TIL I was carrying my backpack wrong for like 5 years

I was on the John Muir Trail last summer, about 30 miles in near Evolution Creek, and my shoulders were killing me as usual. I always thought that's just how backpacking feels, you know, sore shoulders no matter what. Then this older guy at a campsite asked why my hip belt was sitting so low and basically showed me it should be riding on my iliac crest, not down on my hips. I had the waist strap cinched but it was way too loose and all the weight was on my shoulders. He adjusted my pack for me in like 2 minutes and suddenly I felt like I was carrying 20 pounds less. I honestly felt kinda stupid but also relieved. Has anyone else had a pack fitting moment that changed how you hike for good?

2 comments

2 Comments

jade2261mo ago

My sister carried hers inside out for a whole week before someone said something haha.

the_hannah1mo ago

@jade226 i read somewhere that most people won't notice stuff like that until you point it out lol