[Philmont]: External / Internal - Lower back pain

Bob, thanks for the post on internal vs. external. I would like to add that for those of us that experience lower back pain, an internal frame pack was the answer for me. I threw my back out in the Fall of 2001 resulting in a slightly bulging disk. Needless to say I was a bit worried about participating in the 2002 trek I was advising.

(NOTE: I had a full work up by my doctor and he coordinated everything with the Phildocs before I left for the trek. I was checked out again at Philmont before they signed me off for all activities, including rockclimbing.)

I spent the better part of 6 hours at the local backpacking store being fitted for a new pack in the Spring of 2002. When I mentioned the lower back problem the Eagle Scout saleman I was working with immediately steered me to the internal frame packs. I was professionally fitted for a 4850 cubic inch model. I am not an extensive backpacker and I am glad I paid the extra $$ for the service I received at the store.

The lumbar support of my pack was just the ticket for me. Granted I sweated alot, but it was worth it. The only time I even thought about my back was when I took the pack off.

DISCLAIMER: I am not suggesting that someone with back problems attempt Philmont by simply purchasing a certain pack. Complete honesty with your doctor and the Phildocs is imperative. (Luckily our crew had 4 adult advisors. If we would have only had two, I would have been calling my brother to let him know he had just won an all expense paid Philmont expedition.)

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Received on Thu Jun 24 09:10:57 2004