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Users that spend a decent amount of time every day carrying their backpacks must ensure that aspects such as support, comfort and ergonomics are not compromised.
A backpack with poor ergonomics causes high levels of discomfort. Not only is this very unpleasant, but it can also lead to bad posture. This further leads to back problems, shoulder pains, and other physical symptoms.
Thus, one can see that choosing the right EDC backpack is more than just ensuring it fits all of the user’s EDC items-it must fit a user’s body shape as well as be comfortable for the user.
Luckily, many high-quality backpack models prioritize users’ comfort and wellbeing. With that kind of focus, those backpacks help users have a great overall experience.
Load Carry
EDC backpacks are typically the smaller end of the size range (link to the ‘EDC Backpack – Size & Organization’ article). Thus, the load normally isn’t extremely heavy.
However, in the case of models that are in the range of 30 liters or more, cumulative weight can add up significantly. This is especially so if a user packs a lot of heavy items, such as laptops, tablets, flashlights, EDC knives, and bottles of water.
Now, if a user with a heavier backpack is always on the go, that is a noticeable load to carry around. On the other hand, for a person that spends most of the time in a car or in an office, where a backpack will not be carried, even a heavier load is not so important.
Given the above, users with a significant load to carry should ensure that their backpack offers a high level of ergonomics. More so, users that have any of the below-covered medical issues should definitely limit their backpack use to ergonomic models.
Medical Considerations
People that carry their EDC backpacks around daily should focus on ergonomic models. However, emphasis is put on people with certain medical issues, mainly due to old injuries.
Here is a list of medical issues that demand a complete focus on ergonomic EDC backpacks:
- Minor neck injuries – for people that have experienced more severe neck injuries, backpacks are not suitable (not even ergonomic models). Those people should consider briefcase-style bags instead, to keep their necks safe.
- Minor shoulder injuries – individuals with minor past shoulder injuries may still use backpacks and should focus on ergonomic models with well-padded traps. However, those with more serious shoulder injuries need to find an alternative. Since in most cases people still have one good shoulder, they may rather focus on courier/messenger or sling bags.
- Lower lumbar injuries – users with these sorts of problems, must focus on backpacks that offer decent lower lumbar support (either integrated or modular).
Fitting
Proper fitting is one of the essential aspects that a good backpack needs to incorporate to offer a high level of comfort and support. On one hand, the backpack should fit tightly enough to prevent any movement when on a user’s back. On the other hand, it should not be too tight to cause any discomfort.
Since people come in all sorts of sizes and shapes, the backpack should offer easy adjustability to one’s body.
While all backpacks come with basic arm strap length adjustment options, ergonomic backpacks have that aspect covered more precisely.
For starters, a high-quality ergonomic backpack ensures that a user can make adjustments fast and easily. However, at the same time it prevents any unwanted movement of the straps ‘settings.’ In some cases, special lumbar support adjustments are also available.
Keep in mind that, unlike some larger hiking ergonomic backpacks, EDC models normally do not offer detailed overall size adjustment. As such, users need to choose the right kind of model to best match their body constitution.
Breathability
Breathability is another extremely important aspect. If this angle is not properly covered, a backpack causes excessive sweating on all areas of the body it is in contact with. This is obviously highly uncomfortable. But that is not all. It can also lead to skin irritation and cause rashes and other skin issues.
As such, it is very important to focus on high-quality backpacks that use breathable materials, especially on the back support and straps padding portion of the backpack.
Breathability is often solved by introducing special kinds of mesh materials to those body-contact areas. When proper materials are used, mashes are relatively comfortable. However, there are many instances where mashes can be rather hard and unpleasant to touch or irritable when in direct contact with the skin. Thus, users must view existing customer reviews and see if all is in order for that particular model.
What Is An Ergonomic EDC Backpack?
The term ‘ergonomic’ is used for various types of products that have been designed with users’ health and comfort in mind. In the case of EDC backpacks, this means that users get to enjoy a high level of support, proper weight distribution, the ability to ensure that the backpack stays well in place, and much more.
Essentially, ergonomic backpacks reduce the strain of a bag on users’ shoulders and back.
Furthermore, there is a set of features that a typical ergonomic backpack packs. They are listed below:
- Perfectly balanced to ensure even weight distribution.
- Incorporates a design that encourages proper posture.
- Can be put on and off easily.
- Incorporates specialized compartments that offer easy access to items inside the backpack. That way users do not have to struggle and strain to reach them.
- Well-padded arm and waist straps to avoid skin irritation and strain on the human body.
- Can even be worn while sitting without causing any discomfort.
Note: Readers must keep in mind that there are countless ergonomic backpack models available on the market these days. As such, not all of them incorporate all of the features listed above.
The Benefits of Ergonomic Backpacks
By looking at the definition of ergonomic backpacks and their main features, one could conclude what their main benefits are by putting in some thought. However, to make things as straightforward for the readers as possible, we cover four main benefits herein.
Comfort
Comfort is the top benefit that users get out of ergonomic backpacks. This includes the full spectrum – back support, arm straps, zippers, handles, etc.
Energy Conservation
When carrying ergonomic backpacks, users don’t use as much energy as they would in the case of regular backpacks. This is mainly due to proper weight distribution and enforced proper body posture.
Pack More
Ergonomic backpacks are also all about efficiency. As such, they normally offer better load distribution and space conservation. Users can pack more in the same overall backpack capacity.
Highly Versatile
Most ergonomic backpacks are very versatile. This means they can be used for a very wide range of activities. Whether users are on their way to the office or out for a hike, a high-quality ergonomic backpack has them covered.