Heavy Load Lessons

[Nathan C]

Kevin and I are doing a lot of heavy load testing with the packs, and thought it would be a good idea to share some of the tricks and techniques that help to make heavy load hauling a bit more bearable. Anyone is welcome to join in, not just us.

First, I'd say that weight distribution is a big one. If I'm hauling 80+lbs I like to have the majority of the weight starting at my mid back and ending just above my shoulders. If it's too high you're top heavy and it's kind of dangerous. If its too low then the pack pulls you back all the time and it feels like you're doing a really long situp...it wears your shoulders and abs out.

[liteisrite]

Center of Gravity and even shoes play a big part. With really heavy loads over a long period of time, I bet the difference in a shoe that has significant heel lift vs. one that does not plays a big part. Clothing and particularly the belt of your pants can make a big difference in comfort as well

[clayallen]

I prefer to load heavy at the top of my hips (water bottles and such) then I organize in order of importance or for ease of access for most important down to least important. Although I have large shoulders and a good strong core I may not notice the added wear on these parts of my body from carring the weight to low.

[sreekers]

I will echo what has been said several times. I like the weight close to the body middle of the pack. Don't want it too high as im clumsy anyway, but too low will throw things off too.

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[Nathan C]

I did testing with 119 lbs the other day, and I'm coming to realize that your clothing makes a big difference. If your pants are a bit loose and you need a belt then you're set for discomfort with a big load simply because you have to tighten the pack belt so much.

I suggest pants that fit well enough that you can wear them without a belt, and maybe even with some of the cheap clip on suspenders from Wally World. In the summer gym shorts are my go to.