How Do I Stop My Shoulders From Hurting When Backpacking?

By Robert Palmer

Backpacking can be a great way to explore the world and engage with nature, but it can also take a toll on your body. One of the most common issues that backpackers experience is shoulder pain, which can make your journey uncomfortable and painful. Luckily, there are ways to prevent and reduce shoulder pain when backpacking.

Adjust Your Backpack: The most important step in preventing shoulder pain is to ensure that your backpack is properly adjusted. Make sure that the straps are snug against your body so that the weight of the pack is evenly distributed.

Additionally, check to see if the shoulder straps are contoured to fit your shoulders and that they don’t dig into your skin. Lastly, make sure that the hip belt is positioned correctly so that it takes some of the weight off of your shoulders.

Use Shoulder Pads: If you find yourself struggling with shoulder pain even after adjusting your backpack, you may want to consider using shoulder pads. These pads attach to the straps of your backpack and provide extra cushioning for your shoulders. This can help reduce pressure on your joints and keep them from hurting.

Take Breaks: When you’re out on a long hike, it’s important to take regular breaks in order to give your body a break from carrying the weight of the pack. Take time every hour or so (or more frequently if needed) to stop and rest for a few minutes. This will give you time to adjust your backpack and give your shoulders some relief.

Strengthen Your Shoulders: Before embarking on a backpacking trip, it’s important to make sure that you have strong shoulders. Doing exercises like push-ups or lateral raises will help build strength in your upper body so that carrying a heavy backpack won’t be as much of an issue.

Conclusion:


Backpacking can be an enjoyable experience but it pays off if you take preventive measures against potential injuries such as shoulder pain. Adjusting your backpack properly, using shoulder pads for extra cushioning, taking regular breaks during hikes, and strengthening your shoulders before the trip are all great ways to prevent or reduce shoulder pain when backpacking.