Weighted vest vs. back pack?

Zipper vs no zipper model? It seems like at the 50lb weight range, the zipper model might be harder to put on than the no zipper version. At 20-30 lbs, no big deal. I've been using a backpack with towels and weight plates, but I can't seem to keep them balanced and distributed high enough.


 
Have you ever noticed that backpacker use packs with belts that allow the hips/legs to bear the weight rather than the spine?
Ask any orthopedic surgeon about the weighted vest/pack trend and they are likely to say they see future customers.
I have mild to moderate degenerative osteoarthritis in my lower spine since the late 80's without having done any backpacking. So weighted pack hiking is definitely off the table for me.
Doing the weighted pack/vest might feel fine now, but in a decade, you will feel the results. Just my $0.02.
 
fishgutzy said:
Have you ever noticed that backpacker use packs with belts that allow the hips/legs to bear the weight rather than the spine?
Ask any orthopedic surgeon about the weighted vest/pack trend and they are likely to say they see future customers.
I have mild to moderate degenerative osteoarthritis in my lower spine since the late 80's without having done any backpacking. So weighted pack hiking is definitely off the table for me.
Doing the weighted pack/vest might feel fine now, but in a decade, you will feel the results. Just my $0.02.
Click to expand...

I now have 2 herniated discs in my back from an injury that occurred while NOT rucking. I’ve been really working on strengthening my back. About 20 lbs seems to be good right now, but I have been doing the weighted less often. am also doing walks with just the pack, water bladder, first aid kit and a few other light items. Just having a light pack makes me walk/hike with better posture so that helps. Back has been really good for a few weeks so might do a weighted ruck this weekend or next. Just know your body.
 
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fishgutzy said:
Have you ever noticed that backpacker use packs with belts that allow the hips/legs to bear the weight rather than the spine?
Ask any orthopedic surgeon about the weighted vest/pack trend and they are likely to say they see future customers.
I have mild to moderate degenerative osteoarthritis in my lower spine since the late 80's without having done any backpacking. So weighted pack hiking is definitely off the table for me.
Doing the weighted pack/vest might feel fine now, but in a decade, you will feel the results. Just my $0.02.
Click to expand...

I'm about 40 lbs over my ideal weight, so just walking would be like my skinnier self carrying a 40 lb pack. And it's distributed rather low right now, mostly between my sternum and my hoot. My current pack weighs 27 lb, so we'll see what happens after some more time with it. I'm not overdoing it, just 30 minutes a couple times a week. And I've had a hip and knee replaced, so I'll know if it starts to hurt me when one of those starts barking.
 
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