Camelbak Fit - Sore Back Help

[smittykitty]

Doing STP in July (200 miles over 2 days). I want to be able to stow legwarmers, jacket and a few essentials, plus need more than one water bottle.

Yesterday rode 75 miles and bummed water from backpack my DH was carrying (mostly for my stuff). Ran out of water last few miles.

Before today's 45 miles, went to REI and bought Camelback Magic. Its a women's specific with a couple of small pockets and enough room stash the layers. Very cool blue, by the way.

Did well until last few miles. Lower left kidney area, at the base of the bag started hurting and has continued through the evening. My right side is my painful side. Why the left only? Basically the pain is at the bottom of the bag at the belly button level.

Big question Camelbak ladies, where on the lower back should the bottom of the bag land? Was it too high/low? Being short, not sure how much higher on back I can go.

Also, could it have more to do with the fact the I've ridden a LOT the last two days? To be honest, I was feeling a bit of discomfort of the left side towards the end of yesterday's ride.

Do you find hydration packs comfortable? Do your back's have a break-in period?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[Kiwi Stoker]

I don't have the Magic- I use the "road" version Dream which is now replaced by the Auroua.

These sit much higher on the back than your MTB version, in fact no lower than my ribcage, so I haven't had any issues at all.

OK a few questions. Are you filling it up totally to the 3L mark? Maybe your should try with smaller amounts first and build up to the 3L.

Are you "deflating" the air out after filling the bladder (lay it down, raise the hose and pinch open the valve and then squeeze out the air) because pushing an air filled bulging bladder in a bag will make it press funny on you and the bag.

Hope you get relief soon! Maybe an excuse for a massage.

[NbyNW]

I have a Blowfish, and I'm also short. Haven't experienced pain like you've described.

What is it about the pain that leads you to believe it is related to how your Camelbak fits?

While it's entirely possible that it could be a fit problem, I wouldn't rule out other causes.

[Catrin]

I've used a Camelbak for every ride for 2 years, and for the last year I've used the women's specific Luxe which gets loaded down pretty well. I don't remember a break-in period, but I don't fill it all the way unless I know I will need it. Typicially I put in 1.5 or 2 liters unless I am headed for a day's mountain biking or a 3 hour or longer ride. Do make certain you "burp" the air out, but don't rule out other things yet.

[OakLeaf]

Is it more like muscle pain? The way you're describing it, it sounds like a bruise, but I'm not really sure from your description.

I definitely get muscle soreness if I let the weight of a pack ride on my back on the bike. When you're in riding position wearing a pack that was meant to be worn upright, the shoulder straps pull in a weird direction and the weight rests in a weird place. I do best if I loosen the shoulder straps all the way, just so there's enough tension to stabilize the pack, and allow all the weight of it to rest on the lower strap on my hipbones.

[smittykitty]

Thanks for replies. It feels like muscle pain right at the bottom of the pack. Started with 70oz, came home with 32.

Still a bit sore, Advil and ice during the night. Have to suspect that over use too (lots of miles I'm not used to over the week-end played into it). More Core work!!!!

Will try a few more rides, with way less fluid to start and also lowering it onto my hips. I have the straps shortened all the way up.

Suspect it could be a bit big for my short body too.

[zoom-zoom]

I will be interested to see if this pain continues for you, or is simply an issue of muscle weakness. I just purchased the same pack for mountain biking, but doubt I will get a lot of use until closer to Fall. I'm not super short and have a long torso. When I wear mine it ends just above the tops of my jersey pockets.

My DH also rides with a Camelbak on long mountain bike days and has had sore back until he's been riding with it for a few weeks. He chalks it up to not doing any core work and the added weight of the pack putting increased stress on his back.

[smittykitty]

Well, my physical therapist (working on right quad, hip), has really been working with my posture on/off the bike. I'm sure after I get tired my form really collapses!!! Again, keep doing those planks!!!

Rain today and 125 miles over the last three days, probably good day to get some stuff done around the house and take it easy on the body.

Bake cookies???

[jessmarimba]

Oooh I might make cookies today too! People are moving into the house across the street, so maybe I will bring them some.

I wonder if maybe you're subtly adjusting your posture because of something else about the pack. As in, the pack isn't directly causing the pain in your low back, but you maybe hunched one shoulder slightly because of the strap and inadvertently caused muscle pain in your back instead. I'd suggest when you take it out again, loosen all of the straps completely before you put it on and then try to tighten them once you're in riding position, if possible (rather than putting it on and adjusting while standing up, and then getting onto the bike). There's definitely an art to getting the straps adjusted correctly.

(I'm no medical professional, but your description of the pain sounds like mine when I'm having problems with some of the deeper stabilizer muscles, which shouldn't be aggravated by the pack itself but by your posture)