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So, you love to hike but you suffer from back pain? Unfortunately, this is a dilemma that so many people around the world encounter, and it can prevent you from getting out into the wilderness to enjoy what nature has to offer. Surprisingly, experts suggest that up to 80% of the U.S population will suffer from back pain at some stage of their lives, and this is a problem that can sometimes go unheard of by outdoor equipment manufacturers.
Luckily for you, if you suffer from back pain and love getting outside to enjoy what the natural world has to offer you have come to the right place. Here at Off the Trails, we believe that everyone has the right to enjoy what the world has to offer and get outside to enjoy nature regardless of their condition. Although we cannot cure a back condition or problems with pain, we can help you find the perfect outdoor items that will make your life on and off the trails much (much) easier.
In this article, we will be looking at 6 of the best hiking backpacks for back pain so you or your friends that suffer with back problems can get out and enjoy the views from a mountain top, lakeside, or forest path. We will be assessing the qualities of a good hiking backpack for back pain, going over exactly what to look for in a supportive hiking backpack, and finally, reviewing the best of the best in ergonomic backpacks that will make your outdoor life more comfortable. Enjoy!
What Makes a Good Hiking Backpack for Back Pain?
Unfortunately, back pain can restrict some of us from enjoying the things that we love most. If you are the passionate hiker that has developed a problem with your back it can be heartbreaking to simply give up your hobby. There is some good news for those of you out there that are feeling restricted when it comes to hiking though, and hopefully, in this section, we will show you how you can get back on your feet and out into nature as soon as possible. We will do this by going over exactly what to look for in a backpack suited for back pain problems and assessing the qualities of a supportive backpack.
Padding
Padding is one of the main features of an ergonomic backpack that is designed for people from back pain. Thick padding will prevent any objects that are stowed away in your hiking bag from digging into your back and causing pain. It will also help sustain the proper shape and form of your backpack which will ensure your posture is good when you are wearing it.
Support Straps
For a start, the shoulder straps should be designed in a way that distributes the weight evenly over each shoulder and they should be adjusted so the backpack hangs straight rather than to one side. This will reduce un-even strain and overcompensation on one side of the back. The best backpacks for back pain will include at least a hip belt and chest strap too. These additional support straps allow you to tighten the backpack down, so it sits perfectly on the back without “sagging”. These straps will help to evenly distribute the weight over your upper body, thus reducing the chances of strain or overcompensation.
How to Select the Best Hiking Backpack for Back Pain
Selecting a good backpack for back pain should technically be easy as long as you buy a pack with all the features mentioned in the previous section. The problem is, there are a lot of generic backpacks out there that boast an ergonomic design and pain-relieving qualities when in reality they are poorly built, and ill-designed. It is important to be aware of these kinds of backpacks so you can stay clear of them. Buying a backpack that provides false promises can be detrimental to your condition and potentially make things worse. Make sure you research the backpack extensively before you buy and read reviews to ensure you are getting what you pay for.
When selecting the best hiking backpack for back pain you should look for an item that has a truly ergonomic design, is constructed from high-quality materials, has great support straps, excellent padding, and multiple pockets for more even weight distribution. As well as looking out for qualities specific to making life with a back problem easier you should also look for qualities that make is a brilliant hiking bag.
A good hiking bag should have a large capacity so you can head out on the trails with all of your essential equipment for extended periods. It should include multiple pockets and attachment points so you can store clothes, camping equipment, cooking gear, food, and water effectively. It should also have a breathable backplate and shoulder straps for efficient moisture-wicking when your hike gets tough.
Having a backpack that has a good balance of both hiking bag features and back-relief features will make your hike more enjoyable, comfortable, and overall, easier. Looking for a backpack that combines these features perfectly in a high-quality, ergonomically-designed package can be tough, but it is not impossible. Luckily for you, in the following section, we have 6 of the very best backpacks for back pain that are highly regarded, tested, and reviewed by people that suffer with back problems.
The Osprey Stratos 24 Hiking Backpack (Men)
Overview
The Osprey Stratos 24 is an ergonomically designed hiking backpack for men that is highly functional, versatile, and durable. This is a great backpack for the hiker from back pain because it is highly supportive, padded, and spreads the load weight evenly across the upper body. This is actually my personal favorite and although I do not suffer with a back condition, I use this backpack weekly for my weekend hikes and wilderness excursions.
This backpack is constructed from a water-resistant ripstop Nylon and comes with an integrated fully waterproof rain cover that can be quickly folded over when the weather takes a turn for the worse. The back panel is padded and is covered with a fully breathable mesh for moisture-free hiking and there are two stretch mesh pockets on the sides for convenient easy-access storage. You will find a large 24-liter main pocket, a large top pocket with internal separated storage, multiple exterior attachments for camping gear and trekking poles, and two hip belt pockets for storing valuable essentials within reach.
Overall, this backpack is perfect for the person that suffers from back pain as it is designed for even weight distribution, features ventilated tensioned mesh on the shoulder straps and back panel, and has an airspeed adjustment system that can be fine-tuned to give ultimate support for the individual. It even has the capability to hold a water bladder under the back panel with tube routing on the shoulder straps for hydration on the move.
Pros
- Great weight distribution
- Fully adjustable shoulder straps, hip belt, and chest strap
- Innovative Storage solutions
- Breathable mesh back panel, shoulder straps, and hip belt
- Integrated rain cover
Cons
- The hole in the shoulder strap can be a little small for some water bladder tubes
Bottom Line
Overall, the Osprey Stratos 24L Hiking backpack is perfect for hiking with back pain. It is functional, comfortable, and provides day-long support. I use this backpack weekly and I would recommend it to anyone.
The Osprey Sirrus 24 Hiking Backpack (Women)
Overview
The Osprey Sirrus 24L hiking backpack is the female variant of the Stratos. It is ergonomically designed for use by the female hiker and has all of the same features of the hiking backpack above. It is perfect for the passionate hiker that suffers from back pain that needs a backpack for days out hiking in the wilderness that is functional, comfortable, and provides day-long support.
Pros
- Great weight distribution
- Fully adjustable shoulder straps, hip belt, and chest strap
- Innovative storage solutions
- Breathable mesh back panel, shoulder straps, and hip belt
- Integrated rain cover
Cons
- The hole in the shoulder strap can be a little small for some water bladder tubes
Bottom Line
Overall, the Osprey Sirrus 24L Hiking backpack is perfect for hiking with back pain. It is functional, comfortable, and provides day-long support. This is a direct variant of the Stratos that is specifically designed for female hikers.
The Berghaus Ridgeway 65+10L Hiking Backpack (Men)
Overview
The Berghaus Ridgeway is the perfect hiking backpack for back pain if you are the hiker that wants to go further for longer. This pack may be a bit too large for some users but if you are planning on hiking over 2 or 3 days this size is ideal. It is not so large that it will strain your back, but large enough to store all of your hiking gear perfectly. It has a large 65L main pocket, a smaller 10L top pocket, and plenty of expansion pockets for last-minute items and essentials that need quick access.
This backpack is designed to fit the male body perfectly and it spreads weight evenly across the entire upper body to reduce pressure on the spine. It features a fully adjustable BIOFIT system that allows you to fine-tune the backpack to your specific needs and it has a chest and hip belt for excellent support on and off the trails. If you are looking for a comfortable, functional, and reliable backpack for multiday hiking then this is the best pick for you.
Pros
- Plenty of storage options for all of your hiking essentials
- Expansion pockets are ideal for last-minute kit
- Compatible with hydration bladders
- Ergonomically designed for comfort all-day
- Large size will keep you hiking for multiple days
Cons
- May be a bit too large for some users that only want a weekend hiking pack
Bottom Line
Overall, the Berghaus Ridgeway is one of the best hiking backpacks for back pain if you are the keen hiker looking to put in the miles outdoors. A little large for a day hike but perfect for 2 or 3 days in the mountains, forest, or around the lakes.
The Berghaus Trailhead 50L Hiking Backpack (Women)
Overview
The Berghaus Trailhead 50L hiking backpack is out top pick for the female adventurer with back pain that wants to get out and explore for long days or the full weekend. It has plenty of storage for all the essentials you may need over a 2-day adventure. It has a fine-tuned fit, padded lumbar support, and the shoulder straps can be fully adjusted to suit your specific needs. This is a very similar backpack to the men’s Ridgeway, and it is the closest backpack to it that is readily available in the U.S.
This hiking backpack has great storage options and has two compartments for keeping dry and wet gear sperate which is a great feature when heading out for multiple days in the mountains, or when heading out for an outdoor holiday. Once this backpack is adjusted to suit your body shape and back condition you will find it extremely comfortable and supportive. This is the best of the best when it comes to weight distribution, lumbar support, and adjustability so if you suffer from back pain you will not be disappointed.
Pros
- Plenty of storage options internally and externally
- Fine-tuned fitting for all-day comfort
- Ergonomically designed for the female hiker
- Side compression straps to pull weight closer to the body
- Padded breathable straps and back panel for comfort
Cons
- May be slightly too big for users that only want a weekend pack
Bottom Line
Overall, the Berghaus Trailhead is a great hiking backpack for women that suffer from back pain but are still ambitious to hit the trails and get outside to explore!
The Teton Sports Ultralight Hiking Backpack (Unisex)
Overview
The Teton Sports Ultralight Hiking Backpack is a unisex backpack that is perfect for the passionate hiker that unfortunately suffers from back pain. This pack comes in a range of sizes with our personal favorite being the 44-liter variant. We feel that the 44L can be loaded up with all the essentials you need for a long day out hiking and the extended length of the pack helps spread the weight over the entire upper body effectively.
This pack features a split dual wishbone that is padded to fit your body shape perfectly. It has fully adjustable hip and torso adjustments that you can fine-tune to your specific shape and needs which give you great control over weight-distribution and support. This pack features a stiff aluminum frame that provides stability and structure no matter how much you fill the pack. This frame means that when you wear the pack and tighten it down effectively, it helps to promote good posture during your hike.
Pros
- Comes in a range of sizes (90L, 44L, and 30L)
- Super lightweight
- Fully adjustable
- Great weight distribution
- Padded full lumbar support
- Aluminum frame helps you keep perfect posture for the duration of your hike
- Multiple support straps
Cons
- Some people find that there are too many support straps (down to personal preference)
- Waist strap is only really suitable for 30-inch waist and up
Bottom Line
Overall, the Teton Sports Ultralight hiking backpack is perfect for the passionate hiker that suffers from back pain that wants to improve their posture on the trails. We recommend the 44L as the perfect balance between functionality and support, however, the 90L and 30L variants are also great backpacks.
The Marmot Compressor Lightweight Hiking Daypack (Unisex)
Overview
The Marmot Compressor hiking backpack is the best unisex daypack for hikers both young and old that unfortunately suffer from back problems. It provides quick and comfortable movement during a hike and has more than enough space for all your essentials when out for a day-hike, long walk, or trip into town. This is a more casual looking backpack and it is not only great for hiking, but day to day use as well. If you are looking for something versatile that you can use in all manner of environments and situations, this is the pack for you.
Pros
- Super lightweight
- Fully breathable and padded lumbar support
- Compression straps allow you to squash down your load for a better center of gravity
- Plenty of intelligent storage in a compact article
- Smart and simple styling
Cons
- A bit too small for the hiker looking for more than a daypack
Bottom Line
The Marmot Compressor is a highly supportive lightweight backpack for the hiker or casual walker that wants something airy and light for day to day use. We recommend this pack to anyone that suffers from back pain and needs a small backpack to get back into hiking that they can also use for small shopping trips and casual walking routes.
Off The Trails 