Best backpack for neck injury ?

[Artykat]

Hi there Im planning my 2nd Camino for September next. Since my last Camino in 2019 I’ve had Issues with an old injury where I broke a few vertebrae years ago and have since been diagnosed with cervical spondylosis. This just means I have to be careful with my backload. As I need to buy a new backpack anyway I thought I would throw it out here in the hope that someone more knowledgable than myself might know of suitable backpacks which would take the pressure off the neck. I’m looking for a 30 L max volume. Thanks and Buon Camino to all .

 

[RJM]

So many good ones out there in that size range and I would say pick one that has the best hip belt for you so as to take the weight off of your back and shoulders and neck. Also keep it super light. September can be pretty warm and less rain on the Frances so you really don't need to carry much.

 

[dougfitz]

I suggest looking at one of the smaller Aarn packs with balance pockets. Their website is https://www.aarnpacks.com/. When fitted with balance pockets, they reduce the load on the shoulders compared to similar sized conventional designs.

 

[BlackRocker57]

I suggest looking at one of the smaller Aarn packs with balance pockets. Their website is https://www.aarnpacks.com/. When fitted with balance pockets, they reduce the load on the shoulders compared to similar sized conventional designs.

absolutely and wholeheartedly agree ... they are great backpacks for achieving torso balance

 

[Moniq]

Hi there Im planning my 2nd Camino for September next. Since my last Camino in 2019 I’ve had Issues with an old injury where I broke a few vertebrae years ago and have since been diagnosed with cervical spondylosis. This just means I have to be careful with my backload. As I need to buy a new backpack anyway I thought I would throw it out here in the hope that someone more knowledgable than myself might know of suitable backpacks which would take the pressure off the neck. I’m looking for a 30 L max volume. Thanks and Buon Camino to all .

Look at the ultralight options like MLD, Bonfus etc. For example Bonfus, 38 liter 330 gr. There is even a smaller 28 liter and also lighter. Very good materials. Those backpacks do get very good reviews. I’ll take the 48 let Saccus on my CF.

 

[Keith H]

Backpack load out, fit and total weight are all super important. I’d also like to suggest some mid-back strengthening exercises. Particularly the rhomboids and teres major and minor. You’ll feel them activate if you stand up tall and have your arms straight and slightly away from your sides (25 degrees or so). Then if you rotate your hands so your thumbs point away, toward the outside, from your body and then keep rotating them as far as you can so they’re pointing as far behind you as you can. You’ll feel muscles tighten in your back below your shoulder blades. Those muscles help immensely with maintaining good upright posture and will assist with taking pressure out of your neck. A spondylosis is a general instability in the neck since the front and back of the vertebrae are no longer attached. Keeping the spine as neutral as possible will help a lot. Also use hiking poles if you don’t already and watch videos to get the technique right otherwise they can add pressure to your neck rather than help.

 

[C clearly]

The OP question still applies whether they carry a "full" pack or just items for the day. The day's items would include water, snacks, rain gear, spare warmth, phone, etc. and could weigh 2-3 kg. A good backpack is important in either case. The OP is asking about special consideration for a person with back/neck issues.

 

[hikentravel1234]

The women's Osprey Aura has an antigravity suspension system (that helps transfer the weight to your hips) that was a game changer after a broken thoracic fracture. Before, I could only hike with the addition on tylenol, aleve, and 1 narcotic pill a day. After finding the Osprey aura, no narcotics were needed. Sadly, they only make them in 65L and 50L packs (I have both). But since these packs have made hiking possible for me, I will be using the 50L when I start my 4th Camino late April. I just wish they had a smaller version.
Be sure to google, or ask a reliable outdoor store, the best way to distribute the weight within your bag.

 

[Sidknee]

Hi @Artykat, given the nature of your injury I’d suggest that you may need to talk to a specialist medical practioner before sourcing a backpack. Anything that involves deterioration in the spine or associated muscular network should be managed with the help of those specialists. Their guidance on what you could carry comfortably may better determine the type of backpack and the method of transport (e.g. a small day pack + a transport pack) choices. Type of shoes and walking poles will also play a part in those considerations.

All the very best and buen camino for September.

 

[Kanga]

I think there are some good suggestions above. I've found the Aarn backpacks superbly comfortable, but because you are in Ireland you would have to buy online, not ideal.

Good luck with your search @Artykat . I won't venture any opinion about your specific injury, which sounds serious, but I do have a friend whose back problems actually improved while carrying a well fitted (and not too heavy) backpack. I know that my cartiladge less knees improve with a long walk simply because the surrounding muscles get stronger.

 

[dougfitz]

Osprey Aura has an antigravity suspension system

I always treat this as a marketing term, quite dissociated from reality!

that helps transfer the weight to your hips

Most pack suspension systems do this in one way or the other. The way that Osprey have combined the mesh back panel and waist belt is unique, and it appears many people, like @hikentravel1234, find it easier to get a more comfortable fit as a result. The issue here is to make sure that the harness is properly adjusted to reduce the load on the shoulders by carrying the bulk of it on the waist. There will always be some weight on the shoulders to keep the pack upright and close to your body, without it being so tight that you are loading up the shoulders too much.

 

[benny aumala]

You might look after Helikon-Tex Numbat chest pack:

One of the Best Outdoor Products I Have Ever Used! - Helikon - Google Search

 

[Artykat]

Backpack load out, fit and total weight are all super important. I’d also like to suggest some mid-back strengthening exercises. Particularly the rhomboids and teres major and minor. You’ll feel them activate if you stand up tall and have your arms straight and slightly away from your sides (25 degrees or so). Then if you rotate your hands so your thumbs point away, toward the outside, from your body and then keep rotating them as far as you can so they’re pointing as far behind you as you can. You’ll feel muscles tighten in your back below your shoulder blades. Those muscles help immensely with maintaining good upright posture and will assist with taking pressure out of your neck. A spondylosis is a general instability in the neck since the front and back of the vertebrae are no longer attached. Keeping the spine as neutral as possible will help a lot. Also use hiking poles if you don’t already and watch videos to get the technique right otherwise they can add pressure to your neck rather than help.

Hi Keith many thanks for this most helpful information Much appreciated.

 

[Artykat]

I always treat this as a marketing term, quite dissociated from reality!

Most pack suspension systems do this in one way or the other. The way that Osprey have combined the mesh back panel and waist belt is unique, and it appears many people, like @hikentravel1234, find it easier to get a more comfortable fit as a result. The issue here is to make sure that the harness is properly adjusted to reduce the load on the shoulders by carrying the bulk of it on the waist. There will always be some weight on the shoulders to keep the pack upright and close to your body, without it being so tight that you are loading up the shoulders too much.

Doug fits thank you for this information.