issues, all comes down to UL gear. Currently at about low to mid 20's for week trips.
Duane

"…all comes down to UL gear."

For some.

For others, core strengthening is needed. Gear won't supplant strength.

Ever wonder why you "…just can't do it long…"?

"Ever wonder why you "…just can't do it long…"?"

better to know ones handicap before asking something like that. You wouldn't know by looking at me the challenges I face physically (not even counting my back) many of which physical conditioning/gear choices will NEVER improve.

Respectfully jimmyb

Well actually, Jimmy, you and I agree. I guess what I'm saying is that you need a pack that fits YOU, and there are no specific features on packs that will universally help someone with "a bad back."

The only universal advice there really would be for someone with spine problems would be packing appropriately in relation to your center of mass (in a man, it's the middle of your body at the level of your belly button) and carrying as little weight (in your pack and around your middle) as possible.

Of course, maybe that's my retirement plan: come up with a pack design for people with bad backs……….

I have an awful back and hips (rheumatological disease with a very long name) and a fully framed pack hurts me to no end. I found nirvana with those kinda-framed packs like Gossamer Gear's. You may feel differently – in that a fully framed pack may be exactly what YOU need. Or a completely frameless may be the way to go….

Does that make a bit more sense?

Totally agree Jennifer. Specific features off the table, general fit is the key. Also appreciate your clarification of your particular issues and the recommendation of what works for you. That's pretty much the exact help I was looing for.

I will indeed take your advice on strengthening and look into your pack choice. Can you put into words what it is about the Gossamer gear frames that alleviates the discomforts for you?

jimmyb