Back in pain

I wore my backpack for about 20 minutes for a photoshoot a while ago and I was in pain after. I have a camera, flash, stand, umbrella, lense, and misc stuff. Today I put it on today for 1 minute and my lower back hurts. I'm only 23. What's wrong?

Hard living? Rode dirtbikes much?

I'd take the rig to a Dr. and get his opinion of whats happening. How the pack rides on your back has a lot to do with how you'll feel.

could be anything... bag-related or medical related

Some bags just do not wear well. I am 50 and have carried my Kata around for 10+ hours a day for 3 days straight with no issues. Could also just be the straps are not set up correctly.

Backpacks are supposed to be worn high. Are you trying to be cool by wearing it over your ass?

What kind of backpack is it?

I have the canon backpack. It's super high on my back.

craiglee wrote in post #6434741
I have the canon backpack. It's super high on my back.

My Canon pack is comfortable enough provided it's not overweight. I manage 15 to 20 lbs sometimes, but 15 lbs. and under is comfortable. My back hurts with or without a pack so can't comment on that part. I may have never worn the hip belt. Does it have one? Can't remember. I take most of the weight out when I'm shooting because I "wear" two cameras at once. At that point the bag becomes super comfortable.

I'm guessing that it isn't the fault of the backpack. Yes, while wearing the backpack you might of moved in such a way so as to pinch a nerve, or pull a muscle, but the pack itself wasn't to blame.

Only twenty minutes? Do you exercise at all? I'd recommend that you try some lower back exercises to strengthen the muscles, as well as adbominal exercises for your core. Does your backpack have a waist strap to distribute the load to your hips? If not, you should consider a pack with that feature. Plain and simple, most camera backpacks suck as far as ergonomics go...

it could be several things. weight, posture, are you stretching your hammies enough? injuries from accidents, and rough sports can cause this too.

From my experience its the stuff hanging off it that causes issues. Hanging off the stand and umbrella can throw off the balance enough to strain your back. My Kata R-103 is a great backpack, but when I hang my tripod off it I can feel the additional strain on my back. I only do that when I have to.

Yes, if the backpack sits unbalanced it puts an uneven load on your spine.

It could be due to issues which has manifested itself over many years. Do you recall any particular bad habits from the past? Slouching? Wearing backpacks low? Pulling a back muscle awhile back? Heavy lifting in the past? Have a think about it.

Stick it on a scale while it full of whatever your carrying and let us know how much your fitting into that Canon bag. Personally I would take it and yourself to a doctor and just inquire. Nothing wrong with that and it can only help.

Lots of info. I think it's the balance thing. I had a stand handing off the side. Only one side was in pain. Don't remember if they were on the same side though.