Current status: How not to pack

There's this basic rule for loading your backpack: keep the heavy stuff mid- to high on your back, and close to your body (not at the bottom and away from your body). I've always done this correctly with a heavy pack, thus never experienced the effects of a poorly packed pack. Until yesterday.

I wanted to log some miles yesterday, so I threw two 25lb dumbbells into my pack and off I went with an 84 pound pack. I've been packing 70+ pounds all spring, but yesterday I just felt terrible. I made it a mile and had to stop, and decided to go back. Reflecting on why I felt so terrible and couldn't push on (maybe it's the heat? maybe the lunch I just ate? maybe the prednisone pills for the poison ivy?), I finally thought maybe it really does matter that the weight be positioned well.

I stopped and pulled the 2 25 pound dumbbells out from the bottom of the pack. I threw all the other clothing and other stuff into the bottom of the backpack and sat the weights on top of everything. I used the pack's compression straps to make sure they all stayed in place, and took off down the trail again.

It really, really made a difference! With the weight low and away from my body, the bag felt like it was pulling me backwards and put more pressure on my shoulders. With the weight high and close, the weight settled down the length of my back and onto my hips better, and I immediately gained back balance and comfort.