A Womans help needed (Shoulder Pain)

Posted by: SQWIB

A Womans help needed (Shoulder Pain) - 06/22/17 02:45 PM

Being a guy, I don't even know where or how to ask this question but I'll try

I took my daughter out for an over nighter and she loved it, her pack weight was comfortable, her pack was comfy, but she complained her shoulders were sore at the end of the trip, We figured it was her Bra strap digging into her neck from the pressure of the shoulder strap, what do you girls do.

Shes busty and a very tall thin build

Posted by: Glenn Roberts

Re: A Womans help needed (Shoulder Pain) - 06/22/17 06:47 PM

I'm not a woman (and some would say not helpful, either smile ), but I do have a question: where did her shoulders hurt? Was it under the pack straps (could indicate the straps weren't properly adjusted) or somewhere else? Also, did she tell you whether the load felt like it was on her shoulders, instead of her hips (could indicate the hipbelt wasn't tight enough or some other adjustment wasn't set right.)
Posted by: SQWIB

Re: A Womans help needed (Shoulder Pain) - 06/22/17 09:17 PM

Originally Posted By Glenn Roberts
I'm not a woman (and some would say not helpful, either smile ), but I do have a question: where did her shoulders hurt? Was it under the pack straps (could indicate the straps weren't properly adjusted) or somewhere else? Also, did she tell you whether the load felt like it was on her shoulders, instead of her hips (could indicate the hipbelt wasn't tight enough or some other adjustment wasn't set right.)


She was carrying about 20 pounds, I adjusted the the pack and load straps on her. I could slide three fingers under each strap and the weight was minimal, most of the weight was on her hips and the pack was close to her back so it didn't feel like it was pulling on her.
Did you ever hike with a shirt that has the seam where the strap is and the top part of you shoulder it gets sore in that contact area where the seam pushes up against the bony part if your shoulder, it was sort of like that.
Hope I explained it right.
Posted by: JustWalking

Re: A Womans help needed (Shoulder Pain) - 06/22/17 10:28 PM

If it's her first backpacking/hiking trip ever, or in a very long time, then I think a bit of shoulder discomfort after it's over isn't all that unusual. It'll probably subside after a couple of more trips.

But, of course, it might not. I've been backpacking for quite some time now, and I still can get sore shoulders at times.
Posted by: OregonMouse

Re: A Womans help needed (Shoulder Pain) - 06/22/17 11:58 PM

Does she have a woman-specific pack? With her build, she'll need one.

Does her pack have load lifters? I have mine tight enough that my shoulder straps don't even touch the tops of my shoulders, which are extremely pressure sensitive. I've never had any problems with bra straps vs. the pack, but that's me.

It appears from the photo, although at that distance it's really hard to tell, that the sternum strap may be pulled too tight. That would put extra pressure on her collarbones. I rarely even fasten mine, although again that's me! If I do fasten it (in tight places where balance is important), I leave it pretty loose.

It's interesting that in the picture, your (if that's you in front) pack straps fit fairly wide on the shoulders, whereas hers are closer to her neck (and possibly on her collarbones). I wouldn't want my pack straps that far in on my body. Again, that's me. . . .

Can you take more pictures? Front, side, back, all closer up. That would give us a better idea of how the pack fits. It may be she needs a different make or model--pack fit is as individual as shoe fit, and there is no universal fitting pack, just as there's no shoe that fits everyone.

IMHO, she shouldn't have sore shoulders with a 20 lb. pack, if the pack fits properly.

Posted by: connor45

Re: A Womans help needed (Shoulder Pain) - 06/23/17 02:45 AM

She might need a better fit back pack. I remember my first trip with sore shoulders due to not very fit back pack.
Posted by: SQWIB

Re: A Womans help needed (Shoulder Pain) - 06/23/17 10:17 AM

I adjusted the sternum strap out quite abit, any further out was uncomfortable.

She said everything was perfect except right where her bra strap was and only on one side.
I thought maybe the straps weren't even but everything looked good.
I may have her try again but add some extra padding in that area.

Tho other hiker is my son, thats a whole other story.


(I hope I'm not uploading these wrong)
My pack is a gorilla



These are a few of my hiking budies, they carry everything, I just cant do it.

Posted by: BZH

Re: A Womans help needed (Shoulder Pain) - 06/23/17 01:30 PM

Like Glenn, I am not a woman and possibly not helpful, too. My first thought based on your description is she should get a sports bra. I think that would have less stuff to interfere with the shoulder straps. Of course I don't know if that is a bra style she finds comfortable.