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
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.
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