DocAndersen
Being able to pick up and go is a huge part of my job. I often find myself in situations where portability is critical. Its why I have a portable projector and printer. Most people don’t, but because of the nature of my job I do. It lets me evaluate what is critical for me. If I am tiding to the customer in my car, the printer can weigh more. If I am riding on the metro, it has to fit in my rolling bag. I tore up my shoulder with all the flights to Europe and Aisa carrying a heavy backpack. I don’t do that anymore, but the damage is onde. A couple of years ago, I talked about things that I carried that were backpack worthy. I don’t have a backpack currently. Well, I have one, but I don’t use it.
In part, the shoulder pain is my fault. I was always in a hurry and never wore the backpack on both shoulders. I always had it on one shoulder. A lesson learned, sadly far too late. I moved to a rolling bag about five years ago. In that time I have found several very good rolling bags. Currently, my favorite rolling bag comes from Victorinox the same people that make the swiss army knife. Rolling bags are more about the wheels than anything. Yes, in the case of an emergency, my rolling bag does have backpack straps. But counting the time I pushed the backpack straps into their little holder, and the times I’ve used the bag as a backpack, we are still at 1.
I have talked to bag people over the years. I have given the folks at various companies my thoughts on what would make a bag better. There are now bags that include solar power. Bags that include wifi integrated hotspots. Bags that have cameras that let you see behind you and bags with built-in power supplies so that you can charge your devices while using your bag. The problem is you have to use the bag properly and I don’t. my left shoulder hurts every day because of that. Payback is never a good thing. Some of the newer bags are interesting because they are systems. They actually work together. I have a rolling suitcase that has the perfect holder for a backpack. If my shoulder wasn’t bad I would probably use it. Instead, I use two rolling bags. Good thing I don’t travel as much anymore. I cut a wide swath through an airport.
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Question of
Do you use a backpack today?
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Yes
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No
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Question of
Does your shoulder ever hurt?
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Yes
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No
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I like North Face Banchee, and is the one I have picked to get for my over nighters. But I don’t carry heavy stuff.
I have five slipped disks in my neck and thorax. I have to have one with a waist belt as well as the shoulders. I have the shoulder straps loose, and the weight is carried on my waist.
waist belts are critical. I have a waist only belt for water bottles.
That North Face one has a waist belt that can hold stuff so you don’t have to take the pack off to get to things you might need often. The heaviest thing I carry is water.
water can be pretty heavy. but that sounds like a smart design!
That is a very wise choice – on walks I have a fanny pack for waters.
I have one of those as well, mine hold two bottles. Those are great for short hikes. I really need a mule. grins. Have you thought about one of those? They make rubber horse shoes that would be perfect for city use. 😉
I have not considered a mule, my yard isn’t large enough.
Yes, I use a back pack but one has to be careful carrying any weight…Good point…
I wish I had thought about that 20 years ago!
Backpack is not something I have found practical. I had one but discarded after using it once. I was on a bus standing with one hand held catching the rod for support. The ticket collector wanted money. If I had a light weighing sling back I could have handled it with one hand.
That is a good example, in the US you normally pay as you get on or before you enter the subway station. But on the subway backpacks are much easier than rolling bags to use.
my shoulder never bothered me until recently. like most Asians, I just rubbed some tiger balm on it and waited for the magic to happen…
Tiger Balm and Blue Emu are game changers!
never heard of blue emu, but guessing that’s the down under version of icy hot
It is, it doesn’t have the shall we say 1980’s locker room smell. 🙂
my lack of a sense of smell got me through PE
I also belatedly aware of how to properly wear bags, backpacks, etc. Therefore, I have a lot of problems with pain.
I am so sorry. You have my sympathy!
My shoulders hurt when I carry a bag for a long time even if it’s not heavy.
I used the backpack only in my motorcycle and it was never harder than a Kg pair … only the most essential things
That is good – a computer bag is often 4 or more kg loaded.
That’s already the weight for the plane … I do not know just I think I read the cholera
My issue was back in the day, I had to have extra batteries because the devices ran out of power.
I’m glad you found something that works for you, albeit a little late.
Thanks – sometimes you just have to make a new path!
We learn over the years to slow down and lessen the load. Sorry about your shoulder
truer words no one could utter.. My shoulder is now, about 80% but the doctor is no longer threatening surgery!!!!
Yeah , my should always get hurt when using heavy backpack.
sorry to hear that – do you have a suggestion or better way for a fellow sufferer?