Very sore newbie.

[Lenishta]

My daughter and I are just back from our first attempt at a multi day hike after weeks of day trips and local walks and countless hours reading this forum.
All that could go wrong just about did
Due to all the problems it turned into a out and back to Sealer bay (I slipped and went down on wet boardwalk soreknee/good wack to back of head hit by pack/creek at high tide daughter fell with pack drenching her bedding/bird stole food while in toilet - then possum broke into verstibule overnight and took rest of food so we had really none left - etc)

We used hire backpacks - and although it felt like the weight was on my hips my shoulders across the back of my neck are so sore I cant touch them.
Just wondering - is that just normal and I will develop more strength there? (ie suck it up and practise more) or is it likely the pack didn't work well for me ?- it was fitted by the suppliers Calves etc all a little sore and a minor hot spot or two on the feet but nothing at all of note - just the shoulders (not the back) any ideas please? Daughter also a bit sore at exact same location.
I don't want t be a princess - but don't want to struggle through and find out it was a easy fix

[Nuts]

Sounds like the pack was a bit wide across the harness, you really should try a women's model of reputable brand and properly fitted.
It's not normal, don't despair

[hobbitle]

Hire backpacks are difficult because even when fitted the best they can be, they can still be. terrible fit for you. With a properly fitted pack that has a harness and straps that work for you (and carrying under about 22kg... 25+ it starts to get to the point where not much will save you from pain) you shouldn't THAT much pain. If you want to do more of it then perhaps consider your own packs. Load them up in the shop with 20kg, walk around for an hour. Spend a whole day (or several) choosing one.
I've also found that walking posture is important and core strength (in your torso) really helps. Also make sure you are packing your pack properly - heavier stuff at the bottom and close to your spine. This keeps the weight and your centre of gravity better aligned and doesn't put unnecessary stress on shoulders or back.
Maybe your shoulder straps were TOO tight? Since the rest of your body held up OK I would say it's more a fitting/packing issue than a lack-of-fitness/training issue but I could be wrong.

Sorry to hear stuff went wrong but I hope you still enjoyed it! that is all stuff that becomes preventable with more practise (except maybe falling/stumbling accidents, but even they become less frequent as you get used to walking in unusual terrain).

The #1 lesson to learn there is KEEP YOUR SLEEP STUFF IN A WATERPROOF BAG!


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[Lizzy]

Wow! & you still want to try again- very impressive
How heavy was your pack? Maybe wrong fit/style or just to heavy. I get a really sore back but have found an AArn pack with the front pockets make a huge difference for overnight or longer loads. Perhaps you can check them out to see if they suit you.
Maybe keep food in a dry bag in the tent with you to foil those hungry possums. Put sleeping bag into a dry bag or even just a couple of garbage bags works well too.
Good luck
Lizzy

[MacMan]

Sore calves is normal. As is being a little pack-sore. I let my fitness go downhill since February this year, and knew I wanted to be fit for a trip I just did. Having my own pack meant that I could gradually extend both the distance covered and the weight carried for my training walks close to home. These are as much about working out the best balance with pack adjustment as they were about conditioning. My partner did the same to a lesser extent, and the difference between how she went on our Feathertop trip compared to the first stroll around Mt Macedon with the pack is amazing.

All I can say is these little hiccups are all part of the fun

If they haven't turned you both off the idea, then consider purchasing your own packs (second-hand is OK) and just do more. You've already done the hardest thing most people will do - that is to start.

[DanShell]

All of the above.

When we first started we were both amazed at how bad carrying a pack was and thought how can people enjoy this! But I loved it so much I started the journey of getting all my own gear and as it turns out once you get the right pack and the right gear you will love it too Im sure.

My wife thinks I have a backpack fetish as I have had a few before I got the right one but so far the right one for me was an Osprey Aether. I can carry a weight now and think very little of it. Sure when I start a long walk and I have a lot of weight, I know its there but its negligible.

So for me the combination of the correct weight, better (lighter) gear, and some match fitness so to speak makes for an enjoyable experience I hope you stick to it.

[rslt]

Wow, should call it the Mr. Bean of camping trips. .
It sounds like a bit of a crash course.
I got a pack a few years ago after trying on a LOT. Ended up with a basic pack that fitted perfectly. Chances of getting a rental as good would be slim.
You shouldn't have that much pain.


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[Lenishta]

Posted a reply but cant see it - so apologies if there is two.
Thank you all very much for your advice and assistance - very very reassuring as its something I can fix - if each trip did this to my shoulders Id be worried! Up and about this morning and they are still sore and hot to touch - all else is absolutely fine (well purple knee but that dosent count )

Feeling keen as to get this right - but am gong to have to rethink overland as we have booked self guided tour including fit out and IM now realising we need to get packs before them to not risk the holiday being ruined - again thank you
Re Mr Bean of camping trips - that gave me a chuckle - after all weeks of research ad walking etc - packing three days of food based on threads in here - it took less than 12 hours to be out of food, warmth and water! (because the yellow really worried me)
Good fun

[Lophophaps]

Lenishta, can you please give an indication of how much weight you were carrying? I agree that a lot of the weight should be on the hips and that hire packs may not be the best. In particular, the internal frame needs to be bent to suit the wearer's spine and back, and the shoulder setup needs to be adjusted for the wearer's height. There are usually a heap of buckles to adjust to make this best fit. These adjustments are best done by someone versed in such matters, and if done properly there should be minimal problems.

Now you know about packing gear in waterproof bags and being aware of marauding beasties. The Prom has a bad rep for that - or a good rep if you are a beastie. One of my best prangs was on a track when I nearly stepped on a snake - first time in decades - took a step back, tripped on my foot, and then fell backwards and down the track embankment. The ten seconds before I could get out of the pack were terrifying - might get bitten. I had a change of underwear, so it was okay when I reached the river and could wash.

Fact is bad things sometimes happen. Just accept this and learn.

[GPSGuided]

Really hard to know of OP's situation. Need to know your weight, general fitness, pre-existing health/posture issues, pack weight carried etc to at least make a tentative guess. The soreness could have come from your fall/s or poorly fitted pack or excessive pack weight. For further attempts, it may be worth finding an experienced friend or join a bushwalking club for on-track guidance.

[Lenishta]

Learnings the best part of the journey

I was carrying 15.5 kilos.
I weigh 75 - so thought that seemed ok?

[GPSGuided]

Which track were you guys on? Length, duration, elevation changes?

[vicrev]

Maybe a bit off track,same thing happened to me ,a few weeks ago,slipped on a slimy boardwalk,cracked a rib,thought my walking days were kapoot,they should have chicken wire overlay,might save a few hip replacements.......

[hobbitle]

vicrev your posts hurt my brain... you love the old comma eh?!


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[Lenishta]

We were on the Wilsons Prom went to sealers bay with intent of doing circuit but came back due to no food- I walk call the walk there easy and the walk back moderate as it a lot more uphill. ??
Im strong and healthy 50YO - not uber fit but certainly the walk itself was fine. Its only the trap muscles on the rear of my shoulder/neck - they are actually quite swollen and hot - IM already on the phone to the overland fitters checking what packs they use so I can try here and buy here if necessary to avoid this

[aloftas]

vicrev your posts hurt my brain... you love the old comma eh?!


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you must have a real sensitive brain hoobitle...

So, op, having your own gear is the way to go.
Basically buy the best you can afford, on sales.
Be ruthless, let the shops know you aren't going to be a mug and buy three times.
Go for the top of the range and you will have the added security of knowing that it will be unlikely that gear failure will be the cause of discomfort/distress.

[GPSGuided]

We were on the Wilsons Prom went to sealers bay with intent of doing circuit...
Im strong and healthy 50YO - not uber fit but certainly the walk itself was fine. Its only the trap muscles on the rear of my shoulder/neck - they are actually quite swollen and hot -

Doesn't sound like the pack unless the weight was fully on your shoulders (which you said wasn't). You mentioned that you had hard falls during the trip and I'm suspecting that's more the dominant issue, a bit like those whip lash injuries. Irrespective, well fitted pack is still important, even if carrying a reasonable 15kg. Take cues from the forum and visit a few of the outdoor stores to try a few different packs. Rental packs rarely fit well for the purpose.

Check out Lotsafreshair's how-to video, a fellow forumite.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7KOsgJrSmI

[vicrev]

vicrev your posts hurt my brain... you love the old comma eh?!


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,,, ,,, ,,, ,,,,,

[hobbitle]

you must have a real sensitive brain hoobitle....

I'm just used to reading text that is laid out in a vaguely legible way... Anyway only poking fun.


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[aloftas]

I fully concur.

[Lophophaps]

Lenishta, the weight is about right, the journey is not too far, and you should have been able to cope. You may have sensitive shoulders, maybe the pack had no padding on the shoulder straps, maybe ... quite a few options. Next time you could go somewhere and base camp, with day trips. Take a heavy day pack and see how you manage. Can you borrow a good weekend pack from a friend?

[horsecat]

Seen "pack-hunch" many times with people who are new to hiking with packs. They tend to stoop over from a combination of not being used to long days and carrying reasonable loads. Saw a bloke recently who's pack-hunch was so bad his pack was horizontal to the ground. Pain starts at top of spine in the neck and then works it's way across the shoulders for a few days after. Lighten the load (if possible) and / or shorten your days as you work up fitness and muscle memory etc would be my recommendation...and try to have a straight back (should stop the pain and the pack will sit well on your hips). Walking poles can help posture. And as said previously by others, spend some time trying on various packs and systems to see what works best for you (and make sure you load up the pack in the shop too). Oh, and after a long walk with a heavy pack I like to lay down flat on the ground and stretch everything out for a bit before jumping in the car. Good luck

[Gadgetgeek]

Did you have any numbness or tingling down into your hands and arms while walking? Another factor that can happen is that even a small compensation in a direction might really after a while. so if you were pulling your shoulders up or forward more than normal to get the pack feeling right, it might be just strain. Its not a factor of suck it up, as that can lead to long term damage, my guess, without seeing it, is that at some point the pack was just a little wrong, and that's all it takes. Glad you are willing to give it another try! a couple of trash bags with the end twisted until it rolls down on itself is how I instruct the kids I work with, and while it won't do a hurricane, it will survive a dunk.

[gayet]

A simple step, not actually mentioned yet - make sure the load lifters at the top are tightened to bring the pack up against your back at the top. Reduces the strain on shoulders and neck greatly.

[Nuts]

The load lifters as well as the shoulder harness can slip too, while walking, and lot's of packs seem to need a bit of adjustment now and then. I have a sea to summit dry pack with a harness so slippery the straps pull straight through unless it's actually on your back with a load.

A lot is in the fitting and advice. Both the self guided walk operators use good equipment here Lenishta, as far as i'm aware.

[Lophophaps]

The load lifters as well as the shoulder harness can slip too, while walking, and lot's of packs seem to need a bit of adjustment now and then. I have a sea to summit dry pack with a harness so slippery the straps pull straight through unless it's actually on your back with a load.

A lot is in the fitting and advice. Both the self guided walk operators use good equipment here Lenishta, as far as i'm aware.

Agree. My pack is old with heavier tapes, and they slip. I've had to resort to adding an extra small buckle and then knotting the load lifter tapes to stop them slipping. The shoulder straps responded well to sewing a short tape over the existing tape. Barely moves.

[Lenishta]

Thanks everyone again - Im soaking it all in and learning. - I spoke to the hire place upon returning the packs - asked her to check the pack on me - first thing she did was loosen the straps at the front very top of my shoulders - Im guessing these are the load lighteners? Im also looking at photos now and seeing that I was leaning forward into the uphills and looking up ahead -so my head is at an angle in several shots (especially as we walked out from sealers - a lot more uphill than in )
My walking sticks from the active arrived yesterday!

I thinking its a part of everything - not fitted exactly, my ignorance, my posture, wrong pack, lack of core strength. So its great as it gives me lots to work on.
I didn't have any tingling or anything as I walked,
Really good to hear the outfitters in Tasmania have good rep - we are booked with Wilderness expeditions and having a few communications problems although the lady is always lovely when you speak to her.
Thanks you all heaps

[kitty]

Hi Lenishta,
Your hiking poles should make a positive difference, especially two poles.
If you ever consider buying your own pack, and are in Melbourne, go to backpackinglight and try on the packs Lizzy mentioned, Aarn bodypack.
The packs incorporate front balance pockets which affect weight distribution, and the harness allows for considerably more movement in the shoulders and hips.
The concept is explained on the Aarn website: http://www.aarnpacks.com/#!naturally-balanced/cjg9
They dont suit everyone, but are definitely worth trying. Im a convert (no affiliation).
Cheers, Kitty

[north-north-west]

And one other thing we've discussed elsewhere: never go from walking with a pack to sitting/lying down without a cooling down and stretching session. It will help with any area of the body that gets stiff and sore, but especially the legs. This includes each evening at your campsite.
If you don't already do yoga, learn a few of the basic stretching movements and apply when necessary. Makes a massive difference.

[Lophophaps]

never go from walking with a pack to sitting/lying down without a cooling down and stretching session. It will help with any area of the body that gets stiff and sore, but especially the legs. This includes each evening at your campsite. If you don't already do yoga, learn a few of the basic stretching movements and apply when necessary. Makes a massive difference.

+1, also before you start. Start the day slowly, gradually building the pace. Find a pace that you can maintain, rest at regular intervals, and be gentle to your body.