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

Question

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

Answer 1

Try “cactus arms” for a short distance when your upper back feels like it’s starting to wear out/hunch over.

Stretch your arms out to a T, then point your hands to the sky so your elbows make an L while holding your head high.

It looks pretty silly, but you’ll straighten your spine/flex your traps so it’ll feel like less pressure on your shoulders.

And definitely use a hip belt.