Backpacking straps are an essential part of a backpacker’s gear, allowing them to carry heavy loads without having to strain their back or arms. Properly placing the straps is key to a comfortable and safe journey.
When deciding where the straps should sit on your back, comfort should be the main priority. The straps should be placed so that they are not digging into your shoulders or cutting off circulation. The straps should also rest securely on your hips in order to keep the weight evenly distributed and prevent it from shifting while in motion.
For shorter trips, typical backpacks with two shoulder straps are ideal. When packing heavier loads, however, an external frame backpack is recommended.
To ensure maximum comfort when using an external frame backpack, it is important to ensure that the straps rest just below the shoulder blades and curve around the sides of the rib cage. To ensure proper placement of shoulder straps on this type of backpack, you can use a mirror or ask for assistance from another person to get an accurate view of where they should sit on your back.
In addition to comfort considerations, it is also important to consider other factors such as weather conditions when deciding where to place the straps on your back. For example, if you plan on hiking in very hot weather you may want to place the shoulder straps slightly higher than normal so that they don’t rub against your skin and cause discomfort due to sweat buildup around the area.
Conclusion: Wherever you decide to position your backpacking straps, it is important that they rest comfortably and securely on your body so that you can have a safe and enjoyable journey. Comfort should be at the forefront when deciding where they should sit; however, other factors such as weather conditions may also influence how you choose to place them for optimal results.