How do those with neck & shoulder injuries carry equipment?

I'm impressed. I guess you're more of an adventurer than I. I've only managed a ruptured Achilles tendon and c4-5 & c5-6 discectomy. This could start a whole new thread, comparing injuries!

Since my surgery was in the neck, it does make sense not to use a neck strap. Also, a shoulder bag can actually act like traction, creating problems. Actually, my neurosurgeon said I could use a backpack, which I will for heavier duty use, but I'm looking for a system when carrying a camera and 2-3 lenses, flash, batteries,etc., which can be accessed relatively quickly; in other words family vacations and moderate hikes.

Considered a vest, however that doesn't solve the problem of carrying the camera itself. Tried one in a store and my wife wasn't pleased with the thought of running around with an overweight, middle-aged bald guy, bristling with equipment on his chest...then again, she's not pleased running around with an overweight, middle-aged bald guy anyway, so I might re-look at this.

Thanks guys for all the suggestions. I'll definitely check out the Lowepro, Kata and Domke bags.

That's odd...I have 2 Lowe, Nalgene water holsters for my DD BP straps and they have the exact same markings as my Orion. Stranger things have happened I'm sure.

On another note......
Why & how do do many of us these have back and neck problems??

Mine started while riding (about 50 mph & 16yrs ago) in a bass boat & the stern hit a stump (I was launched who-knows-how-high-or-far). Luckly we had our PFD's on & I woke up upside-down under water. The boat was sinking another 60ft away (but that's another story). Anyway, I felt like the human cannon-ball guy for 3 days & my neck has been screwed since (4th thru 7th discs).

Since I still could walk & use my hands...I built a scratch high-end Mountain Bike that I've managed to do a few end-overs on.....probably doesn't help much!!

Mods...please mcve this if is goes in a different section......

When I use my backpack, I clip the camera to the D rings on the front of the shoulder straps. This takes the weight of the camera and lens off my neck. But I kinda like the golf bag and pull cart idea.

I use the Kata system, or strap (2" wide double sided velcro from craft store) to the frame-arms of my wheelchair.

I went to B & H on Sunday, looked at all the bags & systems recommended and bought the Lowepro Off Road. It has a belt, similar to the Orion but is a bit deeper and has detachable lens pouches. Felt good in the store loaded up with my stuff, but I was short on time and wasn't able to walk around a lot with it on.

Sure enough, when I got it home, exactly what I was afraid of; when carried in front, my round belly pushed the bag down (along with my pants). Nothing came off, but I don't think its a good idea to carry your camera equipment (and pants) around your knees. I guess I could use a chest harness with it, but I'm trying to avoid being all trussed up.

I guess its back to B & H this Sunday. Good thing I don't live far from NYC.

I have no real solution to this but, when I have my kids in tow, I normally get them to carry the stuff some of the time. It's a bit like having four bipedal trollies with me.

Went back to B & H today in my quest for the Holy Grail. The system I need/want seems to be just as elusive. Finally gave up on the belt system idea, since without the harness, it falls down, so decided to get a small backpack.

I have the Lowepro Mini-Trekker which I find pretty comfortable when carrying a lot of gear, so tried the Micro Trekker 100. Its a perfect size for what I usually carry, however when loaded up, the lower shoulder straps really cut into my arm pits due to them not extending as far down my body as the mini and I have big shoulders.

I guess my next stop will be a camping store, otherwise will just carry the Mini-trekker wherever I go, even though its bigger than I need.