Even though I have limited what I pack to the complete minimum, I still end up with very sore shoulders and hips, where the straps sit. I will be hiking and camping for 3 days soon - so what do you suggest I do?
Also, are female-designed rucksacks really much better? x
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Have someone who knows what to do adjust your pack for you. If your pack is set right, you should not feel it when you first put it on with 10 kilo/20 pound in it.
And go over the list of things to bring again, most people bring twice as much as they really need. You can go dirty while hiking, just make sure you have enough not to get too cold.
If you can not get your pack fitted right, consider buying an other. It is not always a female pack that suits you best, but one that is just the right size and fitted right.
If you go out to buy a new pack, bring something of weight with you, so you can try out packs with some weight in it. (Maybe a bag of apples or oranges.)
Load the heavy items closer to the top of the pack. Adjust the straps of your pack from the waist up and above all, make sure the pack is the right size for you.