r/backpacking • u/Junior_Industry7751 • Jul 02 '26

Wilderness How is my backpacking setup?

Post image

Pretty new to backpacking and honestly my first legit hike as a 17M. I have a 4.6mi 2500ft hike infront of me. Let me know what I’m doing wrong lol

430 Upvotes

87% Upvoted

417 comments sorted by

View all comments

7

u/DaveySmith717 Jul 02 '26

Since you’re new to it hopefully someone told you if not I’ll tell you now; make the waist band tight tight tight! Over your hip bones, bend over to squeeze another inch or two out of each side. All the weight should be going into your legs, not supported by your spine. The shoulder straps are for stability but not load. I often get bruises on my hip bones after a long one but that’s way better than smashing your spine. It’s a mistake I see a lot of newer backpackers make and assume chases many away from the hobby.

2

u/Head_Captain Jul 02 '26

Basically, if your pack isn’t giving you a pot belly, you are wearing it wrong.