We do some Q&A on bad backs for a reader
There’s so much happening in the carry world these days that it becomes a maze of awesome information, and along the way we miss some topics that we should really be talking about. Point in case? Bad backs and backpacks. One of our readers, Sam, recently pointed out that he’d love to see a post on versatile packs that are good for your back (but also look good as well). We responded by email, and figured we might as well share these initial thoughts…
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The question
Hi, Carryology!
Have you done a feature on packs for people with back problems? The site search for “bad back” resulted in badass-looking backpacks, which, while cool, aren’t what I need (though a badass backpack that’s also good for the back would be perfect.)
I’m a reporter so I always have my laptop with me, plus tech (mobile phone, voice recorder, digital camera). Also have notebooks and A4 folders stuffed with paper. I need a backpack that will look at home in both swanky venues and the great outdoors since I can be at the theater one day and climbing a hill the next. Not kidding.
So: a versatile pack that’s good for the back. Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Sam
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Our response (with a few more options since added):
Sam,
Backs can be bad for a whole number of reasons, so it will be hard to cover it all in one post. Essentially though, if you can walk reasonably upright and symmetrically, with not much load on your shoulders and more of it on your hips, you stand the best chance of doing well.
That means you need a backpack that is not too deep (or it will cause you to hang backwards and strain). It needs a great waistband, and a bit of vertical structure so that the weight of it can ‘stand up’ on your hips. Waist straps without structure to the pack are nothing but load stabilisers. The harness also needs to be height-adjustable, as otherwise the waist belt won’t reach your hips to actually bear the load.
Tactical and Trekking packs put the most investment into great load-bearing harnesses in packs, so these should be your starting point. Your other option is to go for a hybrid wheeled bag and backpack, so that you tow the bag behind you, but this could be overkill for day to day usage… (and you might look a little awkward haha)
Trying to find a discreet and office-safe outdoor pack then gets a little tricky, as most of them have more straps than a dominatrix, so that will be the key balance. A pack that works well in office/formal environments is usually a more square/rectangular format (to hold square contents like folders), with more natural fabrics and fewer external dangly bits. Pretty much the opposite of most outdoor packs (round, lightweight synthetic, Wiggles coloring).
OK, so some packs to scope…
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Tactical/Outdoor
Something like the Camelbak TriZip (or any of the Mystery Ranch packs it’s based on) have amazing harnesses that could haul loads no prob’s for you. In full black they can look OK, but they’re still pretty full on. Packs like the Goruck GR1 look great in a work or outdoor setting, but then miss out on a great load-bearing waist strap.
Packs from Osprey also have great harness systems, but again look a bit off in a work setting. LoweAlpine have some waist strap models for long backs which get the waist strap in a better position, but again they do look outdoorsy.
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Work Focused
The best work setting packs are from minimalist brands like Qwstion and Arc’teryx, but then you don’t get the waist strap support. 
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Bike
If you have a fairly average-sized body, you could go for a Mission Workshop Rambler or Vandal in black, which both have a little structure and a good waist strap (removable). Their length can’t be adjusted though, so if you’re not average-sized, they won’t work as well. If you are kinda average-sized, a Rambler would be my pick.
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Camera
Camera packs ain’t cheap, but they are made for hauling weight around all day, so they generally have lots of spots for tech, big waist straps, and feature-rich harnesses. Clik Lite make some more casual looking packs like the Cloudscape which might be interesting. Naneu have something that looks a touch more like a camera pack, but is still loose enough to get away with. Dakine have street cool photo packs which may tick the box for you. If you want the youth vibe, pick something like a black Sequence 33L for larger or Mission Photo 25L for smaller. And last photo pack suggestion would be an F-Stop Guru or Kenti in black.
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I’m sure we’re missing some good options though. Can anyone recommend a structured pack with a great harness and waist belt that looks neat in a workplace?
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Nice post, but Gorucks are worth another look: they’re designed to sit higher, not needing a waist strap. I herniated my spine a year ago, and when full of four day’s worth of ‘stuff’ (laptop and iPad, camera and lenses, clothes, et al) mine doesn’t give me any problems.
Thanks for the post, Andrew! This is the same Sam that sent you the e-mail. Update: I have yet to buy a backpack since many of your suggestions are unavailable in my country. There is, however, a store here that sells 5.11 products and I’ve had my eye on the Rush 24. The only thing that’s keeping me from getting it is the absence of a waist strap. Carryology community: what do you guys think of the Rush 24? Should I go ahead and buy it?
Hey Sam, it’s hard to tell whether or not you’ll have back issues with some of the better designed waistbelt-less bags (Rush 24, GR1, etc.), but having a good waist-belt certainly isn’t going to hurt.
I personally have a very bad shoulder (subluxation problems, once separated, once broken scapula, etc.), and definitely have problems carrying more than a few lbs without a good waist-strap, even with very well designed backpacks (*I haven’t had significant test-time with a Rush 24 though).
If the look of a Rush 24 works with your professional settings, another option to look at would be a Kifaru X-Ray. I’m currently road testing one with the optional padded waist-belt, and it has been amazing with my shoulder. It sits “shallow,” and fits all your other requirements. While it wont win any style points at swanky black tie events, the black colorway should blend into most situations pretty well.
Sam,
I’ve got a Rush 24 and while it is a great bag, I find it a bit large for an every day carry bag (I use it as airline carry on that is large enough for both my and my toddler daughter’s requirements). It also is rather deep so while comfy when full, it does stick out backwards quite a long way.
How about one of the National Geographic camera / laptop backpacks? http://www.geographicbags.co.uk/small-rucksack-for-laptop
Oh and being both 6ft2in and foolish in my youth I’ve got a bad back and I’ve found slimming down your laptop to something much thinner and lighter makes a huge difference when travelling around. Can you get away with a MacBook Air, an Ultrabook or even netbook while on the go.
Regards
AlexE
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Got the MW Rambler and sent it back the same day. A single [sic!] pouch for small things (like wallet, phone, pen etc.) is ridiculous and the weight is just too much. For me this bag was a great disappointment. Got myself now a Freitag HAZZARD (http://www.freitag.ch/Fundamentals/Backpacks/HAZZARD/pa/ZH_27329)
Yep, the MW’s do need a pouch or case or two added to get organizing sorted. But if you don’t mind doing that, they have other benefits.
How is the Freitag going? One of the funniest vid’s ever to sell that guy…
I got the smaller Freitag FRINGE backpack first but upgraded to the larger and 70 bucks more expensive HAZZARD because of the water sealed zippers. It’s simple: I LOVE IT! It’s really well manufactured, it has lot of REALLY usefull pouches and sleaves (made of neopren like fabric) and it’s comfy, especially when riding a bike. The only ‘downside’ is it’s not as flexible as the Rambler, size is fixed…