Backpacking

I'm a backpacker and was wondering how to protect my PM from a heavy backpack strap. Are there any devices available commercially to 'attach' to a backpack strap that will protect my PM. Thanks for any ideas.

5 Comments

Backpacking with a PM

by CathrynB - 2007-04-29 03:04:15

Hi jlesher. I'm working on the same problem. How long ago did you get your PM? I still have discomfort with a seatbelt, sleeping on my left side, etc. 3 months post op. I'm going on a fairly major mountain climb this summer and have been wondering how I'll carry a 40-pound backpack without pain or discomfort. A friend of mine fashioned a device for me that I'm hoping to try out next week, but it's not a commercially available product. He bought a piece of blue foam -- the kind hikers use for a sit pad or sleeping pad under a sleeping bag. He cut 4 pieces about 2 inches by 4 inches, and glued two pieces together with super glue, so ended up with two pieces of double thickness blue foam. Then he glued Velcro to one side of each of the two pieces, and sewed the other side of the velcro to the underside of my packpack strap in such a way that when attached, the two blue foam pieces will be above and below my PM. The idea is to create a thick, comfortable pad that holds the packpack strap off my PM. If you're interested, I'll let you know how it works. Another thought I've had, but haven't tried yet, is: I bought the "Soft Touch" product advertised in the sidebar of this webpage for seatbelt use. It occurs to me that using one of those on a backpack strap might also do the trick, though I haven't tried it. I'll be very interested to see what other ideas folks suggest to you. Please let me know if you solve this problem! I hope you're doing well with your PM. Take care, Cathryn

Thanks for the insight

by ela-girl - 2007-04-30 02:04:36

Cathryn-

I'm a backpacker, too, and am 5 months post op. I've been doing day hikes this past month with a 12 pound pack. This really hasn't caused any discomfort, but I was wondering about when I have to carry a heavier pack for longer hauls. Thanks for sharing your friend's idea! Let me know how if works for you! I'll be hiking the Grand Canyon this summer, so...

If anyone else has their 2 cents to add...please do so! Especially if you have had your pacer and backpacked. Your experience matters!

Happy packing (and pacing)!
ela-girl

Just A Thought

by StarWish624 - 2007-05-05 07:05:06

I just bought 2 SoftTouch seat belt cushions. I bet you can adapt them for a backpack strap. Perhaps get some self-sticking Velcro, and put the soft side on the backpack strap, and the "catchy" side on the inside of the Soft Touch to grip on to the strap where you need it for the backpack. Have fun!

Back packing

by lady4law - 2007-05-12 02:05:16

I'm not a backpacker but prior to surgery carried one for my computer. I just returned from a 3-week vacation in Italy and of course need a small backpack for daily use.
I thought I could carry it over one shoulder, but it continued to slide down my arm. I then came up with an idea...I reversed it! This will not work if you are climbing, etc., but if you're just hiking or doing small hills, it may work for you. It reminded me of when I was pregnant. However the good point...it did not push on my PM as it dide when wearing it as designed. - (As a tourtist it also protected me from theft. -Jean

Thanks

by jlesher - 2007-05-21 09:05:20

Thanks for the advice. I'll buy a Soft Touch and try that out. Also, please let me know how your Jerry-rigged foam works. I have a bunch of old sitting pads just 'sitting' around and have thought about what you did, but never worked anything out. I'll try that too. Let me know.

You know you're wired when...

You run like the bionic man.

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