Read a stat on backpack weight vs spine health and it kinda blew my mind

I was browsing some outdoor gear studies last night and saw this one from a university in Utah that said a backpack over 20% of your body weight can compress your spine by nearly half an inch over a full day hike. My bag before I downsized was hitting 28 pounds for a day trip and I weigh 150. Makes me wonder if anyone else has actually weighed their daily carry pack and got a shock from the number.

2 comments

2 Comments

joseph_hart1mo ago

Not to mention what that compression does to your discs over years of repeated hikes - a little fluid loss here and there adds up faster than people realize. Makes you wonder if the ultralight crowd is onto something beyond just comfort on the trail, or if we are all just ignoring the long term cost for a few extra snacks and layers.

lee.lucas1mo ago

Yeah @joseph_hart you're right, I used to think heavy packs were no big deal but this totally changed my mind.