Why when hikers are tired is it easier to hold the straps of our backpacks?

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When I start a hike, my hands and arms are free and easy. Towards the end I always find them clutching the straps of my backpack. Why?

Edit, for clarity: I always use a waist strap. I’m not talking about using my arms to lift weight off my shoulders. I seem to end up holding my shoulder straps, elbows pointed downwards, almost pulling the backpack downwards onto my shoulders and tighter against my back.

In: 310

45 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

Could it also be that we instinctively want to pull the weight closer to our center axis, which would make it feel lighter?

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