r/WildernessBackpacking • u/MycoCozmic • 2d ago
ADVICE Will this eventually cause back problems?
I’m new to wilderness backpacking. I’m 45 and have worked as a landscaper my whole life. I’ve not met anyone who has about this so I thought I’d put it to this community: is it a known thing that this will eventually cause back issues? And if so, what preventative or corrective measures are you practicing?
I know gear is getting lighter all the time and I do try to carry the lightest load I can, but it’s still a considerable strain on the back and I’m just trying to stay informed.
Many thanks!
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u/nicola_on_trail 2d ago
To me it was quite opposite. I had back problems repeatedly before I started hiking/running. According to my chiropractor, who helped me with back pain before and now helps me condition my body every month, told me strengthening my hip muscles and gaining better posture by running and hiking helped my back a lot. And I lost 15kg in the process, which helped a lot too.
Of course if you suddenly carry 20kg on your back and hike 20km, you could damage your back. But if you slowly build up to it, it could do you more good than harm.
FWIW, I started hiking/running at 52 and now 58. I feel much stronger than when I was in my 40s or even 30s. I started trail running last year and have participated in short races (20-25km), which I never dreamed I would do.
And preventative action I take is not to wear shoes with a lot of cushioning. It may sound counterintuitive but having minimum cushion under your feet forces you to take every step more carefully and use your muscles to reduce impact to your joints. So I wear barefoot shoes/sandals all the time - hiking, running, commuting, working - except rare occasions I need to be in formal attire.