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ive tried quite a few, including the latest low rider cambelbak skyline, which was supposedly made to alievate my exact problem (I think)...however it does, it is comfy per se, but I still get lower back pain, to prove its the backpacks, I wear a hip bum bag (fanny pack as our transatlantic cousins say) and I get no pain at all) with a water bottle on the frame, for night rides and winter rides when I don't drink as much
however soon as I put my big back pack on I get pain, circa 2ltr water and ONLY the tools I carry in my bum bag
so are there any bags out there less prone? or is a weak back causing it?
ive ended up just taking ibuprofen before a big ride on the weekend just to alleviate it for a few hours
https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk/Wingnut-Hyper-3.0
Used to get lower back pain - with above back it went away
If this is easy for you then it’s probably not lack of strength:
USWE Airbourne
It's interesting that you say you don't get the pain with the bumbag - is this the case or is it just that you ride slightly less/lower distances in winter or with a water bottle, therefore don't feel it as much?
Just because I get lower back pain too, it got pretty bad a few years ago, I went to a physio, now regularly stretch it and it's a lot better - it was down to my riding position rather than a backpack problem.
ill have a look at links - cheers
jonny - nope no pain, ive ridden trail centres with bum bag no pain, and ridden trail centres with back pack = pain
ive done some big rides in winter with just bum bag and bottle, similar distance to some of my summer ones really (just don't drink as much) so not bothered with the big bag....
I just don't get any pain at all with a bum bag, guess maybe water weight plays a lot, as the tools I carry are identical
I do a lot of strectches, not necessarily right before, but all through the week, and lots of other excercises too (squats, press ups, sit ups etc etc), so a kinda half decent core strength
+1 Wingnut - very comfortable....
I find the 2.5 plenty big enough for a day out.
I have severe back pain from breaking my lower back 20 years ago.
The only packs I have found that don't cause pain are the Evoc ones with the wide waist support and back protector. I've never tried a Wingnut as I couldn't get one to try before I bought my Evoc but I've heard good things about them.
My Evoc has lasted 8 years of weekly (ab)use as my only bag too...
Another Wingnut loyalist here. It sorted out my back issues too.
My camelbak Lobo seems fine and i have lower back issues after a bad spinal break of the L1 and T12
3 very comfy packs for me have been: -
- Wingnut Hyper 3
- Osprey Raptor 10
- A Dakine Amp 24L
All exceptionally comfortable.
If you're fine with a bum bag, then maybe try the Osprey Talon 6.
Bumbag (or lumbar pack it you're feeling posh) cones with two excellent quality, shaped bottles and carries enough stuff for a decent day out.
Like you I used to get back pain from backpacks, and tried quite a few. I've used the Osprey exclusively for about 2 years now, and not had any problems at all.
Because it sits on your hips, the weight is all supported there and not by your shoulders and back muscles.
2x bottle cage, tube taped to the frame/seatpost and a saddle bag = no pain
There was an article discussing this I stumbled on a couple weeks ago, one of the biking sites and a physio. Backpacks tend to compress your lower back causing pain whilst the bum bag doesn't as it is suspended below your lower back. I've been considering a Camelbak Repack since watching.
Most of the backpack load is through the thoracic region (mid-back), with the lower back acting as a suspension between the strong and stable pelvis and hips, and the backpack. Therefore, the lower back has to work incredibly hard to maintain a neutral position, and the surrounding soft tissue structures (muscles, tendons, and ligaments) become very quickly overloaded, causing pain.
I'd recommend not use the bladder storage compartment of the pack and try packing out the bottom of your pack with lighter gear thus leaving space to position the bladder (the heaviest item) nearer the top . . Hopefully this should better distribute weight closer to your upper body / shoulder area which may help with load carrying . .I don't personally have issues with a riding pack but putting water at the top of pack is the method i use for hiking with heavy packs . . Also tighten sternum strap .
+1 for the wingnuts.
I'd carry as much on the bike as you can and then make sure your not carrying the kitchen sink.
Go light go fast.