I am new to backpacking as far as trying to do it often. I purchased a fully adjustable backpack that fits my body type from what I read in online articles. I did so before reading such articles and the bass pro shop seemed to just be happy to take my money not assist me in choosing a pack. I took my first trip into the back country and I began to notice a discomfort and then a pain. It is in my shoulders and that's it. Is this something that is just going to happen and I just need to toughen up that part of my body or is this an equipment issue? Any advice is greatly appreciatted.

HI Derrick

I think most people here would say that living with pain is not a natural consequence of the backpacker's life!

But give us a little more information, please? How much weight were you carrying? What type of pack? And can you describe the pain a little more?

That said, here are a few thoughts.

1. If you are carrying 65 pounds, your shoulders may hurt with just about any pack. Cutting down your pack weight is always a good idea.

2. IF your hip belt isnt' tight enough, or your pack is maladjusted, then you may be putting too much weight on your shoulders, not enough on your hips. You can fix that, but you miught need a little help from someone who knows more than you do.

3. If you pack is too short, you may be putting too much weight on your shoulders, and there isn't anything you can do about it wiith that pack.

4. If you are tense on the trail, worrying about your next meal, or fearful that you are lost, then that tension can also make your pack a lot less comfortable. You know what to do in that case!

I was carrying only 25 lbs but the pain was similar to that of carrying 65 lbs pack. I was in the army and it's a lot like the pain of carrying a huge rucksack. I can see it possibly being my packs adjustment because it is a Jansport Big Bear which is adjustable to several different back lengths and I had no idea how to set it up. I made it to where I the shoulder straps were not on the very top of my shoulders but resting on the front portion. The waist portion was tough for me to get right because I am a small guy with very little butt to support the pack. I feel as if the ultra adjustable pack was a bad idea and that I should cut my loses and go to a backpacking store here in Tulsa that I recently found. During my trip I was constantly trying to readjust my straps for comfort because if was either moving or it hurt.

You hit the right idea: go to that backpacking store. Admit, right up front, that you're just getting started, went to the big box store before you knew they were there, and can't figure out your pack. Ask if they'll help you - and if that pack can't be made to fit you, because the other place sold you the wrong size, get the backpacking shop to fit one properly, and buy from them.

I still buy a few things online, if my local shop doesn't carry them. The local shop may not always be the cheapest, but it usually is the same price as the big stores, and the advice is priceless - well worth giving up the rebates/dividends offered by big places like REI or Moosejaw. Patronize the local shop.

I agree with Glenn, especially as far as fitting a pack--get advice from someone who knows what they're doing. Pack fit is almost as individual as shoe fit! And just as not all shoes fit all feet, not all packs fit all bodies!

If you haven't already found them, there are lots of excellent articles for beginners and on gear selection listed in the left-hand column of http://www.backpacking.net/, the home page of this site.

Another good site for gear selection is Mark Verber's website. Lots of ideas for gear, including low-budget alternatives.

What they said. And so you understand a little more what it means to be measured and fitted for a pack, this article has a description of how one should be measured.

I've found that different brands of pack aren't consistently sized; medium can be a few centimeters/inches different from one brand to the next. Knowing your exact measurement will help you sort through all the options.

Oh, I forgot: when you take the pack to the store, have it packed with a typical load - that way, they can really do a good job fitting you.

One other advantage of taking your gear, packed: if you end up getting a different pack, you'll be able to load your gear into in the store, to make sure it all fits and to get a true idea of how that new pack will ride. (The weighted bags the store has will give you the right total weight, but it won't distribute it correctly within the pack.)

I greatly appreciatte all you help and input. I'm sure my next trip will be much more pleasant than the last because of your advice.

Just remember: the worst day you spend backpacking is still better than the best day you spend working!

Let us know how you make out getting the pack to fit.

New fit and being shown how to actually wear a pack worked out great! I did realize during my trip however that my load is entirely too heavy. That's another battle but atleast I was comfortable carrying too much weight.

It's great that you got the fit problem solved!

Yes, a lighter load will help! The articles on this website's home page that I linked to above will also give you lots of ideas for lightening up. The one caveat I would add is that you might want to go through all the other ideas (eliminating duplicate items, using multifunction gear when possible, etc.) before you spend a lot of money on new gear.